News
Sunday 13 August 2006
Nottingham Trent University honours construction leader
One of the most respected figures in the Malaysian and international construction industry, Mr Chua Siow Leng, is receiving the Honorary Degree of Master of Science (MSc) at Nottingham Trent University’s 13th Malaysian graduation ceremony today.
The award recognises Chua Siow Leng’s contribution to improving the capacity and capability of the construction industry in his home country. It also highlights his work in assisting Malaysian educational establishments to develop high quality degree programmes.
As the Executive Director of WCT Engineering since 1996, Chua Siow Leng has been responsible for the development of several world-renowned landmark projects. These include two of the world’s most impressive Formula 1 tracks at Sepang, Malaysia and Bahrain; the first major tolled highway in India; airport schemes in Malaysia and Qatar; and the Malaysian embassies in Jakarta and Bangkok.
Two of the projects, Sepang F1 and the Bahrain F1, won Excellence Awards at the CIDB Malaysian Construction Industry Awards in 2001 and in 2004 respectively and WCT was named Builder of the Year in 2002.
Before this current role, Chua Siow Leng served a five-year tenure as CEO of Percon Corporation Bhd (1989-1994). He has also held senior honorary institutional and professional posts including President of the Institution of Surveyors Malaysia in 1997; and Chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Partnership and Accreditation Board for the Asia Pacific region in 2002.
Since July he has chaired the RICS International Education Standards Board which will oversee accreditation of university courses globally.
Chua Siow Leng joins more than 200 Malaysian students who will be receiving their honours degrees and diplomas at the graduation event. Most of the graduates have completed their Nottingham Trent University degree in their own country through the university’s partner colleges – KBU International College and Kolej Linton. Others, however, have chosen to experience the rewards of studying oversees by taking the final year of their courses in Nottingham, UK.
Nottingham Trent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Gorman, who will present the awards, said: “We are delighted to be honouring Mr Chua Siow Leng here today. He has been particularly supportive in fostering Nottingham Trent University’s links with the Far East, especially through the development of a joint MSc with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia.”
Professor Gorman also paid tribute to the university’s partner colleges. He added: “Over the years our thriving educational alliances in Malysia have helped produce thousands of highly-skilled professionals who have joined the drive to revitalise and advance business and industry in their home country.
“The mission of Nottingham Trent University is to deliver education that shapes lives and society. We hope that we have truly helped shape the lives of today’s graduates… and that they, in turn, will help shape society.”
Ends
For more information please contact:
Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk or Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk
