Dr David Lacey has been appointed the new British Honorary Consul in Penang, replacing Dato’ Robert Hawkins MBE who retired after two decades in the role.
Lacey, 60, is a semiconductor industry leader with experience spanning Europe, the United States, and Malaysia, including setting up research and development teams that bring new products to market. He is currently a director at a high-tech semiconductor business in Penang, and chairs the Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia, Bernama reported.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science from the University of Sussex in the UK, and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science by Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2021 for his contributions to the country’s economic development. He has been living in Penang since 2001.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said Lacey would support the High Commission’s engagement with Penang and the northern region in the technology, digital, and artificial intelligence sectors as both countries work towards delivering a Strategic Partnership.
“I would like to thank Robert Hawkins for his 20 years of excellent service to the British community in Penang and to the High Commission,” the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur stated, GOV.UK reported.
As Honorary Consul, Lacey will build political, academic, and commercial ties with the Penang state government and local business community. His consular duties include assisting British nationals in hospitals or prisons, supporting arrangements when a British citizen passes away, and helping coordinate the UK’s response during crises.
Lacey also serves as a board member of Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology and as an adviser to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
