Griffith University's Celebration Dinner for Professor Yew-Chaye Loo

Kiong and I were very honoured to be invited along last night to the celebration dinner organised by Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, in honour of Professor Yew-Chaye Loo.  Professor Loo, who was born in Malaya, was recognised by the World Chinese Venture Model Association in conjunction with the China Association for Promoting International Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and was given the honorary title of "the 2011 World Top 10 Enterprising Pioneer of Chinese Descent". 

His story is also featured in this article from Australia's national newspaper "The Australian": http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/professors-stamp-of-achievement/story-e6frgcjx-1226085693454. 

We were initially introduced to Professor Loo last year, by AMBCQ member Yvette Baxter from the Faculty for Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology (SEET).  Professor Loo was from the beginning a very warm, generous and charismatic host, and we both thoroughly enjoyed meeting him.  Although both Kiong and I are Griffith University alumni, we studied in different faculities, and were not aware of Professor Loo's extraordinary reputation or the high esteem he is held in in his field.  After studying Engineering in Taiwan and Thailand, he undertook his PhD in Dundee, Scotland, and finished it in record time.  He was a pioneer in his field, in methods such as finite strip method, applying computer analysis, and bridge engineering.  I am sure my poor understanding of engineering has meant that I have greatly underplayed his achievements!

But his achievements aren't just technical or academic.  For me, it was obvious that his achievements are also in leading the establishment and expansion of SEET, and the key mentoring role he has played in the academic and professional lives of many of his students and peers.  The Gold Coast School began in 1995, with just 40 students - today the civil engineering intake is the largest in Australia.  He has also been responsible for the internationalisation of SEET, with their international intake now numbering well over 1000. He was also the first Australian of Chinese descent to hold a Chair of Civil Engineering in Australia - at the time (1995), there were only 15 such positions in the country.

It was obvious that his colleagues, students, and many others hold him in extremely high regard.  One of the reasons for this is not only is an expert and an innovator in his field, an extraordinary mentor, and a leader for his Faculty, he is also extremely humble, and a hilarious speaker!  I don't think I have ever attended such a function were I was constantly laughing.  He coupled self-effacing humour with mock self-aggrandisement and the most amusing choice of photographs illustrated his story, from initial scepticism, through to elated acceptance, and finally downplaying his achievements, in favour of elevating his colleagues and staff, for their own achievements and success.

Many former Malaysians (and Malayans, North Borneans and Sarawakians) have made extraordinary achievements in this country.  The scientific fields have certainly seen many of them make an impact.  It was very humbling to share this event with such an extraordinarily high achieving (and funny) person.