1 August 1995 International Ceremony An 'Appropriate Development'

Lincoln University's role as a top international education provider is at the heart of the decision to introduce its own regional graduation ceremony in Malaysia.

From the day Lincoln opened in 1880, international students have been drawn there. Initially they were mainly the sons of landed English families sent to New Zealand for an agricultural education, but today Britain is just one of over 45 countries represented on campus. Asian countries head the University's international list.

Of the 4000 students on Lincoln's roll this year, 19 percent are from outside New Zealand and within that percentage Malaysia is the single greatest source, about 40 percent.

"The growth of the relationship between Lincoln and South East Asia made it appropriate for the University to take its year's most important ceremony – graduation – to its most important international area, Malaysia," says International Centre Director Geoff Ormandy.

"And it was a decision well supported by a survey of Malaysian students who said they would welcome the opportunity to graduate at home.

"The timing of the traditional New Zealand ceremony in April/May was another factor in the decision. Many international students who complete their final examinations in September/October of a year return home to start employment straight after that and have to graduate "in absentia" the following year. The special regional ceremony means these graduands and their families can now take part in and enjoy the honour and pageantry of their own special occasion. They will no longer have to graduate 'in absentia'."

Lincoln University's first international graduation ceremony takes place in the ballroom of the Hotel Istana, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 7.00 - 9.00pm on Tuesday 29 August. A cocktail reception will follow.

Over 55 students will take part in the ceremony – from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Most are receiving Bachelor of Commerce and Management degrees but a Master of Applied Science and a Ph.D will also be conferred.

The official party from Lincoln University will include the Chancellor, Mr Malcolm Cameron, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce Ross, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field.

Invited guests from Malaysia include the Minister of Education, Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, and the President of the Malaysian branch of the Lincoln University Alumni Association, Tan Sri Dato' Haji (Dr) Ani bin Arope.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.