Bond backed by $1M donation

HONG Kong-based Dr Hari and Padma Harilela have donated $1 million toward Bond University’s endowment pool for a scholarship to be named after them.

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.

“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,” says Bond vice chancellor, Professor Robert Stable.

“It’s fitting the $1 million donation is announced on the back of Bond university’s 20-year milestone, just as the University recognises its past achievements, the primary focus is still on improvement and evolution.’’

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,’’ says 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.’’