Speaker of the House of Representatives, Malaysia, and Lancaster University Alumnus, H.E. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Johari bin Abdul returned to Lancaster University on Thursday 2nd May.

In a specially arranged personal graduation ceremony Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Scholfield presented Dr Johari with his MA degree certificate. This comes 33 years after Dr Johari was unable to make his original graduation in 1991 after being called back to Malaysia for government business. Dr Johari was also presented with a gift by the Malaysian Student Society.

During his visit, Dr Johari bin Abdul, who studied a master’s degree in international relations and strategic studies, took the opportunity to deliver a lecture and hold a Q&A with students and staff.

Encouraging students to go out into the world and lead following graduation, Dr Jahari talked about his journey since leaving Lancaster, through Malaysian parliament and to his position as Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, often crediting his wife, Noraini for her support throughout.

Dr Johari spoke about priorities in Malaysia including food security, renewable energy and the desire for academic and cultural exchange.

Lancaster University has strong ties with Malaysia including research connections with 38 Malaysian Universities, and a longstanding partnership with Sunway University which centres around teaching, research and student and staff exchanges.

Lancaster University Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Schofield said: “It was an honour to host Dr Johari on campus and to deliver a personal graduation in his honour. Lancaster has a large and valued alumni base in Malaysia as well as strong teaching and research partnerships, notably with Sunway University. We look forward to further continued collaboration and building further connection in the region”.

Dr Johari bin Abdul’s talk and Q&A session is available to watch online.