A cold and wet Saturday evening on 26 November saw many IMU alumni and staff from different parts of Malaysia braving the school holiday traffic through the Johor Bahru city centre and making it safely to Holiday Villa Hotel for the last alumni gathering of the year. Many witnessed no less than 5 accidents en-route to the hotel but that did not stop them from getting to the gathering and their determination resulted in a well turned-out event. 
A total of 29 alumni made it to the gathering and had a great time catching up with friends and batch mates. Of the 29, 4 came especially from Singapore, while another 2 (1 from United Kingdom and another from Kuching respectively), timed their holiday back in their hometown in conjunction with the gathering. The IMU Alumni Relations Office (ARO) would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of our alumni who made it to the gathering, despite their busy schedules and the trouble that they have gone through to make time for this event. 
The event started with a very warm welcome from Dr Mei Ling Young, IMU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and Engagement. Dr Young shared updates about IMU ranging from the 25th Anniversary Celebrations in 2017 to the upcoming IMU Hospital plans. Prof Ong Kok Hai, Director of External Affairs, was also present to share his passion about involving the alumni for IMU Cares projects all over Malaysia, which was well received by many. A few alumni wrote in to the ARO wanting to know about these projects after the gathering. 
One of the main reasons for the ARO to organise these gatherings is to ask for feedback from alumni about their journey after IMU, and how IMU can further help them in their careers. Many interesting and insightful feedback were given by the alumni during the breakout session. Feedback ranged from IMU alumni being well prepared for the working environment to wanting to know more about entrepreneurship. Some of them even expressed their gratitude to the lecturers who have truly inspired them. The gathering ended on a high note with everyone being treated to a scrumptious buffet dinner at the hotel. All those present were very excited and happy about the gathering, and many were looking forward to the next one. The ARO promised to keep everyone updated about the 25th Anniversary Alumni Dinner once the details are confirmed. 
