From milestones to memories: Silver Jubilee Gala Dinner
What an unforgettable night it was! We spared no effort in commemorating our 25th anniversary with the utmost style and elegance. With an atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation, we proudly orchestrated a magnificent Gala Dinner at the Sunway Resort Hotel on 5 July 2023, which provided a luxurious setting, complemented by tasteful decorations that reflected the university's rich history and achievements. The event united an impressive assembly of distinguished guests comprising alumni, industry partners, and dedicated staff members.
In an era dominated by photos and social media, the inclusion of a photo booth at the Gala Dinner was an absolute necessity. The custom photo booth beckoned early comers to strike their most captivating poses, immortalising the joyous occasion in their finest business formal and traditional attire.
A digital display showcased the significant milestones achieved by Monash University Malaysia over the past 25 years, allowing guests to interact with the university's rich history.
The Gala Dinner came alive as esteemed university leaders, Professor Margaret Gardner AC, President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University and Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President & Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, took the stage. Their speeches resonated through the hall, flooding the evening with an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration.
The event continued with a sequence of unforgettable moments. The stage was set for an extraordinary spectacle as Professor Gardner, Professor Adeeba, Deputy Chancellor of Monash University Dr Megan Clark AC, and Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO took their place in the spotlight, ready for the momentous 25th-anniversary cake-cutting. Following the cake cutting, balloons filled the air, and confetti cascaded onto the stage, creating a jubilant atmosphere.
A special posthumous award was presented to honour the late Professor Dato' Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir, recognising his remarkable contributions. Professor Shajahan Yasin, Head of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, read a heartfelt memorial, paying tribute to the esteemed professor. Together with Professor Adeeba, they presented the posthumous lifetime achievement award to Professor Khalid's family, acknowledging his profound impact on the field and his enduring legacy. This special recognition not only celebrated the accomplishments of Professor Khalid but also demonstrated the university's commitment to honouring the remarkable individuals who have played a significant role in shaping Monash University Malaysia's success.
One highly anticipated event of the Gala Dinner was the recognition of 25 outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. The ceremony highlighted their exceptional achievements and celebrated their success stories. Professor Gardner and Professor Adeeba presented these accomplished individuals with pewter plaques. Each alum awardee was also interviewed via vox pop style before the start of the event, allowing them to share their personal experiences, challenges, and how Monash University Malaysia played a vital role in shaping their careers.
Let's not forget the evening's entertainment — a mesmerising sand art performance by Bernice Wong! With its creativity and visual storytelling, the 15-minute performance beautifully depicted the university's milestones, achievements, and transformative growth.
Singer-songwriter Dasha Logan enthralled the audience with her captivating stage presence and powerful vocals, igniting the ballroom with an infectious energy that surged through every corner. Her soulful and sultry renditions of timeless songs held the audience in a spellbound state.
Not wanting to miss out on an opportunity to showcase their extraordinary musical abilities, two remarkable talents emerged from the ranks of Monash University Malaysia's esteemed staff, Dr Nazirul Hazim and Mohammad Ridzuan Repin. With their musical prowess, they embarked on a musical journey that transcended their roles — serenading the audience with classics from the legendary P. Ramlee.
As the evening unfolded, the 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner became a vibrant platform for networking, infused with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and a sense of camaraderie that truly defined the celebrations. This unforgettable event united guests in celebrating Monash University Malaysia's remarkable achievements and showcased its transformative impact in the field of education.
Now, as we embark on our next chapter, we carry with us a legacy of excellence and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Here's to another 25 years of shaping minds and transforming lives!