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Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (28 May 1919 - 24 November 2010) |
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| Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu was the founding Chancellor of Wawasan Open University for the period from 2007 to 2010. The University former Council Chairman, the late Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik described Tun Lim as a man of vision and experience who could guide the University with his sound leadership and advice. "In Tun Dr Lim we have a scholar, a colleague, a person of eminence and intellect with impeccable credentials," said Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik when making the announcement on the new Chancellor. |
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| According to WOU's first Vice-chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan, Tun Dr Lim's commitment to education and social change, coupled with the fact that he has gained immeasurable distinction as a statesman and business leader, make him an ideal choice for the role of Chancellor. "He is an outstanding role model to the members of this University, and has the public stature to represent us with the highest level of integrity and passion," said Tan Sri Gajaraj at the installation ceremony. |
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| On the political aspect, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu was one of the founding members of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, a member of the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional. He was made the Chief Minister of Penang in 1969 when his party won the Penang State Government during the Malaysian General Election held that year. He held on to the position for five (5) terms until 1990 when he lost his state seat. During his term, Tun Dr Lim revolutionized Penang's economic fortunes. He introduced the concept of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) or Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) to Penang Island with his unique ability to convince the eight initial foreign electronics companies to set up their offshore factories on the island. That historic move has now spawned a major manufacturing hub that is vital to the economy of Penang and the nation in general. Other huge projects, like the Penang Bridge and KOMTAR, served to cement Tun Dr Lim's legacy as the man who built modern Penang. Because of his pragmatism and vision, Penang leaped ahead of its competition. Penang would not be what it is today without him. |
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| Tun Dr Lim was born into a Straits Chinese family in 1919 in Penang. In the tradition of the Straits Chinese, he was educated at Penang Free School. In 1938, he was offered a Queen Victoria II scholarship for higher studies in England. He graduated from Gray's Inn with a law degree in 1940. He later obtained a degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1944. |
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| Tun Dr Lim died on 24 November 2010. He was given a state funeral. The Penang state flag was flown at half-mast for four (4) days as a mark of respect. |
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