UCL alumni gather at receptions across Asia

As London’s global university, UCL is proud to have hundreds of thousands of alumni across the world, including more than 53,000 graduates in Asia.

November was a time for celebrating alumni communities across the continent, with seven alumni receptions held in cities from Bangalore to Beijing.

The events took place as part of a university visit led by UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence to reconnect and strengthen ties with UCL’s community of alumni, philanthropic supporters, prospective students and academic partners in Asia.

Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai

The series of alumni events kicked off in Bangalore, marking UCL’s inaugural alumni gathering in the city. Alumni gathered at the historic Oberoi Hotel to network, celebrate the growing community in Bangalore and meet university staff. 

This was followed by an event in Delhi held at the British Council, where 90 alumni joined. In attendance was Alison Barrett MBE (UCL Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA 2010), Director India at the British Council and a UCL alumna, who delivered opening remarks to the UCL delegation and fellow alumni.

Event attendee Ishani Behl (UCL Education and International Development MA 2022) said: “It’s always a pleasure being part of UCL-India Alumni events. These aren’t just events –they’re experiences that bring alumni, professors and colleagues together to celebrate the beauty of building a culture around unity in diversity."

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The third and final reception in India took place in Mumbai, where alumni gathered to forge new friendships, reconnect with former classmates and hear industry speeches from UCL alumni. Abhishek Gulati (UCL Management MSc 2018) spoke on the power of networking, while Rohit Lahoti (UCL Urban Development Planning MSc 2020) gave a talk on the history, culture and social dynamics that shape urban landscapes.

Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou

Celebrations continued when the delegation continued to its next destination: mainland China and Hong Kong SAR.

The delegation’s first visit was to Beijing, where more than 160 alumni gathered at the JW Marriott hotel. The delegation, led by Dr Michael Spence AC, also included Professor Geraint Rees; Professor Ibrahim Abubakar; Professor Gail Taylor and Dr Qasim Rafiq.

From Beijing, the delegation travelled on to Hong Kong for a reception at the city’s newest iconic landmark, The Henderson, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Henderson Land Group. Alumni and supporters in attendance heard a moving speech from UCL alumna Cathy Chui Lee (UCL Economics and Business with East European Studies BA 2004) in Cloud 39, The Henderson’s stunning rooftop ballroom.

“Whether it’s your time or financial support, investing in UCL is one of the most valuable, rewarding and life-affirming things you can do. Your return on investment will last forever. And when life takes an unexpected turn, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re surrounded by kind, brilliant, empathetic people.” - Cathy Chui Lee (UCL Economics and Business with East European Studies BA 2004)

The final stop of the trip was Guangzhou for an alumni reception with more than 150 guests. This marked the first time a UCL President & Provost had visited Guangzhou as part of a UCL delegation, and Dr Spence was enthusiastically received.

Asia has long been an integral part of UCL’s global community, with connections dating back to the 1800s. These alumni receptions provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate that longstanding relationship and look towards the future.

Following the trip, Angharad Milenkovic, Vice-President (Advancement), said: “It was fantastic to see so many alumni reunite at last month’s events in Asia and celebrate their shared connection to UCL. Our university is greatly enriched and strengthened by our community of alumni in India, Mainland China and Hong Kong, who showcase the potential of a UCL degree and are some of our most dedicated champions and advocates, helping to ensure UCL remains a world-leading university.”

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Delhi alumni reception (L) and Guangzhou alumni reception (R)

Links

• UCL and India: co-creating innovative solutions to tackle global challenges
• UCL and India
• UCL and China
• Who were UCL's first Chinese students? (Portico magazine)