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to the new institution.
Kokhav
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The old idea of an ASEAN university seems to
cu out, and the Brunei University may well see itself as the atural successor, but it would need a great deal of international co-operation to achieve this, however well endowed it was financially. If Brunei can be persuaded to show a more definite interest and specific douts and questions be cleared up, it would probably then be effective to get someone like Sir Peter Tapsell to speak for the project when he visited Brunei, so that you could settle the details in September.
5.
In
Your suggestion about Thailand is well taken, and this should be a excellent potential source to tap if things move too slowly in Brunei. The long royal connection with Britain could help and a Prince Damrong chair should be very acceptable to Southeast Asians. John Villiers being on the spot should be of immense assistance and he undoubtedly has lots of contacts. My own experience is that it is much better to go to the Thais direct rather than through the British embassy in Bangkok. particular Dr. Thanat Khoman, the former Deputy Prime Minister, is most approachable. In think he was at Oxford himself, he is a very civilized man and welcomes academics. He would undoubtedly give any help he could in the sense of pointing you towards a source of funds. I have not seen him for three years, at which time he was in excellent form, and provided he is still in good health I would have thought it might be profitable at this stage for John to pay him a visit and lay the whole scheme out, including the approach to Brunei which Thanat Khoman as the 'Father of ASEAN' would understand the possibility of an alternative approach to the Thais, and to Overseas Chinese (but mentioning no names) and business interests.
6.
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With regard to approaches in Hong Kong, there is a difference between seeking funds for ongoing projects and in creating a completely new venture, and there need be no question of queering the pitch for anyone else in Oxford. Run Run Shaw has just donated £10 million to the Chinese University of Hong Kong for a new college. It is conceivable that the dedication of a Runme Shaw Chair of Southeast Asian history with say two annual scholarships for people from this region for something like a £1 million endowment might be possible.
7.
As to Khoo Teck Puat, he has in the past talked of setting up a foundation himself, and it is possible that he might consider, say, donating the building, again coupled with one or two scholarships, although in his case, as he has interests in Australia and New Zealand, the scholarships might have to cover there as well. His recent investment in EXCO in the UK could make it opportune for him to do this, as his many contributions in Malaysia and Singapore have rarely been adequately acknowledged.
8.
We (and particularly my husband) have known the Shaw brothers and the Khoo family for many years and if the idea appealed to you he could sound them out at the appropriate time, and if there was a positive response, then your Centre would make a formal approach. But it is probably best to set that aside for the moment until it becomes clear from the results of approaches to Brunei and possibly Thailand as to exactly what is wanted - chair, property, scholarships, etc.
With best wishes for the progress of your scheme,
Yours sincerely,
Маш
C.M. Turnbull
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