SINGAPORE – Malaysians with qualifications from the United Kingdom can register with the British Council’s new Alumni UK portal, which aims to be one of the world’s largest global networks for overseas graduates.
Officially launched at the Going Global Asia Pacific 2022 conference in Marina Bay Sands here yesterday morning, Alumni UK is aimed at allowing individuals to grow their professional networks with fellow UK graduates, offering opportunities for potential collaboration on tackling global challenges.
The programme allows all international UK alumni, who have spent at least one term studying at a UK higher education institution – including transnational education and online learning – to be part of the network.
Furthermore, registration for Alumni UK is free, and members would have access to events and training hosted by senior leaders and industry experts at a local, regional, or global level.
By registering in the portal, members can celebrate their mutual connection to the UK and continue to improve their English language skills.
British Council Education director Maddalaine Ansell said that the UK is home to at least half a million international students every year.
“We thought this (portal) would be a fantastic opportunity for them to keep in touch. They have come to the UK to study in our universities, they understand us and often they want to stay connected,” she said during a media briefing on Monday.
“We’re hoping that the platform can provide ongoing training opportunities, career development opportunities, and the opportunities to build global networks or local networks with other alumni from their country who studied in the UK.”
The Alumni UK network was inaugurated by the British high commissioner to Singapore, Karen Owen, at her official residence on Monday.
Also present was British Council East Asia regional director Lucy Watkins, the council’s East Asia regional education director Leighton Ernsberger, and the UK government’s international education champion Sir Steve Smith.
Prominent UK higher education alumni from the Asia-Pacific region were also part of the inauguration on Monday, including ReadAble co-founder Amanda Chong, Oceanswell founder and executive director Asha de Vos, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI) external relations director and Nation Building School co-founder Zaim Mohzani.
Owen, in a press release, noted that more than one in 4 countries in the world has a head of state or of government who was educated in the UK.
“I’m proud to say that UK alumni are among the most employable graduates globally,” she said.
“The launch of the global network is a call for all UK alumni to join us as we build an international community to connect people who have gone through similar university experiences, and who can mentor, support, and empower each other.”
The British Council said since its launch in February this year, some 8,000 international UK higher education alumni have expressed their interest in joining Alumni UK from over 100 countries.
The Alumni UK is also slated to hold an online festival in February 2023, bringing together thousands of members who will be taking part in a series of development events and activities over a two-week period.
Those interested in signing up can register here. – The Vibes, November 30, 2022
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