Penang: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur announced that Lacey, 60, will work to enhance political, academic, and commercial relations by collaborating with Penang state government leaders and the local business community. In his consular role, Lacey will also provide assistance to British nationals in Penang, including support during hospital or prison visits, arranging matters following the death of a British citizen, and aiding the UK's crisis response.
Lacey is noted for his leadership in the semiconductor industry, having extensive experience in Europe, the United States, and Malaysia. He has established Research and Development teams to introduce new products and technologies to the market and has engaged in collaborative research and talent development with universities and institutes across Asia.
Currently, Lacey is a director at a prominent high-tech semiconductor business in Penang and serves as chairman of the Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia (SFAM). He is also a board member of Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) and an adviser to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM). He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom and received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2021 for his contributions to Malaysia's economic development.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, remarked on Lacey's additional role in supporting the High Commission's collaboration with Penang and the northern region, particularly in technology, digital, and artificial intelligence sectors, as the UK and Malaysia pursue a Strategic Partnership. Sharma also expressed gratitude to Robert Hawkins for his two decades of service to the British community in Penang and the High Commission.