Changing people’s lives for the better is something we all aspire to and it was on show in spades on 24 October 2018 when Monash University Fellowships were bestowed on worthy recipients, of which our MD, Charles Qin, was one.
Monash in its 60 years has grown to be Australia’s largest university with campuses around the world and home to some significant research discoveries like IVF, stem cell treatment, work into the elimination of Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases, and the science behind light metal corrosion (think about aeronautics). Monash is among the top 100 universities in the world. Ongoing research into areas like diabetes, dementia and regenerative medicine will continue to change our lives.
It was inspiring to be in the audience for the unveiling of Monash University Fellowships to outstanding leaders and to be able to report that China interest was well represented.
Vice Chancellor Margaret Gardner AO said “In these Fellowships the University celebrates individuals who have stepped up and made a sustained and significant contribution to transform their communities for the better.”
Sharing the stage with 11 Monash Alumni Fellowships were three recipients of Honorary Fellowships: Professor Julian Chung-ngor Chan, Chair Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics and Founding Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity at the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr Roger Riordan AM, pioneer of anti-virus software and these days of the Cybec Foundation helping young people in areas from the environment to music; and Professor Charles Qin OAM of Chin Communications, who was recognised for his Chinese language interpreting services for world leaders and significant projects between Australia and China, and his leadership within Chinese circles; more recently as a role model for philanthropy.
China and the importance of Chinese understanding were also exemplified in two other friends of China and, indeed, Chin Communications: Helen Sawczak, National CEO of the Australia China Business Council, promoting two-way trade and investment opportunities and a Monash graduate who speaks Mandarin. Mr Alan Oppenheim, Managing Director of Ego Pharmaceuticals, a great success story now in China and multi-award winner with its 120 products for skin health to improve people’s lives, and communicating with his consumers in Chinese translation.
It was a humbling experience to hear about the achievements of the university and its ambitions for the future and the outstanding scholarship and leadership on show amongst the cohort of Monash Fellows. It was insightful on the evening to also see a large cohort of business and language graduates from Chinese backgrounds who will now all be great ambassadors for Australia and our wonderful education system.
Find out more about philanthropy at Monash and the recent launch of Change It. For Good– its largest philanthropic campaign with a target of $500 million – including to provide unique opportunities for international learning (a subject dear to Chin).
https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/500-million-reasons-to-change-it.-for-good.