Endeavours of Excellence

 50 Years of Australian Scholarships
celebrates achievements of Malaysian scholars

The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Penny Williams,
with some of the Malaysian scholars featured in the publication

KUALA LUMPUR 12 August 2008 – A publication celebrating the successes of Malaysians who have studied in Australia – Endeavours of Excellence: 50 Years of Australian Scholarships – was launched by the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ms Penny Williams, at her residence in Kuala Lumpur today. The book, which outlines the experiences of Malaysian scholars during their time in Australia as well as the contributions they have made towards developing Malaysia, is really a walk down memory lane complete with personal photographs and narratives.

“It is a story of how two nations have come together in a spirit of mutual trust, goodwill and cooperation for a brighter future,” said Ms Williams. She also spoke of how education formed the bedrock of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Malaysia.

The launch of Endeavours of Excellence:
Over 50 Years of Australian Scholarships

“The education relationship and resulting personal networks have contributed to the strong ties between our two countries at every possible level. The individuals featured in this book are representative of the exceptional calibre of Malaysian scholars. They formed friendships that went beyond geographical and cultural boundaries and have contributed to better understanding between Australia and Malaysia,” she said.

Since 1951, more than 4,000 Malaysians have received Australian scholarships to study in Australian universities and other institutes of higher education. This book highlights the lives of these outstanding scholars, their achievements and contributions.

Also present at the event was Australian Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2005. Professor Marshall was presented with a copy of the book and briefly shared his thoughts on the publication.

The High Commissioner with
Professor Barry Marshall (right)

For more information on the publication, please contact AEI Malaysia at:

Australian High Commission
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 Kuala Lumpur
T: 03 2146 5647
F: 03 2145 7807
E: mailto:info.malaysia@aei.gov.au