Visionary receives uQ’s highest honour

ONE of Queensland’s most successful businessmen has acknowledged the lessons learned in tough times as he received the University of Queensland’s highest honour.

Maha Sinnathamby AM has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his service as a community leader, entrepreneur and the driving force behind the development of Springfield city, southwest of Brisbane.

Mr Sinnathamby is the Chairman of Springfield City Group and Patron of the GOPIO Queensland chapter.

“This is a tremendous honour and I thank the University of Queensland,” Mr Sinnathamby said.

“I had the privilege of addressing graduates at a recent ceremony. I told them how failure had been one of my best motivations.

“During my engineering degree at university, my father wrote to me and told me that the darkest night brings the brightest dawn. He was right.”

The University of Queensland praised Mr Sinnathamby for his “commitment to philanthropy, community welfare and initiatives that uplift and empower communities”.

The university singled out Springfield City Group’s passion for education through its 22 early learning centres, 12 schools and a university campus in a city that now features more than 50,000 residents.

Mr Sinnathamby was awarded the Honorary Doctorate at the University of Queensland’s mid-year graduation ceremonies.

“Honorary Doctorates acknowledge those whose exceptional achievements have made a unique and lasting contribution to the community,” UQ ViceChancellor Professor Deborah Terry said.

“Both Adjunct Associate Professor Graham and Mr Sinnathamby embody UQ’s mission, values and aspirations in their respective fields.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate and acknowledge their outstanding service.”