Ho Peng Yoke was Griffith University's Foundation Chairman of the School of Modern Asian Studies. With the University placing high importance on developing relationships with Asian neighbours, the School of Modern Asian Studies was the first school of its kind to be established at an Australian university. The organisation sought to appoint a brilliant, well rounded Asian scholar to develop and administer this pioneering new School. Professor Ho was an established high profile academic with a list of professional appointments throughout Asia. He was also fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Malay.