Hong Kong-based Dr Hari and Padma Harilela have been announced as Bond University’s latest benefactors on the back of the Gold Coast institution’s 20th anniversary celebrations last month.
The couple has donated $1 million which will go into Bond University’s endowment pool for a scholarship to be called the Dr Hari and Padma Harilela Scholarship.
Bond University’s executives will now determine how the scholarship will be used. It will be available next year.
Dr Harilela is the Chairman of the Harilela Group, which has established a hospitality portfolio including the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Hong Kong, Holiday Inn Park View Singapore and Sheraton Belgravia London.
“The University is delighted to announce the contribution from Dr Harilela and his wife Padma to Bond,’’ said University Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable.
“Dr Harilela’s philanthropy extends to numerous teaching institutions around the world, and we are very proud he and his wife have recognised the boutique learning environment advocated at the Robina campus which distinguishes Bond University within the Australian tertiary education system.
“It’s fitting the $1 million donation is announced the same month as Bond University’s 20-year milestone: just as the University recognises its past achievements, the primary focus is still on improvement and evolution.’’
Outside of the hospitality industry, the Harilela Group also has ties with the healthcare and food sectors in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Australia.
“As a private not-for-profit learning institution, support from the community is vital to our continued sustainability,’’ said Professor Stable.
“Without the support of our benefactors, it would have been near impossible to position Bond University as the exemplary template of a private not-for-profit institution in Australia.’’
In addition to Dr Harilela’s contribution, Bond University also recently received a $1.5 million donation courtesy of the Balnaves Foundation, headed by Australian media identity Neal Balnaves.
The donation went towards the creation of the university’s state-of-the-art media facility.
Almost 1000 alumni travelled to the Gold Coast in May for a Gala Ball at Conrad Jupiters Casino as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.