Kevin had the chance to visit the University of Western Australia this week for the launching of the new international research centre of which he is a part of (as a student). Hopefully this research centre will help Australia in its bid to secure the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Anyway, the 'big names' in astronomy were in town that day for the event, including the international director of the SKA.
The event was quite an eye opener for him, in terms of the formalities involved. For one thing, unlike their Malaysian counterparts, the VIPs were all on time so the event started on time! There was no fanfare involved, the VIPs all came in and sat down just like any of the other guests. And we're talking about the Minister of Science and Innovation, the Premier of Western Australia (something like chief minister of the state) and even the head of the opposition party! What was interesting was the speech given by a representative of the Aboriginals. The Aussies acknowledge that the land belongs to the Aboriginal people and they are the rightful custodians of the land. So for official functions like these, it is important that an Aboriginal leader welcomes the guests and gives his blessing on the event. Surprisingly, everything ended in 40 minutes!
The event was quite an eye opener for him, in terms of the formalities involved. For one thing, unlike their Malaysian counterparts, the VIPs were all on time so the event started on time! There was no fanfare involved, the VIPs all came in and sat down just like any of the other guests. And we're talking about the Minister of Science and Innovation, the Premier of Western Australia (something like chief minister of the state) and even the head of the opposition party! What was interesting was the speech given by a representative of the Aboriginals. The Aussies acknowledge that the land belongs to the Aboriginal people and they are the rightful custodians of the land. So for official functions like these, it is important that an Aboriginal leader welcomes the guests and gives his blessing on the event. Surprisingly, everything ended in 40 minutes!
Ancient architecture of an ancient university.
Oh, how I miss this place. :)
ReplyDeletecome back and visit!!! :D
ReplyDeleteeye-opener indeed... especially the part about the VIPs
ReplyDeleteWow, that was light-on for VIP protocol??? Aussies so don't get this formality stuff! It only lasted 40mins because EVERYONE except the few people who have to get their names mentioned absolutely hate it!! And *they* hate it for the moments they're not being talked about too, I'll bet! :)
ReplyDeleteIn Malaysia... the VIPs are always at least 30 minutes late in arriving. And after 40 minutes, we're probably only halfway through the second speech that nobody ever bothers to listen to.
ReplyDelete