On Wednesday 7 August 2024 the University of Reading hosted a memorable alumni reception in Kuala Lumpur – bringing together nearly 100 Reading and Henley graduates.
The event was a vibrant celebration of lifelong connections and shared experiences, marked by heartfelt reunions and speeches. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, delivered an inspiring address that highlighted the importance of alumni connections and the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting our global network of graduates.
He said: “We have alumni here this evening representing six decades of graduates – from the 1970s through to those who graduated just last year – showing the longstanding bond that Reading has with Malaysia.”
The evening took the opportunity to highlight some of the recent achievements of the University. These included our position in the Top 200 of the QS World University Rankings, and our number one ranking in the People and Planet University League. The evening also offered a huge opportunity to celebrate our global community.
Professor Van de Noort noted: “All our achievements as a university are the result of our whole community – including our alumni – working together to deliver on our mission, to help people change the world through research and education.
“We also celebrate the achievements of our graduates as a success for our whole community. When I see the enthusiasm and dynamic environment in Malaysia, and of everyone at the reunion, I can see how our university community is making a difference.”
Also speaking at the event was distinguished alumnus, See Lian Ong, who has been actively involved with the University of Reading for a number of years. See Lian has also played a significant role in the development of the University’s Malaysia campus since it opened its doors in 2015.
He said: “The University of Reading is not just about the academic qualification, but the impact it has on our lives. Reading taught me to think creatively, to problem-solve and to think outside of the box. It’s given me a way of thinking that I still use fifty years later in my career.
“It’s wonderful to be in a room with so many who too share that impact.”
Celebrating achievements in Johor
The Kuala Lumpur alumni reception came as part of a broader visit to Malaysia to strengthen our bonds with our global campuses and the wider community. The visit included the University of Reading Malaysia campus in Johor celebrating its latest cohort of graduates, marking another chapter in the University’s almost decade-long history in the region.
Professor Van de Noort said: “Moving forward we want to deliver our mission and share our values with people across South East Asia, with our Malaysia campus becoming a hub for vital engagement work with others.
“Fundamentally we are one University, with bases spread across three continents.”
A night of reunions and new beginnings
These events showcased a celebration of shared journeys, achievements and the lasting impact of the university experience amongst graduates.
The alumni reception was a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds formed at university. Among the attendees were a graduate couple who met and fell in love while studying at Reading, and now call Malaysia their home. Their story, along with many others, underscored the deep connections that transcend time and geography.
It also saw friends reuniting after years apart, some not having seen each other since graduating a decade ago. These reconnections brought back fond memories and reinforced the strength and purpose of Reading’s alumni network.
Of the events, Professor Van de Noort said: “Alumni greeted each other as old friends. What struck me was the extent to which friendships were forged during their time in Reading, and at our Malaysia campus in Johor Bahru, and had been reinforced by earlier alumni events.
“It was a very uplifting event, and I felt grateful to be part of it.”
After an evening of networking there was a revived interest in the University of Reading Malaysia Alumni Group – a group run by volunteers which brings graduates in or from Malaysia who have studied with us in the UK together to socialise and network.
The University of Reading Malaysia Alumni Group actively welcomes new members who are keen to reconnect with old friends and meet fellow graduates. If you’re interested in joining, please fill out the expression of interest form and we will be in touch with further details.
Our Malaysia Alumni Group is also looking for new committee members to help run it. If you would like to be considered for a position on the committee, please fill out the committee member expression of interest form.
