Honeywell Nobel-Laureate Lecture Series Atttracts Over 600 Students

Honeywell hosted Professor Albert Fert, 2007 Nobel Laureate in Physics at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur for its Honeywell-Nobel Laureate Lecture Series.

Nobel Laureate Professor Albert Fert, delivering his lecture at Dewan Tunku Canselor, University of Malaya

Professor Fert delivered his lecture entitled “The World of Spintronics: Electrons, Spins, Computers and Telephones” to more than 600 students at 9:20 a.m. in the Dewan Tunku Canselor.  Professor Fert will also present a colloquium entitled “The Present and Future Impacts of Spintronics on Information and Communication Technologies” on 21 July at 10:15 a.m. at the Physics Auditorium. This is the first Malaysian-based event in the Honeywell-Nobel Laureate Lecture Series and the 24th event worldwide.

The Honeywell-Nobel Initiative continues to bolster science and math education around the globe and has been successful in connecting students across the international community with Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry and Physics. The Initiative provides a forum for students worldwide to learn directly from Nobel Laureates through a combination of live on-campus events and interactive content designed to link one generation of leading scientists with the development of the next.

From L-R - Prof Dato' Dr Muhamad Rasat Muhamad, Prof Albert Fert and Datuk Dr. Ghauth Jasmon, sharing a light moment after the lecture in Univeristy of Malaya

“As a company that develops and manufactures leading technologies, our passion lies in finding new and innovative ways to tackle global technological challenges. It is important to raise awareness and inspire the next generation on the limitless possibilities of applied science,” said Yap Neng Pin, Vice President of Human Resources, Honeywell Asia Pacific. “Malaysia has the vision, government support and educational infrastructure to produce the Nobel Laureate’s of tomorrow. We hope the Honeywell-Nobel Initiative will play a role in realizing that potential.”

Professor Albert Fert is one of the pioneers of the digital revolution linked to the discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance, a breakthrough which allowed for the tremendous increase in hard disk storage capacity through the use of spin-based electronics called ‘spintronics’.

“It is a true honor to host Professor Fert here at the University of Malaya. The reception has been overwhelming and we are excited to have a scientist of such stature inspiring our students to break new barriers in the ever-changing world of science and technology,” said Datuk Dr. Ghauth Jasmon, Vice-Chancellor of University of Malaya.  “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our young scientists to experience first-hand, the intellectual rigor and stamina of a Nobel Prize winner.”

This innovative partnership seeks to teach students the complex science behind Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry while encouraging their highest aspirations in ways that are motivating and engaging.