Victoria University Celebrates 100 Years

The evening commenced with the arrival of YB Dato’ P. Kamalanathan, Deputy Minister for Education and his wife Datin Shobana. To welcome them were Puan Sri Susan Cheah, Chairperson of the Gala Dinner, Organising Committee; Evan Cheah, Senior General Manager, Sunway Group; Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway Education Group and Sunway University; George Pappas, Chancellor, Victoria University; Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice Chancellor and President of Victoria University; Chua Teck Boon, President Malaysia Alumni Chapter; and Helen Rowell, Executive Director, South East Asia, International Victorian Government Business Office.

Guest-of-Honour YB Dato P. Kamalanathan, Datin Shobana and distinguished guests

The VU Gala Dinner held at the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa Grand Ballroom kicked off with a multimedia presentation of VU’s journey in Melbourne and Malaysia enabling those present to reminisce of their student days in VU. It was a great start to the Centenary Gala Dinner.

Puan Sri Susan Cheah in her welcome speech gave a warm welcome to the guest-of-honour, Dato P. Kamalanathan, and George Pappas, Chancellor of Victoria University along with his management team. She also thanked everyone who had contributed to making the Gala Dinner a success, especially the organising committee that had worked hard to make the night a spectacular and memorable one.

Professor Peter Dawkins thanked Puan Sri for her continuous support of the VU programme. In his speech, he said “I’m overwhelmed at seeing so many of the alumni, staff and lecturers, Sunway students, and friends of VU who have joined us for this special occasion in honour of Victoria University’s 100th year celebration”. YB Dato’ P Kamalanathan, in his speech, highlighted that Victoria University has enshrined the Ministry’s and government’s vision of education for the holistic development of students intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

VU students, past and present with Professor Peter Dawkins

As the night progressed, the top 10 Best Dressed winners were selected by the fashion “police” who had been scouting around. The prizes were sponsored by Bfab – Find and Book the Best Salon and Spa in KL and WanderZoom. There was a breath-taking performance by the WOW Dancers which started off slowly but had the guests entranced by their outstanding and superb movements towards the end. The performance was followed by a Cheong Sam Parade which showcased Chinese heritage and the outstanding craftsmanship found in the cheongsam.

The seven- course Chinese dinner started off with the appetizer – lotus combination platter, followed by six other delectably and delightfully presented dishes.

Guests were seen to be enjoying themselves as they chatted through the night with old acquaintances and colleagues, filling the ballroom with laughter and animated conversations.