Global UGRAD seminar reinvigorates alumni to act: “As UGRADs, we create something huge”
By Eric House
At the end of July, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) held the three-day ASEAN Alumni Connections Seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fifty Global UGRAD alumni from the 10 ASEAN member countries met for networking, professional development workshops, and sessions on civic engagement and community project management.
“As individuals, we are whole, but together, we are more. As UGRADs, we create something huge.”
The attendees boasted a wide array of professional backgrounds ranging from English language teaching, chemical engineering, and LGBTQ+ advocacy to artistry, diplomacy, and broadcast communications. They completed their Global UGRAD semesters as recently as 2023 and as far back as 2008, allowing each participant to connect with and learn from fellow alumni at different career levels.
“This seminar has connected me with a lot of motivational, inspiring, and hungry changemakers who know exactly what they want to do,” said Reaksa Pin, a recent global affairs graduate from Cambodia. “They have pushed and inspired me and rekindled my own passion and drive.”
During a civic engagement panel, participants heard from three alumni who presented their advocacy work that supports vulnerable and marginalized communities. The group discussed strategies for making civic engagement more equitable and sustainable across ASEAN member countries and shared tactics for engaging youth and furthering diplomacy.
“Civic engagement is about empowering communities in order for them to make a change,” said panelist Cristine Claudia, an environmental activist from Indonesia. “We must put people at the center of civic engagement because they are the ones who know the real solutions to the issues facing their communities.”
A group of 14 alumni also showcased their community projects, such as recycling initiatives and networking groups, and new business ventures, such as a homemade essential oils line and an entertainment production company. Their presentations highlighted the impactful and inspiring work alumni are doing as they tackle local issues and drive positive change in their communities.
Alumni also participated in professional development workshops on strengthening communication and leadership styles, building a personal brand, becoming more effective trainers, and more. Through these interactive sessions, participants worked together to solve problems and gained new tools to further their careers or projects in even more meaningful ways.
“This seminar has connected me with a lot of motivational, inspiring, and hungry changemakers who know exactly what they want to do.”
To expand their professional networks in the region, the alumni met with local Malaysian organizations and experts focused on youth empowerment, civic engagement, and sustainable development. Sessions led by MySkills Foundation, Impact Malaysia, and Biji-biji Initiative inspired discussions on the practical tools and resources available to small businesses and non-governmental organizations and how to maximize local impact.
Outside of sessions, the attendees explored Kuala Lumpur. They ate authentic cuisine, ascended to the top of Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers, and visited ancient temples. These excursions served as extended networking opportunities, as well as time for the group to reflect on the impact of the Global UGRAD Program and the seminar.
“I used to be very self-conscious about my capabilities,” said Mandaking Missi, a political science student from Malaysia. “But Global UGRAD has solidified my confidence. And I speak for many of us here when I say that we believe we found our crowd, and this [seminar] feels like home. I hope we can connect again soon.”
Many also reflected on their identity as someone who participated in Global UGRAD and what it means to be a Global UGRAD.
“The Global UGRAD identity is all about the people-to-people connection,” Pin said. “It means that you’re open-minded to learning about the differences between you and others with different lifestyles or cultures, exploring your similarities, and finding the common ground that builds friendship and understanding.”
For Coffee Sibounthanh, an interpreter and communications professional from Laos, one word comes to mind when she thinks of Global UGRAD: leadership. “Being a Global UGRAD means that you have those leadership skills that allow you to teach, manage, and take on initiatives that impact your community. As individuals, we are whole, but together, we are more. As UGRADs, we create something huge.”
The Global UGRAD Program enables college students from around the world to study at a U.S. higher education institution for a semester. As they experience higher education in the United States, they gain new skills and explore new cultures and values. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by World Learning.
