Six distinguished alumni of the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program who completed their studies at the University of Newcastle have received keys to the city in recognition of their work to promote Newcastle internationally.
Professor Cheong Koon Hean, Dr Khaw Boon Wan, Dr Peter Tay Buan Huat, Dr Tan Chin Nam, Mr Bill Chua and Mr Jaspal Singh were formally inducted as ambassadors of the City of Newcastle at a prestigious function at the Australian High Commissioner's Residence in Singapore on Monday evening.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes attended as part of a Hunter Regional Delegation to strengthen international ties and explore economic development opportunities.
The Lord Mayor said each of the Colombo scholars exemplified the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, the purpose of which was to highlight the efforts of Novocastrians, both born and adopted, who resided in Newcastle and other parts of Australia and the world.
"Together, the Colombo scholars have many decades' of experience and achievements spanning the political, business, housing, development and transport sectors, which have greatly benefited Singaporeans and citizens the world over," Cr Nelmes said.
"Each of them reflect fondly on their time spent in Newcastle and attribute many of their successes abroad to this enriching experience, and for that the City of Newcastle acknowledges and celebrates their ongoing efforts to promote the city."
An Australian Government initiative, the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen ties between Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, offering recipients unique opportunities to enhance their learning and global citizenship.
The latest Keys to the City recipients join nine fellow Newcastle ambassadors, including Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue, Her Excellency the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, and National Gallery of Australia Director, Nick Mitzevich.
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