One North | Vol 21 | May 2024

EMBRACING THE

WILD SIDE

Follow our Alumni on their wild adventures, discovering their balance between conservation and connection with nature.

Inside ONE° NORTH

One°North is published by UWC South East Asia annually for alumni, staff and friends of UWCSEA. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without written consent.

We welcome your feedback; please send comments, suggestions for future issues and/or address updates to alumnimagazine@uwcsea.edu.sg

Editors: Sarah Begum, Rae Omar, Lucie Snape and Tina Tsai

Photography: Janrius Rogers, Joseph Tan, Jules Wainwright and members of the UWCSEA community

Design: Nandita Gupta and Grace Hong

FROM HEAD OF COLLEGE

Nick reflects on the moments that make a difference

FROM YOUR ALUMNI

The team celebrates Siti Aminah on her 15th anniversary at UWCSEA

Find out how our alumni build community through adventure, nature and their encounters with animals

The

Patrick Rouxel ’84

28

UWC CONGRESS 2024

Shaping a new world for education

Celebrate our special alumni moments both on campus and online 17

25

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT’S TOP MOMENTS

19

KICKING OFF THE UK ALUMNI CHAPTER

Check out how much our UK Chapter has grown since its launch in October 2023

21

CRAFTING TOMORROW’S LEARNING

This transformative pilot course is set to shake up the International Baccalaureate

THROWBACK TO REUNIONS

From Malaysia to Mumbai, Alumni gettogethers were full steam ahead in 2023/2024

INSPIRING A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Our alumni continue to leave their mark on the future through the UWCSEA Endowment

27 FROM OUR COMMUNITY TO ANOTHER

Elitumaini Swai ’19 brings us on her path to giving back

31 A GREEN GECKO GOODBYE

Closing the GC after 15 years

33

OUR STUDENTS TAKE ON THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD

Explore different pathways and industries with the UWCSEA Careers Programme

A candid portrait of marine conservationist Naomi Clark-Shen ’09 in her natural element by the coastline of Changi Boardwalk

MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF COLLEGE, NICK ALCHIN

Moments that make a difference

We always welcome a steady stream of alumni visiting the College, and this year it’s been particularly wonderful for me, as I have seen so many folk I taught during my time teaching at UWCSEA all those years ago—often with their own children now!

The faces are always familiar, but it sometimes takes me a minute to place someone. What’s always most striking is the intensity of the memories, and the reflections on the intervening years since graduating. Most of all, it’s special to see eyes light up and to laugh together as we recall teachers and escapades, even difficult ones. The stories are as unique as the individuals, but in almost every case, there are moments that have made a difference. One alumnus, now a 40-year-old senior executive in a real estate company, described how he sees his time at UWCSEA as one of “planting the seeds of why”, and that it took him years to work out the how. That he has now founded a re-afforestation not-for-profit foundation in Mumbai suggests the seeds are flowering. Other alumni have made contact to offer deep-expertise in philanthropy, audit, and capital projects—wanting to bring back their commercial expertise to connect with the College in a different way.

Two other conversations also especially struck me. One was from a student who struggled at school. Now with her own daughter, she has recently been diagnosed as neurodivergent and wrote with a “well that explains it!” message. I was delighted to hear how successful she has been—as one of only three people in her country who has two fellowships in both her areas of medical specialism, she writes that her difficulties “made me determined to succeed.” The other one was a student who mentioned a conversation I

"The things that happen in schools really do make a real difference—we may not always even realise it in the moment, but across a lifetime, the impact can be profound.”

had with him in a mathematics lesson. Honestly, I didn’t recall it—but when he mentioned one of my favourite books and a quote I still recall, it certainly had the ring of truth. And it turns out that this conversation was a significant factor in his choice of career, where he has been very happy and successful.

All this adds up to the great joy, and the great responsibility that schools carry. The things that happen in schools really do make a real difference—we may not always even realise it in the moment, but across a lifetime, the impact can be profound. Meeting our alumni is such a good reminder, and I always leave these meetings with plenty to think about.

Of course, UWCSEA has changed a great deal since these folks were at school—as has Singapore, and the world in general. So we also need to find ways of not only looking backwards, but also looking more widely today, and forward into the future. The past can and really should inform us; but the present and the future are perhaps where our minds are more often focused.

Recent conversations on the Dover Campus lease, which expires in 2030, have turned our eyes firmly to the longterm future of the College. The message from the authorities is clear: they value and support UWCSEA as a key strategic partner in Singapore, a part of its past and also of its future. As a community, we are considering what it means if we stay on Dover Road—and what it means if we move. Even those whose hearts are firmly on Dover Campus (and many of our alumni would count themselves among that group) say that the school is not the buildings or even the location. The school is what happens in the spaces, the relationships that are built between people and the “planting the seeds of why” that happens for our students. It’s another reason that the conversations we have with alumni are so important— they remind us of what schools can be for young people, and that in a world which seems increasingly polarised, schools provide space for important conversations that bring us together. Wherever we are in the world—or in Singapore— our alumni will always hold space for that.

Hello! from your Alumni Team Hello!

The Alumni Relations Team has been bustling with activity this past year organising reunion events in Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Amsterdam, London, and Mumbai. Our community has grown to over 5,000 members on Connect which complements our engagement on social media and bi-monthly alumni newsletters. We’re dedicated to nurturing these connections, constantly seeking fresh opportunities to connect with our alumni network in meaningful ways—both professionally and personally. We couldn’t have done it without you!

In this edition, we’re shining the spotlight on a beloved member of our team—Siti Aminah. Known for her infectious laughter and playful remarks, Siti brings a radiant energy to every interaction and encounter she has.

Former students returning for campus tours are always treated to Siti’s warmth, humour and personal touches, going above and beyond to curate each tour to the alum’s College experience; she makes every campus visit a personalised journey down memory lane, a home away from home.

Whether she’s greeting alumni at reunion events, leading campus tours, or swiftly locating misplaced High School transcripts (her special talent), Siti is truly a OneNorth star for both our wonderful alumni and her fabulous colleagues and friends at the College. Her unwavering commitment to the College has been nothing short of inspiring and we’re so proud to be a part of her 15th year at UWCSEA!

To our alumni, whether you have a cherished memory to share, an expression of gratitude, or simply want to send a warm ‘hello’ from across the world, she would be so delighted to hear from you. Please join us in making this celebration as fabulous and unforgettable as Siti herself! Please send your congratulatory message to Siti via alumni@uwcsea.edu.sg.

Everything was perfect. We had a great time and Siti was just the perfect host. She was so jolly in her approach and happily showed us around the whole campus with far more energy than us! She was able to share all the changes that have happened since I graduated which is plenty. Icing on the cake was her great photography skills.

Shajir Ahmed ’05, Campus Tour visitor

As a member of the Student Alumni Council from Grades 10–12, I had the opportunity to work closely with Siti. Part of the Council’s duties was to assist the Alumni Team in their events and in my three years there, I learned a great deal about how to successfully run a smooth event. Siti’s meticulous planning and organisational skills with the Council were key to a well-executed event. In addition, Siti was always open to hearing our opinions and encouraging us to come up with new ideas. I also appreciated how Siti puts effort into working as a ‘team’ and her energy added a positive atmosphere to the Council.

Mayu Kawada ’19, former Student Alumni

Council

member

unforgettable woma

years of service and Milestone Reunions

campus tours

AminahSiti

Alumni Relations Officer

Siti has devoted the majority of her 15 years with UWCSEA to the Alumni Relations Team. I was lucky enough to have had the immense pleasure of working with Siti for many of those years, and I look back on our time together with great fondness. What a joy it is to know and to work with Siti—her perpetual positivity, the pride she takes in her work, and her constant desire for personal growth. She is truly inspirational! Siti takes great delight in delving into new experiences and taking on challenges with her constant, contagious smile. She has an unmatched ‘spark’ that makes her a fabulous colleague, travel companion and most importantly, friend. Congratulations to you, Siti, for all of your years helping to keep people connected. May you never lose your spark!.

Brenda

Whately, former UWCSEA Director of Alumni Relations

EMBRACING THE WILD SIDE SIDE

Find out how our alumni are building community through adventure, nature and their encounters with animals.

Pack along only your essentials—your heart, your memories of UWCSEA, and your sense of community— as Naomi, Ben, and Patrick lead and inspire us with their tales of adventure. From their memories of Project Week to their ongoing efforts to preserve nature’s wonders, discover their deep-rooted bond with the water, wildlife and the ways of the jungle.

NAOMI CLARK-SHEN ’09

BEN HOWITT ’11

PATRICK ROUXEL ’84

VOICES FROM BELOW THE

SEA

What started out as a love for nature, has evolved into a commitment to protecting the world beneath the waters

Dive into the world of marine conservation with Naomi Clark-Shen ’09, the Ocean-Climate Programme Lead at Rumah Foundation. Naomi is on a mission to make a difference, developing a grant programme to support local communities throughout Southeast Asia in protecting their oceans. But her passion for marine conservation doesn’t stop there—she’s also an independent shark and ray researcher, exploring the watery depths to protect our oceans’ most fascinating creatures.

I’ve always loved animals and nature; I adopted my first rescue cat at age 5, turned vegetarian at age 11, and got my scuba diving licence at age 17. So it was no surprise when after graduating from UWCSEA in 2009, I went on to study Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter for my Undergraduate degree and then majored in Marine Science at Plymouth University for my Master’s degree.

After graduating from university, and following one year of working in the UK, I returned to Singapore to continue my marine conservation journey. Together with a friend, I set up an independent project to survey Singapore’s fishery ports for sharks and rays. This project was supported by National Geographic and the conservation division of the Singapore Zoo. We found that many species of sharks and rays which were being imported to Singapore for local consumption were poorly known and thus neglected by conservation.

Standing up for the little fish

This project inspired me to start my PhD at James Cook University in Singapore where I got to study the smaller, often forgotten sharks and stingrays accidentally caught by fisheries in Southeast Asia. I analyse their genetics to understand population interactions; decipher their breeding patterns to understand how often they give birth (and thus how quickly they can rebound from fishing exploitation); and look at their diet to see which of their prey also needs protection to ensure they have sufficient food. I also interview traders to learn about fisheries, markets and to discuss policy measures that could explore sustainable fishing practices to safeguard these vulnerable species.

NAOMI PICTURED HERE WITH HER HUSBAND AND FELLOW ALUM, MIKE SHEN ’09, WITH THEIR RESCUE DOGS, RUPERT AND

Outside of my academic pursuits, I actively advocate for animal welfare through my volunteer work on the board of a local welfare group, ACRES (Animal Concerns, Research and Education Society). My work with ACRES has been incredibly fulfilling and, I get to play my part by helping with wildlife rescues and contributing to campaigns that promote cruelty-free living.

On a more personal level, I’ve opened my home to foster and adopt numerous animals over the years, ranging from fish and hamsters, to rabbits and dogs. Whether it be advocating for plant-based diets or actively supporting products that are not tested on animals, I’m fully committed to making a difference in the lives of all creatures, great and small.

NAOMI PICTURED WITH A SHARK THAT WAS KILLED BY A FISHERY, AND WAS THEN PASSED TO HER TO DISSECT FOR RESEARCH.

DR ANDREW CHIN ’93 IS ALSO A FELLOW ALUM, AND IS NAOMI’S PHD SUPERVISOR AND A RESPECTED SHARK RESEARCHER. THEIR SHARED UWCSEA CONNECTION HAS BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER AT JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY’S FISH AND FISHERIES LAB. DR CHIN’S RESEARCH SPANS LOCATIONS LIKE VANUATU, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, SEYCHELLES, AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IN AUSTRALIA.

From UWCSEA to the great outdoors

In 2017, while working with The Dorsal Effect in Lombok, Indonesia, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a group of UWCSEA students who was there for their Project Week. This social enterprise aims to provide shark fishermen with alternative livelihoods by training them as snorkel guides for tourists. During our time together, we conducted underwater coral surveys and visited areas where sharks were still being caught. It was a rewarding experience to engage with these students and share insights into the complexities of conservation, given their keen interest in the field.

There is no question that my time at UWCSEA shaped me into the person that I am today. From adventurous field trips where I explored the great outdoors and discovered my desire to protect it, like snorkelling in Tioman and kayaking in Borneo, to my Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) assessment on the ethics of shark-fin soup, UWCSEA has always supported me in pursuing my interests; encouraging me to stay true to myself while making a positive impact on others.

I’ve seen the incredible efforts already underway at UWCSEA campuses, and I’m hopeful that more graduates will step into the area of conservation and animal welfare in the future! Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit seaweed farms in the Philippines and Lombok, explore mangrove forests in Phuket and Krabi, and observe a marine protected area in Timor-Leste. It’s incredibly fulfilling to support regional conservationists as they strive to make a difference. I firmly believe that together, we can make a significant impact in the safeguarding of our environment, our habitats, and our animals.

A view from

BEHIND THE LENS

Wildlife conservation on the big screen

When the wilderness calls, Patrick Rouxel ’84 answers. A familiar face to many students at UWCSEA throughout the years, Patrick’s captivating films on endangered animals have kept all eyes glued to the screen. His documentary films always evoke collective gasps of wonder and nods of empathy in any room.

Patrick reflects on a decade with sun bears and a future for elephants

Collaborating with local sanctuaries, we’ve transformed the lives of over 100 sun bears, providing them with a chance to thrive in natural habitats. While our primary mission is to improve the lives of captive sun bears in Indonesia, we also extend support to other animals in need and advocate for animal welfare and environmental conservation.

Last year, I had the chance to spend time with a mother elephant and her baby in a sanctuary in Laos, and the connection struck me, it’s the same feeling that led me to advocate for sun bears 13 years ago. In December 2023, I began a fundraising campaign to raise USD 90,000 to rescue Boua from being sold to the tourism industry, and after five months of outreach and sharing her story, we succeeded in our goal of giving Boua the life of freedom she deserves.

in the rainforest. It was magical. I was in awe and I loved it.

I even pursued the thrill further by following a path on my own, far into the forest up to an abandoned camp, where I spent the night by myself. Surrounded by the sounds of the forest at night, it felt so strange and foreign to my 17-year-old self. At sunrise, I was greeted by beautiful monkeys and felt it was such an authentic moment to share the wild with them. What may have been ordinary for them opened up a whole new world for me.

I remember how I found a way to translate my passion for wildlife, and it was when I was working on my “Extended Essay” as part of my IB. I chose to write a play and direct it with fellow students playing the different characters. In that exercise, I discovered creative writing, how to direct actors and how it all came together in the end in front of an audience. I realise now that I was very lucky to have the support of the College to allow this to happen.

For the past decade, Patrick has poured his heart and soul into his nonprofit organisation, Sun Bear Outreach (SBO), dedicated to advocating for the welfare of captive sun bears in Indonesia. Patrick’s passion and commitment shine through in his annual visits to UWCSEA during which he shares updates with student groups such as Global Concern group, Promoting Animal Welfare (PAW). The UWCSEA community’s generosity in donating to groups such as PAW has directly helped the critical work being done by Patrick and his team with Sun Bear Outreach.

During Patrick’s recent visit to campus in March, he shared a short video about an elephant called ‘Boua’ which means ‘lotus’ in Lao, and our audience had the chance to ask him questions about Boua as well as his continued passion for saving Indonesia’s sun bears.

My world now embraces both sun bears and elephants, and I’m confident that my future endeavours will always reflect my passion for these magnificent creatures.

From UWCSEA to the forests of Southeast Asia

I remember my expedition for Project Week in 1983, I travelled alone to Sabah, Malaysia, where I visited an orangutan sanctuary. Together with the local staff, I went to a part of the forest where orangutans had been released but were given supplementary food. Once the fruit we had brought had been placed on a platform, we called out the names of the orangutans and they came from all directions, slowly moving from branch to branch in the canopy down to the platform where they helped themselves to the food. It was the first time that I saw orangutans

Having that support and space to grow my passion has stuck with me 40 years later, now both the wildlife of the rainforest and my creative work in filmmaking have emerged as the two primary driving forces in my life. What started as seedlings discovered at UWCSEA when I was just 17 have grown into sturdy trees that anchor me today, enabling me to strike a balance between action and creativity. I will forever be grateful to UWCSEA.

Patrick will be reunited with his classmates at Reunion 2024 taking place in Singapore this August. Alumni from the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2014 will be celebrating their milestone anniversaries through a series of events over Reunion Weekend!

You can visit saveboua.com to learn more about the elephant!

CONSERVATION ON THE COASTLINES OF Galápagos

This vet's animal instincts take him around the world

We recently caught up with Ben Howitt ’11, a veterinarian who in January 2022, launched the Galápagos Animal Doctors (GAD) Programme in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos!

Ben first developed his own foundation, Pan Animalia before launching GAD, a clinical programme that provides expert care to domestic animals while facilitating community engagement on sterilisation and conservation on the Galápagos Islands. This is a joint venture between Pan Animalia and the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), a UK-based charity, where he currently serves as the Director of their South America wing. He currently oversees six Ecuadorean vets employed across three projects based in the Galápagos, Quito and the high Andes regions.

Ben’s experiences have deepened his understanding of animals and their connection with humans, motivating him to advocate for animal welfare in local communities. “This career path felt like the perfect fit for me, combining both my passions; to work hands-on with animals while also being a part of the medical field, which has always intrigued me.”

Catching up on campus

Ben made a pit stop at UWCSEA after recently completing a significant veterinary project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as a field manager with Mission Rabies, whose goal is to eliminate rabies from all the endemic areas of the world. They mobilised 560 people in 120 teams over 10 days in a massive doorto-door outreach exercise, resulting in the vaccination of 75,000 dogs against rabies. While his current focus is on South America and the UK, Ben engages in global projects as needed. He partners with exceptional veterinarians to lead initiatives in Nepal, India, Cambodia and Bolivia, aiming to elevate standards of animal welfare.

Ben also shared how he jumped at the opportunity to lead a centre in the Galápagos Islands—fresh off veterinary school and having undergone three years of fieldwork—only to run into a language barrier almost immediately.

“All the clientele only speak Spanish, so I had to quickly brush up on my Spanish from school and take crash lessons! The years of Spanish lessons with Ms Esperanza Gutierrez and other teachers at UWCSEA really paid off.”

Working in the Galápagos exposed Ben to the challenges small communities face when accessing veterinary medicine. To him, it’s vital for projects to be run by

people who know these spaces well, as it helps to find solutions that address animal welfare issues while also embracing the nuances of each community.

“We now have a site in the centre of Puerto Ayora in the town of Santa Cruz that hosts a veterinary programme with volunteers and students coming out and training with our team as well as providing sterilisation and consultation capacities for the local population. We see lots of dogs and cats but we plan on expanding to vaccines, horses and livestock by the end of the year.”

Looking back on his journey in the veterinary field, Ben shared that he was riddled with uncertainty when he was setting up a clinic from scratch at the age of 28 but remains grateful for the experience and to everyone who helped. He reflected on the valuable life skills he picked up during Project Week at UWCSEA, which continue to influence his daily life. Taking on the responsibility to plan and execute a trip at a young age expanded his perspective and instilled confidence in navigating the world and challenges in life.

To anyone passionate about the veterinary field, Ben had this to share:

“You don’t need to do it alone and failure is not a reflection of you. Find support in the people who share your passion or are in the same background as you are.

Take care of your mental health and it’s so critical to take the pressure off your shoulders when you need to. You can achieve just as much if not more, with more people in your corner.”

Raising funds in a Rickshaw Run

Never one to stay still, Ben recently took on the Rickshaw Run in Northeast India for the second time to raise funds for Mission Rabies and Cool Earth, a charity that supports rainforest protection and climate action. Together with his father, in a Tuk Tuk, he raced across a total distance of 1,800km in 12 days. From traversing mountains and jungles to tackling challenging roads and river crossings, their journey took them through the diverse landscape of Assam and into the Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh. Despite the dusty lowlands of the Brahmaputra river and the thick fog of the mountains, the rickshaw held up admirably, ensuring they reached the finish line in one piece.

One thing we know about Ben is his adventurous side, and in true style, his passion for animals will bring him around the world and back to us to share his stories. We can’t wait to see where he goes next! If you’d like to reach out to Ben to get involved, offer support, or seek mentorship, you can contact him through UWCSEA Connect. Check out his Instagram page @bovhowitt for updates on all his exciting projects!

MOMENTS today, MEMORIES

tomorrow

The traditions continue on both Dover and East campuses

Change may be the only constant but for many of our alumni, signature events like Graduation, SEASAC, UN Night and CultuRama have stayed true to their essence over the years, holding a special place in their most cherished UWCSEA memories. Nothing beats the feeling of being able to create, compete and celebrate together, along with staff, families and other members of our College community. Relive these iconic moments from this past year.

WORDS OF WISDOM TO OUR CLASS OF 2023

Graduation for our Class of 2023 was a memorable and emotional one! Our UWCSEA community united in joyous celebration, honouring our graduates as they embarked on their transformative paths as individuals and young alumni.

“No matter how this world feels, acts, and acts out, amidst all of the noise and grabbing for our attention sits our distinct, unbreakable and irreplaceable humanness … your humanness will be challenged many times, by intellectualism, by all kinds of intelligence, formulas and versions of life that seem successful, by a digital speed that you were born into. So hold your humanness close, because it is alive, awake, and the force that saturates the sweet experience of living. I hope you never give this up.”

Anita Kapoor ’89 Alumni Graduation Speaker

GAME ON!

The SEASAC Championships were in full swing this school year. Dover Phoenix and East Dragons represented UWCSEA in various sporting events across Singapore and the region. Our students were dedicated, training hard and demonstrating the elements of good sportsmanship through their confidence, resilience, humility and determination. Go Phoenix! Go Dragons! Go UWCSEA!

“Thanks for the amazing season, I couldn’t have asked for a better last one.”

Harry Xu ’23, Boys’ Badminton, Dover Campus

“Mistakes are inevitable, but being part of a team that both forgives you and pushes you to be better is one of the greatest privileges I’ve had during my time at UWCSEA.”

Lila Salaria ’23, Girls’ Volleyball, East Campus

Guess what? The UWCSEA Phoenix spirit lives beyond the Singapore borders! A group of UK alumni have formed a football team, and Alexander Smit ’14 arranged a batch of UWCSEA kits so that they could, quite literally, wear their alma mater proudly on their chests during games. What a great way to represent UWCSEA from across the world!

FROM CULTURE TO CHOREO WITH UN NIGHT AND CULTURAMA

When ticket sales for United Nations (UN) Night and CultuRama open, snagging tickets is always a mad rush for anyone who’s ever wished to attend. Ask any of our lucky showgoers about their experience, and they’ll gush about the mind-blowing extravaganza on stage, with student-led performances representing the many countries that make up our UWCSEA community. These annual celebrations are more than just a showcase of spectacular student talent, they also highlight our community’s dedication to embracing diversity and creating a sense of belonging for all.

Embracing our community

“Being part of this richly diverse community presents us with the opportunity to explore, exchange and engage with cultural ideas from around the globe. With UN Night and CultuRama, the world truly is our stage, where our backgrounds and identities cross paths. Here, we get to dive into a melting pot of cultural ideas, exchanging and engaging with one another to bring our diversity to life through dance. Once the curtains close, these experiences don’t just entertain; they empower, enlighten, and leave us with a sense of unity and respect for one another that lasts far beyond the applause.

Mohamed Abeid ’24, CultuRama Tanzanian Dance Cultural Ambassador, East Campus and Soktheara, Grade 11, UN Night Cambodian Dance Cultural Ambassador, Dover Campus

Find your way into the fantasy world with Karma of the Sun by debut novelist, Brandon Boey ’96. After a 10-year journey of writing, looking for an agent, and going on submissions for a book deal, Brandon’s relentless pursuit of his creative vision paid off when Karma of the Sun was released in 2023 to rave reviews. His journey began as a hobby while studying Economics at NYU and continued through his career in investment banking.

Banker by day, writer by night

“My time in Singapore as a UWCSEA boarding student contributed greatly to my sense of imagination and my development as a writer.

Growing up and moving frequently, constantly meeting new people, and learning new cultures, helped me see the world in a deep and unusual way that I felt like I could only unpack by putting it down on paper where I could make sense of it all.”

They found love in Tampines House

Introducing South Australia’s 2024 ‘Australian of the Year’, Tim Jarvis ’84! From supporting conservation charities like Fauna & Flora, Koala Life and Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, to his involvement in South Australia’s Forktree Project, his passion for mitigating climate change and preventing loss of biodiversity is truly exceptional.

“We can’t live without biodiversity. I think that even if an individual doesn’t necessarily value the importance of one plant or animal species over another, we all need to acknowledge that our survival depends on protecting and restoring biodiversity.”

Explorer and environmental scientist wins award

Congratulations to Karina Thakrar ’16 and Vedant Gupta ’16 on their recent engagement right where they first met—at Tampines House on East Campus!

“Our story started right there, on the 14th floor so it was almost perfect to seal the deal there as well. I don’t think anywhere in the world would match up to the beautiful moment we shared at Tampines House. To think, two kids from Mumbai found their soulmates in High School in Singapore—that’s fate!”

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT’S TOP MOMENTS

With so many special moments to celebrate with our alumni this past year, let’s take a look at these standout highlights we’ve handpicked based on all the buzz they garnered both on campus and online!

A new mystery series in the making

It was an honour to welcome the legendary Anthony and Thea Skillicorn back to UWCSEA. Having been at the College from 1987 to 2013, the Skillicorns caught up with former colleagues and checked out the campus while learning more about our annual Focus Week.

Many of our alumni will remember ‘Skilly’, as he was affectionately known, over his 26 years at the College. He held various roles including Head of Senior House, Head of Grade and Head of Global Concerns at Dover Campus before leading the Service Programme on East Campus. Alumni boarders will fondly recall Thea and her passion for teaching German as well as being part of the Global Concerns projects and Initiative for Peace. Check out our Facebook to see all the nice things our alumni had to say!

The Skillicorns return to Dover Road

“What lies in the shadows of college walls? Criminals and felons, say the bells of St Clement’s.”

Susan (Sue) Grossey ’84 introduces her latest in her five-part Cambridge Hardiman Mysteries series with Ostler, narrated by University Constable Gregory Hardiman. Known for her acclaimed Constable Sam Plank series, Sue’s spark for historical crime fiction shines in this Cambridgebased narrative. Stay tuned for the release of the series’ second instalment in November 2024!

Never underestimate the potential lurking behind an ordinary paper plane! Lee Seunghoon ’10 has built his career around his passion for aviation and turned it into a professional art form. He’s travelled all over South Korea and to UWCSEA, inspiring thousands with his performances and lectures on the art of folding paper planes. Whether they’re fast, gravity-defying or have the mesmerising ability to spin, his paper planes can inspire enthusiasts of all ages to pick up the art form of paper folding.

We invited Seunghoon to Singapore where he shared the art and science behind folding paper planes with Grade 2 students at East Campus and student members of the Physics Society at Dover Campus. He also went on a campus tour and said hello to his former teacher, Martin Lyon!

The lasting impact of an educator

Naomi Schulberg ’19 was selected as a Merrill Presidential Scholar when she graduated from Cornell University. The award goes to the highest academic performers in the graduating class who show a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

As part of the scholarship requirements, students must invite a current Cornell professor or a High School teacher who has had a significant influence on their educational journey to their convocation. Naomi chose to invite Nathan Hunt, former UWCSEA Director of Sustainability, with whom she collaborated for all four years of High School on projects like the Rainforest Restoration Project and LEAF GC, contributing greatly to environmental initiatives on Dover Campus.

What’s next for Naomi? She’s caught the research bug and will be headed to the University of Minnesota to study a PhD in Dendrochronology (say that three times fast!), to research how trees respond to climate change.

Flying high on a paper plane

“The castle and grounds blew us away, even when viewed in the grey and rainy Welsh weather. The team at UWC Atlantic made us feel very welcome and appreciated. Students who participated in the careers sessions were all engaged, and enthusiastic and had some truly inspiring stories. I was most impressed by those who had clear intent and purpose to return to their home countries to serve and grow their communities. Overall, I thought the day was a success and I would very much welcome the opportunity to return and deliver this again.”

Chan Ning Lee ’09

KICKING OFF THE

UK CHAPTER

2,579 UWC ATLANTIC

Our UK Chapter has grown since its launch in October 2023! We now have 200 members spanning 10 industries. Shout out to Ahana Banerjee ’17 and Lee Chan Ning ’09 for their unwavering dedication; their efforts have made the UK Chapter a reality and we are truly grateful. To all our alumni working or studying in the UK, you can now network with other UK-based alumni by exploring the “Groups” tab on our Connect platform.

and

A first of many kinds!

In February 2024, a group of UWCSEA alumni from our UK Chapter kickstarted their first-ever cross-campus collaboration between UWCSEA and UWC Atlantic! Six alumni made a day trip to UWC Atlantic in Wales and another three virtually, met with UWC Atlantic alumni to share experiences about working in different industries and how they continue to live out the UWC Mission in their chosen fields.

This remarkable experience not only facilitated the exchange of insights and ideas, but also forged lasting friendships in the UWC network for our UWCSEA alumni. Special thanks to Kelly Mullally ’16, the UWC Atlantic Alumni lead, for spearheading this significant event and subsequently setting the tone for ideas and knowledge exchange between UWC alumni globally.

Did you know?

UWCSEA and UWC Atlantic are the only two UWC colleges worldwide to be partnering with the IBDP on a world-first IBDP pilot course. At UWCSEA this innovative new course is titled: Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change and you can read all about it in the next article!

“I was very excited to facilitate this crosscampus collaboration! As a UWCSEA alum and a current staff member at UWC Atlantic, I know how inspiring our students and alumni from both schools can be and how they all leave UWC as changemakers. Our UWC Atlantic students had the opportunity to speak with alumni from their own campus and UWCSEA to hear about what it’s like to work in different industries. It was also a great way to inspire them to live the Mission in both big and small ways once they graduate. We are all excited for the future opportunities to engage with the UWC alumni community again!”

Kelly Mullally

’16

Scan the QR code to know more about our UK Chapter.

“Most of us National Committee scholars arrive as idealistic students, believing in the UWC Mission and with many big ideas about how to make a change. I am still that same idealistic person, but as I get older I have embraced that change and idealism must be paired with pragmatic thinking and practical solutions to make a lasting impact.”

The transformative pilot course set to shake up the International Baccalaureate

CRAFTING TOMORROW’S LEARNING

What is ‘Systems Transformation’? It sounds confusing!

Choosing subjects at school can be confusing. Students must navigate a range of seemingly conflicting interests and priorities, and parents and teachers who care deeply will want to help. As the Systems Transformation course is a new addition to this mix, I want to take this opportunity to explain how the course has been designed and why we are choosing to do this work now.

We considered the skill set students might need to learn that would be relevant 30 years from now and transferable to a range of professions. Following extensive

research, discussion with universities, and consultation with industry experts, we arrived at five main areas of focus:

• Project Management

• Systems Thinking

• Design Thinking

• Leading for Positive Change

• Changemaker Mindset

All of these areas can be studied in university or beyond, they are associated with specific careers in their own right, and we believe they are inherently useful, agile and essential for the future.

I’m excited about our new course as it combines ambitious ideas for global

My name is Eivind Lodemel ’01, and I am the current Head of High School Music at UWCSEA East. As one of the two course designers, I am really excited to be working alongside a wider steering committee, on the new International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) pilot course titled IB Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change.

For me, being part of this work is an accumulation of many years with the UWC Movement. I first came to UWCSEA as a National Committee scholar from Norway in 1999. I graduated in the Class of 2001 and came back to teach Music at the East Campus in 2012. I have been part of the UWCSEA community for close to 25 years and so the journey of studying at UWCSEA is one that I am familiar with.

I came back to UWCSEA because of the sense of purpose that underpins all our work here. It is this purpose that has also led us to partner with the IB to create the new and innovative Systems Transformation course. Starting in August 2024, two Grade 11 classes on each of our campuses will embark on this course.

Through this great opportunity, our students will pursue an IB Diploma with greater agency and adaptability while also learning essential skills for their future. The course is part of a shift in the whole IB Diploma worldwide, towards a more flexible model with more real-world learning and student agency. We are so lucky to be in a school with the innovative capacity and connections to the IB that ensure our students have the resources for the most relevant and forward-thinking education possible.

change with practical tools, preparing students with transferable skills to drive positive change in any field or workplace.

Why are we doing this?

The world is calling for education to change. Wherever you look, someone is discussing outdated models of education; how much technology is going to change how we learn; and the need for more personalised approaches. Aligned with the commitments of Curiosity and Exploration as well as Immersive Learning in our UWCSEA Strategy, this new course elevates UWCSEA’s uniqueness in the world of education and our commitment

to innovative education as we move towards an uncertain future. Recognised by the IB, UWCSEA and UWC Atlantic (along with two other schools in Canada) have been selected to design the pilot for this Systems Transformation course. With our agility, expertise and long-standing relationship with the IB, this allows us to play a pivotal role as both instigators and partners in the innovation they seek.

The power of our community

We are now undertaking an extensive and exciting challenge—writing example projects that can be used in the teaching of our Systems Transformation course.

We hosted a series of collaborative workshops involving alumni, parents, students and all members of our community in November and December 2023 to seed powerful project ideas for our innovative IB pilot course. We look forward to shaping the future of IB learning together.

Scan the QR code to find out how we’re innovating with the IB.

IB WORKING GROUP HELD A PLANNING SESSION WITH JENNY GILLET FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ON SYSTEMS

TRANSFORMATION: LEADERSHIP FOR CHANGE.

Throwback to Reunions

Sydney, 11 May 2023

Brian Green in Melbourne, 12 May 2023

Hong Kong, 5 May 2023

Julie Martens in Kuala Lumpur, 25 May 2023

From Malaysia to Mumbai, Alumni gettogethers were full steam ahead in 2023/2024!

With social distancing restrictions well and truly behind us in 2023, the Alumni Team launched head-first into hosting a full calendar of alumni events in Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Amsterdam, London, and Mumbai!

Our alumni have always been delighted to reunite with their former teachers, and we were thrilled to bring along some very special guests—Brian Green, a legendary staff member who taught Outdoor Education at the College from 1971 to 1997, took the spotlight at the Melbourne gathering, while Julie Martens

Amsterdam, 4 October 2023

Holiday Alumni Reunion, 21 December 2023

(aka Ms Kelly), Teacher of Middle and High School Physical Education, hosted a warm and cosy dinner in Kuala Lumpur.

The annual UWCSEA Milestone Reunion has evolved into a highly anticipated and iconic event, where our alumni can reconnect and reminisce about their memorable experiences at UWCSEA.

The most recent Milestone Reunion in August 2023 was no exception, with more than 200 alumni, family, friends and staff attending from 31 different countries, some making the journey from South America, the United States of America, Europe and the Middle East.

London, 6 October 2023

INSPIRING A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

UWCSEA FOUNDATION

Our alumni at UWCSEA play a crucial role in our history, our present, and in steering the future of education at the College. They’re the driving force behind endless possibilities for the students who will walk through our doors for generations to come.

One way that alumni leave their mark on the future is through their annual donations and contributions to the UWCSEA Endowment. These donations support key priorities aligned with our Mission, which include scholarships, sustainability efforts and innovative teaching and learning initiatives.

Robert and Lizanne Milton (’78 and ’83) and Fredrik Fosse ’03, are some of the generous alumni who have established their own endowments to support student scholarships. We hope their stories will inspire other alumni to give back to UWCSEA in their own meaningful ways.

“The education, experiences and friendships we both had and made at UWCSEA changed the way we view and interact with the world, and have stayed with us our entire lives. The opportunity to provide a similar experience to young students who can benefit deeply from a UWC education is important to us. If our story can inspire other alumni to also give, we are grateful.”

Lizanne

Milton ’83

To find out more about endowment giving, including a new Alumni Community Endowment Fund that will provide UWCSEA with long-term financial stability and support scholarships for extraordinary students far into the future, contact foundation@uwcsea.edu.sg.

Fredrik Fosse ’03: Sharing the UWC Dream

As a scholar alumnus from Norway, Fredrik has experienced firsthand the opportunities that a UWC education can provide to students. In addition to continuing to invest in his endowment over time, Fredrik committed to a full UWCSEA scholarship which was awarded to a Zambian student who joined us in August 2023.

Lizanne and Robert A. Milton: UWCSEA’s Inaugural Scholarship Endowment Fund

In 2010, Robert and Lizanne Milton established UWCSEA’s first scholarship endowment. Every two years, their generous endowment supports one student’s education at UWCSEA. To date, the endowment has benefitted seven scholars, with its positive impact set to continue into the future.

AND LIZANNE WITH SOME OF THE SCHOLARS THEY HAVE SUPPORTED, GATHERED AT THEIR HOME DURING THANKSGIVING 2021.

“As a scholar myself 20 years ago, I’ll be forever grateful for the UWC experience. I did not just receive a first-class education, but also learnt how to meaningfully connect with people from all over the world and gained the confidence to share and grow my own story and contributions along the way. These skills and qualities remain critical to my success today, and I feel passionately that others should have access to the same opportunity for transformative education—hence I am proud to give back to the Scholarship Programme.”

Fredrik

Fosse ’03

ROBERT

SCHOLARS FROM THE CLASS OF 2025. ONE OF THE SCHOLARS, JEFF FROM ZAMBIA, IS SUPPORTED BY FREDRIK FOSSE.

From our community to another

A path to giving back

In 2017, 17-year-old Elitumaini (Eli) Swai arrived in Singapore as a UWC National Committee scholar from Tanzania. Picture a spirited young Eli in Service activities like MINDS and Focus Africa Global Concerns and her active involvement in Initiative for Peace (IfP) Cambodia and CultuRama. She was always passionate about bringing people together—showcasing her potential as a future community leader in Tanzania.

After completing her IB at UWCSEA, Eli received a scholarship to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the US, pursuing Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Management, blending her passion for business and engineering. Committed to sustainability, she led clubs like the African Student Association and served as a Sustainability Intern at WPI.

Eli’s research focuses on climate resilience planning in Australia and clean energy solutions in the US, reflecting UWCSEA’s values of thinking globally and acting locally to make the world a better place.

“Coming to UWCSEA, I got the opportunity to do a lot of things which included growing academically, taking part in Service, leadership roles, studentled projects, travelling around East Asia, seeking new challenges and nurturing existing ones. I see UWCSEA as a place that makes ordinary people capable of doing extraordinary things.”

Throughout her experience at UWCSEA, one thing that stood out to Eli was the invaluable support of her teachers and Boarding Houseparents, with guidance and resources always readily available. Inspired by their support, she began piecing together her ideas of learning experiences she envisioned for the younger generation back home, and what she could do to make that possible.

She founded Sayansi Ambassadors in 2021 to bring hands-on learning to public primary schools in her hometown of Moshi, Tanzania. Supported by grants from The Davis Projects

for Peace and Women’s Impact Network, Sayansi Ambassadors expanded its reach across Tanzania, offering STEM education to more districts. Their approach focuses on community-centered learning, collaborative efforts and mentorship, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a promising future.

“I learned that there are uncultivated STEM talents from underserved communities, which if channelled into the right direction with the right resources and mentorship, would spark an industrial revolution for Tanzania.”

Their seasonal outreach workshops offer international service opportunities to university students passionate about supporting communities through a hands-on STEM education, and mentoring primary school students. These young students then gain practical insight into STEM subjects, understanding science’s relevance in the potential of addressing their local community needs.

As Eli carries on her journey with Sayansi Ambassadors, her heart is set on empowering young girls in STEM and improving educational opportunities in underserved Tanzanian communities. Eli continues to inspire us all with her vision: a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to receive a quality education and follow their dreams. Follow the work Eli does on Sayansi Ambassadors through their Instagram page @sayansi_ambassadors

ELI PICTURED WITH KIDS FROM THE SAME PRIMARY SCHOOL SHE USED TO ATTEND— COMING ONE FULL CIRCLE IN A SAYANSI AMBASSADORS OUTREACH SESSION.

UWC

Shaping a new world for education CONGRESS 2024

Turning dreams into possibilities

How will UWC help to shape the future of education amidst the backdrop of rapid global change?

Taking place once every six years, the UWC International Congress 2024, was held from 29 February to 2 March 2024, in Phuket, Thailand. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the UWC Movement. As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations, this Congress played host to educational and governance leaders, partners, supporters, and representatives from the UWC global community and was the first of its kind to be held in a hybrid format.

The theme of the conference was ‘Education as a Force’, which was unpacked and explored through a series of keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops and impact talks. Speakers and guests explored their ideas for the future of education and how UWC can work to re-align educational models and meet the everchanging needs of our time.

Among the keynote speakers was Nadiem Makarim ’02, UWCSEA alumnus and Indonesia’s Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. Nadiem opened the Congress in an onstage interview with Danlan Xu, a UWC Thailand student from China. The topic was ‘Education as a Force: A Timeless Mission for Complex Times’ and Nadiem addressed the need for education to adapt in the face of today’s unprecedented convergence of political, social, economic and ecological instability referred to as a state of “polycrisis”. He spoke about how collectively, we can amplify UWC’s Mission through revised educational models and innovative strategies to better prepare our students for the global challenges both now and in the future.

“My experience at UWCSEA offered me a unique perspective on leadership and prepared me for solving complex challenges at government levels. Those four years as a boarder were undoubtedly the best years of education I’ve received, fostering independence as a boarder and nurturing my social and emotional wellbeing alongside peers facing similar situations. The values instilled in me by UWCSEA led me down a path towards leading educational reform in Indonesia. Through hands-on experiences in my favourite subject, IB Theatre Arts (Higher Level), I developed confidence, public speaking skills, collaboration and a sense of accountability.”

My advice to all UWC alumni out there is to spread UWC’s Mission and Values to local educational systems, as beacons for change. As a UWCSEA alumnus and former boarder, continuing that mission has its own challenges but it’s hugely satisfying. Take the chance to make a change for the people around you and share your privilege of being part of the UWC Movement. And my advice to young people is to listen to their hearts, it doesn’t go wrong very often. Embrace failure as a pathway to success, growth cannot happen without taking risks.”

Follow Joe Zhou ’22, a UWCSEA alumnus and former boarder, as he shares his four-day journey at UWC Congress 2024, where young alumni like him are spreading the UWC Mission worldwide, inspiring change for the next generation.

DAY 1

I’m Joe and I’m a passionate advocate for the UWC Movement, having undergone a transformative education during my time at UWCSEA.

Attending the Congress was an eye-opening experience, I got to engage with UWC representatives from around the world, exchange perspectives and participate in discussions about how we can improve education to better prepare our students for future complexities.

Shaping a path into the future

What small steps can we as a community take to drive change?

In his closing remarks, Faith reflected on the diverse range of ideas and initiatives shared throughout the congress. Faith encouraged us to dream big while reminding us of the importance of taking action. “Transformation is a journey of perseverance and unity, and there is no better way to embark on this journey than by recognising the significance of each individual’s contribution to the broader success of the movement.”

With our student changemakers, alumni worldwide, and the rest of our UWC community leading the way, we look forward to where our UWC Movement takes us in the next six years and beyond!

DAY 2-3

DAY 4

Meeting our special guests, Faith and Nadiem

Arriving at UWC Thailand and meeting other UWC Congress go-ers!

The first day kicked off with a buffet dinner by the beach. It was a great opportunity for the UWC representatives to connect and network with one another. There was something about witnessing a diverse group of individuals, representing hundreds of nationalities, united by a common mission of promoting world peace, that was so impactful to me.

Our itinerary included a full tour of the UWC Thailand campus, followed by a few plenary sessions and workshops. I met with fellow UWCSEA alumnus and keynote speaker, Nadiem Makarim ’02 as well as Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC International, and I got the chance to take selfies!

A central topic of discussion at the Congress revolved around the adequacy of our existing IB programme in preparing the future generation for the challenges of an era of rapid change and complexities like AI, climate change and ongoing geopolitical instability.

I also learned about the new course collaboration between UWC and the IB, known as Systems Transformation, currently being piloted in Atlantic and starting at UWCSEA this coming August, and I think we’re definitely on the right track!

Farewell to fellow attendees!

The UWC Congress 2024 was both inspiring and deeply impactful, and I feel privileged to be part of this movement. Amidst our celebration, we remained mindful of the ongoing conflicts and tragic events unfolding worldwide, urging us to reflect on our Mission and consider the actions we can take to foster peace.

As the world becomes increasingly globalised and interconnected, the importance of bridging cultural divides and global harmony becomes paramount. To me, UWC serves as a blueprint for this vision, uniting young ambitious talents from diverse backgrounds to live and learn together. I believe the UWC Movement is now more crucial than ever and I hope more people recognise its significance and continue to support the UWC Mission!

Closing the chapter after 15 years

GREEN GECKO A GOODBYE

We’re bidding farewell to Green Gecko Global Concerns (GC) as its 15-year partnership with the associated Green Gecko Project nongovernmental organisation (NGO) in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has reached its planned conclusion.

“As young as you all are, you are leading the way in making this world a better place. Thank you Corissa and Zachary for planting this seed. To the young leaders and all contributors who were a part of this programme, a resounding thank you from the adult world for creating a ripple of positivity and service that continues to grow.”

Tania Palmer, Founder of Green Gecko Project

Green Gecko was founded by Tania Palmer in 2004 to support the most vulnerable of children in Cambodia: those living and working on the streets. Committed to a 20-year mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for children and families, their programmes focused on education, reuniting children with their families, and supporting communities to build their social and economic capacity.

In 2008, two 10-year-old UWCSEA students, Corissa McNamara ’17 and Zachary Intrater ’17, successfully proposed

a new GC partnership between UWCSEA and the Green Gecko Project. Thanks to Corissa and Zachary, the Middle School Green Gecko GC was established on Dover Campus, and Corissa’s passion hit closer to home, inspiring her brother Jake McNamara, to follow in her footsteps and start a GC group in the High School.

In December 2011, Jake, then in Grade 9, took his fundraising to new heights— literally. Jake leapt from a plane at 15,000 feet, skydiving for the first time, to raise funds for the children at Green Gecko. He believed in the programme’s impact of providing children a place to live, learn and grow in a safe environment.

“I remember when Jake first came to me with the idea and ever since its inception, this GC has been more than a GC. It’s been a place of belonging for so many students over the years all sharing a passion to help

A journey of service, commitment and compassion

others. It has been an honour to have seen so many students gain so much from being a part of this journey.” – Simon Beesley, High School Learning Support Coordinator and Green Gecko GC Mentor, Dover Campus.

Since its inception, Green Gecko GC has undergone remarkable growth, nurturing a community and creating lasting memories for generations of students. Over a decade, students have engaged with Green Gecko during annual Project Week trips, organising activities like English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons for the community. Twelve trips were made to Siem Reap, establishing a strong connection, with teachers and families, extending their involvement beyond their annual Project Week by volunteering and engaging in activities such as arts, crafts, Bokator, and the community garden. On campus, students hosted booths at key

15 years

events such as United Nations Night, Dance Show, and Rock Show, selling roses and merchandise, showcasing Rehash Trash products. The $55,000 proceeds from Rehash Trash sales supported Tertiary Scholarships and community projects, empowering individuals like Kim Khoun and Srey, who now contribute vital healthcare services to their community.

Having met its objectives, Green Gecko has closed its doors, therefore, marking the closure of Green Gecko GC as well. Tania’s vision of community self-sufficiency has materialised with the support of Green Gecko, leaving an indelible mark on generations of UWCSEA students and volunteers, providing an enriching collaborative experience and imparting invaluable lessons in sustainable community development. Now, the Green Gecko students have transitioned into

“Some of my best memories from school were from being involved in Green Gecko GC with the most passionate group of people I’ve ever worked with. Communicating directly with the organisation (even having them visit us in Singapore!) allowed us to develop a dedication for the GC that extended outside school hours. Green Gecko had such a wide reach in different projects that they seemed to be solving problems in almost every area of society, and I was amazed by all the various projects that we could support, like Rehash Trash. I’m so proud of everything my friends have done for the Service and grateful for the opportunities we had to work with such an incredible organisation. also, shout out Mr Beesley for being such a great mentor.”

Karin

Edwards ’21

another GC, Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) GC (previously known as Kids in Cambodia), leveraging their valuable experience to advocate for a similar cause— supporting positive change in Cambodia.

Exploring career pathways

From students to young professionals

The UWCSEA Careers Programme is now in its second year and we’re delighted to share the four key pillars on which it is built—Internships, Mentoring, Major Events and Company Visits. Our exciting programme guides students through a series of engagement opportunities to both introduce and actively involve them in the dynamics and goings-on of a professional work environment.

Thanks to strong support from the UWCSEA community, we’ve provided over 120 internships in over 50 companies in a range of different sectors including Finance, Health Science, Sustainability, Start-ups, Tech, and the Arts. We’ve also had a successful round of our Mentorship Initiative which boasts 1,500 dedicated professionals who act as mentors to our students. Mentors offer yearround support and guidance to students as they explore their interests and options for future careers.

Through our programme we are thrilled to have been able to offer our students invaluable company visits to industry giants such as Google, Amazon Web Services, ByteDance (TikTok), VISA, and Razer, to name just a few!

Our heartfelt thanks to all our alumni, those in our current parent community and our partners who have contributed to building such a supportive network, championing our students’ exploration of their future career options. The world is their oyster!

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS TOUR

Selected Grade 10–12 students visit various organisations from different industries after school. Companies we have visited include:

• Google

• Asian Development Bank

• Visa

• Bloomberg

• Amazon Web Services

• ByteDance (TikTok)

• Razer

COMPANYVISITS

UWCSEA CAREERS PROGRAMME

WORLD OF LEARNING

A week-long career exploration in various industries for Grade 10 UWCSEA Programme East Campus students

ON-CAMPUS INTERNSHIPS

Alumni return for work experience in various school departments for a 1–2 month period

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

INTERNSHIPS

Opportunities for Grade 10–12 students and undergraduates to work at various organisations offered by our partners

CAREERS FAIR

MAJOREVENTS

In a world where there is a growing emphasis on the value of hands-on work experience, the UWCSEA Career Programme aims to support our students and young alumni with the knowledge and understanding to navigate their career journeys after graduation.

Students speak to industry professionals and participate in panel discussions to explore career choices

CAREERS WEEK

Professionals from fields of medicine, engineering, architecture, entrepreneurship and NGOs are invited to the 2-day event to speak to Grade 10–11 mentor groups

UNIVERSITY ADVISING

Year-round lunchtime events where Alumni come to share their career pathways, university choices and National Service (NS) experiences

CONNECT

Alumni members creating opportunities on CONNECT to network and mentor fellow alumni and High School students

ALUMNI UK CHAPTER

Led by the UWCSEA Alumni UK Chapter, alumni members offer mentorship, pastoral support, resources and networking opportunities in various industry groups

Find out more about the internships first-hand!

Vivek Venkatram ’20 at Bayer

At Bayer, Vivek conducted a comprehensive policy analysis of global water issues, presented proposals to the International Affairs team, and created policy briefs. He was also involved in supporting the planning and execution of Bayer’s engagement strategies for World Water Week.

“This has been a great opportunity to gain insight into the day-today of various areas within a multinational corporation (MNC) and to engage in real-world policy analysis.”

Izzy Ko ’22 at Autism Recovery Network

At the Autism Recovery Network, Izzy had the opportunity to refine her organisational and communications skills through interacting with children who face developmental challenges. Her internship in the company’s unique therapy service involved working with a team of skilled clinicians who adopt a holistic approach to providing innovative solutions for supporting children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“I am so grateful for the support we continue to receive from the UWCSEA Alumni Team after we graduate from the College. It is extremely competitive to secure internships even as an undergrad, but it’s good to know that the UWCSEA community is still here for us.”

Natasha Chiam and Andrew Lie ’02, current parents and cofounders of Ice Cream & Cookie Co

We wanted to get involved in the internship programme with students for two primary reasons:

• Students at UWCSEA are informed global citizens who are at the forefront of social issues and trends, offering fresh and youthful perspectives and insights from which companies like ICC can benefit; this allows us as alumni and mentors to learn from them as well.

• As a UWCSEA alumna, I realised the personal and professional benefits of gaining real-world work experience, particularly as students aim to distinguish themselves in the competitive college application process; I wanted to extend that invaluable opportunity to current UWCSEA students.

“UWCSEA’s internship programme plays an invaluable role in supporting our IB students by offering experiences that foster selfreflection, self-advocacy, and informed decisionmaking—skills crucial for both academic success and career readiness. Through their participation, students cultivate essential soft skills, industry knowledge, and professional networks, helping to prepare them for life after UWCSEA.”

Pamela Wetzell, Head of University Advising Centre (UAC), East Campus

Our Journey so far!

November

Alumni speaker Chan Ning Lee ’09

Ophthalmologist, Chan shared his experience with the Medical Society group, a packed UAC lunchtime talk and a Grade 9 science class. Chan is also the lead of the Medical Sciences group of the UK Alumni Chapter.

December

Amazon Web Services company visit

Company visits in the 2023/2024 school year kicked off at Amazon Web Services. It was an amazing opportunity for students to learn the importance of cloud computing and interact with the company’s representatives on their work experiences.

Alumni speaker Ahana Banerjee ’17

Ahana spoke to students about her start-up journey of discovering her passion and tips on managing time and priorities. Ahana is also the lead of the Entrepreneurship group of the UK Alumni Chapter.

January

Outreach to Grade 10, 11 and 12 assemblies and Coffee Mornings

From Coffee Mornings to High School assemblies, the Alumni Team went on a series of outreach sessions to spread the word about internships!

Alumni Careers Week

33 alumni speakers participated in Alumni Careers Week 2024!

From a geoscientist to a dentist, this year’s line-up also included a pair of alumni working at a law firm and a couple of good friends who started a sustainability gaming app.

Alumni speaker Lee Seunghoon ’10

Grade 2 students at East Campus and the Physics Society at Dover Campus got catch world paper plane aerobatic champion, Seunghoon in action where he shared the art and science behind folding paper planes.

February

Launch of Internship for Undergraduates!

Alumni speaker Varun Srivatsan ’14

Varun shared about politics, policies, economics and his humble beginnings of interning at a ramen stall during university. Varun is also the lead of the Politics group of the UK Alumni Chapter.

ByteDance (TikTok) company visit

With a focus on tech firms this school year, we brought 20 students to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. There, they got to learn about the use of artificial intelligence applications and network with company representatives.

March

Launch of Internship for High School Students!

Razer company visit

The final company visit of the school year saw the biggest group at the gaming company, Razer. It was refreshing to see a panel of women share their experiences in a typically maledominated industry.

Alumni speaker Patrick Rouxel ’84

Patrick is no stranger to the UWCSEA community. In March, he spoke with Middle School students and shared excerpts of his beautiful films and his passion for animals including the plight of one special elephant, Boua.

Dover Campus 1207 Dover Road Singapore 139654

East Campus 1 Tampines Street 73 Singapore 528704 www.uwcsea.edu.sg

This copy belongs to our UWCSEA Alumni

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If undelivered, please return to: UWC South East Asia 1207 Dover Road Singapore 139654

www.uwcsea.edu.sg alumni.uwcsea.edu.sg

alumni@uwcsea.edu.sg

Staying connected has never been easier or more important! All you need to do is maintain the details on your UWCSEA Connect profile to ensure you have access to resources and benefits like:

• Subscription to Alumni communications like our monthly e-newsletter, Alumni eBrief and annual magazine, One°North

• A newsfeed of alumni updates, campus news, photos and conversations

• An interactive directory of alumni, current and former staff

• A Job Board to facilitate recruitment and job-seeking activities within our network

• Invitations to Alumni events such as Milestone Reunions and overseas gatherings

• A mentorship feature allowing you to offer or seek informal professional advice