MIT Chancellor Dr. Cynthia Barnhart gave an address about the role of women students and faculty at MIT. YB Dato Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Bin Ujang, the Secretary General II of the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education, responded with a similar address about the integral aspirations for academia in Malaysia. The ceremony concluded with reflections on the value of US-Malaysia international collaboration by the Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin.

The Female Faces exhibition grand opening commenced in the Wolk Gallery that evening. It was well-attended by both members of the MIT community and the public. Dean Hashim Sarkis gave welcoming remarks. Ms. Leslie Tuttle, key photographer and co-curator of Female Faces, and Mr. Gary Van Zante, Curator of Photography at the MIT Museum, spoke about the exhibit’s early genesis through it’s full production. An interfaith dedication was offered by the Chaplain to the MIT-Muslim Community, Sister Hoda Elsharkawi. The keynote speaker was His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, Crown Prince of the State of Johor. After the dedications and keynotes, visitors explored the galleries, mingled and enjoyed the refreshments until closing time.