Providing options, growing choices

HERIOT-WATT University Malaysia (HWUM) recently started this years’ distinguished guest lecture series by inviting chairman of Crossrail, Sir Terry Morgan to present a lecture.
The lectures held, featured talks by global leaders of businesses, industries and those in the science field. Students were invited to learn from the lectures discussing experiences and key issues in relation to Malaysia.
Morgan himself shared his experience managing some of the company’s undertakings, including tunnelling projects. He also talked about the other aspects of an infrastructure project, which include stakeholder management, interior design and talent development.
WHY TERRY?
HWUM vice-chancellor and principal professor Richard Williams shared more of how the series of lectures came about.
In his speech, he said, “We are very pleased to welcome Sir Terry here today because he has overseen one of the most extraordinary engineering and social innovation projects in London. Much of Terry’s work is not seen because it has been under the city but his successes are beginning to be noticed. His lecture today shows that infrastructure programmes are not just about road technology, it is about improving the quality of life and training young people for new opportunities. I think it mirrors some of the opportunities that will be available in Malaysia.”
Williams added, “The interest of bringing Terry here to present his experience is also to emphasise the role of education and development of people at different levels of education. Heriot-Watt is very interested to play a part in that talent development here in Malaysia.”
GOOD RESPONSE
The university was pleased with the response and attendance the lectures received. Participants comprised students and researchers.
“It has been a good event, not just for us but also for the visitors who wants to meet Sir Terry. One thing that is really important for the student to take away with them after this series of lectures, is that railway is not just an engineering area of study for engineering geeks. It involves everybody from different walks of life. Moreover, the series of lectures itself has been a great opportunity for the university to host and present students from all walks and areas of study a chance to speak to Terry,” HWUM provost and CEO Robert Craik said. For more information, please visit HWUM’s website or its Facebook.
DID YOU KNOW?
Crossrail is a £14.9 billion project, sponsored by the UK Department for Transport and Transport for London, established to deliver a world class affordable railway that links Maidenhead and Heathrow west of London with the West End, the City and Canary Wharf, to Stratford and Shenfield northeast of London and Woolwich and Abbey Wood to the south east.