The New Nation - Internet Edition

CAMBRIDGE-The Asian University for Women (AUW), scheduled to open its undergraduate programs in August 2009 in Bangladesh in the 2009, has named Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo as the university's first Provost.

A graduate of Smith College and a Malaysian national, Dr. Khoo holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of London and served on the faculty of the medical schools at the National University of Singapore and at the National University of Malaysia.

In naming Dr. Khoo, Vice Chancellor Nancy Dye said: "As an esteemed colleague, Dr. Khoo will serve as chief advocate for the academic needs of students and as champion of faculty rights and responsibilities."

Dr. Khoo's personal background reflects the mission of AUW. Born into a modest family of a mother whose studies were interrupted after four years of primary school and a father who became a teacher, she rose to Vice Dean at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where she also held positions as Associate Director of the Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning; and Deputy Head (Preclinical) of the Medical Education Unit. In 2006, she was given an Excellent Teaching Award by NUS.

She was awarded a scholarship by Smith College, which led her to take her first plane ride and enroll in the prestigious U.S. women's institution. Upon completion of a degree in Biochemistry, she won a scholarship to complete her PhD at St. Mary's Medical School, of Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. In both her native Malaysia and Singapore she has set up non-governmental organizations in environmental protection and women's rights while remaining active in advocacy projects for HIV / AIDS support organizations.

"I will do my best to ensure that the Asian University for Women builds a strong foundation for its mission to encompass both the progressive liberal arts and requisite professional training in developing eligible young women," Dr. Khoo said. "We will recruit students of strong ability who may not otherwise have had an opportunity for higher education, and we are actively recruiting faculty to help fulfill this potential."

Her many leadership roles in the sciences, pedagogy, teaching, and administration of multicultural, multidisciplinary institutions have led her to co-author three books. Basics of Medical Education is about to be re-printed in a second edition. Her Practical Guide to Medical Student Assessment, published in 2007, continues to receive strong reviews.

Dr. Khoo will speak on "Preparing Young Women in Asia to Overcome History," Saturday, October 18, 2008, at the Inaugural Ceremonies for the Asian University for Women. The Honorable Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammed Yunus will also offer remarks. This ceremony occurs at the China Friendship Convention Center in Dhaka from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.