The High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Mr Chua Thai Keong, recently visited the Durban University of Technology.

Mr Chua met with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement Professor Sibusiso Moyo, The Dean of the Confucius Institute Mr Wu Lin, the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs Mr Alan Khan, Director of Research Professor Carin Napier, Director of the DUT Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology Professor Faizal Bux, Vaneshree Govender and Greg Bass.

The main purpose of the High Commissioner’s visit was to foster good relations between DUT and the Republic of Singapore, to discuss possible partnership opportunities and for him to better understand the role that DUT plays in the South African Higher Education arena. High Commissioner Chua also enquired about the Confucius Institute and the relationship between DUT and our sister University in China, the Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University in Fuzhou. Professor Moyo took the opportunity to explain the different Institutes at DUT and she highlighted some of the University’s recent accomplishments, including the NRF award amongst others. Professor Napier updated Mr Chua on some of the research areas that DUT focuses on.

The High Commissioner was also briefed on the work that was undertaken at the DUT Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT). Professor Faizal Bux, Director of Institute, explained the type research that is being carried out at the IWWT and how this would benefit the region, the country and the African continent.

The High Commissioner was impressed with the amount of entrepreneurship that was taking place at DUT and he commended the work done by the University. Professor Moyo shared some of the highlights of our entrepreneurial projects in the Midlands and in Durban and Mr Chua was given some insight into DUT Invotech and the opportunities it presented for DUT students. The High Commissioner concluded the visit by expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the warm hospitality that he received at DUT and emphasised that he was impressed that DUT was so engaged within its local context. His Excellency Mr Chua also expressed his support for any future partnerships and collaboration projects between DUT andSingapore.

Pictured:Mr Wu Lin (Dean of the DUT Confucius Institute), Mr Chua Thai Keong (The Republic of Singapore High Commissioner), Professor Sibusiso Moyo (DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement),Professor Faizal Bux (Director: Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Vaneshree Govender (Research Office), Mr Alan Khan (Senior Director: Corporate Affairs) and Mr Greg Bass.

Alan Khan