[24 September 2004]
HE Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is Distinguished Guest Speaker at SMU's Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Lecture Series on 11 October 2004

The Second of the Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series will focus on “Asian Leadership”

The Singapore Management University’s (SMU’s) Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series this year will have as its distinguished speaker, HE Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia (1981-2003). Dr Mahathir is credited with transforming Malaysia’s economy from an agricultural-based one to an industrialised economy which has catapulted Malaysia to the position of 17th largest trading nation in the world. Under his inimitable leadership style, Malaysia began to assume a prominent role in the world’s economic and political stage. Dr Mahathir will speak on “Asian Leadership” on Monday, October 11, 2004 at Suntec Singapore.

Said Prof Howard Hunter, SMU President, “This is only the second of the lecture series and we are very encouraged by the response we have received so far from the invited distinguished speakers. The Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series is living up to its raison d’être – to inspire students and the general public with the rare insights of remarkable and distinguished figures such as entrepreneurs, business and political leaders both from within and beyond Asia. We are proud and honoured that Dr Mahathir, one of the foremost Asian leaders in the past 20 years, has accepted our invitation to be this year’s distinguished speaker.”

The Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series was established at SMU at the initiative of philanthropist, Mrs Ho Lien Fung, in honour of her late husband, Mr Ho Rih Hwa, a distinguished former Ambassador and successful entrepreneur. The late Mr Ho Rih Hwa served as Singapore’s ambassador to Thailand, Belgium and Germany and was instrumental in the establishment and operations of the Economic Development Board in Thailand. As an entrepreneur, Mr Ho Rih Hwa, together with Mrs Ho, successfully set up numerous factories across Asia, trading under the umbrella of the Thai Wah and later Walcon Companies.

In establishing the lecture series, Mrs Ho Lien Fung was inspired by her husband’s global business achievements and unselfish public service, to provide a platform for students and the public to learn from renowned world leaders in the business and political arena. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was the distinguished speaker for the inaugural lecture held in February 2002.

The lecture is open to members of the public. For more information and to register for the lecture, please log onto to http://www.smu.edu.sg/HRH. Registration is on a strictly first come first serve basis.