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Asian tycoon donates £8m to help fund world-leading medical centre

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Published Date: 22 February 2008
By EMMA COWING
THE University of St Andrews yesterday unveiled plans for a new £45 million school for medicine and science that aims to collaborate research into areas such as cancer, psychology and infectious diseases.


The school will be funded in part by an £8 million donation by Malaysian business tycoon Vinod Sekhar – thought to be the largest gift ever made by an individual to a Scottish university.

In Kuala Lumpur for the launch, Dr Brian Lang, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said it was a groundbreaking move for St Andrews.

"This is about establishing Scotland as a world-leading centre for multi-disciplinary leading edge research," he said.

"It's about finding solutions for diseases and problems that are worldwide."

The school will be named after Mr Sekhar's father, Dr BC Sekhar, known in Malaysia as the father of the natural rubber industry, who died last year following a heart attack.

Mr Sekhar, 39, a businessman who runs a technology conglomerate named Petra Group, said he was delighted to be involved.

"What I saw when I visited St Andrews in December was a major university that has an integrated approach to the sciences in terms of research and development and I'm very pleased to be involved.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the exchange we can create between Malaysia and St Andrews." Part of Mr Sekhar's donation will be used to finance a scholarship fund which will allow students from across Asia to study at St Andrews. The medical school is expected to start construction this summer, pending planning approval, and is due to be completed in 2010.

While the donation is a major boost, fundraising is continuing to meet the cost. Dr Lang defended suggestions that foreign investment on such a scale in a Scottish educational institution was inappropriate.

"Higher education is international," he said. "The top scientists and academics all work at an international level. If you're going to be a research intensive university and have an impact you've got to work at an international level. That means collaborating around the world."





As part of the deal a new company will also be formed, Petra Biophotonics, in partnership with the university, which will aim to bring St Andrews' medical science research to market.



"The university is excited at the prospect of working with Petra to commercialise our biophotonic research," said Dr Lang. "Petra has the management expertise, market knowledge and capital that we require to maximise the potential of the university's research."



Dr BC Sekhar's friend, Sir Geoffrey Allen, the former head of research at Unilever and a previous vice-president of the Royal Society, said the school was a fitting honour for "a great man".




Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 21 February 2008 9:04 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 22/02/2008 00:24:50
Hope his cheque wasn't made of rubber....gets coat.
2

worthless counts,

22/02/2008 01:09:04
Probably been evading fiscal policy for decades!

The Pearly Gates await. Us all.
3

Richardinho,

22/02/2008 01:18:54
Brilliant news! Hopefully Scots business people will take a look at this and be inspired to do similarly.
They should bear in mind that having top class university system producing graduates with marketable skills is very much in their interests.
4

BrianHill,

Edinburgh 22/02/2008 01:22:51
Brilliant. We have always had the intelligence and creativity in Scotland, what we have lacked is the investment (I mean it's not as if we have Oil or Gas like they do in Malaysia). Thank you Mr Sekhar.
5

subrosa,

22/02/2008 01:25:21
This makes a mockery of Nicol Stephen and his bleating about the funding for Dundee University) article in the Herald.

Good for St Andrews, it has the sense to want to have a global reputation and what better way!
6

Jim Baxter RIP,

Sai Kung Hong Kong 22/02/2008 02:33:01
#1 get a life. Uncalled for, even in jest.
Wonderful gesture and great for Scotland.
7

GalacticCannibal,

Murrieta, CA....Bye Bye Bush -Cheney..u. evil lead 22/02/2008 03:55:03
Asian tycoon donates £8m to help fund world-leading medical centre

Dudes and what does Vinod Sekhar get out of this ..

Don't say nothing, He will get something and it will not be a PR whisper, in the local press.

Am please for St Andrews in that very windy place.

GC
8

W Smith,

Middle East 22/02/2008 05:14:17
I dislike the term 'asian' as it is now used to describe mulsim fanatics when the politically correct press want to avoid using the word 'muslim' every time a friggin bomb goes off.

(If Glasgow Rangers fans riot on Saturday are they described only as 'caucasian'?)

This guy is from Malaysia's ethnic Indian community and is a Hindu.

Let the Scottish University staff and the loony Holyrood dolts take note:

1) Every year the Malayasian government pays for its so-called top students to come to British Universities to study, but only if the student is muslim!

2) The muslims in Malaysia are described as 'bumiputra' which means 'sons of the soil' and are entitled to all sorts of freebies paid for by their government.

3) The Malaysian muslims refer to this as 'positive discrimination' but there is nothing 'positive' about it for the ethnic Indian and Chinese community who produce most of the top students.

4) The non-muslim chinese malaysians make-up around 28% of the population which is decreasing as many Chinese are leaving as they object to being second class citizens as do the Indian community that make up around 8% of the population.

5) Indian businessmen, like our Vinod Sekhar, is obliged legally to have a muslim 'partner' and without this so called 'partner' Mr Sekhar will not be able to do business in Malaysia even if he's from a family that has been in Malaysia for hundreds of years.

6) This so-called muslim 'partner' is entitled to a significant amount of money even if he contributes absolutely nothing to the business.

7) Its thanks partly to the Malayan Emergency that businessmen like Sakhar can flourish. If the British Army hadn't stuck it to the communists then I doubt if Malaysia would now be one of Asia's tiger economies.

The word 'tiger' isn't used to describe the economies of Cuba and North Korea - communist Bill WIlson (SNP) should take note.

8) What would the SNP's Osama Saeed say if muslims in Scotland had to take on a w
9

W Smith,

Middle East 22/02/2008 05:20:35
8) What would the SNP's Osama Saeed say if muslims in Scotland had to take on a white protestant Scottish 'partner' who is entitled to some freee cash.

Wouldn't the words 'oppression' and 'tyranny' be used as wee Osama gives another emotionally charged speech?

This guy Sekhar has in one action contributed more to Scotland than certain immigrants who love to come to the UK grab the passport and then spend most of their time telling us how 'evil' the British way of life is.

GIVE MR SEKHAR A BRITISH PASSPORT - HE DESERVES IT!
10

subrosa,

22/02/2008 05:28:53
# 8

Thanks for that interesting post. I do hope that wee slimy Osama Saeed reads it but I doubt it. It worries me hearing the SNP have close ties what that man, but I think perhaps it's him who thinks the ties are close - at least I hope so.
11

Fanling,

Taiwan 22/02/2008 05:53:07
#8 W. Smith

I'm in entire agreement with you regarding the umbrella term "Asian", being the lazy journalist's convenient catch-all from Istanbul to Kyoto. Such ignorance is commonplace and only serves to show the perpetrator's educational deficit.

It's very good to see a large sum of money being invested in something truly worthwhile in Scotland that will benefit mankind generally, rather than in some tunnel-vision Islamic centre, of which there are already too many.

For the benefit of Rent-a-Comment #7: What Vinod Sekhar gets out of it is clearly spelt out. "As part of the deal a new company will also be formed, Petra Biophotonics, in partnership with the university, which will aim to bring St Andrews' medical science research to market."

That's how it works. Top universities do the high-level research and development; manufacturers and their outlets do the commercializing. Simple really.

12

Drum Major,

22/02/2008 07:12:34
During the Malayan emergency the British had 3 riot teams made up of Malays, Chinese & Indians. If Malays and Chinese got into a stoush the Indian riot team would be sent into keep the peace (crack heads without bias), and vice versa for any other combination. It had the effect of reducing racial tension. Unfortunately the present regime have not recognised that without the Chinese and Indians Malaysia would decend to a 3rd world country.
13

Alasdair Roy,

Aberdeen 22/02/2008 07:50:37
Well said #8. Whatever strings may be attached to this donation, the promotion of the "Religion of Peace" will not be among them.
14

donald,

glasgow 22/02/2008 07:57:46
(If Glasgow Rangers fans riot on Saturday are they described only as 'caucasian'?)
15

donald,

glasgow 22/02/2008 07:59:02
"(If Glasgow Rangers fans riot on Saturday are they described only as 'caucasian'?)"

Describing them as "Paris Buns" is an insult to nice Germans.
16

Gothic Rose,

22/02/2008 09:09:12
8&9# Thanks for that info.Most interesting.
17

AJ Fife,

22/02/2008 09:44:41
The new Scotland is a vibrant place and will only get better under the present Scottish Government. There is a feeling of "can do" and St Andrews University demonstrates that attitude...........pity about Dundee!!!!
18

Rasco,

Inverness 22/02/2008 10:32:52
I suppose we will now have an enquiry by Duncan Mac to see if Alex has anything to do with this and what Mr Sekhar will get out of it. Cynical me.
19

c.u jimmy,

glasgow 22/02/2008 11:03:09
14 and 15 you should be on the sports page cheering Nacho,s great goal ,and Mr Sekhar will be at Ibrox on Sunday so there!!
20

williamx,

canada 22/02/2008 11:06:19
With the following student origins, I doubt Ninewells will get much in the way of research projects.
St Andrews student distribution by origin.
Scottish 30%
English 30%
Foreign 40%
21

pwd,

Hawick 22/02/2008 12:06:21
*19

Great news for St Andrews. Undoubtedly there are pockets of 'can do' in Scotland but I fear that is not the prevailing ethos. At one extreme we have disgracefully high numbers who contribute nothing and seek handouts endlessly; at the other companies almost lusting to sell out for the huge bonuses the directors will get, to wit virtually all Scottish power companies and more recently S&N.

Compare this with one little random snippet from my memory: between 1850 and 1870 more than 80 tea clippers were built in Britain and c50 of them were built either in Aberdeen, Greenock, Glasgow and one immortal at Dumbarton. How's that for 'can do' or
22

pwd,

Hawick 22/02/2008 12:11:06
*19

Great news for St Andrews. Undoubtedly there are pockets of 'can do' in Scotland but I fear that is not the prevailing ethos. At one extreme we have disgracefully high numbers who contribute nothing and seek handouts endlessly; at the other extreme companies are almost lusting to sell out for the huge bonuses the directors will get, to wit virtually all Scottish power companies and more recently S&N.

Compare this with one little random snippet from my memory: between 1850 and 1870 more than 80 tea clippers were built in Britain and c50 of them were built either in Aberdeen, Greenock, Glasgow and one immortal at Dumbarton. When clipper technology became redundant the shipbuilders very quickly and successfully got into the next level of shipbuilding technology and built a hugely disproportionate number of the worlds great ships. How's that for 'can do'? Good luck to the StAndrews success stories and the likes of RBS but the truth is there are all too few of them.
23

AJ Fife,

22/02/2008 12:27:37
pwd,

That's the challenge ahead, bringing the likes of Drumchapel, Dumbarton and Wester Hailes up to standard as worthwhile and contributing communities. Labour has failed these places for decades. Scotland can be a global contributer once again, but it won't happen under stifling Westminster rule!
24

pwd,

Hawick 22/02/2008 12:34:15
* 25

I think we have a problem with mentality. Westminster is a convenient scapegoat. 'We' have to find it again. However, I confess ther may be too much government EU, Westminster, Edinburgh, Regional. Oh dear!
25

boudica,

Glasgow 22/02/2008 16:59:33
8-9 ...Well said
In Turkey it is a well known fact that many young men are encouraged by their families too marry older british women to get into the UK and the moment they get their Citizenship they dump the woman and send home for the wife and family ...that strategy is now being used in other Countries but lets hope that the Gov stops it as it is supposed to do ...I said lets hope
26

boudica,

Glasgow 22/02/2008 17:03:53
you forget to mention the Fact that during those
" Decades " that it was the Tories who were in Government and stopped Labour from doing anything in the Nortth of England and Scotland ..remember maggie Thatcher also during those years she hated Socialism and wasnt shy in letting it be known and took joy in thwarting any policy labour came up with
27

boudica,

22/02/2008 17:05:37
the post above was in answer to AJ fife comments ...he seems to suffer wit a very short memory as do a lot of people nowadays ..Tories ..Tartan or otherwise do no good for anyone but themselves
28

boudica,

Glasgow 22/02/2008 17:09:26
It is not down to the SNP that Scotland is Vibrant they have only been in Government 5mins so give the Credit were it is due and to the ones who have done all the fighting for Scotland during those
" Decades "...but Thank you for confirming thjat Scotland is Alive and Well ....
29

The Strategist,

22/02/2008 17:58:14
What a contrast between this Malaysian tycoon and our own major companies.. RBS or HBOS could have easily donated this £8m..

That they didn't and Mr Sekhar did tells us more about them than anything else.
30

AJ Fife,

22/02/2008 22:23:14
Boudica,

You obviously aren't poverty stricken like many Glasgow residents. The Labour Party failed Glasgow more than anywhere.

The SNP are at the very least attempting to make difference, unlike the highly questionable Labour Party, who held total power for the last 8 years.

The old Labour voting public are starting to see the error of their ways and the SNP will be here to stay!
31

,

23/02/2008 00:19:14
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
32

Trade-wind,

USA 23/02/2008 00:32:04
Good for St. Andrew. I have a feeling that all of the grumbler's and complainer's who go on about Westminster, and the Labour Party, or Tories, SNP and all the rest they can find to lament about, never do anything but whine and complain. Take that energy and do something constructive for Scotland, even if it is only helping an old lady across the street it would make Scotland a better place to live. I hear the same old rubbish all the time on here. Its time to help instead of criticize. This is not 1707 get over it and move on.
33

Bearwithme,

23/02/2008 01:02:12
"Describing them as "Paris Buns" is an insult to nice Germans." (#15)

Describing fans of traditionally Protestant Rangers as "Paris Buns" is a rhyming-slang version of the sectarian insult "Huns" so I suggest you leave it out.
34

Redscott,

HK 23/02/2008 02:11:43
I've heard Sekhar speak at a conference - and its a breath of fresh air. No bull, and makes no excuses for his success or his lifestyle --or his failures- but makes more of a difference to ordinary people than most politicians and 'wannabe' politicians I've seen. Pass the man a double shot of Macallan ! But I'm sure he believes this biophoton business he has going with St A is worth a lot.
35

laoban,

borders 23/02/2008 04:24:13
there is no political or governmental area called Asia. No EU or even close

There are a number of very different countries who have different languages histories and cultures...

malaysian government bumiputra laws are racially discriminatory ,and the malyasia government has continued to be racially discrimitatory since it left
British rule. been there numerous times and seen it first hand.

all being said --it great that private individuals recognize the quality of research at scottish universities. Its ironic that government isn't fully funding education in scotland ...and the new government seems more interested short term goals like toll road reductions than in building on its university systems and creating new knowlege based jobs for the future.
36

Harthi,

uk 25/02/2008 13:49:06
You can fool some of the people all the time but not everyone is an idiot! How come he doesn't do a University for the Indians in Malaysia. He says he has been to University in the States - really which one?? DId he actually graduate or did money again play a part in it???
37

truthsleuth,

26/02/2008 13:10:35
I wonder what the publicity would cost him
I wonder whether there are tax advantages.
But that aside Good.

 

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