As 2025 draws to a close, it is a privilege to reflect on a truly remarkable year of connection, collaboration, and impact across the University of Nottingham's Asia Pacific community. From celebrating historic milestones to convening vital conversations on global challenges, our collective journey has been defined by the incredible strength of our network.

Professor Jane Norman and alumni in Hong Kong.

This year was punctuated by significant celebrations and targeted community events that brought our alumni as well as institutional partners, together across the region.

  • 25 Years of Innovation in Malaysia: We joyfully celebrated the 25th anniversary of our Malaysia campus, reflecting on a quarter-century of educational excellence, groundbreaking research, and profound community impact. The celebrations were a heartfelt tribute to every student, alumnus, faculty, and partner who has been part of this incredible journey.
  • Specialised Alumni Gatherings: We deepened connections within our professional networks through focused events. Our alumni in Hong Kong and Singapore participated in exclusive health-focused briefings, while a dedicated law event in Singapore provided valuable insights and networking for our legal community.
  • You can see a gallery of our various events here.

A core theme of 2025 was our role as a convening power, bringing together experts, partners, and philanthropists to translate knowledge into action on pressing global issues.

  • Cancer Research Roundtable (Kuala Lumpur): In July in Kuala Lumpur, we partnered with AVPN for a successful cancer-focused roundtable. This dialogue united researchers, healthcare leaders, and investors to explore collaborative pathways for advancing oncology research and care in the region, exemplifying our commitment to global health challenges. This was moderated by University of Nottingham Malaysia's Professor Shahir Liew.
  • Sustainable Asia Roundtable (Jakarta): Building on this momentum, we partnered with AVPN again to convene senior leaders for the Sustainable Asia Leaders Roundtable. The event, opened by Ibu Atika Nur Rahmania of the Jakarta Provincial Government, featured a pivotal panel on "Mobilising Philanthropy, Investment, and Energy for a Greener Indonesia," expertly moderated by Nottingham's Professor Pat Wheeler.

The final months of 2025 were a vibrant period of re-engagement across six cities, reinforcing our strategic ties and alumni bonds.

  • Hong Kong: We were honoured to host President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Norman, and COO Chris Hunt on their inaugural visit, including a dynamic alumni event at the Hong Kong Football Club.
  • Mainland China: Our team deepened academic and alumni collaborations in Shanghai and Beijing, working closely with UNNC leadership and welcoming Professor David Park, Dean of Nottingham's Business School.
  • Cambodia: We held our inaugural event in Phnom Penh with Professor Lucy Cooker, engaging with inspirational partners at the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and building new connections with the British Embassy.

None of this year’s achievements would have been possible without our foundational spirit of collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude:

  • To our incredible academic colleagues from the UK, China, and Malaysia campuses, whose expertise and partnership are the bedrock of our mission.
  • To external partners like AVPN, for their invaluable role in co-creating platforms for impactful dialogue. Their unwavering support and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global issues have enabled us to build stronger, more impactful connections within the philanthropic, academic, and investment communities.
  • To our Development & Alumni Relations team across the region, and each campus, whose dedication supports our global engagement endeavours.
  • Finally, and most importantly, to you: alumni and donors. Your passion, participation, and support fuel our shared mission to shape a better world.

As we look ahead, we are inspired by the momentum of 2025 and excited for the connections and impact to come.