Introducing Dato' Vincent Loh Khee Lian - Australia’s New Honorary Consul in Penang
The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa, hosted a reception on 6 September at the E&O Hotel in Georgetown, Penang, to formally introduce Dato' Vincent Loh Khee Lian as Australia’s new Honorary Consul in Penang.
Penang has long been a major trading centre and a focus for Australia. Australia and Penang have a shared history based on education, trade and investment links, and the presence of Australian Defence Force personnel at Butterworth. Many Australians reside in Penang and thousands of Australian tourists are attracted each year by Penang’s food, hills, beaches and heritage buildings.
There are also strong connections in the arts – for example, the high-profile Georgetown Festival has closed with Tropfest, the prestigious Australian short film festival, for the last two years.
The closeness of these connections was reflected in the establishment of an honorary consulate by the Australian High Commission in 1995 to provide consular and passport services to Australian citizens.
Speaking at the reception, Mr Kupa said: “The Honorary Consul plays an important role in assisting Australians in time of need, and is a key advocate for Australia in Penang across many areas of the relationship.”
Dato’ Loh brings wide-ranging experience as a successful entrepreneur and business leader. Dato’ Loh’s accomplishments extend past the business world. As an accomplished mountaineer, he has reached the summit of some of the most challenging mountains, including Mt Everest. Mr Kupa said he “was confident that Dato’ Loh will perform the role with distinction”.
Dato’ Loh is taking over from Australia’s first Honorary Consul in Penang, Dato’ Dr Denis Mark Lee, who has retired recently after 16 years of distinguished service. Mr Kupa thanked Dato’ Lee for his service and said: “Many Australians have personally benefited from the dedicated service of Dato’ Lee, and his assistant Ms Ida Chan.”
The Australian Honorary Consulate in Penang is located at:
No 29, Lebuh Bukit Jambul,11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Telephone: 604 645 8285
Facsimile: 604 645 8285
Email: [email protected]
Australia also has honorary consuls in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa (left) congratulating Dato' Vincent Loh Khee Lian on his appointment as new Honorary Consul for Australia in Penang.
From left: Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa, Chair of Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) and Governor of American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, Dato’ Wong Siew Hai and Honorary Consul for Australia in Penang, Dato’ Vincent Loh Khee Lian at the reception.
From left: Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa and his wife, Ms Zuly Chudori, together with Honorary Consul for Australia in Penang, Dato' Vincent Loh Khee Lian welcoming Commanding Officer of 324 Combat Support Squadron at RMAF Base Butterworth, Louis Nuttycombe and his wife, Liane Nuttycombe at the reception.