Recognition for Alumni Volunteering

A graduate’s endeavour upon graduation is to secure an employment that will lead to a good career path. Not many would consider alumni volunteering. However, Malaysians from various Australian chapters in Malaysia have for over four decades been volunteering to develop Australia-Malaysia alumni relations. Australian alumni chapters in Malaysia date back to the 1960s, although initially just an informal network of graduates from a common alma mater but over the years, the network was formalised, and registered with the Registrar of Societies in Malaysia.

Today, there are 19 registered Australian alumni chapters and approximately 13 informal alumni chapters. This represents 32 of the 40 Australian universities. Each chapter has members ranging from 200 to over 1,000 members. The Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC) was established over 10 years ago for this objective – to serve as the national organisation representing the various Australian alumni chapters in Malaysia. We are proud to be representing 36 members, 19 of which are registered alumni chapters (Council Members), 13 non-registered (Council Associates) and 5 other chapters with similar vision and mission like The MAAC (Associate Members).

On 9 October 2013, the Australian High Commission, The MAAC’s strategic partner, hosted an Australian Alumni Heads Reception. The reception was held at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Miles Kupa. Two representatives from each alumni chapter were invited and all alumni leaders were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Australia – Malaysia relationship through their promotion of alumni networks and activities. “All Australian university alumni chapters in Malaysia play an important role in connecting returning graduates to their respective alumni chapters as many enjoy keeping close contact with their alma maters. The various Australian universities also recognise these chapters as ambassadors to promoting quality education at their respective universities”, said Ms Pat PW Yeoh, President of The Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC), who attended the event in her capacity as the President of her alma mater alumni chapter, the University of New England.

Free flow of Australian wine and canapés were served throughout the evening and everyone had a good time networking – some rekindled old friendships while others met new friends – all of whom are proud graduates of various Australian universities.