UWA launches new ventures

THE high calibre of the University of Western Australia's alumni was on show this week, with the opening of its business school premises and the launch of an international conference.

The In The Zone conference, to be held in November, will focus on geopolitical issues in countries that share Perth's time zone. These countries, including China and Japan, have 60 per cent of the world's population.

Speaking at the launch, UWA vice-chancellor Alan Robson said the conference had its genesis two years ago when he attended a Melbourne Institute conference and was dismayed at the lack of focus on WA.

"Our aim is that this conference, and the proposed ongoing series, will position the university and Perth, nationally and internationally, as significant contributors to national and international public policy discussion," Professor Robson said.

The editorial committee for In The Zone includes Premier Colin Barnett, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, UWA chancellor and Woodside chairman Michael Chaney, company director Sir Rod Eddington, Australian Capital Equity executive John Langoulant and Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, all of whom are alumni of the university.

Mr Barnett also officiated at last Sunday's opening of the business school's new $50 million premises, located at the southern end of the university campus.

The lecture theatres and tutorial rooms have been named after prominent business leaders and companies, many of whom contributed to a $25 million fundraising campaign.