A high-ranking Malaysian politician, Datuk Ong Tee Keat, has  been honoured with a fellowship from City & Guilds, the leading awarding body for vocational education.

This is the first time that this prestigious accolade, reserved for ‘persons of distinction’ who have made outstanding achievements in their field, has been awarded in Malaysia.    He joins a list of prestigious fellows including the former British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir John Major, as well as Ireland’s President, Mary McAleese.

Datuk Ong Tee Keat, the Minister for Transport in Malaysia and former Deputy Minister of Higher Education will be presented with his fellowship by Chris Jones, the Director-General of City & Guilds, at a special ceremony on 29 July at the One World Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Chris Jones said: ‘We are honoured to confer this special award to Datuk Ong Tee Keat in recognition of his outstanding professional and personal achievements and in appreciation of his commitment to vocational education and training.   He has been a tireless champion for skills certification, encouraging the people of Malaysia, notably the Chinese community, to aspire towards international qualifications, work which City & Guilds has supported through its centres.

Datuk Ong Tee Keat said:  ‘I am delighted to receive this award.  I must commend City & Guilds for giving the opportunity to so many capable people to realise their potential and contribute back to society.’

Datuk Ong Tee Keat started his political career in 1986 as Political Secretary to the Labour Minister.  He was elected as Member of Parliament for Ampang Jaya and has served an influential range of posts with great distinction.

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About City & Guilds (www.cityandguilds.com)

The Fellowship (FCGI) is the highest award that can be conferred by City & Guilds and denotes outstanding professional and personal achievement, demonstrated over a number of years in complex situations.
Fellows of City & Guilds are permitted to use the letter FCGI after their names and are eligible for election to the Council and to contribute towards City & Guilds’ policy.

City & Guilds headquarters are located in London and the company has branches and representatives in 100 countries. Its qualifications are portable and recognised by employers and educational institutions worldwide.

City & Guilds is a non-profit making organisation with UK Royal Chartered status that reinvests all of its surpluses in the development of its portfolio of qualifications