[11 October 2004]
Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series
HE Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – Distinguished Guest Speaker Lectures on “Asian Leadership”

The Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series, a signature programme of the Singapore Management University (SMU), has as its Distinguished Guest Speaker this year, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia (1981-2003). Tun Dr Mahathir’s chosen subject for the lecture is on “Asian Leadership”, a topic he is naturally well-versed in to give insights and inspiration to the many who have turned up for the free public lecture.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has authored several books including ‘The Malay Dilemma’, ‘The Way Forward’, ‘The Challenge’, ‘The Malaysian Currency Crisis and Globalisation’ and ‘The New Realities’.

Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman, SMU Board of Trustees, said of the lecture, “The Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series is still very much in its infancy, commencing only in 2002. Despite this, the caliber of the invited speakers has already elevated this public lecture series into a premier league – worthy of a top-tier business university. I am certain everyone of the 2,400-strong audience here will be leaving with treasured knowledge of what it takes to be a leader in Asia, from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, one of the foremost Asian leaders of the 20th century.”

As Prime Minister of Malaysia for more than 20 years, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was instrumental in shaping Malaysia’s economy and global standing in the political arena. From his foray into politics in 1945, he rose through the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) ranks to eventually assume leadership of the country as its fourth Prime Minister, following the resignation of Tun Hussein Onn. He led Malaysia through one of the worst crises to hit it and the region – the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998 – implementing his own formula for economic recovery. Since his retirement, Tun Dr Mahathir has continued to serve as Advisor to four Government entities: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Berhad
(Proton), Langkawi Island Development Authority and Tioman Island Development Authority.

Professor Howard Hunter, President, SMU, added, “Today’s lecture embodies the spirit in which this public lecture was initiated by its benefactor, Mrs Ho Lien Fung. The lecture series is meant to provide a platform for everyone to learn from and to be inspired by some of Asia’s most exceptional business and political personalities. SMU’s mission to groom outstanding business leaders and creative entrepreneurs extends beyond our campus. As one of the foremost educational institutions in Singapore, SMU has a duty beyond the campus to offer exceptional educational experiences, to our students and to the public at large, through such outreach programmes. By supporting and providing opportunities where an exchange of ideas can take place and knowledge and information can be shared, we provide avenues for continued intellectual growth.”

This year’s public lecture met with overwhelming response. Over 2400 people registered for the lecture in the few days after the announcement. For those who are unable to attend the lecture today, they can tune in to the lecture, which will be telecast on Channel NewsAsia (CNA) on 16 and 17 October 2004.

View Dr Mahathir Mohamad's speech