GEORGE TOWN, Aug 11– Dr David Lacey has been appointed as the new United Kingdom (UK) Consul in Penang, succeeding Datuk Robert Hawkins MBE, who has retired after serving in the role for 20 years.
The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, in a statement today, said that as consul, Lacey, 60, will help foster political, academic and commercial ties by working closely with Penang state government leaders and the local business community.
In his consular capacity, Lacey will also assist British nationals in Penang, including visiting those in hospitals or prisons, helping with arrangements following the death of a British citizen and supporting the UK’s response during times of crisis.
“Lacey is an accomplished semiconductor industry leader with experience in Europe, the United States and Malaysia, setting up Research and Development (R&D) teams that bring new products and technologies to market.
“He has wide experience in collaborative research and talent development with universities and institutes across Asia,” the statement read.
Lacey currently serves as a director at a leading high-tech semiconductor business in Penang and is also chairman of the Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia (SFAM), a board member of Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST) and an adviser to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM).
He studied Materials Science and holds a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2021 for his contributions to Malaysia’s economic development.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, said that in addition to supporting British nationals in Penang, Lacey, who has been living in Penang since 2001, will support the High Commission in working with Penang and the northern region.
“This is particularly in the technology, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors as the UK and Malaysia work towards delivering Strategic Partnership.
“I would also like to thank Robert Hawkins for his 20 years of excellent service to the British community in Penang and to the High Commission,” he said.
