UniSA Alumni
UniSA Rocks in Blue was the theme for this year's Alumni Reunion Dinner and saw a sea of blue tops, dresses and pants amongst the crowd that attended. Held on Tuesday 6 July at the Maya Hotel, this casual event gathered everyone together for a cocktail session, allowing alumni to catch up and meet senior members of the University before moving on to the main dinner.
The evening was injected with fun and games as a lucky prize draw and goodie bags were given out to attendees and the live band Stroller2 rocked the house, getting people on the dance floor to dance the night away.
Skytrex Adventure
Outdoor challenge at Bukit CahayaOn Saturday 27 March the University of South Australian Alumni Association of Malaysia once again headed to Bukit Cahaya to enjoy a day full of fun and exercise as the participants embarked upon The Big Thrill Challenge. Set against the Malaysian rainforest this adventure tested our members fear and inspired them as they explored this picturesque setting.
First it was fast cars. Then it was
fine jewellery.
Socials for the UniSA Malaysian Alumni have been taking interesting pathways to attract the attention of members and get them to attend functions. In November last year we descended upon a BMW showroom and test drove the latest models while getting to know each other over high tea.
On the afternoon of March 15, the Alumni opted for the salubrious surroundings of OE Fine Jewellery's flagship showroom in Kuala Lumpur. With its products exported to 39 countries and designs sold in Saks Fifth Venue in New York and Mitsukoshi in Tokyo, the venue acted as a magnet to draw more than 20 Alumni and their partners.
It was also meant to provide a balance. As the BMW event was perceived to have been for the lads, this was targeted at the ladies.
Of particular interest was the
opening talk by OE general manager, Ms Ong Li Dong, on how to discern
between fine jewellery and ordinary jewellery. An instrument she displayed
to verify the authenticity of a diamond generated a lot of excitement in
particular. Palpitations could be detected among some who could not resist
the temptation to verify the quality of their 'rocks'. It is worth noting
that the test turned out to be a positive experience for every one of them.
After Ong's speech six ladies who volunteered to perform as models for the evening burst onto the scene and sashayed around the showroom, displaying some of the company's premiere products. With the music ratcheted up and commentary on who was wearing what, it provided the ambiance of a professional fashion show.
With this performance it was time to socialise over some food and drink and view some of the products available. But this was not all. Present was a professional photographer to capture an image of any alumnus or partner wearing any item of jewellery in the showroom, taken against a studio-type background. The photograph was immediately printed and handed over to the respective individuals as a bookmark of the occasion.
As with the previous event at BMW, this function was also attended by the
alumni of the Flinders University, making the total number present close to
45. Another bonus was the presence of the representatives of the Internal
Admissions Offices of Flinders University, University of Adelaide and
University of South Australia, who happened to be in town for an Education
Adelaide-organised Roadshow.
And just like the BMW event, the informal nature of this function and relaxed surroundings made everyone interact really easily and feel as if they had known each other for years. Even if some of them were only meeting for the first time.
Based on the unique nature of the first two socials, many left asking: "so what do you have lined up for us next."
UniSA Alumni inspecting one of the BMW cars |
Fast cars, fun company and fine food proved to be a winning combination for the alumni of University of South Australia and Flinders University in Kuala Lumpur on November 3. Forty-two of them, including 27 from UniSA, turned up for a combined alumni social evening held at the showroom of Auto Bavaria the distributor for BMW in Malaysia. Of course the primary attraction could have been the offer to drive the latest BMW models.
Organised by the newly-appointed Malaysian Coordinator of Education Adelaide, Nithi Nesadurai, alumni were provided a level of service compatible with the quality of the cars and ambiance of the chic showroom. On offer were a valet parking service on arrival, a welcome drink on registration and a meeting area specially set up to facilitate easy mixing. Alumni began chatting with each other as if they had been friends for years.
In his welcome comments Branch Manager Hariharan Appukutten said he was delighted to work with an alumni grouping for the first time. Nithi, during his remarks, introduced UniSAs Malaysia Chapter Alumni President, Lee Wan Ling and her Flinders University counterpart, Kris Wong. After a talk on safe driving, participants were led to the showroom floor and presented the features and innovations of BMWs models ranging from the 1 Series to the 7 Series and X3 and X5.
By now it was time for the highlight of the event to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure. As alumni got called one by one to drive the mean machines, others awaiting their turn further socialised over a scrumptious meal. Those returning from their drives were literally on cloud nine with superlative comments for the cars and the event. When the last person left at 7.30pm, a strong bond centred on Adelaide had been created among all present. The next event to bring them all together again, in January, will feature fine jewellery.
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Patron of the UniSA Malaysian Chapter
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UniSA Malaysian Alumni with a BMW Guide
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From left: UniSA's Mr Alan Brideson, Director Marketing and Development Unit & Associate Professor David Rivett, Dean International, Malaysian Chapter President Ms Lee Wan Ling, UniSA's Vice Chancellor & President Professor Peter Hj, Malaysian Chapter Auditor Ms Tai Lung Hsing & UniSA's Mr Stephen Parsons Manager International Relations and Market Development. |
The University of South Australia Alumni Association of Malaysia held their annual dinner on Saturday 14 July at the Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur. Chapter Executive Committee members, including President Lee Wan Ling and Vice Presidents Julia Mok Ee Teng and Noriah Abul Talip, attended the event along with members of senior UniSA staff including the Vice Chancellor and President Professor Peter Hj, Chancellor Mr David Klingberg and Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice President International and Development Dr Anna Ciccarelli.
More than 130 alumni also attended the
dinner,
many wearing traditional dress in keeping with the event theme
Unity in Diversity.
The event provided an opportunity to welcome Professor Peter Hj as the University's new Vice Chancellor, and to farewell Chancellor Mr David Klingberg who will be retiring in June 2008.
A busload of UniSA trekkers! On the bus enroute to the starting point of our trek at BerJaya Hills Resort |
 Listening in rapt attention to the explanations provided by one of the guides |
On a beautiful Sunday morning in March 2007, members and their families put on their trekking gear for the jungle trekking activity in support of the UniSA Alumni Family Day held at Berjaya Hills.
After this "warm-up" portion of the trek, we delved headlong into the tougher
part of the trek...and emerged at the end of the trek panting, triumphant with our successful completion
of the trek, but certain that gym memberships needed to be seriously considered!
The group headed home
with tired muscles and full bellies after a simple nasi lemak lunch,
isotonic drink, bananas and cookies for dessert. Thanks to all who
participated!
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A view of the "warm-up" portion of the trek... |
The
trail gets more challenging as we go |
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A view of the surroundings - serenely beautiful |
Group
photo at the end of the trek...after we |
From left: Mr Yeong (Fellow of UniSA), Australian High Commissioner James Wise, UniSA Alumni President Lee Wan Ling, UniSA Alumni Vice President Julia Mok. |
On Saturday 10 February members of the UniSA Malaysia Alumni chapter attended a farewell dinner for the Australian High Commissioner James Wise at Bangsar Seafood Restaurant. The event was organised by the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC) and was attended by most of the Australian Universities Alumni.
Mr Wise is returning to Canberra after a memorable and fruitful four years in Malaysia.
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Australian High Commissioner James Wise
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Mr Yeong and others were singing Auld Lang Syne for Australian High Commissioner James Wise (at the right).
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The UniSA Alumni team - (left to right) Chin Chee Kong, Wang Yak Shin, Tee Tone Vei and Wang Yak Khuen (in Kart) |
 The UniSA Alumni Team and supporters! |
UniSA Alumni participated in the Annual MAAC Go-kart Challenge which was held in Shah Alam in Aug 2006. The event was graced by His Excellency, Mr. James Wise, the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia.
As per previous years, the race format was Endurance Race of 49 laps. Team UniSA Alumni finished a respectable fourth place; with first, second and third places going to Team Monash Alumni, Team Arra and Team Pole Position.
Great showing by Team UniSA drivers!
Interested in participating in our activities? Drop your email here and we will keep you informed of all future activities!
