The University of Manchester celebrated its 200th anniversary with a grand Bicentenary Reception in Kuala Lumpur, a key milestone in a series of global events marking the University’s celebration.
This prestigious gathering at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur brought together over 150 alumni, students and distinguished guests. The event emphasised Malaysia’s pivotal role as the University’s fourth-largest alumni base globally, with over 20,000 alumni across Southeast Asia.
Tom Shepherd, Acting Deputy British High Commissioner, was the event’s Guest of Honour, joined by several prominent members of the institute’s Malaysian alumni. Among the distinguished guests were Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain, Malaysia’s first Malay chartered accountant; Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, the architect behind many of Malaysia’s post-independence landmarks; Dato’ Ong Eng Bin, former CEO of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad; and Joanne Rodrigues, Group CFO of Affin Bank recently named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2024. Each individual has significantly contributed to Malaysia’s economic and social landscape.
Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President for Internationalisation at the University of Manchester, delivered a speech as the event host highlighting the University’s remarkable achievements over the past two centuries and the institution’s role as a global hub of knowledge, innovation, and societal impact.
He said, “As we gather to celebrate our 200th anniversary, we not only honour our rich legacy of groundbreaking research but also reaffirm our commitment to shaping a better world. Our history is steeped in achievements that have advanced human understanding and addressed pressing societal issues. Looking to the future, we are dedicated to confronting the world’s most urgent challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainability and social responsibility.”
This was echoed by Dato Ong Eng Bin, part of the local alumni cohort, as he reflected on how his experience in Manchester shaped his career and personal ethos.
“The University of Manchester instilled in me not only academic excellence but also a strong sense of loyalty and social responsibility. These values have been instrumental in guiding my professional and societal contributions,” said Ong.
Central to the event was the University’s focus on sustainability, with its Sustainable Futures Platform driving impactful initiatives targeting climate change, resource management, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University’s commitment to sustainability is further reinforced through partnerships with Malaysian institutions on key research and innovation projects that seek to contribute to local and global solutions alike.
Alongside its research strengths, The University of Manchester’s Global MBA programme, offered at the UoM South East Asia Centre, has also played a vital role in advancing the careers of Malaysian professionals, with a strong focus on leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurship. Accredited by AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS, the programme allows Malaysian students to obtain an MBA without relocating and has produced numerous industry leaders.
“Being recognised as one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Asia is an incredible honour. It prompts me to reflect on a pivotal moment in my career—my decision to pursue an MBA at the University of Manchester. This transformative experience empowered me to find my voice and drive meaningful change in both my professional and personal life, in a world where women’s potential is often underestimated,” said Joanne Rodrigues, group chief finance officer of Affin Bank.
Looking ahead, The University of Manchester remains committed to shaping the next generation of leaders, both in Malaysia and across the globe. As it embarks on its third century, the University continues to be a beacon of innovation, education, and social impact, fostering meaningful global change while staying connected to its rich history.
For further details about The University of Manchester’s bicentenary celebrations and future opportunities, please visit www.manchester.ac.uk/bicentenary.
Source: The University of Manchester (Press Release)
