In the decade since outgoing President Pixie Low stepped up to re-launch the dormant UNSW Malaysia Alumni Chapter, the network has transformed into a thriving and award-winning community.
Pixie graduated from UNSW with a degree in Medicine in 1984 and chatting to the UNSW Alumni Experience team, Pixie recalls the humble beginnings of her chapter journey: “We restarted the chapter in 2014 with no member database and a small amount of funding to get us started. Growing the membership was our top priority.”
Under her leadership, UNSW Alumni in Malaysia were given copious opportunities to connect, learn and challenge ways of thinking. From casual pizza parties to theatre nights and meetings with prominent government officials, the chapter grew in strength and visibility. Earning three Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC) awards in ten years, including the prestigious “Australian Alumni Chapter” award twice.
For Pixie, her proudest moment was personal and profound,
“In 2019, we assisted in getting the UNSW MD BSc degree recognised by Malaysian medical and legislative bodies. Without that, UNSW’s 2019 medical graduates wouldn’t have been able to practice in Malaysia.”
After ten years as President, Pixie reflects, “I learnt the power of people, passion and perseverance.” Her message to the wider alumni community? “There is a whole vista of networking, mentoring, self-cultivation and opportunities with UNSW Alumni that will pay back, whether immediately or in the future.”
Taking over the reins is Richard Im, a digital transformation specialist and leader of the cloud and data analytics team at Axiata, one of Asia’s largest telecommunications groups. Richard graduated from UNSW (AGSM) in 2005 with an MBA(Exec). A natural connector with a sharp focus on innovation, Richard discovered the Alumni Chapter just over a year ago and was immediately energised by the community.
“I was so inspired by the stories—entrepreneurs who built unicorns, politicians discussing Malaysia’s future. It made me want to get more involved,” he says.
Richard’s vision is focused and forward-looking:
“We’re building a more entrepreneurial-spirited Chapter, one that goes beyond social connection to become a platform for mentorship, business collaboration and innovation.”
His top three priorities for 2025/26 reflect this shift:
Fostering Community through joint alumni initiatives such as mentorship programmes and social impact projects.
Fuelling Innovation, by harnessing the expertise of alumni who have led businesses and disrupted industries.
Growing Organisational Strength via strategic partnerships.
“It’s about transforming the UNSW Malaysian Alumni Chapter into one that connects and creates opportunities for professional, personal and economic growth,” Richard says.
To those looking to reconnect, the invitation is simple: “Get involved in our exciting journey. Let’s continue to build our alumni community, have some fun along the way, and make it impactful and inspiring.
Are you a UNSW alum based in Malaysia? Find out more about joining our networks and connect with Richard and the rest of the Committee on LinkedIn. If you have any questions, get in touch at alumni@unsw.edu.au.