On 26 October 2024, the IMU Alumni UK Chapter Dinner was held at the beautiful Apex Hotel in Grassmarket, Edinburgh, with the iconic Edinburgh Castle as a stunning backdrop. This heartwarming gathering brought together IMU alumni and current students studying at IMU’s Scottish partner universities, fostering a memorable evening filled with camaraderie, shared memories, and the unmistakable warmth of a Malaysian reunion.

The IMU Advancement & Alumni Office (AAO) had the unique opportunity to travel to Scotland for this special occasion. Beyond the dinner, AAO took advantage of the visit to connect with colleagues from IMU’s partner schools—the University of Dundee, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh. In the days leading up to the dinner, AAO was graciously hosted by each of these universities, meeting with alumni currently studying at these institutions and engaging in meaningful discussions with Scottish counterparts on alumni engagement. This exchange provided valuable insights, inspiring exciting collaboration ideas and innovative engagement strategies to strengthen IMU’s global alumni network.

As the AAO team explored the picturesque Scottish campuses and exchanged notes on best practices in alumni engagement, they returned home with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to enhancing IMU alumni relations. Truly, as the saying goes, travel opens the mind—and this visit was an inspiring testament to that.

The highlight of the visit, the IMU Alumni UK Chapter Dinner, was a celebration of connections and community. Friends who hadn’t seen each other in years shared stories of life changes and milestones, reliving memories of their days at IMU. The evening’s ambiance was both nostalgic and exhilarating, with laughter and lively conversations creating a warm and festive atmosphere amidst the chill of autumn.

This dinner also marked the official launch of the IMU UK Alumni Chapter, under the steadfast leadership of Dr Solomon Ong and his dedicated committee. Originally focused on providing academic and social support to IMU students transitioning to Scotland, the chapter has grown into a thriving network spanning four partner universities. Dr Solomon and his team have devoted countless hours to organising social events, tutorial sessions, and gatherings that have become a vital support system for IMU’s community in Scotland.

Looking ahead, Dr Solomon envisions extending the reach of the IMU UK Alumni Chapter to connect IMU alumni throughout the United Kingdom. The accomplishments of Dr Solomon and his team reflect the spirit of IMU’s alumni, who continue to uplift, inspire, and support one another far beyond university. The Advancement & Alumni Office is incredibly proud to support the IMU Alumni UK Chapter and eagerly anticipates the future achievements and milestones this vibrant network will accomplish.