STRATHFIELD SOUTH’S Professor Eliathamby Ambikairajah has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the general division for distinguished service to tertiary education and research, to electrical engineering, to technology innovation, and to the Sri Lankan community of Australia.
He said he was deeply honoured to be recognised in the Australia Day Honours as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
“It is incredibly humbling,” he said.
“I have served in various leadership roles for more than 20 years at UNSW and to me, leadership is about giving forward, empowering others, and paving the way for the next generation.
“Many of the individuals I have mentored now hold significant leadership positions, which is deeply inspiring to me.
“My journey has been shaped by many people, beginning with my late father, who was a teacher, a philosopher, an author and a mentor to many.
“His values guided my path into education and leadership.
“I am deeply grateful to my wife, Sathiya, who took on the lion’s share of responsibility of raising our children and managing our household, and to my four children whose unwavering support helped me achieve more than what I could have imagined in my career and life.”
He said this honour reflected the collective effort of the students, colleagues and communities he has had the privilege to serve.
“I am humbled and am committed to continuing my contributions to education, innovation and the community in Australia,” he said.
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