Kuala Lumpur, 15 January 2011 – The UCSI University Alumni Network held its first Alumni Homecoming Dinner at the Blue Ocean Strategy Hall in the North Wing of UCSI University’s Kuala Lumpur campus in Taman Taynton View. Under the patronage of UCSI University Founder and UCSI Group Chairman Dato’ Peter Ng, the event, entitled “Homeward Bound,” marked the beginning of the University’s 25th Anniversary celebrations.
With close to 200 staff, faculty and alumni members, the event aimed to reconnect past graduates with their alma mater and each other and provide them an opportunity to network. As one of the University’s most anticipated events of the year, the programme featured free health checks, a raffle drawing and performances, including two songs by renowned violinist and 1997 UCSI University graduate Dr Joanne Yeoh.
In her message, UCSI University Foundation Chief Operating Officer Ms Margaret Soo thanked the Alumni Network’s patron and UCSI University Founder, Dato’ Peter Ng for his blessings to name the UCSI Group’s latest acquisition; a three-storey bungalow at Taman Taynton View as “UCSI ALUMNI HOUSE”. This will be the alumni committee’s meeting place, and where the alumni and foundation offices and all other small sized alumni fellowship gatherings will be held.
Alumni Pro-Tem Committee President Mr Vayne Kam also spoke, outlining the association’s focus on membership development, marketing and branding, as well as lifelong learning.
“In building and strengthening these three pillars, the alumni will be able to achieve its ultimate aim in serving both the University and also society,” he said. “Our hope is that with each member’s contribution to the Alumni Network, all our combined efforts, experiences and expertise will ultimately strengthen the alumni.”
In one of the main events of the evening, the Alumni Network revealed its official logo, a house cum graduation cap with the University’s signature eagle wing, officiated by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr) Musa Mohamad, Chairman of the UCSI University Council, Dato’ Peter Ng , Patron of the Alumni Network and Founder of UCSI University, Dato’ (Dr) Haji Karim bin Haji Abdullah Omar, Chairman of the UCSI University Foundation, Dr Robert Bong, Vice Chancellor of UCSI University, Ms Margaret Soo and Mr Vayne Kam.
The group also launched the Network’s time capsule, a tailor-made box in the shape of the Alumni logo filled with notes from the University’s alumni. The capsule will be opened years down the road to signify the first gathering of the UCSI University Alumni Network.
Alumni who attended the event said they were happy to have come and were impressed with the changes they’ve seen in the University since their graduation.
Mr Tan Eng Kean, who graduated in 1995 with a degree in computer science, commended the University’s efforts in pursuing its mission and vision in terms of building expansion, as well as student body growth.
Mr Prakash Daniel, a graduate from the Class of 2007 who is currently a writer with The Star newspaper said, “It’s amazing to see how the University has expanded as there was only the South Wing when I completed my studies here”. He further added, “The Alumni Network is indeed a good initiative to bring all of us together to network and catch up with old friends, lecturers and other staff.”