FREE Publication
June 2007 | Volume 16 | Number 4
inside this issue
11 Heart scan software could help save lives
15 How climate change will impact on health
19 Historic decade for Hong Kong Photo by Randy Larcombe The future is bright for 23 World-class architect praises solar hybrid car Adelaide’s heritage Engineering “At the moment a commercially Above: viable solar-electric hybrid vehicle Members of the solar-electric hybrid car team Brynn De Gooyer and Nageswary Karuppiah doesn’t exist,” Aaron said. “But as fuel costs rise and public awareness “The project launch was a Engineering students at the of environmental issues grows, great success, with all company University of Adelaide have solar power and electricity become representatives in attendance launched their plans to design and increasingly viable. agreeing to support the project in build a hybrid solar-electric car. “Our overall project aim is to one way or another,” Aaron said. The project involves 13 fi nal-year design and build a commercially Adelaide-based Internet provider students from the University’s viable hybrid vehicle. We think our Internode has emerged as the major School of Mechanical Engineering manufacturing method, combined sponsor so far, providing $20,000 and the School of Electrical & with the latest technology, has the towards the project. Electronic Engineering. potential to lay the foundation for a “Internode has shown us The vehicle will incorporate a real alternative to petroleum-based overwhelming support, which revolutionary ‘skateboard’ chassis vehicles.” is a great vote of confi dence in for improved handling, safety and The student team recently the students and what they can design fl exibility, said the project launched their project to motor achieve,” Aaron said. team’s Managing Director, student vehicle and engineering industry Aaron Russell. representatives. continued on page 6 Adelaidean
Adelaidean is the offi cial newspaper of the University of Adelaide. It provides news and information about the University to the general public, with a focus on Life Impact. Circulation: 11,000 per month (March to December) Online readership: 39,500 hits per month (on average) www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean From the Vice-Chancellor Editor: David Ellis Design and Layout: Chris Tonkin I thought for a moment, when listening to the Federal the very best universities are able to provide the best Writers: Budget, that my ears were deceiving me. After all of education and facilities because of the fi nances available Candy Gibson Robyn Mills these years, was the Government fi nally putting higher to them. In Australia, for political, cultural, demographic Contributors: education on the political agenda? Surely not. But there and historical reasons, the majority of that funding has Nick Carne Charles Bodman Rae it was, splashed all over the news that night, and the come from Government. Therefore, Government needs Helen Simpson following day, and at least the few days after that. We’d to recognise the importance of its role in sustaining Dennis Coleman made more than one news cycle, so it wasn’t some and growing higher education in this country, and Deadline for July issue: Tuesday 12 June, 2007 dream that I would wake from, and for once people assisting Australian universities to be the very best. For Editorial/Advertising enquiries: actually wanted to know what was happening in higher example, at this stage there seems to be no political Tel: +61 8 8303 5414 education and what we thought we should be investing party with a plan to arrest deteriorating student-to-staff Fax: +61 8 8303 4829 Email: [email protected] in our country. ratios. In many discipline areas, Australia has moved Mailing address: I wish every year were an election year. (and continues to move) to be among the worst in the Adelaidean In reality, regardless of which political party wins the developed world. Marketing & Strategic Communications, next election, one thing is clear: the Federal Government The fact that the University of Adelaide sees so University of Adelaide, and the Australian people need to take higher education many of its students year after year winning major SA 5005 Australia seriously, for the benefi t of our country economically scholarships – such as the Rhodes Scholarship to Material may be reproduced without and culturally. For too long in Australia, higher education Oxford, the Fulbright Scholarship to US institutions such permission but acknowledgement has been considered a privilege when it should be as Harvard, and the General Sir John Monash Awards must be given to the Adelaidean. Printed by: considered a public good. to study anywhere in the world – means that we are Lane Print Group In order to do that, we need to grow higher education producing quality, world-class graduates who have the Tel: +61 8 8179 9900 Fax: +61 8 8376 1044 in Australia. We need to grow the investment in higher opportunity to excel in their chosen fi elds. Email: [email protected] education – which is an investment in our future – and We are on the right track, but we can always do Web: www.laneprint.com.au we need to grow the participation in higher education. better. We need to keep higher education on the Distribution: Lane Print Group In South Australia, one of the issues we face is raising political agenda beyond an election year. Quality higher Passing Out Distribution Co. the participation rate in higher education, because education for Australia is not a dream, it’s a vision. We Registered by Australia Post too few students actually complete their secondary have the vision – what we need is a Government that No 565001/00046 education let alone go on to tertiary study. The Budget, shares that vision. Giveaways despite all of the hoopla about it, does not provide the Congratulations to Judith Stock, Judith Waters, Janette Webb and level of support to students that will ensure the success Amelia Zecevic on winning the of those with fi nancial or other challenges. double passes to the Selby & Friends concert, and to Don Deieso We also need to ensure that the quality of what for winning the copy of First Among Australian universities are providing to students in terms Equals, all offered in last month’s Adelaidean. Bob Sutherland was of education and facilities is world-class. I know there’s the winner of Ngarrindjeri Nation, a prevailing attitude in Government that Australian which was offered in our April issue. JAMES A. McWHA universities should all resemble Harvard. The truth is, Vice-Chancellor and President
Art & Heritage Collections
Milton Moon has been a ceramist for more than 50 years and (Untitled) Ceramic has been both a lecturer and practising potter. His work is in all ironstone free-form major Australian collections. platter, by Milton Moon (1926 Moon’s work shows an intersection of European and Asian Melbourne), part infl uences. His creative inspirations are drawn from Australia’s of the Marringabi coastal, mountain and inland areas. Series. This work This platter illustrates how Moon’s work can evoke a powerful was purchased by sense of Australian landscape, with its rich blackish brown base the University of infused with opalescent splashes. It is diffi cult to do justice to Adelaide in 2006. the shimmering quality of this artwork in a photograph, so please It is on display in visit the University’s Barr Smith Library to view the piece yourself. the foyer of the The University has three of Moon’s artworks in its Visual Arts Barr Smith Library Collection. Moon’s Mandala incorporates the ancient Chinese during June. Yin-Yang symbol, symbolising male/female, and light/dark. This work can be seen in the Library’s Special Collections Reading Room. The third piece is an untitled ceramic pot. Anna Gardner, Collections Offi cer, Art & Heritage Collections
2 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Boost in student numbers leads to $100m building
Engineering “It will allow the University Federal Education Minister Main image: to develop and grow, and will the Hon. Julie Bishop recently How the new engineering building is expected to look also improve the overall campus presented a $3.5 million cheque environment, with a three-storey to the University of Adelaide Image by Tucker Creative A new $100 million state-of-the- atrium and other open spaces, and to contribute to the cost of the art building at the University of public art that will help to reinforce new building. Ms Bishop and Dr Inset: Adelaide will cater for the signifi cant a sense of place and purpose,” Andrew Southcott, the Federal A $3.5 million cheque is growth in students in Engineering, he said. Member for Boothby, presented presented to the University Computer & Mathematical Sciences. The University’s Faculty the cheque to Professor McWha of Adelaide (from left): the The building will be constructed Chancellor, the Hon. John of Engineering, Computer & and the Chancellor, the Hon. John von Doussa QC, Federal on the site currently occupied by Mathematical Sciences currently has von Doussa QC, during a visit to the Education Minister the the Mathematics Building on the more than 3200 students enrolled, University last month. Hon. Julie Bishop, Vice- lower level of the University’s North and is predicted to grow to 3400 “The $3.5 million contribution Chancellor and President Terrace Campus. students by 2011. from the Federal Government is Professor James McWha, The eight-storey building will and the Federal Member “The unprecedented growth in extremely welcome, and will assist for Boothby, Dr Andrew provide more than 11,000 square the mining, technology and defence the University of Adelaide to remain Southcott. Ms Bishop metres of space for learning, industries in Australia has created a at the forefront of teaching and and Dr Southcott are both teaching, research, and other high demand for quality graduates in research in engineering, computer University of Adelaide student and staff facilities. engineering disciplines,” Professor science and mathematics,” graduates. “The new building will be a much- McWha said. Professor McWha said. Photo by David Ellis needed addition to our teaching “This new building will help the Work on the new building is facilities and our campus life,” said University to play a key role in expected to begin in late 2007. the University’s Vice-Chancellor and providing skilled graduates for South President, Professor James McWha. Australia, the nation and the world.” Story by David Ellis
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 3 $2.3m awarded for industry-linked research
Photo by Randy Larcombe
Research of Agriculture, Food & Wine and • $227,000 to study how insects Linkage Grants DuPont-Pioneer into the effi cient impact on the conservation and use of nitrogen in maize. The regeneration of casuarinas and underline our The University of Adelaide has collaboration was established by how biocontrol agents might be ability to work been awarded more than $2.3 the Australian Centre for Plant used against casuarinas that have with industry million to fund seven major new Functional Genomics, of which the become environmental weeds and apply our projects with industry partners. University is the largest shareholder. (School of Earth & Environmental The latest round of the Australian “The aim is to identify nitrogen- Sciences with the Australian fi ndings to Research Council Linkage Grants linked traits that can be incorporated Biological Control Laboratory and industry needs includes funding for projects into new lines of maize, targeted the SA Museum) to improve crop and pasture at reducing grower dependence • $202,512 to further investigate production, expand our knowledge on nitrogen fertilisers that can how a patented combination of of how cells work, and devise novel have serious environmental costs,” three biosynthetic molecules therapies for cancer treatment. Professor Johnson said. promotes effective tissue repair The Deputy Vice-Chancellor The other projects and the (School of Molecular & Biomedical and Vice-President (Research), University’s industry partners are: Science with Tissue Therapies Ltd) Professor Alan Johnson AM, said • $315,000 to develop a critical • $147,310 to develop a novel the University of Adelaide’s success component for laser range fi nders cancer therapy that will improve rate from its funding applications used widely in defence industries existing treatments by reducing was above the national average and (School of Chemistry & Physics the required dose and the risk of the total funding received was the with BAE Systems Australia) side effects (School of Molecular & highest of South Australia’s three • $280,000 to improve the capacity Biomedical Science with CSL Ltd). universities. for local fi rms to use greenhouse ARC Linkage Grants specifi cally “What this highlights is the quality neutral waste and low-grade fund projects in which academic of our research, the diversity of our biomass fuels in cement kilns institutions are working with research and the relevance of our (School of Mechanical Engineering industry bodies, businesses, research,” he said. and School of Chemical state governments, community “We are good at blue sky research, Engineering with FCT-Combustion) organisations or not-for-profi t as shown by our success in winning • $240,000 to improve knowledge groups. funding from other sources, but of how cells and whole organisms This announcement follows the Linkage Grants underline our ability sense and respond to oxygen awarding of ARC grants worth $12.7 to work with industry and apply our defi ciency, which has implications million to the University of Adelaide fi ndings to industry needs.” for the diagnosis and treatment last October to fund 47 other The largest of the new grants, of diseases such as stroke and research projects. worth $900,000 over four years, will cardiovascular disease (School of support collaborative research by Molecular & Biomedical Science the University of Adelaide’s School with FibroGen Inc.) Story by Nick Carne
4 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Google honours students News in Brief with nation’s fi rst prize Blacks & Blues all over campus An exhibition to celebrate the rich Computer Science tradition of sporting activity at the University of Adelaide is currently being displayed simultaneously Search engine provider Google in the Barr Smith Library entrance Australia will offer an annual prize foyer, the Sports Hub and to the best Computer Science Rumours Café. Honours student at the University of Sport has been an integral part Adelaide. of life for University of Adelaide It is the fi rst university award of its students and staff since its formal kind the company has established in commencement in 1876. The University Archives, in collaboration Australia. with the Sports Association, are The engineering director staging an exhibition to display for Google Australia and New selected items from the wealth Zealand, Alan Noble, made the of documents and artefacts that announcement while addressing constitute the sporting heritage of an Australian Information Industry the University. Association lunch in Adelaide last The display celebrates and month. promotes the prominent place sport “The prize is for $1000 and it holds in University tradition and its brings with it a lot of kudos,” said role in the University’s objective to the acting head of the School of produce well-rounded graduates recognised worldwide for their Computer Science, Associate creativity, knowledge and skills. It Professor David Munro. “The highlights the broad spectrum Google name is synonymous with of sporting pursuits undertaken success. by members of the University “Alan is an alumnus of the community and honours the successes of teams and individuals. University and is keen to help us He had previously created a similar The Google keep creating the best software company in California. The exhibition is on display engineers. There are plenty of good “Alan’s priority is to oversee name is simultaneously across three locations on the North Terrace openings in this fi eld.” substantial growth in Google’s synonymous Campus: the Barr Smith Library, and Mr Noble graduated in Electrical engineering and R&D capability Engineering from the University with success the Sports Hub and Rumours Café in Australia,” Associate Professor in the Union Building. of Adelaide but was attracted Munro said. to software engineering while The exhibition runs until “He came back to the University Friday 29 June. completing a PhD at Stanford recently to deliver a seminar and is University in the United States. interested in talking to prospective He joined Google from NetPriva, students during our Open Days.” the Adelaide-based software Research cooperation company he co-founded. Story by Nick Carne with Germany Research collaboration between Australia and Germany will be enhanced through a new researcher exchange scheme between the Group of Eight (Go8) universities and the German Academic Service (DAAD). The DAAD is Germany’s national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. With a budget of over 250 million euros (AUD410 million), it is one of the world’s largest and most respected organisations in its fi eld. Under the Go8 Australia Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, the Go8 and the DAAD have each agreed to provide AUD200,000 a year from 2008 to 2010 to meet the travel and living costs of researchers who spend time at collaborating institutions in Australia or Germany. The University of Adelaide is a member of the Go8. www.go8.edu.au/europe/research/
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 5 Future is bright for solar hybrid car
continued from page 1
“Support like this means that our team can design to a higher budget and ultimately design and produce a better product with less budgeting constraints.” Aaron said the students would gain a lot of invaluable practical experience from working on such an Rebecca awarded innovative vehicle. “In this project, with such a large scope, we can apply a systems approach to $50,000 scholarship engineering, where the car is broken down into systems and then broken down again Achievement University of Adelaide student and raised at Bungaree homestead into subsystems. Applied Rebecca Schultz has been awarded near Clare, in South Australia. to design, it is much easier one of Australia’s most prestigious Charles Hawker served with to work on and also much scholarships at a ceremony in Old distinction in the First World easier to manage,” he said. Above: Parliament House, Canberra. War and went on to become a Aaron said the solar- Hawker Scholar Rebecca, 18, who is in her fi rst distinguished scholar and leading electric hybrid car was the Rebecca Schultz in year of a double degree in Law fi gure in Australia’s Federal only cross-School student Canberra, fl anked by the Master of St Mark’s and International Studies, was the Parliament prior to his untimely project being undertaken in only South Australian among 10 death in an aircraft accident in 1938. engineering. College, the Hon. John Bannon (left), and the new Charles Hawker Scholars His sister, the late Lilias Needham, “I think the students enjoy Speaker of the House of from around Australia announced established the scholarship scheme the opportunity to work with Representatives, Member last month. in 1991 in memory of her brother. another discipline, and this for Wannon and Hawker An outstanding student, who To date, the scholarship has may lead the way for further family member, the Hon. achieved a TER of 99.65 after provided more than $2 million to 50 interaction between the David Hawker MP graduating from Seymour College young Australians. disciplines,” he said. in 2006, Rebecca was described The Speaker of the House The student team Photo by Cameron Major www.seventyeight.com.au by the scholarship trustees as “ of Representatives, Member is working under the a dynamic, charismatic young for Wannon and Hawker family supervision of Dr Colin woman with an innovative, creative member, the Hon. David Hawker Kestell, Senior Lecturer in mind and a gift for relating to MP, presented the scholarship the School of Mechanical other people”. certifi cates to all 10 students at a Engineering, and Dr Nesimi Rebecca intends to pursue a ceremony in Canberra. Former SA Ertugrul, Senior Lecturer in career with the United Nations after Premier the Hon. John Bannon was the School of Electrical & fi nishing her degree. also present. Mr Bannon is Master Electronic Engineering. The Charles Hawker Scholarships, of St Mark’s College in North The students would like to valued at up to $60,000 over four Adelaide, where Rebecca resides. hear from anyone interested years, are the most generous “The scholarship pays for all in sponsoring their project. privately funded scholarships my tuition fees and full board at Please contact Aaron Russell available to graduates and St Mark’s College for the next on 0401 927 502 or Dean postgraduate students in Australia. three years,” Rebecca said. “I’m Caruso on 0401 021 585. The scholarship perpetuates the very fortunate because now I can Story by Robyn Mills and David Ellis memory of one of Australia’s most concentrate fully on my studies.” respected pastoral pioneers, Charles Allan Seymour Hawker, born in 1894 Story by Candy Gibson
6 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Alexander is composed about his latest theatre role
Theatre Guild is at the helm again for The Custom result. He is not a specialist in the Alex approached of the Country, a tragicomedy both music of the period, but has always deplored and adored at the time for liked it. “I tried to approach it with me about writing its bawdiness. an open mind,” he said, noting that the score and Alexander Mitchell’s violin skills “Alex approached me about the hardest part was “getting into it seemed like were on show last year during the writing the score and it seemed like the zone with such a large body second production in a series of too good an opportunity to miss,” of work”. too good an 17th and early 18th century plays Mitchell said. “We let the idea Mind you, it was not all he has opportunity by the University of Adelaide develop then about six months ago had on his plate, with his Masters to miss Theatre Guild. things became more serious.” research taking him as far afi eld For this year’s third instalment he Kirk sourced lyrics from the as Shanghai and Taipei to work has also composed the score and period, which he then handed to with choreographers, dancers Above: will lead the ensemble. “Musically Mitchell to set to music. The result and directors. His work with The Alexander Mitchell speaking I guess the buck stops is a dozen songs ranging in length Custom of the Country will form part with me,” he observed, with no hint from one to four minutes plus of his Masters, which pleases him Photo by Nick Carne of trepidation. longer sections of incidental music and the Guild. That’s probably not surprising for the overture, introductions Mitchell will again perform with a though, given that he graduated and interval. cellist and singers, but both tuned from the Elder Conservatorium in The result, Mitchell said, was and untuned percussion have been 2005 with First Class Honours in a more like a musical than a modern- added this year to add even more Bachelor of Music (Composition) day soundtrack, with each song texture to the score. and his Masters thesis is examining introduced by an actor’s cue and The Custom of the Country will “composition with collaboration”. refl ecting the mood and sentiment play at the Little Theatre, Cloisters, Early 17th century theatre of the text. “Alex did a fantastic job at the University of Adelaide’s North provides great scope for just such sourcing the lyrics and it is hard Terrace Campus on 7 and 8 June at collaborations between composer to believe they were not written 7pm. All tickets are $10 and can be and director, with the songs and specifi cally for this play,” he said. booked through the Guild offi ce on music crucial to maintaining the “We did not change or edit them.” (08) 8303 5999 or the website: tempo of the play. Mitchell said the creative process www.adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild Alexander Kirk directed last year’s was challenging but rewarding and production of London Cuckolds and he is more than happy with the Story by Nick Carne
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 7 Adelaide and China join forces on environment
The University of Adelaide and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established a new research institute based in Australia and China, which aims to tackle some of the biggest environmental issues facing both countries – including water and soil quality.
Partnership The new China-Australia together on water scarcity, soil and water resources using a Environmental Science and recently signed by the Federal holistic approach, which requires Technology Institute will bring Minister for the Environment and cooperation from researchers with together complementary research Water Resources, the Hon. a range of disciplines,” Associate This venture groups from both countries to focus Malcolm Turnbull. Professor Brookes said. their efforts on food and water Professor Johnson said the “By working together, we will be recognises the security and sustainability. institute would have a strong focus more responsive to global threats, unique scientifi c “This new research institute on encouraging the exchange such as climate change, and be talent in both is a major step forward for both of students and early career better placed to capitalise on new Australia and China,” said the researchers, which will help to and emerging technologies that can nations and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and develop networks of scientists help us to treat soils and water and what we can Vice-President (Research) at the between the two countries that will ensure their sustainability.” collectively University of Adelaide, Professor last into the future. Professor John Taplin, Pro Vice- Alan Johnson AM. “China is investing heavily into Chancellor (International), said the achieve to “This venture recognises science, and the Chinese Academy creation of the new China-Australia overcome key the unique scientifi c talent in of Sciences is a highly regarded Research Institute was another issues both nations and what we can and prestigious scientifi c welcome boost to the University of collectively achieve to overcome key organisation internationally,” Adelaide’s ties with China. issues facing our countries, as well Professor Johnson said. “The University of Adelaide has a as other countries in the Asia- “Professor Yongguan Zhu, who strong relationship with Shandong Pacifi c region. is one of the joint leaders of this University in China and has “The joint research to be new institute, was recently given an successfully launched a Confucius conducted at the institute will help award for being in the top 10 young Institute to promote Chinese to ensure that our water supplies scientists in the Academy, which culture, study and cooperation,” are fi t for consumption by humans gives an indication of the strength of Professor Taplin said. and animals – for domestic, the research group we are teaming “This new collaboration, with agricultural and industrial purposes up with.” the Chinese Academy of Sciences, – and that land management Associate Professor Justin is further proof that China and systems will sustain both countries’ Brookes, a nationally renowned Australia recognise the importance natural resources.” researcher in water quality from the of cooperation and the quality The formation of the institute University of Adelaide, has been of what we each have to offer in will contribute towards achieving appointed a joint leader of the solving some of the world’s biggest the objectives of the declaration new institute. environmental problems.” of intent between the Australian “The institute will address and Chinese Governments to work environmental degradation of Story by David Ellis
8 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 1901 University Lacrosse Team
Professor Heiner Niemann Meet our new
A display of selected sports-related items from the University Archives and the Sports Association is being exhibited in the Federation Fellow Barr Smith Library, the Sports Hub (Level 5 Union Building) and Rumours Café (Level 6 Union Building). Research & Biomedical Science, where he will use his skills to establish multidisciplinary research into The University of Adelaide has animal biotechnology. been awarded another highly “The techniques and knowledge 2007 prestigious ARC Federation that Professor Niemann has Fellowship aimed at attracting and developed during his research retaining world-class researchers. career are unique and world-leading, Young Tall Poppy The University’s newest ARC and he will be an outstanding Federation Fellow is a world- addition to the University of Science Awards renowned expert in animal Adelaide’s – and Australia’s biotechnology, Professor Dr – research efforts,” said the SOUTH AUSTRALIA Heiner Niemann. University of Adelaide’s Deputy Professor Dr Niemann is currently Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President Download a Nomination Form Head of the Department for (Research), Professor Alan www.tallpoppies.net.au/awards/2007 Biotechnology at the Institut für Johnson AM. Closing date Friday 15 June 2007 Tierzucht (FAL) (Institute for Animal “Professor Niemann is an almost Awards announced Th ursday 16 August 2007 Husbandry) in Mariensee, near perfect fi t at the University of Hannover, Germany. Adelaide, which already conducts Guest Speaker With a background in Veterinary extensive and internationally Professor Ian Frazer Medicine, Professor Niemann recognised research into large Clinical Immunologist animals, particularly cows, sheep Australian of the Year 2006 has specialised in reproductive Merck Sharp & Dohme Florey biotechnology, and over the past and pigs. Medal Winner 2007-2008 decade he has further specialised in “His appointment will be an molecular and gene technologies. excellent complement to the FOR MORE INFORMATION His research combines University’s bid to establish a State Manager South Australia reproduction, embryology, and School of Veterinary Science at its Phone: 0402 228 507 molecular and cellular biology, and Roseworthy Campus. [email protected] is aimed at benefi ting agricultural “With a research focus on industry (such as addressing the ‘Embryo Genomics for Engineering high embryonic losses in livestock Change’, Professor Niemann’s breeding programs), medical research will be of national benefi t science (such as using animals as to Australian agriculture and medical models for research into ageing) science,” he said. and the community. Professor Niemann is expected At Adelaide, Professor Niemann to begin his appointment at the will be a joint appointment in the University of Adelaide in early 2008. School of Agriculture, Food & Call for Nominations Wine and the School of Molecular Story by David Ellis
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 9 One of Adelaide’s historic buildings – St Peter’s Twin cellists Cathedral – will resound begin national tour with some of the most beautiful choral music ever Two of the University of composed, during the Adelaide’s celebrated recent second concert in the Elder music graduates – twin Conservatorium Evening cellists Pei-Jee Ng and Pei- Sian Ng – are returning to Concert Series this month. Australia for a national tour. Winners of the Elder Conservatorium and Victoria League scholarships to study at the Royal Northern Cathedral concert College of Music in the UK, the Ng twins will begin their national tour on Saturday allows music to soar 30 June at the Adelaide Town Hall. Joining the twins on The concert features the Elder Above: their tour is Melbourne- Music Conservatorium Chorale, with St Peter’s Cathedral on born, Julliard-trained King William Road, North soloists and current students Louise gifted pianist David Tong. Adelaide The latest Elder Conservatorium McKay (cello), Robert Macfarlane Works by Barrière, Chopin, concert, on Saturday 9 June (tenor) and Thomas Flint (baritone), Rachmaninov and Elena Photo by David Ellis at 6.30pm, is part of both the together with recent graduates Kats-Chernin will feature. Conservatorium’s Evening Concert Anthony Hunt (organ), who is The tour follows the Series and St Peter’s Cathedral also the assistant organist at the Tickets are recent news that Pei-Sian $25 adult/$20 Concert Series. Cathedral, and Greta Bradman Ng has won the First Prize concession/$14 This collaboration between the (soprano). of £5000 and Gold Medal student, available from University’s Elder Conservatorium The major work being presented is at the 55th Royal Over-Seas BASS or dial’n’charge of Music and St Peter’s Cathedral the Australian première of Innocence League (ROSL) Annual 131 246. There is grew out of the excellent historical by John Tavener, which was written still time to subscribe Music Competition. He relationship that exists between in 1994 in memory of the victims to save. University joins an illustrious list of the two institutions and because of World War II, and “positively of Adelaide staff at cellists who have won of the close association that the surrounds the audience with concession price. the competition. Conservatorium’s Director of Choral everything from voices and organ to Pei-Sian also won the For further information Music, Carl Crossin, has had bells – the exceptionally high and low ROSL Award for Strings or to subscribe, please with the Cathedral over a number vocal in this work has to be heard and the Tait Memorial contact the Manager, of years. to be believed”, said Mr Crossin. Evening Concert Series, Scholarship for an Australian “The Cathedral is the perfect It was originally premièred by the on (08) 8303 5286 or musician – taking his total venue for this fabulous music, not Choir of Westminster Abbey in email: helen.simpson@ prize money to £7000. only because of the wonderful October 1995 and recorded by Sony adelaide.edu.au The Ng twins’ national tour acoustic of St Peter’s, but because Classical (SK66613). concludes at the Governor’s this music was composed Two other pieces being performed Ballroom in Perth on 22 July. specifi cally for such lofty spaces,” are Morten Lauridsen’s at once Mr Crossin said. sensuous and uplifting sacred work For more information “The music comes alive and Lux Aeterna (for choir and organ), about the tour, visit: soars into every part of the building. and the justly famous Miserere by www.twincellists.com There is nowhere else in Adelaide Gregorio Allegri, composed in the where this concert would work 1630s for the Sistine Chapel so effectively.” in Rome.
10 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Heart scan software could help save lives
Biomedical Engineering
New software developed at the irregular blood fl ow between Mr Pawel Kuklik, who is currently Above (inset): University of Adelaide could help to the left and right sides of the a Research Fellow at the Royal A 3D reconstruction of the right atrium from scans detect and measure cardiac defects heart), atherosclerotic arteries (an Adelaide Hospital. of cardiac chambers. in millions of patients right around infl ammation or ‘hardening’ of the “There are many aspects of MRI The selected magnetic the world. arteries), defective heart valves, and technology that are unexplored,” resonance (MR) images The software, named MedFlovan, certain other cardiac phenomena in Mr Wong said. “It takes a lot of that correspond to the has been developed in collaboration the chambers of the heart, such as dedication and motivation to try to sectioning of left and right atria are used for with the University’s Centre shunts between the pulmonary and understand MRI in depth. We are examination and fl ow for Biomedical Engineering, aortic circulations and obstructions fortunate to have had advice and analyses. the Cardiovascular Research inside the heart. expertise from various specialists in Centre, and the Cardiovascular “The information can then be this area, from the fi eld of computer Image courtesy of Investigation Unit. used by doctors to diagnose the vision, medical imaging and Kelvin Wong The developer of this program cardiac problem, determine its engineering perspectives. is PhD student Kelvin Wong severity, and then help to prepare “Various systems have previously Above left: from the School of Electrical & their strategies for the treatment of been developed for analysing blood Photo by itstock Electronic Engineering. Mr Wong patients,” Mr Wong said. fl ow in arteries and the aorta – they has drawn on a range of expertise MedFlovan is the culmination are more specifi cally designed to – including computer science, of years of hard work by Mr do real-time measurement and to medicine, physics and mechanical Wong, and a specifi c desire to do physically measure the properties, engineering – to develop a new way something that benefi ts society. and not computationally measure it. of quantifying abnormalities in the His presentation on blood fl ow These other systems are successful heart and arteries. assessment, based on the software, and are widely researched, so not “The software is a diagnostic recently earned him a Young many people have focused on the system for detecting cardiac Investigator Award in Singapore at feasibility of developing the type of abnormalities and assessing their the 15th International Conference solution that we proposed,” he said. degree of defects,” Mr Wong said. on Mechanics in Medicine There has been some interest in MedFlovan analyses images taken and Biology. this work from MRI manufacturers from MRI (magnetic resonance Mr Wong’s academic supervisors and medical centres, which imaging) scans. It measures the are Adjunct Professor Jagannath bodes well for the future changes from one scan to the next Mazumdar (School of Mathematical commercialisation of the software. and provides vital information about Sciences and School of Electrical & To help organise the protection blood fl ows and turbulence in the Electronic Engineering), Professor of this research and prepare it heart and arteries. Understanding Derek Abbott (School of Electrical & for commercialisation, Adelaide blood fl ow patterns in the heart Electronic Engineering), Professor Research & Innovation (ARI), the helps to determine the cause of Stephen Worthley and Professor University of Adelaide’s commercial the problem. Prash Sanders (School of Medicine), development company, has been “This research can be used for and Associate Professor Richard assisting the research team and has identifi cation or quantifi cation Kelso (School of Mechanical recently fi led a provisional patent. of septal defects (a form of Engineering). His work has also congenital heart defect that causes benefi ted from collaboration with Story by David Ellis
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 11 Singapore: City of success
The recent University of Adelaide graduation ceremonies at the Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre in Singapore saw 94 students graduate with qualifi cations in a range of disciplines. Three of the graduates who attended those ceremonies are featured here. All are excelling in their chosen fi elds, and all represent the breadth and depth of quality graduates from the University of Adelaide.
Stories and photos by Candy Gibson
Helping Singapore to stay green
It’s easy being green in Singapore, of awards for their environmentally a country with a global reputation as friendly buildings. a garden city, with 5% of its island “City Developments has managed reserved for nature. to deliver about one third of Since the early 1990s its Singapore’s Green Mark certifi ed Eddie Wong government has trumpeted green building projects,” Mr Wong said. policies, setting an environmental In 2006 it took out 10 building and agenda for its citizens, nurtured construction awards in Singapore, by educational programs and including four Green Mark Gold the formation of the Singapore prizes for its environmentally Environment Council. sustainable projects as well as High-profi le property developer accolades from the Singapore Lena’s a high fl ier Eddie Wong has been part of Government. this green wave, ensuring his Its award-winning green buildings company – City Developments Ltd in Singapore include City Square in every sense – has striven to meet Singapore’s Residences, St Regis Hotel & stringent environmental laws in the Residences, The Sail @ Marina design and construction of some of Bay and King’s Centre Plot 3 Few people are prepared to the city’s biggest buildings. development. travel more than 5000 kilometres Mr Wong, a familiar face within “The Masters in Environmental to attend a lecture at the University the Singapore construction industry, Management has provided me with of Adelaide, but company manager has taken his commitment a step a global and national view of the Lena Low did just that – 18 times. further by completing a Masters in environment, which we take for While completing her MBA, the Environmental Management at the granted,” Mr Wong said. businesswoman boarded a fl ight University of Adelaide. “The course has helped me to from Tokyo to Singapore every four As general manager of City better understand the impact of weeks for 18 months to attend Development’s Project Division, Mr buildings on the environment, lessons at the University’s Ngee- Wong is responsible for some 50 the demand for depleting natural Ann Adelaide campus. building projects within Singapore resources, the waste that the At the time Ms Low was Head and overseas. industry has created and the social of Operations for the Japan offi ce He helped spearhead the impacts of our industry. I am now of International SOS, a worldwide development and implementation of qualifi ed to set up some new leader providing international Singapore’s green policies within his management systems to address corporations with medical services own company, resulting in a swag these impacts.” in far-fl ung corners of the globe.
12 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 MBA graduate gets down to business
Singapore-based Judy Howison share innovative ideas, start new is using her newly-acquired MBA businesses and engage in exciting from the University of Adelaide to career opportunities.” provide career advice to students of Her consulting company provides one of the world’s leading executive services in human resources, education schools. counselling and English language Ms Howison is a counsellor at to fi rms and individuals throughout the INSEAD Singapore Campus, Asia Pacifi c. contracting her services through Despite her extensive experience, her private company, Consulting for Ms Howison found that in order Global Business. to keep pace with a dynamic INSEAD is an international business environment, an MBA was business school with campuses necessary. In 2006 she enrolled at in Europe (France) and Asia the University of Adelaide’s partner (Singapore). More than 7000 campus in Singapore, the Ngee executives from around the world Ann-Adelaide Education Centre. take part in its programs each year. “I chose the University of Adelaide Ms Howison grew up in because of its long reputation in Melbourne and worked in the UK education and the convenience of and Europe before returning to a campus in Singapore. Because Australia with her husband in 1990 of the fl exibility the MBA allowed, and relocating to Asia in 1996. She I was able to continue running my has enjoyed a successful career own business and allocate blocks of in the executive search, IT, higher time to study.” education, media and construction A spin-off of her MBA industries. qualifi cation will be a new series of “Living and working in Singapore communication workshops offered has been a great experience, but by her company to corporate it presented some challenges organisations in Singapore. in the beginning. The positive “The MBA has been a wonderful work attitude and high level learning experience and opened up Judy Howison of productivity now refl ect a some great opportunities for me to globalised nation where people can expand my company,” she said.
Six months before completing hopefully a chief operating role her MBA, the 32-year-old for a major company within the businesswoman secured a job next decade. with the world’s leading software “Having an MBA is a pre-requisite company, Microsoft, becoming the for moving into senior management Senior Regional Service Delivery positions in Asia. I chose the Manager for Asia Pacifi c and Japan. University of Adelaide because it Now based in Singapore, Ms Low is one of the prestigious Group of manages all Microsoft’s outsourced Eight universities in Australia and call centre business for Xbox in has an outstanding reputation in the region, ensuring the quality Singapore,” Ms Low said. and effi ciency of the product and Ms Low completed an directing the business strategy for undergraduate degree at the the Asia Pacifi c. She reports to the National University of Singapore United States. in 1996 and won a scholarship a “The fact that I was within year later to study for her Graduate reach of an MBA qualifi cation and Diploma in Japanese Studies at Lena Low had demonstrated such a strong Tsukuba University. commitment to the program, fl ying She enrolled in the MBA program between two countries, really made at the University of Adelaide in an impression on the interview 2004, with an international working panel at Microsoft,” she said. background which included stints She is confi dent her MBA will in the United States, France, Britain, open up more career opportunities, China and Japan. leading to senior management and
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 13 Volunteers have place in university history
Volunteers a university accumulates over 132 years. Mr Duldig, for example, is transcribing all the letters written by Mr John Davies, who managed two Max Duldig and Brian O’Donnell properties in the State’s mid north have very different connections that were subsequently bequeathed to the University of Adelaide’s to the University in 1968. past, but an equal commitment to Mr O’Donnell works solo preserving it as volunteers in the elsewhere, taking images of old University Archives Volunteer Group. newspaper cuttings and processing Mr Duldig worked in the them to go online. He has even Physics workshop from 1944 to developed his own rolling copy 1949, returned in 1956 to study stand. Economics and is the father of He doesn’t miss the catch up current Vice-President (Services & over morning tea, of course, but Resources) Paul Duldig. it was not until he and Mr Duldig Mr O’Donnell, on the other hand, were interviewed together for this having studied in England, can story that they discovered both claim to have been no more than “a had worked at the then Weapons water boy for the University hockey Research Establishment (now DSTO teams” when his son, an Honours Salisbury) during the 1960s. graduate in Science, and younger Both are invited to an even bigger daughter played. morning tea in Bonython Hall at He was, however, one of the 10am on Friday 8 June, hosted by fi rst to sign up when the Archives the Patron of University of Adelaide week,” said the Executive Offi cer, From left: initiated its volunteer program in Volunteers, Mrs Lindsay McWha. Corporate Communication, Tupp Archives volunteers Brian 2003 to help bring its records into O’Donnell and Max Duldig The event will formally thank Carmody. the computer age. “Our fi rst task, all of the University’s 1000-plus “As a result of their efforts, the on day one, was to make boxes,” Photo by David Ellis volunteers for their commitment Archives Collection is becoming he recalled. in the lead up to South Australia’s much more accessible to our Mr Duldig came on board three Volunteers Day on Monday 11 June. researchers and the broader years ago and there are now 36 Senior staff and a number of special community.” regulars who make up an average guests also have been invited. If you are interested in joining the 24-strong working team every “All members of the University group please contact Ms Carmody Tuesday. Archives Volunteer Group are very on (08) 8303 4194 or email: tupp. Most take over the Council Room, committed and passionate about [email protected] to read, transcribe, index and the work they do and we look preserve the masses of documents forward to seeing them all each Story by Nick Carne
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14 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 How climate change will impact on health
Public Health lectured at China’s Shandong important in the transmission of Public and University, recently completed both vector-borne and enteric her research in the University of diseases in various climatic regions preventive Adelaide’s Discipline of Public in Australia and China, while river health strategies As the world debates how to deal Health, under the supervision of Dr fl ow or high tides may also play a that consider with the realities of climate change, Peng Bi and Professor Janet Hillier. role. local climatic its impact on population health Earlier this year she received a More papers on the subject will should not be underestimated. China Scholarship Council award follow, although Ms Zhang’s primary conditions may That is the clear message from from the Chinese Government, research focus will now turn to the be important new research at the University recognising her as one of the best epidemiology of healthy ageing in reducing the of Adelaide which examined the Chinese PhD candidates worldwide. – another issue that is as relevant association between climatic factors The award, worth US$5000, is in China as it is in Australia. She future impact of and selected infectious diseases judged on the basis of a candidate’s will be based at the University of climate change and then predicted the likely future scholarly output (Ms Zhang has Adelaide for the next two years. disease burden associated with co-written seven papers in peer- Ms Zhang was joined last year climate change and an ageing reviewed journals while in Adelaide by her microbiologist husband Dr population. and presented at six conferences Yang Kong, who is a 78th generation Above: In her recently submitted PhD in Australia, China, France and descendant of Confucius (whose Public Health researcher Ying Zhang thesis, Ms Ying Zhang projects that Thailand) and the contribution the surname also was Kong). the morbidity burden (assessed research will make to China. There is a neat symmetry here, Photo by Nick Carne in terms of years lost due to “This study aims to provide as Shandong University – where disability or YLDs) for Ross River scientifi c evidence for policy both Ms Zhang and Dr Kong Virus infection and salmonellosis, makers, researchers, public health studied – is the key partner in the associated with climate change, practitioners and local communities University of Adelaide’s Confucius might double by 2050, compared in the development of public health Institute, which was launched in with 2000, in both temperate and strategies at an early stage in order March to promote the study and subtropical regions in Australia, if to prevent or reduce future risks,” understanding of Chinese language other factors remain constant. Ms Zhang said. and culture and its economy. The fi gures are even more “Public and preventive health Strong links also are emerging alarming in China, where the YLDs strategies that consider local between public health academics for malaria and bacillary dysentery climatic conditions may be from the two universities. related to climate change might important in reducing the future triple over the same period, whether impact of climate change.” in temperate or subtropical regions. The research found that maximum Ms Zhang, who previously and minimum temperatures are Story by Nick Carne
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 15 “If you can buy time, you can often save a life” – Professor Robert Goldney
Psychiatry prescription of anti-depressants, terms of triggering copycat suicides, We certainly restricting barbiturates and ready Professor Goldney said. access to substances such as “The media have been unfairly don’t have all An international expert on suicide, pesticides, erecting barriers used as a whipping post when the answers and Professor Robert Goldney, has been on bridges and discouraging it comes to their impact on we will never appointed the new Head of the sensational media reporting people taking their own lives. stop all suicides University’s Discipline of Psychiatry. of suicides. Their infl uence accounts for only Professor Goldney is recognised “It is logical that by alleviating risk about 2% of suicides overall in but we can do as one of the world’s most foremost factors there should be an impact the community and they may a lot towards researchers on suicide and on suicidal behaviour. If you can buy actually help prevent suicide by reducing the depression, receiving a number of time, you can often save a life. destigmatising depression.” international awards for his work. “Research shows that only Professor Goldney has enjoyed numbers His most recent accolade came 10% of people who have survived a long association with the from the American Association potentially lethal suicide attempts University of Adelaide. He gained of Suicidology who last month actually go on to commit suicide,” his medical degree here in 1967 Above: Professor Robert Goldney presented him with the Louis I. Professor Goldney said. and commenced psychiatry in Dublin Award for his contribution He also commended 1969. Between 1974 and 1981 he Photo by Candy Gibson to the fi eld of suicide prevention. organisations such as beyondblue, was a lecturer in the Discipline of Professor Goldney is only the the national depression initiative Psychiatry before establishing a second Australian in the 34-year which has helped remove the research unit at Glenside Hospital. history of the award to receive stigma of mental illness in Australia In 1987 Professor Goldney went the honour. by using high-profi le sportsmen into private practice and continued “Suicide is a very complex issue,” and women to openly discuss their with his research into suicide. Professor Goldney said. “We battles with depression. He was appointed Clinical certainly don’t have all the answers Although statistics show that Professor at the University of and we will never stop all suicides overall suicide rates in Australia Adelaide in 1992 and in 1996 but we can do a lot towards have remained relatively consistent became Professor and Medical reducing the numbers. over the past 100 years, there Director at The Adelaide Clinic, “It is important we take a multi- are some dramatic differences a leading provider of psychiatric faceted approach to preventing among males. services in South Australia. suicide, using both standard Young men (aged 15-24) have Professor Goldney hopes psychiatric and psychological trebled their suicide rate since 1900 to establish more research therapies, as well as making it (due in part to access to alcohol opportunities within the Discipline harder for people to take their and drugs), but the rate for older of Psychiatry, focused on clinical own lives.” men has fallen considerably. This is work and mental health initiatives. He said new gun laws introduced attributed to a better understanding “We have many well-trained in the wake of the Port Arthur of mental illness among older clinicians and I would like to see massacre in 1996 had contributed people, improved treatment for more research focused on the signifi cantly to the drop in fi rearm- physical illnesses and better social delivery of mental health services in related suicides in Australia. security safety nets. South Australia,” he said. Other effective measures include Contrary to popular belief, the telephone crisis services, the media plays only a minor role in Story by Candy Gibson
16 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaide features in Cochrane Library
The University of Adelaide is prominent in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, with academics contributing to three new reviews. The online publication is one of the main international resources for clinicians and consumers seeking information to help them make decisions about appropriate and effective health care. This is presented in the form of systematic reviews, or Cochrane Reviews, which are considered among the most rigorous in the world. Each quarterly issue adds about 150 new or updated reviews to the existing 3000; of these, 10 to 20 deal with pregnancy and childbirth. Australia is an active contributor in this fi eld, providing around a third of all reviews, but three from one university in one edition is noteworthy. Forensic science The contributors were Professor Caroline Crowther and Dr Jodie Dodd (who comes to schools assessed trials examining the value of specialised antenatal clinics for women Outreach with a multiple pregnancy), Dr Joseph Thomas (the use of Phenobarbital to reduce CSI fans, eat your heart out. “The aim of this outreach program The aim of jaundice in babies born to South Australian secondary school is to give students a more realistic mothers with incompatible students acted out a real-life view of science and debunk the this outreach blood) and Ms Philippa forensic crime scene last month, myth of the white lab coat image program is to Middleton (the use of zinc thanks to the University of Adelaide. and boring, mundane work. Science give students supplementation to improve Seven research scientists from is a fascinating career, full of options pregnancy and infant the University, in conjunction with and exciting challenges,” Kylie said. a more realistic outcomes). the Australian Society for Medical “We gave the students an view of science The University of Adelaide is Research, visited senior students introductory talk about the career and debunk the the Australian support centre at fi ve Adelaide high schools from path we have all chosen, the for academics contributing to 7-11 May, giving them a hands- subjects we studied at university myth of the white the international publication in on experience of forensic DNA and the options available to them lab coat image the pregnancy and childbirth techniques in a bid to encourage as a science undergraduate or area. Ms Middleton acts as the them to consider a career in science PhD candidate.” Cochrane Systematic Review and medical research. A DNA fi ngerprinting experiment Coordinator. The Year 11 and 12 students was conducted at each school, Above: Reviewers apply to fi ll gaps Students from Findon delved into the world of forensic incorporating a role-play scenario in in current research knowledge science for a day, obtaining DNA which a teacher was kidnapped and High School get their chance to play forensic based on their own research from a simulated crime scene to suspects narrowed down with the scientist for a day experience or interests, or from determine “whodunnit?” help of DNA. a list of areas nominated by an The researchers – all University Up to 50 students from each editorial committee. of Adelaide PhD students – are school took part in the forensic Australia is one of the working in the scientifi c and medical science experiment. The high fi rst countries to negotiate a fi elds. They are all passionate about schools included Findon, Woodville, national subscription to The science and keen to recruit new Parafi eld Gardens, Paralowie and Cochrane Library, funded by colleagues to their fi eld. Smithfi eld Plains. the Federal Government. All Kylie Dunning, 27, is an ex-Golden “This is the fi rst year that we’ve Australians have free access Grove High School student who offered the outreach program to through the Internet at: http:// completed her Bachelor of Science metropolitan schools. The initiative www3.interscience.wiley.com/ (Honours) degree majoring in has been running since 2004 cgi-bin/mrwhome/106568753/ genetics in 2002. She is currently and each year the response is HOME undertaking her PhD in reproductive outstanding,” Kylie said. medicine at the University of Story by Nick Carne Adelaide. Story by Candy Gibson
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 17 maternal branch – the Kwan clan – Col. (Ret’d) Dr Richard Hin Yung in California. MBBS (1960), FAMS (1969), FROG (1981) Richard was instrumental in initiating a commemorative book Born: 30 August 1933, Peking, China entitled The Southern Lights Died: 24 April 2007, Singapore – Enlightening and Enriching for the Adelaide University Alumni Association Singapore in 2006. He worked tirelessly to get the Obituary Richard Yung, a Distinguished No, Richard was [in] a class of his book published despite the many Alumnus of the University of own. Whatever he did, he put in all occasions where his health was not Adelaide, was much admired by his he had – be it medicine, soldering, that good. colleagues, friends and family. He family, Church, friends. Richard Richard loved his God and was a was a humble person despite his worked his way up in the army regular worshipper in the mandarin many and great achievements, a – from fi eld medical staff command congregation at the St Andrew’s dedicated and passionate worker, to commander of a combat division. Cathedral. As a talented singer, a wonderful friend who was much He was awarded the rare distinction he was a leading member of the loved for his sincerity, and of of a regular colonel’s appointment church choir and led the church in course a loving husband, father and for a part-time volunteer. He won singing hymns during services. grandfather. the coveted Command Appointment Richard was a perfect father and Richard never forgot the good Plaque and the Meritorious Service husband. Together with his wife times he spent in Adelaide. He had Award. He was more professional May, they raised three sons, Shing fond memories of Lincoln College than the professionals.” Wai, Shing Jit and Shing Gene, and and the University of Adelaide. A rare and fi nal achievement that a happy band of grandchildren. At Despite his hectic schedule as Richard did before he said ‘goodbye’ 2.10pm on Tuesday 24 April, in a gynaecologist and a part-time to the world to be with the Lord, the presence of his wife May, his Colonel in the Singapore Armed was he managed to publish his three sons, brother Allen and sister Forces, he found time for his book tracing the family roots in Geraldine, Richard passed into the alma mater, setting up the Alumni dedication To Our Grandchildren. presence of his Maker. This ended chapter in Singapore. Through the papers that were left his earthly sojourn of 73 years. Whilst in practice as a doctor, behind by his father, he managed Richard also took time off to serve to trace his roots back almost a in the Singapore Armed Forces. thousand years. Proudly in 1998 he Contributed by David Goh, President, Adelaide University Alumni Association Singapore According to Dr Tow, “Richard was gathered all the Yungs together for With reference to: To Our Grandchildren by a soldier at heart. Medicine was a a grand rally at the Yale University Richard Yung, Eulogy by Tow Siang Haw, and pastime. This is not to say that he in Connecticut and in 2003 he the Distinguished Alumni Award Citation by treated his medical practice lightly. organised another gathering of his Harry Medlin
What use is research in international trade policy and economic development?
The University of Adelaide’s Research Tuesdays seminar series continues on Tuesday 12 June at 5:30pm. Why are economists held in low esteem in Coming up in the series... For more information: Australia when their policy advice has been so Visit the University of Adelaide’s enormously benefi cial to Australians? Richard 10 July Research website: Professor Zbigniew Michalewicz Pomfret discusses the value of supporting www.adelaide.edu.au/research Australian university research in international The science of making profi table decisions trade and economic development. 14 August Professor Rob Norman Richard Pomfret has acted as an adviser The reproductive revolution: to the Australian government and also to have we gone too far? international organisations such as the 11 September United Nations and the OECD in Paris. Professor Tanya Monro He has written widely on international Optical fi bres: our future beyond Professor trade and development economics. telecommunications Richard Pomfret
18 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Historic decade for Hong Kong
Q. Has the mix of residents Hong Kong businessman Danny Tse obtained his MBA from the changed? Was there a mass University of Adelaide in 2006. emigration of British people after He has lived in Hong Kong for more than 30 years and travels the handover, or did many stay on? frequently between Hong Kong and China, thanks to his position A. A lot of people have moved to as HR & Administration Manager of a Brazilian trading fi rm. Hong Kong from the mainland, but many are unskilled and unemployed, On the eve of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, which has increased our public Mr Tse refl ects on the past decade since the British handover. expenditure in housing, social and medical costs. Although some British people left, many returned Q. What have been the major A. We have experienced very because they missed their friends changes under Chinese governance little change in our lifestyle and the lifestyle. in Hong Kong? and environment compared Q. What activities are planned in to British rule. Apart from the A. From a business perspective, July to commemorate the 10-year property slump after 1997 after the opportunities have opened right anniversary? the handover, life has continued up. China’s free trade agreement as normal. Hong Kong’s A. Celebrations are being held with Hong Kong has provided easier architecture has been retained throughout the year. In May, the access to the mainland and vice- as well because residents were Central People’s Government (CPG) versa. Tourists can travel freely very keen to keep the historical gave Hong Kong two new giant between the mainland and Hong buildings that are unique to pandas from Wolong, Sichuan to Kong, boosting retail sales fi gures the city – for example, the Star celebrate the anniversary. Trees for both regions. The Chinese Ferry Terminal. are being planted in 18 districts in Government has also promoted more Hong Kong, refl ecting the Chinese Q. traditional festivals and practices How different is the ambience belief that it takes 10 years for trees in Hong Kong, giving residents a in Hong Kong now, compared to to reach maturity. On 1 July 2007 more in-depth understanding of British governance? (the actual anniversary date) a fl ag the Chinese culture. Putonghua A. Hong Kong people still enjoy a raising ceremony will be held, a (Mandarin) has become a compulsory lot of freedom to express ideas, special issue of commemorative subject for all primary and secondary to travel and to live the same stamps issued and a spectacular students and an essential language lifestyle they enjoyed previously. fi reworks and symphony of lights tool in the business community. But residents continue to put display will take place over Victoria Q. What areas have not been pressure on the Government to Harbour in Hong Kong. affected, or only subject to speed up democratic reforms and minimal change? sustain economic development. Story by Candy Gibson
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 19 Military historian honoured
Honours
One of the world’s leading military Emeritus Professor historians, Emeritus Professor Trevor Wilson Trevor Wilson of the University Photo by Candy Gibson of Adelaide, has been appointed an Honorary Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. Professor Wilson has received his honour for service to education in the area of World War I military history through teaching, writing and historical research. He has of four of his military texts, Robin His most recent books were As a teacher, his taught history at the University of Prior, said Professor Wilson was the launched by SA Premier Mike Rann, Adelaide since 1960. fi rst author to look at war in all its General Peter Cosgrove (then Chief encyclopaedic “I am delighted that historians are dimensions. “He gave an overall of the Defence Force), and former knowledge and thought to be worthy recipients of perspective of war, covering not Federal Opposition Leader Kim enthusiasm this honour,” Professor Wilson said. only the specifi c battles, but also Beazley, refl ecting the esteem in “The fact that people in authority the social and political impacts of which he is held in Australia. for history has recognise the importance of history, the Great War. In that respect, he Despite “offi cially” retiring from inspired students both through writing and teaching, really broke the mould with this the University of Adelaide in 1993, for more than gives me a lot of pleasure.” book,” Professor Prior said. Professor Wilson continues to teach Professor Wilson is regarded “As a teacher, his encyclopaedic honours classes and supervise 40 years. internationally as the author of some knowledge and enthusiasm for PhD students. of the most distinguished texts history has inspired students for The University of Adelaide itself on the Great War. His fi rst military more than 40 years.” has strong connections to World book – The Myriad Faces of War: Professor Wilson’s other military War I: more than 500 staff and Britain and the Great War, 1914- books, which he has co-authored students fought in the war, with the 1918 – published in 1986, is widely with Professor Prior, include: The fi rst South Australian to be awarded acknowledged as revolutionary in its Somme (2005); The First World War the Victoria Cross, Captain A.S. view of war. (1999); Passchendaele: The Untold Blackburn, a Law graduate. A Visiting Professor at the Story (1996); and Command on the University of Adelaide and co-author Western Front, 1914-1918 (1992). Story by Candy Gibson
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20 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Colleague development: working together to improve learning and teaching
The Faculty of Health Sciences has recently introduced the Colleague Development Program to improve the quality of learning and teaching, and to improve support for Faculty teachers. The program is open to anyone who teaches and can be adapted to suit both early career and experienced teachers. Associate Professor Maree O’Keefe, the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, explains.
Commentary While student surveys provide observer of their teaching. Before teaching portfolio together with the valuable information to teachers the observation begins, the teacher written evaluation of their teaching about student experiences of tells their observing colleague and suggestions for improvements. learning and teaching, feedback which aspects of their teaching More than 40 teachers joined the from teaching colleagues is also they would like feedback on. The program in 2006 and the response valuable. Colleague feedback can observing colleague’s task then is this year has been excellent, complement student feedback by to tell the teacher what was done with participants from across all providing information on aspects well, what was done less well disciplines of the Faculty of Health of teaching that students may and to make specifi c suggestions Sciences signing up. fi nd hard to judge, such as the for improvement. The colleague The Colleague Development currency of subject matter, the observer and the teacher discuss Program has been a welcome appropriateness of student learning these observations and suggestions and successful addition to Faculty objectives or the validity of the and the colleague observer prepares learning and teaching professional assessment program. Colleagues a written summary of mutually development activities. The can share personal experiences agreed outcomes. feedback from teachers is very and also make suggestions to Each participating teacher positive. Participants report improve teaching. attends an introductory seminar and increased confi dence in teaching, In 2006, the Faculty of Health receives an information pack with exposure to new ideas, a feeling of Sciences introduced the Colleague observation and reporting proforma. institutional support and a greater Development Program. The A number of lunches are scheduled sense of collegiality. In particular, program – supported by funds where teachers come together teachers fi nd the program very provided through the University of over the course of the program relevant to their day-to-day teaching Adelaide Learning and Teaching to share their experiences in an development needs and can apply Development Budget – gives informal setting. information from the program easily teaching staff opportunities to While this approach to stimulating to improve their teaching. develop their teaching skills and interest in learning and teaching One teacher commented: “I to explore innovative teaching and enhancing teacher skills appreciated someone actually and/or assessment techniques. is not a new concept, the key observing my teaching. I’ve been Faculty teachers from a number to the Colleague Development doing a bit of teaching for a while of disciplines were involved in Program’s success is its fl exibility but I haven’t actually had someone developing the program. and effi ciency. Teachers identify sit down to observe me [before]. The Colleague Development specifi c aspects of their teaching for I learned a lot about my style Program is built around providing feedback to guide the observation. of teaching and what engages constructive feedback and on As the observation and feedback students and what didn’t.” promoting collegiality within process is focused, the actual In the words of another and across traditional discipline time commitment to complete participating teacher: “Anything that boundaries. One of the key aims the program can be as little as improves teaching is worth doing, is to facilitate peer observation four to six hours. On completing and this is worth doing.” partnerships between teachers. the program, teachers receive a Participating teachers ask a trusted certifi cate of participation. This teaching colleague to act as an certifi cate can then be included in a By Maree O’Keefe
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 21 Development & Alumni Events
Friends of the University of Adelaide Library Event: The Ups, the Downs: My life as a biographer A free public talk by Hazel Rowley Date: Thursday 7 June Time: 6 for 6.30pm Venue: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide Cost: free and open to the public: gold coin donation invited. Seating is limited. RSVP: by Tuesday 5 June to [email protected] or phone (08) 8303 4064
Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Chapter Event: Launch of EChallenge 2007 and Alumni dinner Date: Wednesday 13 June Time: EChallenge 2007 launch: 6.00pm. Alumni Dinner: 7.30pm. Cost: EChallenge 2007 launch: drinks and nibbles free. Alumni Dinner: $30. Award goes to Venue: EChallenge Launch: National Wine Centre. Alumni Dinner: Taste of Kashmir Bollywood Lounge, 117 Malaysian alumni leader Melbourne Street, North Adelaide. RSVP: for either or both events, contact Development & Alumni Offi ce on (08) 8303 6356 or fax Alumni (08) 8303 5808
Friends of the University of High-profi le Malaysian Malaysian children to Adelaide for Above (from left): Adelaide Library businessman Sim See Kee has reconstructive cranio-facial surgery. Distinguished alumnus Mr Sim See Kee with university Event: Manning Clark and the Muses been honoured with a Distinguished As a student Mr Sim was an Chancellor the Hon. John Alumni Award from the University active participant in the Malaysian von Doussa QC A free public talk by Professor Stuart of Adelaide for his leadership and Student Association, organising Macintyre charity work. National Day balls and other Asian Photo by Candy Gibson Date: Thursday 14 June Mr Sim, a highly respected fi gure Festivals both on and off campus, Time: 6 for 6.30pm in Malaysian corporate circles, is helping Australians to better Venue: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, well known for his business acumen understand the Malaysian culture. Barr Smith Library, North Terrace in the commercial and industrial In 1995, he served as an Campus, University of Adelaide sector, carving out a successful inaugural committee member on Cost: free and open to the public: career in trading, rubber and oil the University of Adelaide’s West gold coin donation invited. palm plantations, quarries and Malaysia Alumni Chapter and was Seating is limited. property development. its President over three terms. RSVP: by Tuesday 12 June to A University of Adelaide His encouragement for younger [email protected] alumnus, Mr Sim graduated with a alumni to join the committee and or phone (08) 8303 4064 Bachelor of Technology (Electronic take leadership roles has seen the Engineering) in 1965. chapter grow and strengthen over West Malaysia Chapter He was presented with his award the years. Event: Tips on Building a Successful by the University’s Chancellor, the Mr Sim currently donates Career in Malaysia - career guidance Honourable John von Doussa QC, construction materials to upgrade for newly graduated alumni at an alumni dinner in Kuala Lumpur schools and places of worship, Date: 7-9 pm (tentative time) in April. irrespective of religion. He also Wednesday 20 June Mr Sim’s tireless work for helps to raise funds for the Buddhist Venue: Function Room, Thomas charity over the past 40 years is charitable organisation Seu Tech Philip, Advocates & Solicitors, 5-1 well known. In the mid 1960s he Seam Tong in Muar, Johor, which Jalan 22A/70A, Wisma CLK, Desa Sri founded the Apex Club of Petaling runs a clinic providing free medical Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Jaya, spearheading the formation of treatment to all, again irrespective Cost: free for participating alumni the Selangor Foster Care Scheme of religion. RSVP: Contact yus@thomasphilip. to raise funds for ill and recovering The Malaysian businessman is com.my, Tel: 03 6201 5678, children requiring temporary also recognised as an outstanding Fax 03 6203 5678 (Yusnisah) , foster care. ambassador for South Australia. or 019 233 0277 (Robert) In the late 1970s he initiated a fundraising drive to send Story by Candy Gibson
22 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 World-class architect praises Adelaide’s heritage
Alumni One of the greatest architects identifi able and characteristic. While in Adelaide, Mr Kasturi in the Asia-Pacifi c has defended Classical buildings set in spacious also gave seminars to University Adelaide’s skyline, and has warned parks create a tremendous of Adelaide architecture students against making changes that would impact, and the well-defi ned grid and used his years of experience to Above: damage Adelaide’s reputation as a system of the street layout also provide feedback on their work. Architect and former heritage city. is characteristic of Adelaide,” Mr Born in Singapore, Mr Kasturi University of Adelaide Hijjas Kasturi was a student at the Kasturi said. represents the unique impact student Hijjas Kasturi University of Adelaide from 1960-63 “It isn’t necessary to change the of Australian tertiary education outside Bonython Hall, one of the University’s many and has gone on to become one of texture and fabric of the city just on students from Singapore and heritage buildings the most prominent architects in because you want to keep up with Malaysia in the 1950s and 1960s Malaysia, responsible for some of the rest of the world, because – students who have gone on to Photo by David Ellis the Asia-Pacifi c’s most distinctive Adelaide has its own uniqueness: become leaders in their fi elds in high-rise buildings. solid, orderly and well established. their home countries and right He returned to Adelaide for one One has to be sympathetic in future around the world. week recently to give a free public development, so as not to demolish Mr Kasturi said he had feelings lecture, “In Search of Identity in the image and familiarity of a place of “nostalgia, fondness, familiarity Architecture”, and to launch a week- that has taken generations to of the old, a sense of belonging long exhibition at the University’s create.” that can’t be replaced, especially School of Architecture, Landscape Mr Kasturi was visiting Adelaide as I was in Adelaide at the most Architecture & Urban Design. The at the invite of the University of impressionable stage in my life”. exhibition showcased some of the Adelaide’s Heritage Foundation. His “Adelaide remains solid and best examples of 30 years of his visit helped to raise awareness of rooted in my affections,” he said. company’s work. the distinctiveness of Adelaide’s “I am forever indebted to the Although Mr Kasturi and his heritage buildings, including the Australian Government for giving company are renowned for their many heritage buildings at the me the opportunity to study in cutting-edge work, including a University of Adelaide. Australia under the Colombo Plan.” number of skyscrapers in Kuala “Adelaide has a very sound For more information about the Lumpur, he said that approach appreciation for its heritage that University of Adelaide’s Heritage shouldn’t necessarily be taken with you want to preserve, and that is Foundation, contact Development & all cities. the beauty of the city – it can’t be Alumni on (08) 8303 5800. “How does a city create its own changed, it has a sense of stability unique architecture and identity? and permanence that others would Adelaide has its churches, easily envy,” he said. Story by David Ellis
Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007 Adelaidean 23 Viola goes solo at international music event
Music The viola will step out from the The University’s music students the Australian premiere of a new rest of the orchestra this month also stand to gain greatly from the work by Australian composer-violist when the 35th International Viola event, according to Keith Crellin. Brett Dean (formerly with the Berlin Congress is held in Adelaide – the “Our students will be able to hear Philharmonic). Above: fi rst time that this major musical in one place a number of highly The second gala concert (Elder Keith Crellin, Head of event has been held in Australia. talented, brilliant viola players from Hall, 8pm Sunday 1 July) will include Strings at the Elder Conservatorium, with Drawing viola players from all around the world and from the fi rst professional performance Bachelor of Music around the world, the Viola within Australia. They will hear of Peter Sculthorpe’s new Elegy (Performance) students Congress will be hosted by the remarkable performances. Whilst for Viola and String Orchestra and and violists (from left) University of Adelaide’s Elder the viola is a wonderful instrument, the world première of a new viola Cecile Ross, Thomas Giam Conservatorium of Music from it’s not seen necessarily as a great concerto from the University’s and Elsbeth Falster 29 June to 3 July. solo instrument, so suddenly the Elder Professor of Music, Charles Photo by David Ellis The 35th Viola Congress is the students will be hearing the viola in Bodman Rae, which has been brainchild of Keith Crellin, Head of its solo guise,” Mr Crellin said. specially commissioned for the Strings at the Elder Conservatorium “Students will also hear lectures congress by the International and the founding violist in the on the history of the viola, the Viola Society. original line-up of the Australian history of violists, on teaching, on “The viola has far fewer concertos String Quartet. ways of playing… so many aspects than the violin and tends to be Because of his extensive contacts of the instrument that, whilst we overshadowed by its smaller sibling. with string players around the try to give it to them here at the It really deserves to be under the world, this event will see eminent University, obviously getting it in a spotlight more often so that we can musicians from many countries, fi ve-day intensive session is going hear its amazing expressive range,” including the Americas, Europe, the to make a lot of difference to how Professor Bodman Rae said. UK, South Africa, the Asia-Pacifi c they see their careers and how they region, Australia and New Zealand, see their playing,” he said. take part in the fi ve-day event. One of the groups performing The congress will include a large in the gala opening concert (Elder number of recitals and concerts as Hall, 8pm Friday 29 June) will Tickets to the public concerts will well as talks and masterclasses. be the 12 players of Viola Viva!, be available through BASS, and The general public will be able to otherwise known as the entire full details of the program for the engage with the congress through viola section of the New Zealand congress can be viewed at: the gala concerts in Elder Hall. Symphony Orchestra. They will give www.plevin.com.au/violacongress2007
24 Adelaidean Volume 16 | Number 4 | June 2007