Walk with us down memory lane, where UWCSEA's roots connect us through stories and memories that shape our journey long after we leave.
Inside ONE° NORTH
01
EDITOR’S NOTE
Looking back, moving forward – a message from the Alumni Team
03
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF COLLEGE
Nick reflects on recognising the complex lives of others and how that deepens the way we connect
THE VIEW MAY CHANGE BUT THE ROOTS REMAIN
Historian, author and Yale professor, Sunil Amrith ’97 shares his take on migration, movement, and the enduring spirit of community
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
Chief Editors: Sarah Begum and Rae Omar Editors: Siti Aminah, Joanne Cheong, Lucie Snape and Tina Tsai
Photography: Elena Bell, Joseph Tan, Jules Wainwright and members of the UWCSEA community
Design: Nandita Gupta
“Tengah is an opportunity for UWC to live up to its mission by building a campus that is truly sustainable, and adapted to a warming world.”
TO REUNIONS
Alumni get-togethers were in full swing from the Little Red Dot to the Big Apple
Sunil Amrith ’97 May 2025
CELEBRATING THE PAST, SHAPING THE FUTURE
Alumni giving becomes part of a lasting legacy of access
MORE THAN JUST A COUNCIL
Honouring 15 years of student voice, alumni ties, and meaningful impact
FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT
When alumni insight meets student curiosity, learning becomes a shared journey 21
DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS STAY DREAMS Mohamed Al-Jabry ’24 empowers the youth in Tanzania
MOMENTS TODAY, MEMORIES TOMORROW
The traditions continue on Dover and East campuses
Explore the memories of the AYE Field on Dover Campus
27 HONOURING A LEGACY
Celebrating our UWCSEA teachers who continue to inspire
30 OPENING DOORS TO THE FUTURE
The Careers Programme and Overseas Chapters connect alumni across the globe COVER
Historian, author, and Yale professor Sunil Amrith ’97 standing among the iconic peaks of Dover Campus’ Main Hall
FROM YOUR ALUMNI TEAM
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Alumni,
In this issue of One°North, we’ve gathered stories that speak to the different connections our alumni have with UWCSEA. Each story honours the spaces, people and memories that have shaped many of you. We’ve also included moments of celebration, reflection, and a few surprises along the way.
As our Dover Campus community prepares for its next chapter, the shift is one we feel together. These cherished corners and spots on both our East and Dover campuses continue to live on in memory—in friendships, laughter, lessons, and especially, in the moments we carry with us. They represent small but impactful reminders of something bigger we’ve been part of. Wherever life has taken you, we hope this issue brings back a moment that feels like home.
In December, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sunil Amrith ’97 back to Dover Campus with his family. We invited Sunil to share his unique perspective as both a historian and an alumnus in our cover story. His reflections remind us that “an accidental visitor can end up taking root and sustaining a whole community.” Through his lens, Sunil offers a deeply moving exploration of migration, movement, and the enduring spirit of community. Also in this issue, Head of College Nick Alchin shares his thoughts on “passing strangers” and the parallel stories we all carry with us. His piece reflects on the fleeting connections that shape our lives, and how our shared experiences create a web of invisible bonds within the UWCSEA community. It’s a poignant reminder of how, even in our differences, we are bound together through these stories.
Join us on UWCSEA Connect to stay in touch!
We’d love to hear from you— whether it’s a story, memory or special moment from your time at UWCSEA. Drop us a message at alumni@uwcsea.edu.sg and you might be featured in our next Alumni eBrief, or even in One°North!
These themes of connection and continuity feel especially relevant as we welcome the Class of 2025 into our alumni family. They are about to embark on the next stage of their UWCSEA journey, and we’re confident they’ll carry forward the same spirit of connection, curiosity, and compassion that unites all of you.
You’ll also find stories that celebrate where we’ve been, but also where we’re headed together. Learn about our expanding Careers Programme and opportunities designed to support you at every stage of your journey. Discover how fellow alumni are giving back through mentorship and philanthropy, and explore the many ways you can pay it forward. Just one of the many ways our UWCSEA network continues to open doors long after you leave the campus!
No matter where you are, we hope this issue reminds you: you are always part of the UWCSEA story. And the best part? The story is still being written, with our alumni still very much at the heart of it. We invite you to turn the page, and join us on this journey. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together.
Until next time,
Tina, Rae, and Siti
You are always part of the UWCSEA story!
Passing strangers parallel
stories
Recognising the vivid, complex lives behind everyone around us—and what that means for how we connect.
Message from Head of College, Nick Alchin
When I was 21, I spent a year backpacking around China. It was more than 35 years ago, and I don’t remember everything, but there was a moment among the many that I often think about. I was on a long train ride—and when I say long, I mean 36 hours; trains were slower then. It was a hot afternoon, with the sun low and a warm glow in the air. The train had stopped for no obvious reason; and I was looking out of the window at a man, probably about 40 years old, working in the rice fields through which the train passed. He was, I guess, only about 20 yards away, and I could see him very well—he was wearing long blue trousers, and a red t-shirt. I don’t remember exactly what he was doing, but I watched him for, I guess, 15 minutes. He was not aware of me. Then the train jolted into motion, and he looked up, and our eyes met. As the train moved away he did not wave, but we both nodded to each other, and held each other’s gaze for some 30 seconds until the track curved away. The train pulled on. I have never seen this
man again, and never will—if I did, I would not know him, even if he is still alive. He would certainly not recognise me.
But I have often wondered about him: Did he have a family? Was he happy? What were his hopes and dreams? Did he achieve them? What was his home like? Did he work for himself or someone else? Did he enjoy his work? Did he read? Had we ever read the same books? Would we enjoy each other’s company? Would we make each other laugh if we ever met? Was he satisfied with a life well-lived?
This came to mind recently, because these are exactly the questions that get answered when I meet with the UWCSEA alumni I taught decades ago. The stories have grown from the ‘student at school’ story to include new countries, university places, career choices, career failures and successes, partners, children, ageing parents, triumphs and tragedies and a million other things. In all these things, the questions join us as humans.
But I also think that these questions are questions we most often ask only about our friends, family, maybe colleagues when we have a connection. We do not ask them, or even consider them, about most people. The questions still matter, but we rarely get to them because they do not fit our natural narrative; that we are the main character, the star at the centre of our own unfolding story. We’re surrounded by our supporting cast. Friends and family orbit around us like planets. A network of acquaintances is like comets, drifting in and out of contact over the years. And then there is a dust cloud of extras, barely visible. The random passers-by. The man I saw all those years ago.
This is a natural narrative, and hard to even identify, so I was grateful when I came across a word that challenges this vision and for me, crystallises why I have thought about this man for so many years—Sonder: the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Sonder observes that everyone has the same narrative we have; we are all the protagonists of our own shows. And we can use it to derive the obvious and humbling conclusion; namely, that each life is as vivid and complex as our own. The passers-by are not just passers-by, but people like us who, as the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows puts it, are bearing the accumulated weight of their own ambitions, friends, routines, mistakes, worries, triumphs and inherited craziness. When our lives move on to the next scene, theirs flicker in place, wrapped in a cloud of backstory and inside jokes and characters strung together with countless other stories that we’ll never be able to see. That we’ll never know exists. In which we might appear only once. As an extra sipping coffee in the background. As a blur of traffic passing on the highway.
I guess for that man, in the extremely unlikely event he remembers me at all, it would be as a tourist he saw for a few seconds, decades ago. For him, I am an extra.
We tend to forget this. We forget that each person we ever come across is living a life like our own. We tend to think that people around us somehow owe us, or that their purpose is to somehow make our lives easier. Of course, parents and to some extent, schools do play that role—but as we grow up, less and less so. Words like sonder give us the chance to recall that everyone’s going through the same thing as we are; we are all living our lives, trying to do the best we can—we are all alike in this. All individuals live lives that are equally valuable, with equally valuable concerns, cares, loves, worries, hopes and dreams. We need to remember that. And when we most need to remember, it is precisely when it is hardest to do so, when we are most caught up in our own parochial concerns. It is at the root of rational compassion, and the route to humility, gratitude and, perhaps eventually, justice.
And that, I think, is the real gift of seeing alumni stories unfold; it reminds us that
everyone’s life is a story in motion. The man in the field, our students today, and the generations yet to come and you, dear reader, all share the same hopes and dreams for a meaningful and satisfying life. That’s a reminder of our responsibility as educators and as a community to create an environment where we become and remain aware of that, so that it informs our collective actions for a better, more peaceful and sustainable world.
As we look to the future, and to the opportunity that a new campus at Tengah presents, this responsibility becomes even more tangible. Our new campus will not be about buildings, but about what the new places and spaces can make possible. We often talk about voices to be heard; we can also talk of the beginnings of new stories, and opportunities to meet one another’s gaze and, even if it is just for a moment, truly see each other.
VIEW ROOTS change
BUT THE remain
By Sunil Amrith ’97, UWCSEA Dover
When I returned to Singapore for the first time after the pandemic border closures, I went for a walk in the Botanic Gardens. I stopped to visit a tree that I’ve known for most of my life. It is the banyan that stands by the edge of the lake. Over the years, its aerial roots have thrust downward to form the tangled pillars that make it feel monumental—I used to imagine a secret palace hidden within.
In the 1980s, when the banyan was a backdrop to my childhood outings to the gardens, it had already been standing at that spot for more than a century. The first known photograph we have of the tree is from 1877, and by then it was already tall.
For me, the tree represented a sense of rootedness after my longest-ever absence from home; but the banyan, too, is a migrant. Known as the Burmese Banyan, its origins as well as its name are mysterious. It is a relatively rare species of fig, scattered across Southeast Asia but not documented in Burma. It took root in a period when a cluster of streets in the growing port city of Singapore acquired the names of Burmese places— Rangoon, Moulmein, and Mergui roads, as they are still called today. The names all date from a moment of rapid change in Southeast Asian history when labels of origin—for people as well as for plants—were often creative fiction.
The Burmese Banyan is a lonely tree. Its fruits are rarely fertilised, because they depend on a species of specialist pollinator wasp that did not migrate with the tree. It is, in a sense, marooned and out of place. Yet it has become a place of sustenance for countless birds and insects, and an important site of human memory—including my own.
Plants and animals everywhere are on the move. Fleeing unaccustomed heat and unseasonal rain, many species are moving poleward and to higher elevations. Many find their avenues of escape blocked by roads, settlements and mines. Land-based species confront a bewildering mismatch between sunlight and temperature, muddling the clues they rely on for survival. In many forests around the world, the balance of tree species is shifting towards those better adapted to warmer climates. But this process, known to ecologists as ‘thermophilisation,’ is advancing much more slowly than the climate is warming. Whole forests find themselves in a new and unfamiliar world. And so do we all. Social psychologists have observed the emergence of ‘ecological grief’ in communities around the world. People mourn the loss, and anticipate the future loss, of familiar landscapes and cherished animals. They mourn the erosion of hard-won local knowledge that can no longer account for weird weather, changing light and missing migratory birds. They mourn the breaking of bonds that forge human and more-than-human communities. A member of the Inuit of Nunatsiavut, in Labrador, Canada, put it
this way—“Inuit are people of the sea ice. And if there is no more sea ice, how can we be people of the sea ice?”
Given how vertiginously Singapore has changed since UWCSEA was founded in 1970, the city-state and its residents are well adapted to a coming world of uncertainty. There is, in Singapore, a sense of never quite standing on solid ground. Singapore’s famed economic and political stability is, paradoxically, built on the impermanence of its landscape, which has been reshaped in an unending process of reclamation.
Perhaps as a result, Singapore’s residents cling less tightly to land and landscape, which in so many other parts of the world constitute an essential source of identity. In the 1980s, Singapore began exhuming cemeteries, which took up too much valuable real estate. Since 1998, the government has imposed a strict 15-year time limit on all graves, after which the remains have to be relocated. There are many sources of belonging that people in Singapore
feel—cultural, political, emotional—but attachment to the soil, to the places where ancestors are buried, is rarely among them. Many of us feel a sense of loss knowing that the Dover Campus has entered the final decade of its life. It feels like so many of the places we value, places infused with our memories, are disappearing. But it is in many ways a luxury to have several years, and ample resources, to plan for the move. Tengah is an opportunity for UWCSEA to live up to its mission by building a campus that is truly sustainable, and adapted to a warming world. Those of us with privilege have an enormous responsibility to be less profligate with how much we extract from the ecosystems that sustain us: my UWCSEA education taught me that lesson in the 1990s, and it is even more true today.
In the meantime, like people around the world, we can begin to imagine ways to preserve the memory and the spirit of places that no longer exist. And we can remember the lesson of the Burmese Banyan—that an accidental visitor can end up taking root and sustaining a whole community.
Sunil Amrith, UWCSEA ’97, is a Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Yale University and Director of the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. His work focuses on the histories and environmental challenges of Southeast Asia and the Global South. In The Burning Earth (Penguin Press, UK, Singapore, and Commonwealth; W.W. Norton, North America), Sunil explores the urgent global impact of climate change. He credits his UWCSEA education—especially his IB English literature class with Andrew Flory and his involvement with Global Concerns, including a 1995–1996 Service project in Cambodia—as transformative experiences that shaped his career.
THROWBACK TO reunions
Since our last update, the Alumni Team has hosted a series of gatherings with each one bringing our global community a little closer together. In August and September, we celebrated Milestone Reunions at both Dover and East campuses. While Dover Campus continued its cherished tradition, East Campus hosted its first-ever Reunion, welcoming back nearly 40 alumni from the Class of 2014! Travelling from 12 different countries, including all the way from Brazil, alumni gathered to relive old memories, reconnect with familiar faces, and celebrate their UWCSEA journey.
Class Representatives from Dover’s Milestone Reunion 2024
stay connected!
Holiday Alumni Gathering
UWCSEA reunions connect alumni across the globe.
The gatherings kicked off in Singapore on Wednesday, 18 December with our annual Holiday Alumni Gathering. Held in a glasshouse restaurant at Suntec City, the evening brought together alumni and current teachers to celebrate the year’s end, reconnecting over shared stories, warm memories, and familiar faces.
The Class of 2014 started their reunion with a Coffee Morning welcome at the Tent Plaza before the East Campus dragon mascot led alumni up to the auditorium, where special guests Nick Alchin, Cathy Jones and former East Campus Head James Dalziel brought the assembly to life with stories, laughter, and a group photo. At lunchtime, alumni joined current students in the canteen for Chicken ‘65 while catching up with their former teachers.
East Campus’ first Milestone Reunion
Dover Campus
Milestone Reunion
In May, the team hosted an alumni social in New York City on Saturday, 10 May, following the UWC Innovation Forum earlier that day. The event featured three inspiring presentations by UWC alumni, including our very own UWCSEA alumna Aparna Ramanujam ’14.
Over 300 alumni, family, friends, and staff—some travelling from as far as the United States of America, Europe, and Guyana— returned to Singapore for a truly unforgettable Milestone Reunion 2024.
Finally, we returned to the Bay Area for the first time in a decade, reconnecting with alumni on the West Coast and reigniting old bonds.
No matter where you are or what stage you’re at, there’s always a place for you in the UWCSEA alumni network. We look forward to the next reunion as we build this eclectic and dynamic community together.
Save the date
for our year-end festive gathering on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at Holland Village, Singapore and look out for our overseas reunions in Australia come March/April 2026!
New York City Alumni Gathering
San Francisco Alumni Gathering
Celebrating the past Shaping the future
UWCSEA FOUNDATION
Each year, UWCSEA alumni across the globe come together—not just to reconnect, but to unite in purpose by helping UWCSEA provide a transformative education to young people from around the world. For many, giving back to the College is not just a gesture of thanks, but an intentional act of shaping the future: creating opportunities for students who will one day walk similar paths, forge lifelong friendships, and change the world in their own ways.
No matter the moment, every contribution makes a difference. Enriched by their past experiences at the College, many alumni take great pride in being able to ‘pay it forward’ by supporting future generations of UWCSEA leaders and changemakers. Last year alone, 230 alumni donated—many marking milestone reunions, others contributing through Giving Day, Fund-a-Flight, or the Endowment Fund.
Like Rahul Sahgal ’85, many alumni recognise how transformative scholarships can be. For him, giving back is a way to offer students the opportunities they might not otherwise have, and he invites others to join him in ‘paying it forward’ as they celebrate their reunions.
Dr Benjamin Au ’05 reflects on the students he met during his time at UWCSEA, noting how the scholarship programme allowed them to thrive, achieve their potential, and form lasting connections. Without it, he believes both the scholars and he would have missed out on valuable experiences and insights into the world’s inequalities. Aleksandar Boljević ’22, Scholar from Montenegro, echoes this sentiment, recognising how the scholarship programme impacted his own life and his desire to support it in any way he can.
These reflections show how scholarships do more than open doors for individuals—they enrich the whole UWCSEA community and help build a broader understanding of the world we share.
“We left the College more than 40 years ago but UWCSEA has never left us, and it is our pride in the College, our shared privilege to attend, and the shared nostalgia for our youth that connects us and inspires us to give.”
Andrea Staines, Corrado Giambalvo, Gerard Goggin, and Paul McKenzie, Class of 1982
“The UWCSEA experience and enduring friendships have shaped my worldview and inspired my commitment to give the same opportunity to changemakers from all over the world through donations to the Scholarship Programme.”
Mikael Morn ’92
Join our Giving Community
Your gift goes far beyond a single moment—at UWCSEA, it becomes part of a lasting legacy where diverse backgrounds are valued, opportunities are shared, and futures are shaped. Whether you’re reconnecting with classmates, honouring a milestone year, or simply reflecting on how UWCSEA shaped your own life and learning, your support continues a powerful story: one where opportunity is passed forward, lives are changed, and the mission endures. Scan the QR code to know more or contact foundation@uwcsea. edu.sg
GIVE TODAY—AND SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGEMAKERS
PHOTO TAKEN IN 2018 WHEN MIKAEL SUMMITED THREE MOUNTAINS IN IRAN, TURKEY AND RUSSIA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE UWCSEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME.
More than v JUST A COUNCIL
Celebrating 15 Years of student-led alumni engagement
“I had such a wonderful time on the Student Alumni Council, working with the Alumni Team. One moment that stayed with me was during the St. John’s Reunion. I had a lovely conversation with an alumna about theatre, and she told me how she used to make costumes for their theatre shows. We also shared an appreciation for Frank Wildhorn’s works. Although she graduated decades before me, we bonded over our involvement in the College’s drama productions.”
Meg Gu ’24
“What I loved most about the Student Alumni Council was the sense of teamwork. We weren’t just volunteers—we were a tightknit group working towards something bigger. Be it packing graduation bags or working the registration table, there was always this unspoken understanding that we were contributing to the bigger picture. It really shaped how I approach collaboration even now.”
Anna Chin ’17
Some contributions leave a quiet but lasting mark. Since 2009, the Student Alumni Council (SAC) has been one of those steady, unseen forces—connecting generations through small acts of service and shared purpose. Made up of dedicated students from Grades 10 to 12, the SAC has been more than just a school activity; it has offered students a space for learning, leading, and giving back.
As we close this meaningful chapter, we pause to honour the legacy they’ve shaped—through every shared story, every event supported, and every connection made along the way.
Whether greeting alumni with a smile and guiding them during our bustling Milestone Reunions, or handing out sweet treats to eager Grade 12 students at alumni awareness events and more, these students have brought a calm and steady energy to the Alumni Team even at our busiest moments.
For the student members, the SAC has been a great opportunity to build on teamwork and their experiences in event planning and communication—skills that will be useful long after they leave UWCSEA. But more than that, it’s helped cultivate a culture of giving back and a real sense of community and connection.
To every Student Alumni Council member over the past 15 years, we say ‘Thank You’—for your time, your heart, and for joining us in creating memories that have become truly special.
While we bid farewell to the Student Alumni Council, this is not the end—it’s the start of a new chapter. The Alumni Team is already exploring fresh ways to collaborate with student groups, opening up more opportunities for students to engage with our alumni community in meaningful ways. The SAC’s legacy will live on through new ideas, shared stories, and a continued commitment to strengthening the ties that bring our school community together.
“One of my most memorable moments was the 2022 Holiday Alumni Gathering—one of the first in-person events after the pandemic. As a student about to graduate, hearing stories and advice from alumni was inspiring and reassuring. It reminded me that the UWCSEA community doesn’t end at graduation—it grows with you.”
Roberto Borsetti ’23
FROM ONE TO THE NEXT
With every conversation, a new page is turned—alumni and students come together to shape what comes next.
There’s a unique kind of magic when alumni return—not just to say hello, but to pass the torch. At UWCSEA, those moments are becoming more common (and more exciting), thanks to a new initiative from the Alumni Team. By collaborating with student societies, alumni are stepping back onto campus to share stories, spark ideas, and remind students of what’s possible beyond graduation. These aren’t just regular visits—they’re exchanges of passion, experience, and inspiration for big ideas.
From takeoff to touchdown: Robert Milton '78
Robert Milton ’78, a former CEO of Air Canada, returned to Dover Campus in November 2024 to speak with Grade 12 students at their assembly. He shared candid reflections from his time as a student through to his journey into the aviation world. But it didn’t stop there!
As soon as Robert concluded his assembly, the Dover Campus Aviation Club leaders seized the opportunity to invite him to their meeting later that day and to their delight, he gladly accepted. East Campus club leaders who had also attended the assembly joined in, and it wasn’t long before the room buzzed with stories from the hangar to the skies, candid insights, and plenty of laughter. More than a Q&A, it became a dynamic exchange of ideas, aspirations, and a shared passion for aviation.
For these students, meeting a high-profile alumnus wasn’t just a highlight, it was a chance to ask meaningful questions, hear unfiltered perspectives, and glimpse what’s possible through the experience of someone who once stood where they are now. A reminder that our alumni aren’t only part of our history, they’re active contributors to the future.
“Alumni and industry professional guest speakers can be incredibly inspiring for students and can be extremely insightful for members of our community, especially for those who are unsure as to what they want to do in the future and are seeking guidance.”
East Campus Aviation Club leads, Breit Butler ’25 and Archit Puri ’25
“His discussions about universities, career paths, and the importance of making the most of the opportunities we seek were truly inspiring and undoubtedly motivated everyone to strive for excellence in their journeys.
Every Aviation Club member greatly appreciated his generosity in attending our meeting to provide further insight. It was wonderful to see our members have quality discussions about their future aspirations, the importance of seating configurations, and the downfall of Boeing. We are grateful for Robert’s continued connection to UWCSEA and for inspiring the next generation to think boldly.”
Dover Campus Aviation Club leads, Felipe Salvo ’25 and Keira Kawada ’25
Robert Milton '78, former CEO of Air Canada, returned to Dover Campus in November 2024 to speak with Grade 12 students.
We’re just getting started! With more alumni stepping forward and student groups eager to connect, the Alumni Team is turning simple catch-ups into meaningful opportunities to learn and share. These visits are making a real impact, bringing lived experiences directly into student spaces.
Here’s a look at a few more visits that have been just as inspiring—each one unique, but all leaving a mark. From law and medicine to marine biology, tech, biotech, finance, aviation, and sustainability, our alumni and friends of the College continue to offer students a unique window into the many paths a UWCSEA education can lead to.
Nhung Le '12 with the Computer Science Department
Aesha Baral '17 and Law Society
Dr Raymond Tsang (Parent of Alumni) and Medical Society
Naomi Clark-Shen '09 and Marine Biology Society
Gauri Saini '17 and Biotech Society
Madhulika Murali '15 and Law Society
Alanna Sethi '21 with the Counselling and Wellness Department
Dr Akib Khan '09 and Medical Society
Vishnu Padmanabhan '06 and Investment and Economics Society
Dr Gareth Wong '16 and Dental Society
Claire Langree (Parent of Alumni) and Biotech Society
Dr Chan Ning Lee '09 and Medical Society
Friends of the College
We also connected several Friends of the College with student groups across a range of interests.
The East Campus Aviation Club hosted a lunchtime talk with Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia-Pacific, while the Architecture Society welcomed Dr Montira Horayangura Unakul from UNESCO Bangkok for a virtual discussion. The Dental Society met with Dr Bernard Siew from SmileFocus to explore developments in dental care.
Victor Lam from Google Singapore was interviewed by students for their Bytes of Tech magazine, offering a glimpse into the evolving world of technology. As part of the IDEAS Hub’s Entrepreneurship Programme, Catcha Group’s Chairman and CEO Patrick Grove ’93 gave the keynote address, with current parent Kevin Lai lending his expertise as a judge. Hannah Oh ’03 was also invited as a panellist at the United Water Conference, sharing her experiences from her work as the CEO of Article 6.
Want to share your story or inspire future changemakers?
Whether you’re keen to speak, mentor, or just reconnect—we’d love to hear from you. Our students gain so much from hearing real experiences, and your journey could be the spark that helps them shape theirs.
Reach out to the Alumni Team at alumni@uwcsea.edu.sg to get involved.
FROM L TO R: (UP) ANAND STANLEY; (DOWN) DR BERNARD SIEW; KEVIN LAI AND PATRICK GROVE ’93
Explore the memories of the AYE Field on Dover Campus
Every school has places that live on in memory— not just for what happened there, but for how they made us feel. At Dover Campus, the AYE Field is one of those spaces. Tucked alongside the busy expressway, the field has been the stage for countless moments of pride, perseverance, and pure joy. For so many alumni, stepping onto the pitch feels like stepping back in time to when victories were hard-fought, friendships were sealed in sweat and laughter, and every match felt like the most important one of all. It was on this field that leadership, teamwork, and resilience first took root.
More than just a pitch
Today, alumni often find their way back to the AYE Field whenever they’re back in Singapore, organising casual games with old classmates or friendly matches during reunions. The cheers may echo differently now, and the pace may have changed, but the connection, competition, and camaraderie that have long defined the AYE Field live on just as strongly.
Nikhil Sahgal ’17, Krish Tibrewala ’17, and a group of fellow alumni and friends kicked off 2025 with a friendly football match back on campus. Not even the wet weather could dampen their energy or enthusiasm. In fact, the rain only added to the fun because what’s a football game without a few classic sliding tackles?
Moments like these are a reminder of the many ways alumni reconnect, and how campus spaces like the AYE Field continue to bring our community together.
Final whistle for the Class of 1994!
When the Class of 1994 celebrated their 30th milestone anniversary at Reunion 2024 last August, they decided to make the most of their reunion weekend by hosting a football game. It didn’t take long for their class and a couple more from the other celebrating classes to form a team. Together they took on the Class of 2022 for an afternoon, reliving the good ’ol days on the field. Special credit to class representative Shivanthi Kandiah-Evans, and team captain, Khairy Jamaluddin, who went the extra mile to create special Class of 1994 jerseys. A goal-worthy moment to honour their milestone and memories!
DON’T
LET YOUR DREAMS STAY dreams
UWCSEA is just the beginning—follow Mohamed '24’s journey back to Tanzania to establish Al-Jabry Education Initiative
“You have everything you need to succeed; just believe in yourself.”
Those words, spoken by Katherine Crane, a UWCSEA East parent, during my university applications, changed everything. She was my mentor in the Scholars Mentorship Programme, which connected scholars like me with valuable internship and mentorship opportunities. I first met her through the work experience I gained as a Financial Modeling and Market Researcher at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where she saw my potential before I did. Katherine not only offered guidance, but also unwavering belief in me. More than a mentor, she became a friend—someone who encouraged me to embrace who I was and pursue my goals with confidence. Her support gave me the push I needed to take a leap, one that led me back to Tanzania, where I founded the Al-Jabry Education Initiative (AEI).
After graduating from UWCSEA in 2024, I had three months before starting university—a window of time I wanted to use meaningfully. Returning home to Tanzania, I saw an opportunity to finally act on something I had been thinking about for years. Too many students were stuck in rote learning, without platforms to express themselves or develop leadership skills. I wanted to change that. That’s what led me to found the AEI in Shinyanga.
My goal was to create a space where young people could build critical thinking and public speaking skills—tools that would empower them far beyond the classroom. AEI is about more than just education; it’s about giving students the confidence to explore their potential, broaden
their perspectives, and step into leadership roles, contributing to the long-term development of our community.
One example was the Shinyanga Open Debate Competition, which really showed me how this initiative could help bring students out of their shells. At first, many were shy and hesitant, but over time, I saw them grow more confident in expressing their ideas. Through training, school tours, and competitions, we’ve impacted around 2,400 students, revealing the immense, untapped potential in our community. This competition wasn’t just about debating—it was about giving students a voice, a chance to grow, and the confidence to connect with others in meaningful ways.
I’ve recently started my journey at Bates College, where I’m exploring a double major in Economics and Engineering, along with a minor in Computer Science. Being in this new academic environment allows me to connect with individuals who offer valuable perspectives that can greatly enhance AEI’s mission. I am actively managing AEI remotely with a dedicated team of five in Shinyanga, while constantly learning new strategies to drive its growth. In the coming years, my goal is to expand AEI’s reach to multiple regions across Tanzania, increase its impact, and ensure longterm sustainability. I’m also planning to host national debate competitions and implement other educational improvements to promote critical thinking and engagement on a broader scale.
I want to encourage all UWCSEA scholars to push beyond their comfort zones and embrace the full potential of their imaginations. Don’t let your dreams stay dreams—act on them, even after your time at UWCSEA. The skills, values, and experiences you’ve gained in UWCSEA are just the beginning. Keep challenging yourself, and always strive to make a meaningful impact in whatever you pursue.
The Scholars Mentorship Programme, initiated by Katherine Crane, a UWCSEA East parent, was created to help scholars find paid internships during summer break. Many scholars rely on these opportunities to gain valuable work experience. If you have an internship to offer or want to get involved in the programme, please reach out to us at internships@uwcsea.edu.sg
MOMENTS TODAY , MEMORIES TOMORROW
The traditions continue on Dover and East campuses
For many of our alumni, signature events like Graduation, UN Night, and CultuRama hold a special place in their memories, keeping the spirit of UWCSEA close to heart. Take a moment to revisit some of these unforgettable moments from the past year!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ALUMNI FAMILIES!
ALEXANDER KREFFT ’93 AND JULIA, ANNA PARR ’88 AND FRANCESCA, IMELDA
SAFAVI ’90 AND BEATRICE, KEVIN MACKAY ’86 AND VERONICA MULVEYMACKAY ’87 AND EMMA, MARTIN TANUDJAJA ’82 AND JACQUELINE, OJAS DOSHI ’91 AND KEYA, ROBERT AND DEBBIE
GRIGNANI ’97 AND RAYNER, SASHI KESAVAPANY ’91 AND KISHAN.
FULL CIRCLE: WHEN ALUMNI RETURN AS PROUD PARENTS!
We’re still buzzing from the joy of our 2024 Graduation ceremonies as we proudly welcome the Class of 2024 into the alumni community. Among this remarkable cohort was a special group of second-generation alumni— students whose parents, inspired by their own UWCSEA experiences, have now passed on the gift of a transformational education to their children.
We were honoured to welcome Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC International, as our guest speaker. His inspiring words resonated with graduates and their families, marking not just a memorable milestone in the UWCSEA story, but also a celebration of the connections that span generations.
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURES: UN
NIGHT AND CULTURAMA
Each year, CultuRama and UN Night bring our UWCSEA community together in an exciting and energetic celebration of diversity. Across East and Dover campuses, more than 500 students representing over 30 cultures share their stories through dance, music, and performance—honouring both personal heritage and collective identity.
Families also joined in the spirit of community at the Global Concerns Merchandise and International Food Fair on Dover Campus, and the CultuRama Bazaar on East Campus, supporting causes close to our hearts. We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration!
HONOURING A LEGACY
Every UWCSEA staff member leaves a mark; let’s celebrate and honour those whose dedication continues to inspire long after their time with us. A walk down memory lane
As our longserving teachers embark on new adventures, we send them our heartfelt thanks and best wishes. Before they go, they’ve left us with some special parting messages. Read on to hear what they have to say!
Scan the QR code or visit bit.
ly/3GO90qgleavers to read their leavers’ note in full.
MIKE STAPLES Director of Sports and Activities
15 years at UWCSEA has flown by quicker than I could have imagined, which is probably a powerful testament to the incredible amount that students and staff accomplish from 8am to 10pm on six or sometimes seven days a week in this beautiful place. To my students: Remember you and only you are the architect of your own destiny—so get busy living!
TERRY HASLER
Primary School Teacher
Some of my top memories were serving the Tampines House boarders motivational hot chocolates during COVID, kayaking at Sea Gypsy and Port Dickson, 5am Dragon Swimming wakeups with the kids, Graduation Day, the success of the Grade 5’s Exhibition of Learning and the many farewells of the Grand Walk. To my former pupils, remember to never, never, never give up!
VICKI HILL
Physical Education Teacher
UWCSEA has been a huge part of my life for 20 years—on the sports field, in the gym, and in the classroom. I’ve been lucky to coach and teach many incredible students and work alongside inspiring colleagues. I’m transitioning to focus on growing my coaching business in endurance sports and strength conditioning for all ages. To all my students: keep moving, keep challenging yourself, and most importantly enjoy the process!
We also say goodbye to the following staff members, whose contributions have been valued by our community. All the best!
CARL WAUGH
JANETTE EVISON
GEORGE PSILLIDES VANESSA WISEMAN
TEO ENG SENG, CIKGU SUSI, HAN WUE and IVY LEE
Former Art teacher Mr Teo made an impression on Singapore’s art scene with his latest exhibition, ‘We’re Happy. Are You Happy?’ which was displayed at the National Gallery. A recipient of the prestigious Cultural Medallion, Teo’s work reflects his playful yet poignant take on global issues. It was no surprise that alumni were also excited to reconnect with him at Dover Campus’ Milestone Reunion last August, alongside Cikgu Susi and Han Wue. Ivy Lee also joined the festivities the following day, showing the lasting bond between our teachers and their students.
ANNA PARR ’88 Head of Drama
JACQ HANNA
Orchestra Conductor and Music Teacher
My favourite memory is of our two trips to participate in an international music festival held in the Musikverein in Vienna with our incredibly talented students. I’m going home to conduct an orchestra, continue teaching and grow my own vegetables! Keep playing with passion. The world needs your talent, your energy, and your unique voices. Thank you for the music and all the unforgettable moments we’ve shared.
After 13 years in Drama Studio 3 and the Black Box with the most incredible students, colleagues and parents, I am leaving this outstanding school and my Little Red Dot to focus on freelancing and reconnecting with family and friends. UWCSEA has been an enormous part of my life since 1972 when my father first joined and I’m honoured to have been a part of the mission and movement for so long. A heartfelt thank you to all of you for enriching my life.
BRIAN GREEN
We were also delighted to welcome back former staff member Mr Green to Dover Campus in April. With his trademark warmth, he caught up with former colleagues, shared stories, and reminded us that while you may leave the campus, you never really leave UWCSEA. Here’s to the lifelong memories, lessons, and legacies our former teachers leave behind.
KURT WITTIG Teacher Librarian
One of my favourite memories at UWCSEA was the Flower push-up challenge with the Class of 2018 on their senior prank day in the Tent Plaza. It was teachers versus students, and we trained for weeks! That group knew how to have fun and work hard, all while building respectful, meaningful connections with teachers. My advice? Put your phones down and read for pleasure. The students who read widely during their time here had the most options after graduation.
FRANK CURKOVIC Chair of Art (K–12)
One of my favourite memories is teaching a Grade 9/10 IGCSE class that graduated in 2018. They were talented, social, and incredibly supportive of each other—one of the best classes I’ve had in my career. Middle School has kept me young (even if it’s made me look old). After 27 years abroad, I’m returning to Canada and to focus on personal projects like writing my second book and creating online content. Even if you’re not creating art anymore, keep it in your life.
IN LOVING MEMORY
With a heavy heart, we share the news of the passing of some of our former staff, as shared by members of the UWCSEA community in recent months. We take a moment to remember the full, meaningful lives they lived—and the lasting difference they made to so many. Across our community, alumni and friends have shared memories and tributes, celebrating the way they touched lives and shaped journeys.
JOHN
BURGESS on 22 July 2024
John joined Dover Campus in 1972 as a Physical Education teacher and left in 1988 as Head of Faculty for Pursuits. His titles tell only part of the story—John’s passion, dedication, and impact on UWCSEA and its sporting community left a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed by former students, colleagues, and friends around the world.
KATHY CAREY on 21 August 2024
From 1981 to 1985, Kathy was a Humanities teacher on Dover Campus. During her time at the College, she was involved in the Arts Festival and featured in several drama productions. Missed by all her family and friends, our thoughts are with her family and friends.
HANS-HERMANN HALLENSLEBEN
on 26 February 2025
Hans-Hermann taught German and French from 1987 to 1991. Soft-spoken, sociable and adventurous, he touched many lives with kindness and warmth. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. May HansHermann rest in peace.
Thank you to those who shared news of these passings in our community. If you have updates about fellow alumni or staff members, please write to us—we may include them in a future Alumni eBrief
OPENING DOORS TO THE future
Powered by the UWCSEA network, the Careers Programme and Overseas Chapters connect alumni across the globe
Now in its third year, the UWCSEA Careers Programme continues to grow in impact and reach, offering High School students and undergraduate Alumni meaningful pathways to explore life beyond the classroom. Built on four core pillars—Internships, Mentorships, Company Visits, and Major Events—the programme is designed to bridge education and the world of work, helping young people gain first-hand exposure to professional environments, build confidence, and expand their networks.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our vibrant UWCSEA community including alumni, current parents, and partner organisations, we’ve facilitated over 150 internships across 40+ companies, spanning industries from Hospitality and Artificial Intelligence to Biotech, Research, Finance, and the Arts, and many more!
FROM L TO R: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING EVENT; CHINA ALUMNI CHAPTER; BLACKSTONE INVESTMENT COMPANY VISIT; SAA ARCHITECTS COMPANY VISIT
Alumni Careers Week 2025
During our Alumni Careers Week on East Campus, 25 alumni speakers generously took time out of their busy schedules to inspire students by sharing their career journeys across a wide range of fields. From a marine biologist to a national athlete, this year’s lineup also featured an author in finance and a sports scientist! Take a look at our speaker lineup:
• AVI DIXIT ’17
• EUGENE WANG ’22
• GEORGE HOGG ’20
• CLAIRE SCHUCH ’07
• SHAWN CHEAH ’22
• TANISHKA NAHAR ’20
• ALEX MARTIN ’06
• AARYAN NATALI ’18
• ANTA MALE ’18
• BRANDON BOEY ’96
• NAOMI CLARK-SHEN ’09
• SRIJANI CHATTERJEE ’10
• VARUN DUTT ’04
• YOHAAN MOHAN ’11
• GARETH WONG ’16
• ROSIE WHICHELOE ’95
• LOUISE ARILD ’13
• CHIHIRO ISOZAKI ’11
• CHRISTIAN FOO ’20
• MICHAEL MCKECHNIE ’94
• SOLONIA TEODROS ’01
• NIMITA BHARGAVA ’06
• BIANCA BUTLER ’13
• HAVI THAKRAL ’16
• SIDHANT SINGH ’18
Building global bridges
UWCSEA’s Overseas Chapters and networking gatherings are growing, bringing our community together far beyond Singapore. These events reflect the strength of UWCSEA’s worldwide network and our shared commitment to staying engaged and connected.
UK ALUMNI CHAPTER
In October, our UK Alumni Chapter leads Ahana Banerjee ’17 and Elisa Benham ’17, and Ethan Lok ’22 hosted their first drinks and networking evening in London, drawing close to 200 enthusiastic alumni for an unforgettable night of connection and camaraderie. Look out for the same event happening this coming October. Join the UK Chapter by checking out the Groups on UWCSEA Connect!
CHINA ALUMNI CHAPTER
We launched our China Alumni Chapter in December, with our first get-together in Shanghai. Hosted by Chapter leads Joe Zhou ’22 and Richard Chen ’24, the evening was all about conversation and collaboration in the UWC China community and beyond! Joe and Richard also joined our Admissions Team in their two sessions with many prospective families in China to share their unique High School and Boarding experiences.
Don’t miss out on being part of this new network! Scan the QR code with the WeChat app to join the group.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING EVENT
In April, Singapore played host to our first Young Professionals Networking event, organised by Gareth Wong ’16, Gauri Saini ’17, and Emma Abou-Haidar Ventura ’19. Young alumni from the Classes of 2016 to 2019, now forging careers in medicine, quant research, finance, biochemistry, and gems, came together to exchange ideas and experiences. It was a powerful reminder of how inspiring and valuable early-career connections can be.
FROM L TO R: ALUMNI CAREERS WEEK; UK ALUMNI CHAPTER; INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES COMPANY VISIT; NOVARTIS HEALTHCARE COMPANY VISIT; GOOGLE COMPANY VISIT
From classroom to boardroom!
And that’s not all, we’ve been thrilled to open doors, quite literally, through five exclusive company visits to some of the world’s most influential organisations here in Singapore, including Blackstone Investment, Institute of Policy Studies, Novartis Healthcare, SAA Architects, and Google
To everyone who has offered opportunities, opened doors, shared advice, or given their time and space to mentor: thank you. Your generosity has helped our students and young alumni see what’s possible and feel empowered to pursue it.
UWCSEA
CAREERS PROGRAMME
Join us and inspire the leaders of tomorrow, today!
In a world where there is a growing emphasis on the value of handson work experience, the UWCSEA Careers Programme aims to support our students and young alumni with the knowledge and understanding to navigate their career paths after graduation.
Ways to get involved: offer internships | host company visits | give career advice | provide guidance on field of study or university choices
INTERESTED?
Scan the QR code for the latest updates on the programme or visit bit.ly/uwcseacareersprogramme
ALUMNI SCHOLARS LOTTE MEIJERINK ’14, PLEUN TERPSTRA ’14 AND ARJAN NICOLAI ’14 SHARING WITH THE MEDICAL SOCIETY
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
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 bi-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
www.uwcsea.edu.sg alumni.uwcsea.edu.sg
alumni@uwcsea.edu.sg