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Honour for education commitment

16 July 2008

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Malaysia.

The Malaysian businessman essential to the creation of Monash University's successful Malaysian campus has been presented with an honorary Order of Australia (AO) by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah was presented with the award in Kuala Lumpur by the Prime Minister during his visit to Malaysia last week.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, chairman of the Sunway Group and Chancellor of Sunway University College, was recognised for his substantial contribution to building tertiary education and business links between Australia and Malaysia.

His citation was for service to Australia-Malaysia bilateral relations, particularly tertiary education through the development of collaborative student transfer programs and the establishment of a Monash University campus in Malaysia.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah completed his tertiary education in Melbourne and returned to Malaysia to start the successful Sunway group.

Monash University was the first foreign-owned university to be invited to operate in the country by the Malaysian Government almost ten years ago. The new purpose-built facility was completed last year.

The Malaysian campus is the result of a partnership between the University and the Sunway Group, which created a joint venture company. All profits are re-invested back into the campus.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah's dream was for the campus to include world-class medical teaching and research facilities and the School of Medicine at Sunway was named in his honour.

His Order of Australia citation notes his role in all facets of the development of the campus.

"His commitment to education led to the campus formation and to its rapid growth over the past 10 years," it reads.

"He continues to contribute personally as chair of the Board. Additionally, his commitment to education led him to establish and fund the Sunway Education Trust, whose purpose is to promote education.

"Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah has made a significant contribution to advancing Australia's interests in Malaysia."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said Monash University had built a strong presence within Malaysia and was engaging with government, industry, local universities and the community with the hope of benefiting Malaysia, Australia and the region more generally.

"After operating for a decade in Malaysia, Monash University is now making a significant contribution to the transfer of knowledge and technology in the region," Professor Larkins said.

"The campus has steadily established itself as an important member of the Malaysian education sector and we look forward to building continued teaching and research collaborations.

"Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah's vision and his commitment to excellence in teaching and research has ensured that the Sunway Group has been an ideal partner for Monash University in establishing our Sunway campus."

The presentation of the honorary Order of Australia to Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah comes a week before the Sunway campus celebrates its 10th anniversary. Visit the Sunway campus website to see the schedule of celebration events.