ONE° NORTH
Vol 18 March 2021
The Alumni Magazine of UWC South East Asia
Combatting COVID-19
Embracing the virtual world: from the
classroom to graduation and beyond!
Farewell Alan Barnes: UWCSEA’s sailing legacy
Class notes revived
UWC makes one a global citizen and instils
in you an appreciation for difference.”
Rachel Ochako ’06
Read more on page 5
One°North is published by UWC South East Asia annually for alumni, staff and friends of UWCSEA. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without written consent.
We welcome your feedback; please send comments, suggestions for future issues and/or address updates to alumnimagazine@uwcsea.edu.sg
Editors: Renée Gallant, Raihana binte Omar; Design: Nandita Gupta
Printed on recycled paper | MCI (P) 114/11/2020 | ALUMNI-2021
Inside
12
MUNTASIR
CHOUDHURY ’97
UWCA: LEAVE NO
ONE BEHIND
UWC Atlantic
alumnus serves on the
medical frontlines in
Singapore
14
THE IMPACT OF
ALUMNI CLASS
GIVING
An update on scholars
supported by alumni
class gifts
16
2019–2020
YEAR IN REVIEW
Highlights from
the 2019/2020
school year
02
MESSAGE FROM
THE COLLEGE
PRESIDENT
03
NOTES FROM
THE ALUMNI
OFFICE
04
WEDDING BELLS
FOR PETER
NG’ANG’A
MUCHIRI ’04
AND WARUIRU
MBURU ’09
The marriage of two
UWCSEA Scholars
reunites classmates
and teachers
06
COMBATTING
COVID-19
UWCSEA alumni
demonstrate care,
connection and
creativity
18
ALUMNI VIRTUAL
UNIVERSITY FAIR
No summer
University visits? No
problem thanks to
East Class of 2018
19
THE CLASS
OF 2020:
WELCOMING
OUR NEWEST
ALUMNI
UWCSEA’s first virtual
graduation ceremony
20
CELEBRATING
GRADUATION IN
THE SINGAPORE
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Multi-generational
UWCSEA Alumni
families reflect on
a most unusual
graduation
22
FAREWELL
BARNESY
Former students
and staff bid “fair
winds” to Alan
Barnes, UWCSEA staff
member, 1976–1999
24
DREW HULTON-
SMITH ’88
SPREADS THE
ART OF SAILING
Inspired by former
UWCSEA teacher
alumnus creates a life
on the water
26
JAMES HARAYDA
’16: FROM
ADDICTIVE
PASSION TO
OLYMPIC
AMBITIONS
How UWCSEA
fostered a strong
relationship with
sailing and the sea
28
REGIONAL
REUNIONS
Pre-pandemic
gatherings around the
world!
30
CLASS NOTES
We’ve reintroduced
Class Notes to keep
our community
connected and
informed!
32
ALUMNI
SERVICES
COVER
UWCSEA has inspired
a love of sailing across
generations of alumni.
James Harayda '16
aims for gold in the
sport in 2024.
Photo credits: Peter
Wyeth
March 2021 OneºNorth 1
heart and a commitment to overcome
challenge, and embrace opportunity.
Sadly, there is still much uncertainty for
many of our community members due
to the continuing challenges created by
COVID-19. Please know that you are all
in our thoughts as we weather this storm
together. We have endured a great deal
to get where we are today and while
we may never return to the context
we knew pre-COVID, the spirit of our
community has never wavered.
I would like to close on a note of
optimism and excitement by reminding
our alumni that in the 2021/2022 school
year, we will commemorate 50 years
since Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew
opened our school in 1971. We have a
rich history to celebrate as a part of a
global community of thinkers who are
re-imagining education. I look forward
to celebrating and re-imagining with as
many of you as possible.
Warm regards,
Carma Elliot CMG OBE
College President
It is difficult to believe that life as we
knew it has changed so completely since
this time last year, bringing restrictions
to our lives, our communities, and onto
our campuses. As Singapore went into
the circuit breaker, the College launched
a comprehensive remote learning
programme and various initiatives to
support and encourage the continuous
engagement of the community—
whether staff, students or parents. The
compassionate and resilient nature
of our community truly gave us hope
throughout this period.
By extension, our alumni community
shone with compassion, insight and
resilience far beyond Singapore. I have
been impressed and humbled by the
many stories of the innovative and
creative contributions made by our
alumni to the care and well-being of
their communities weathering the
COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for
continuing to be such remarkable
ambassadors of our mission wherever
you are, and in the face of whatever
personal challenges you have faced.
UWCSEA alumni have also been
valuable and valued participants in
the critical Anti-Racism Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion dialogue, and in
helping us shape our commitments
as we undertake systemic change. We
acknowledge that this will be a long-
Message
from
the College
President
term project, one that will require us to
learn, unlearn and break down barriers as
we work towards being a more diverse,
equitable and inclusive school. I am
grateful to our alumni who have joined
us on this journey.
As I reflect on some of the challenges of
the last year, I have also witnessed the
extraordinary efforts of our community
to support our incoming students who
have been faced with extended periods
of remote learning while they waited
to be able to join us in Singapore. I am
proud to report that all of our scholars
were able to join us in Singapore—105
in total—by early November. These
students are the essence of our College’s
mission, our strong commitment to
ensuring that youth of exceptional
promise and potential from all over the
world are provided opportunities to join
the UWC community.
Today, once again, our Tent Plazas are
alive with student groups (appropriately
distanced of course!) and the teachers
catching up with them, as they have
always done. Santai and the Heritage
Café are buzzing with study groups
and staff meetings over coffee. While
social distancing has become the norm
and facemasks are the latest addition
to the school uniform, this has quickly
become the “next normal” and we have
all embraced this change with good
2 OneºNorth March 2021
The end of February marked my one-
year anniversary leading the Alumni
Relations team at UWCSEA. Some
of you may recall that I literally had
a “flying start”, jetting off to London,
Amsterdam and New York within my
first week to host a series of Alumni
Events. It was such a pleasure to
meet so many of you and I was truly
overwhelmed by the warm welcome I
received. Who could have imagined that
those would be my first and last face-
to-face events with you!
As the weeks and months progressed
and one by one we were forced to cancel
or postpone subsequent events we had
to find creative ways to stay connected
with you and help you remain
connected with each other. Thank you
to all of you who have continued to
reach out, participate in our virtual
events, support our community and
your own, in so many ways. COVID-19
has not changed us, but it has changed
many of the ways in which we operate
and the ways in which we connect.
While nothing truly replaces the joy
of being physically together, we are
embracing the ability to reach farther
and involve more of our alumni in new
and creative ways. During Term 1 we
made the transition to virtual events
and hosted Zoom gatherings targeting
our alumni based in Australia, India
Note from
the Alumni
office
and Singapore. To our delight, these
events reached alumni far beyond these
geographic borders and across several
time zones thanks to the wonder of
technology. The success and interest
in these gatherings has continued in
Term 2 with events targeting alumni in
EMEA and North America. Our event
schedule is updated regularly on our
website and we look forward to seeing
you at one (or more!) of these virtual
events in the near future.
Event schedule can be
found on our website at
alumni.uwcsea.edu.sg.
With this series of events we hope to
establish a network of regional chapters
to extend the reach and enrich the
experience of our UWCSEA alumni
community, especially in times when we
cannot travel to be with you! If you are
interested in helping to organize a chapter
in your region, please let me know.
In this, my first issue of One°North, we
have shared a wonderful collection of
stories from a variety of voices within
our UWCSEA alumni community. From
alumni to current students, former
staff to present-day teachers, alumni
who are also parents and alumni from
other UWC schools. I sincerely hope
that you will enjoy these stories of
support, compassion, connection and
even celebration that have been shared
and I encourage more of our alumni
community to share their stories!
As we look towards the 50th Anniversary
of UWCSEA in Singapore your stories
offer a meaningful way for us to celebrate
our rich history. Our plan is to compile
these stories into a digital anthology that
will be shared in a variety of ways over
the course of our anniversary year and
beyond. We hope it will serve to enrich
and strengthen your connections to each
other, to the College and to our mission.
Until the time comes when we can meet
in person, please continue to email, call
and connect with us via social media.
We love to hear from you!
Warm regards,
Renée Gallant
Senior Manager, Alumni Relations
reneeuwc@uwcsea.edu.sg
March 2021 OneºNorth 3
Is there anything more exuberant than an African wedding?
From the angel harmonies of the choir, to the dancing and the ululations, the feasting on nyama choma, and yet more dancing well
into the night, led by a troupe of young men made from some magical combination of elastic and electricity, it is a consummate and
all-encompassing celebration.
We were honored to be guests at this weekend event in Nairobi, in December 2019. What made it even more special is that it was a
thoroughly UWC affair, bringing together an entire ‘generation’ of UWC scholars, from Kenya, Tanzania, Eswatini and Sierra Leone, as
bride and bridegroom, bridesmaid, best man, and wedding guests.
The bride and groom, Waruiru Mburu and Ng’ang’a Muchiri, actually attended UWCSEA five years apart and might never have met
each other had it not been for coming together on a summer project to support underprivileged students in Ikutha, Kenya. Clearly the
UWC couple that volunteers together stays together.
In addition to the energy and joy of the wedding itself, one of the most exciting experiences of the weekend was catching up
with scholars we had worked with in the past—now all grown up and in some cases with families of their own. They are all doing
extraordinary things with their lives and it is clear that their pathways from UWCSEA remain true to the values of the mission,
impacting significantly on society. We hope you will enjoy reading a small selection of their stories.
Wedding
celebrations
with UWC
scholars
in Nairobi,
Kenya
By Linda De Flavis, University Advisor,
Dover Campus and Mallika Ramdas,
Director of Admissions, UWCSEA
Anita Too ’15
Anita is in pink, next to Linda, second from left.
I never thought I would end up in an
all-women’s college but UWCSEA
opened my mind to this possibility, and
it was one of my greatest gifts, to be
surrounded by the intellectual presence
of diverse women at Smith College. I
graduated with a degree in Comparative
Literature, focusing on postcolonial
studies and Italian. I had challenged
myself to learn Italian and spent 6
months in Florence, where I learned
about the predicament of refugees
in that society. Cultural exchange is
crucial in helping us to challenge vicious
tropes about ‘others’ and fostering a
world where there is equal opportunity
to thrive. Right now I’m working at
a legal aid centre in Kenya, helping
disenfranchised communities, but in
September I will take up my scholarship
at Stanford University to pursue a
PhD, examining how human rights and
literary studies intersect and inform
each other.
Silvia Kariuki ’03
Silvia is in blue, next to Mallika, sixth from the left.
After my amazing, life-changing
experience at UWCSEA, I won a
scholarship to attend the University
of Chicago. I graduated in Biological
Sciences, then worked for 3 years
in a research lab at the University,
investigating the genetic basis of the
autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus. This pivotal experience
propelled me to pursue my PhD in
Human Genetics at U Chicago.
I’m now a postdoctoral research
scientist at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust
Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya,
investigating how human genetic factors
(such as sickle cell trait) give protection
against severe malaria infection. I
love this job—not only is it a unique
opportunity to conduct cutting-edge
4 OneºNorth March 2021
research at home (after being away
for almost 13 years!) but it is also
particularly impactful for populations
that live in malaria-endemic areas, such
as the Kenyan coast. I hope this research
work will one day inform production of
new therapeutic approaches for malaria.
Rachel Ochako ’06
Rachel is kneeling with the baby.
In UWC I was exposed to working
at a community level, partnering
with people in need to bring positive
change. Signing up for UWC’s Gap
Year in Western Kenya was a major
learning opportunity for me. I stayed
on this same path of working with
communities to improve lives, while
focused academically on Economics and
African Studies at Middlebury College.
The combination allowed me to merge
technical approaches with a strong
understanding of sociocultural factors.
I currently work at Africare, an NGO
that focuses on improving lives in Africa.
I design and support implementation
of development projects that benefit
the most vulnerable populations across
the African continent. Even though
as an organization we are bringing in
assistance in many forms such as food
security, health, or household income,
we are working in partnership with local
beneficiaries. UWC makes one a global
citizen and instils in you an appreciation
for difference.
Dorothy Mangale ’08
Dorothy is the bridesmaid in the salmon pink dress,
10th from the right.
After UWCSEA I studied Biological
Sciences at the University of Chicago,
specialising in Endocrinology. My strong
interest in global health issues grew
through my internships and research
projects, and subsequently through my
job as the Chronic Disease Prevention
program manager at Westside Health
Authority in Chicago. This led to a
Master’s in Global Health at Duke
University’s Global Health Initiative,
researching health technologies to
improve the child protection system
in Cambodia. I also became a die-hard
Duke basketball fan—“Go, Blue Devils!”
I’m currently a Global Health PhD
Student in Implementation Science at
the University of Washington, where
I work on strengthening and adapting
health services for young women in sub-
Saharan Africa. I also work part-time
at the International Clinical Research
Center which advances research for HIV
and infectious disease interventions. In
my free time I like to sing, and still miss
being part of UWC’s ‘Singers’!
Other wedding guests included Kenyan scholars: David Mburu ’05, who is doing medical research in Boston; Josh Muketha ’06, who
works for One Acre, an agricultural development project in East Africa; Mike Ogutu ’08 who works in finance in Toronto (see Mike’s
update in Class Notes) and Sibu Ngobese ’10, a Swazi scholar, now a software engineer in Seattle.
Best man Musa Kpaka ’04, a Sierra Leone scholar recently completed his PhD at the London School of Economics, after a few years
working on development projects in Africa (first with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and subsequently at the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Tanzania).
And finally the bride and groom: Waruiru Mburu ’09 is an epidemiologist in the US, with ongoing projects in Ghana, while Ng’ang’a
Muchiri ’04 is a professor of literature at the University of Nebraska.
March 2021 OneºNorth 5
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, UWCSEA alumni continue to demonstrate our mission and holistic education in so
many ways. Here we share with you a small selection of the remarkable contributions our alumni have made in support of
their current communities across the world.
UWCSEA ALUMNI:
combatting COVID-19 with care,
connection and creativity
Medical frontlines
Alumni are studying medicine and working in healthcare to deliver primary care to COVID-19 patients around the world.
Sophie Diong ’14
Sophie is a junior doctor working on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 at Our Lady
of Lourdes Hospital in Ireland.
Nia Mairead Haswell ’09
Nia is a physiotherapist at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where non-essential
medical care services were cancelled to manage the virus. While this may be necessary, she
knows there are a lot of people at home with various other conditions and illnesses who may
be struggling. Mairead’s message to those who are unwell in any way or worried about any
symptoms, is to make sure that they contact their GP.
“Keep looking after yourselves and each other. The sense of community at the moment, locally and
globally, is so strong and I hope it’s something that will continue long after COVID-19.”
Shweta Hota ’13
Shweta is a junior doctor who was working in Respiratory Medicine at King’s College Hospital,
London when the COVID-19 outbreak began. London quickly became the epicentre of the
outbreak and her hospital was one of the most affected in the country and her ward the first to
convert to a “COVID-positive” ward. She is now working on the COVID High Dependency Unit
treating patients who have been stepped down from the Intensive Care Unit.
Shweta hopes the public will continue supporting one another during these hard times and
continue social isolation measures to stop the spread of the virus. For those who think these
measures are not helping Shweta says, “Now discharging more COVID patients than we admit!”
6 OneºNorth March 2021
Siya Dayal ’14
Siya is working as a junior doctor in London. “We have faced a suspension of our training
program, a change in our daily working rotas, redeployment to certain clinical areas, and in some
cases having to work in conditions without adequate protective equipment” says Siya. “Despite
the heart-breaking and overwhelming circumstances, I am lucky to be part of a Trust that has
excellent team spirit, right from the nurses, physiotherapists, porters and senior consultants.”
Aditya Krishnan ’15
Aditya Krishnan ’15 is a newly qualified doctor working in Respiratory Medicine at Birmingham
Heartlands Hospital, helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
He says, “It has been humbling to observe our remarkable essential workers stepping up to support
one another. Look out for those around you—together, we are getting through this!”
Sanjana Kattera ’11
Sanjana is a paediatrician on the front-lines treating COVID-19 positive children at Alder Hey
Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK. Sanjana says, “It has been challenging yet satisfying to be able
to save children during this horrible pandemic.”
Sanjana is also a member of the team that conducted phase 3 clinical trial of the Oxford
COVID-19 vaccine at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine where she is an Honorary
Clinical Fellow.
Sargam Vohra ’12
Sargam is a Junior Doctor with the National Health Service in Manchester, England where she
is currently posted in the elderly care and A&E departments. Her parents shared this beautiful
photo of Sargam and her ever encouraging smile (behind the mask!) as she serves and treats
patients in COVID-19 wards with commitment and care, while spreading cheer and positivity
among the patients and the medical team.
March 2021 OneºNorth 7
Service
Alumni remain committed to service in their local communities and beyond.
Samay Bansal ’16
Samay founded Million Meals Mission (MMM) with a goal to feed 1,000,000 people a meal.
Today, the nonprofit is doing its part to support populations impacted by food insecurity as a
result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to its usual partners, MMM is supporting
organisations that are providing meal packs to low-income families who are unable to leave
their homes. Samay says, “These organisations are doing incredible work and it’s an honour for us
to support them.”
Bianca Hanbury-Morris ’07, Isabelle Morris ’11, Kate Johnston ’10
Bianca launched Balik Bayani, an online initiative supporting families of Filipino healthcare
workers who have died while working in the UK front-lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our idea was to symbolically travel,” mused Bianca. “Whether that’s exercising, jogging, walking,
let’s travel the 11,000km back to the Philippines, that journey that they couldn’t make back home
that final time.”
Together with her sister, Isabelle and friend, Kate, their platform has raised more than £20,000 by
rallying more than 100 people to collectively walk the distance from the UK to the Philippines.
Pictured here are sisters Bianca and Isabelle
Ayesha Menon ’21 and Nishka Menon ’17
Concerned about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the needy and vulnerable, two siblings
decided to develop a website to support local Singaporeans during the Circuit Breaker and
beyond.
Nishka Menon ’17, together with her sister, Ayesha ’21, created hopebound (www.hopebound.
one), which collates resources for people affected by the pandemic, including those who have
lost their jobs, domestic abuse victims, as well as the young and the elderly.
8 OneºNorth March 2021
Aayush Mathur ’18
Aayush’s Singapore Armed Forces infantry unit was involved in COVID-19 contact tracing
operations.
Arman Alluri ’18
Arman volunteered as a medic in a migrant worker dormitory.
National Service
Many alumni have put school and career on hold to serve their country on the frontlines.
Sayed Taqi Shah ’18
Sayed is a sergeant at Central Fire Station where he volunteered as a COVID-19 swab tester
during his off days.
Siddhartha Bali ’18
As an army tonner driver for the Singapore Armed Forces, Siddhartha’s role includes preparing
and deploying medical equipment to where it is needed most.
Eric Wallner ’19
Eric is currently in the last stretch of his National Service for Austria, where he is working in the
Civil Defence sector on contract for the Austrian Red Cross Emergency Medical Services, as an
Emergency Medical Technician on the ambulance.
March 2021 OneºNorth 9
Technology
Using critical thinking skills and technical expertise, alumni are solving COVID-19-related challenges.
Kaiesh Vohra ’01 and Zal Dastur ’01
Lucep, a tech firm founded by classmates Kaiesh and Zal, has leveraged their technical platform
and expertise—at no cost—to support telemedicine helplines and managing patient queues in
Singapore and parts of India in their battle against COVID-19.
Zal explains, “This is a difficult time for everyone in the world, no single country has not been impacted.
We are seeing how everyday technology is being used to help people maintain as much of a normal life
as possible. We are particularly proud of our project in India as it helped those who may not otherwise
have access to quality healthcare and information regarding the virus.”
Arya Vohra ’20, Aryaman Singh ’20, Aryan Saju ’20, Dhruv Goswami ’20,
Khushaal Jammu ’20, Sachin Khanna ’20, Samir Khanna ’20, Taichi Kato ’20
Congratulations to these members of the Class of 2020 for receiving a Young ChangeMakers
Grant which they used to host a virtual hackathon called #codeForCorona. Hackers collaborated
to create solutions to issues faced by Singapore during the pandemic, and presented their work
to judges from local businesses and government agencies for feedback.
Ayra says, “In times like this it is difficult to get corporate support for such projects. That’s why we
really appreciate the grant in helping ground-up initiatives like us to enrich the community.”
10 OneºNorth March 2021
Wellness
Alumni are supporting personal and social wellbeing with compassion and creativity.
Arts and Culture
Alumni artists are uplifting their communities through creative expression.
Julia Schetelig ’18
Julia created a resource platform for young changemakers called Generation Impact. It recently
featured a Corona Care Package consisting of a 20-page booklet filled with simple mindfulness
exercises.
Samiha Singh ’20
Over the lockdown period, Samiha ’20 kickstarted an initiative called 'Calm During COVID-19' to
provide comfort and emotional support to peers. Lending not only a helping hand, but a listening
ear, Samiha and her growing team have organised book clubs, pen pals and other resources for
students.
Sunena Gupta ’16
Weaving the art of dance with altruism, Sunena helped raise S$14,000 in support of the Migrant
Workers Assistance Fund. 'Shukran Sundays at Seven' was Sunena's tribute to the plight of
migrant workers in Singapore. The five-week dance series featured some of Singapore's most
accomplished Indian Classical dancers, with each hour-long performance broadcast via live
YouTube Premieres.
Sean Ghazi ’87
Like so many other industries, the pandemic has impacted the entertainment scene but the
show must go on(line). In a show of solidarity Sean joined 70 other theatre performers across
Southeast Asia to lift spirits with a beautiful collaborative rendition of 'Seasons Of Love' from
the hit musical 'Rent'.
To watch Seasons of Love please scan this QR code.
March 2021 OneºNorth 11
was a message from my hospital: I was
needed. I was to join the swabbing
operations in the worker dormitories as
soon as I was able to return to work.
In a matter of hours we were all on the
ground. The wall against the onslaught
of the virus was forming. Today, when
I imagine the faces of the people who
stood shoulder to shoulder with me
creating the wall, I don’t only see the
healthcare workers or the essential
service providers, I see everyone: the
general population, the people in
the migrant workers dormitory who
did their part by wearing a mask, by
maintaining personal hygiene, staying
at home and by persevering. Teamwork
is the key, it’s not only the healthcare
workers who are involved, everyone is
involved and we cannot win this fight
without everyone’s cooperation.
We were deployed in teams based on
a roster in the dorms and execution
of the swabbing operation was being
carried out with us garbed in gowns,
N95 masks, goggles and faceshields.
The atmosphere in the early days was
tense. The migrant workers appeared
worried and as part of our work as
the communications team, we were
all trying our best to make them
comfortable. They came from various
cultures, at times did not speak English
and were more comfortable with their
native language. Pandemics harbor
fear, for them this was even more the
case as they were unsure and fearful
about their future. I am sure they had a
lot of doubts gnawing into their souls—
Will I get sick? What happens when I
To Muntasir, when he first heard
about UWC Atlantic from his school
in Dhaka, Bangladesh, “it was as if
a door to a new world was about to
open.” He attended the school from
1995 to 1997, which he considers
the years when he gradually came
out from the shell of the shy and
reclusive boy that he was to the
person he is today, now practicing
as a doctor in Singapore. He shared
with us the following reflections on
how he sees his role in helping the
community today, as a doctor who
rushed to help the migrant worker
dormitories in Singapore at the height
of the pandemic:
UWC was always about giving back
to the community. My time at UWC
Atlantic was the foundation stone,
laying the groundwork for a life of
nurturing empathy and helping others.
But it really takes a crisis to truly test
if you have what it takes—to jump into
the fire at the height of the blaze, so
that you can pull other people out.
Calamities like this sometimes bring the
worst out of people and at the same
time can bring the best out of people.
Fortunately, it has brought out the
best in many and that outnumbers the
former category.
When COVID-19 first reached Singapore
I was recalled from Perth, Australia
where I was on a fellowship. As such,
when the first outbreaks occurred in
the worker dormitories, I was serving
my 14 day stay home notice, unable
to do anything and feeling increasingly
restless. Then my phone beeped, it
get sick? Will we be cared for or will we
be sent back to our countries? And the
main question: what will happen to me?
Fear and uncertainty is a dreadful thing,
it can unarm the strongest and bravest
of souls. We needed to address their
fears, we needed to reassure them
that we are with them, we will take
care of them and no one will be left
behind. We needed to inspire them,
motivate them; we needed to boost
their self-esteem and remind them
of the contributions they had made.
So that’s exactly what we did. I still
remember the very first time when,
with a loudhailer in hand, I spoke out
in Bengali (one of the native tongues of
the migrant workers) to the thousands
of workers standing in the balconies of
their dormitory blocks, (whilst my other
colleagues took turns in speaking out in
the other languages spoken commonly
by the migrant workers)—“As you all
know, there is a massive spread of the
Coronavirus infection all around the
world. Unfortunately, it has come to
your dorms too. Should you be afraid?
I will tell you that there is nothing to
be afraid of as we are already here for
you all. We will take care of your health.
You have done your part for Singapore,
you have built the buildings we live
in, you have built the roads we travel
upon, your contribution to Singapore is
enormous. You are one of us and we will
take care of you.” This was followed by
a thunderous applause! We have finally
managed to reach out to them, the
barrier was broken, a bond of trust has
been forged!
LEAVE NO-ONE BEHIND:
uniting the community at the
height of the pandemic
Muntasir Choudhury ’97, UWC Atlantic
12 OneºNorth March 2021
Over the course of that month, the
operations expanded further and the
tide was turned, at least for now. My
work scope changed from ground
level medical care to being part of an
outreach program looking into the
welfare of the workers located in the
dorms. Over the months we have
connected with leaders among the
migrant worker community, working
with them alongside NGOs on getting
our message through to them, the
objective being simple: ensuring a
continuity of care beyond the pandemic
situation, empowering people and
increasing awareness in the migrant
workers community for a better future.
At the end of the day when I reflect
upon what is happening in the world,
I do realise that the world is changing;
things may not be the same as how
they were before. New social norms will
spring up, history is in the making and
we are all going to be part of this. We
are all in this together, and together
we will overcome and continue to
make the world a wonderful place to
live in for everyone. For me, after many
years, I have reached the crossroads
again, and I have chosen my path.
“It is a beautiful world when
humanity becomes the
mantra.”
March 2021 OneºNorth 13
The incredible impact of alumni class giving
“Unite in purpose” read an invitation shared between members of an alumni year group, encouraging former classmates to come
together in support of a new UWCSEA scholarship. This rallying call has been echoed in recent years by a number of classes who
have chosen to join forces and direct their combined efforts into fundraising for a specific goal.
Alumni from St. John’s School and the Classes of ’78, ’86, ’90 and ’91 are among those who decided to fundraise as a class group to
continue their legacy of giving back to the College.
And what an incredible impact they have had.
The bonds of friendship and purpose that they shared as classmates evolved into a shared determination to make a difference at
UWCSEA. What was the impact of their class fundraising? St. John’s alumni have supported the Solar programme—helping switch
on classrooms to the power of sustainable energy and reduce CO2 emissions. The Class of ’90 planted endangered and indigenous
trees. The Classes of ’78, ’86, and ’91 have united to change the life path of a number of young scholars—giving them access to the
same UWC education that had shaped them, and an opportunity for an entirely different future.
Different classes cited many different motivations for getting involved (including honouring a classmate’s legacy, celebrating a
special anniversary, or a reunion trip) but the outcome was the same: IMPACT. It’s the ultimate ‘proof of concept’ of the difference a
UWC education can make!
Enjoy these updates from a number of scholars who were supported through the generosity of Alumni Class Giving:
Kengthsagn Louis ’13, scholar from Haiti
UWC made me aware how much my own cultural
perspectives matter. This realisation has become the
backbone of my research—I’m currently doing my PhD
in Psychology at Stanford, exploring the intersections of
culture and health on social psychology. UWC values about
affecting positive change in the world have guided me, and
now I have the tools to tackle the issues. Post-UWCSEA
I attended Skidmore College, and won an award for my
work on social entrepreneurship which came out of a Davis
Peace Project I ran at the end of my undergraduate years.
Much of the research in the field of psychology has been
done by white, middle-class thinkers, yet we also need to
understand and research how different people experience
the world—how other cultures and mindsets impact health
outcomes.
My goal is to lead more community-based research; to
create an academic centre in Haiti, that will train and fund
scientists to investigate and solve problems in the different
cultural contexts of low and middle income countries.
Raquel Marquez ’15, scholar from Bolivia
I recently returned to Bolivia, after completing my
undergraduate studies as a Davis UWC Scholar at
Bennington College in the United States. My time at
UWCSEA was the beginning of the road of a personal
transformation. I never imagined that I would study human
rights in college and much less that I would choose to
dedicate my life to the advocacy for gender equality and
sexual minorities’ rights.
Now that I look back, I understand the need to share the
UWC mission, values, and experiences. Without a doubt, I can
say that the experiences I had at UWC and the relationships
that I created at such a young age have made me a better
person and inspired both my education and work.
14 OneºNorth March 2021
Carmen Barrios ’17, scholar from Honduras
My UWC scholarship changed my personal and academic
life completely. After graduating from UWCSEA, I was
fortunate to receive a full Davis UWC scholarship at
Skidmore College in the United States, and I am now
applying to universities around the world to study a
master’s degree in public health and epidemiology.
Eventually I plan to enrol in medical school with the goal
of becoming a physician who works to eliminate disparities
in healthcare and provides compassionate, high-quality,
patient care to individuals from all backgrounds.
Chiao Tieh Lin ’19, scholar from Taiwan
I am currently a sophomore at the College of Idaho,
majoring in Biomedical Sciences with the support of a
Davis UWC scholarship. I have been in Taiwan since March
due to the pandemic. It has been tough to learn this way,
online and at night because of the time difference, but it’s
special for me to be with my family.
UWCSEA provided me with an opportunity to step out of
my comfort zone and enter another world; different people,
educational system, and language. Most importantly, I
believe in the cycle of giving and will support others who
need help—and hope that I can inspire more people in my
hometown to believe in the power of education!
To find out more or to make an individual
donation please scan this QR code.
The Scholarship Programme
At a time when calls for greater equity are becoming
increasingly urgent across the globe, and access to education
continues to create a pathway to social justice, UWCSEA
affirms our commitment to using our education as a force
to unite people, nations and cultures through our continued
development of our scholarship programme.
Each scholar has been through a rigorous selection process by
their National Committees, a volunteer network of more than
3,000 alumni, parents of alumni, educational and community
leaders spanning 158 countries.
Every year around 100 scholars enrich our campuses in
Singapore, providing depth of experience and their individual
passions to our diversity. Their unique perspectives enrich
classroom discussions, increase cross-cultural appreciation, and
invite life-long friendships.
Inspired? Add your support to the Scholarship Programme
As one of the alumni involved in supporting the scholars
featured here described, "Coming together to do something
so meaningful feels really good!". With COVID-19 impacting
funding, the College needs help more than ever before. Gifts of
all amounts make a difference.
Including displaced youths from Myanmar, Ukraine and
Colombia
Scholars come from 66 different countries
52 scholars will graduate in 2021
scholars receiving a UWC education thanks to
support from the UWCSEA community
at UWCSEA
at other UWCs
112
105
2020/2021
scholarship programme by the numbers
54
Dover
51
East
105
Scholars at
UWCSEA
March 2021 OneºNorth 15
2019/2020 YE
As told by members of the Alumni Foundation Council consisting of students in Grades
DOVER CAMPUS
UN Night
by Sophia, Grade 12
As a testament to UWCSEA’s values
of inclusion and cultural diversity,
students celebrated the culture
richness in the community through a
day-long showcase of cultural dress,
food and vibrant performances.
During the day, students dressed in
their national costumes and in the
evening, the community showcased
their international culture at a lively
dance show featuring dances from
various cultures from around the world.
Members of the student body and
the Parents’ Association also came
together to host the international food
store in the Tent Plaza for the whole
UWCSEA community to enjoy.
Careers Fair
by Zhu Zhu, Grade 12
Every year the Parents’ Association
Dover and East alternately organise the
Careers Fair. Saturday, 16 November,
saw the 2019/2020 Careers Fair on the
Dover Campus, held in conjunction
with Holiday Fair, combining two of
the most highly anticipated events in
the school’s calendar which translated
into an enthusiastic show of attendees
throughout the day!
With a variety of booths and panel
discussions from 10am to 2pm, the
Fair was a great opportunity for high
school students to learn more about
the careers they are interested in and
to discover new ones that match their
talents and passion. Speakers for the
day included parents and alumni and
covered a wide range of industries, from
engineering and various sciences to mass
communication and the arts. The live
interactions with and personal accounts
shared by a diverse group of practitioners
not only serve to inspire our students
but also impresses on them a powerful
experience to jump-start envisioning
future pathways for themselves.
Drama Showcase
by Po Eic, Grade 12
The annual drama showcase has always
staged the most expressive, creative,
and humorous drama showcase and
this year proved to be no exception.
The performances lined up in this
showcase covered issues that ranged
from the absurd to the hilarious. Office
workers descending into madness on an
island in Holes, memories of torture in
Death and the Maiden, and an intimate
night turned educational in Pink is Not
Your Colour. Parents, teachers, and
students watching the performances
teared up from laughter one moment
and sat at the edge of their seats the
next moment. A movement piece on
the tragedy of separation and reunion
ended an evening of hope, surprise, and
humour on a moving note.
TEDxDover 2020
by Valeria, Grade 11
Themed vision, the event consisted of
amazing student and guest speakers.
Issues from personal mental health to
the future of virology and water were
covered. Being presented with such a
range of empowering ideas and talks
that all unite under a central theme, is
reflective of our school and its mission
statement. TEDxDover showed the
power in voicing, sharing and listening to
ideas can hold. Everyone left the venue
feeling hopeful and inspired. Dramatic
stage lighting, the signature red carpet
and live music contributed to the
positive atmosphere.
Rock Show 2020
by Ethan, Grade 11
This might not have been the usual
night where student-formed bands
play their hearts out on stage, but
Rock Show 2020 brought a real sense
of community to the campus. Giving
students a unique opportunity to
perform in front of a live audience,
this was an excellent event to end the
year on. And who can’t help but tear
up watching the Primary students send
off the Class of 2020 with the Leavers
Song?
16 OneºNorth March 2021
AR IN REVIEW
11 and 12 who support and inspire the work of the Alumni and Foundation teams!
EAST CAMPUS
Infant School students buddied up
with High Schoolers to exchange
stories of hope, what it means to
be changemakers and activists. A
Sustainability Fair was held at Dover,
where students staged a powerful ‘die-
in’ to call for the urgent action needed
to tackle climate breakdown. On East,
younger students painted messages
of change on rocks and mindfully
explored the green spaces around the
school, and Environmental Stewardship
learning areas, where their decorated
rocks were left to beautify our green
spaces.
Scholars’ Dinner
by Sinuan, Hala and Nichipa, Grade 12
Laughter and light, friendly
conversations and a buzzing
atmosphere of fun emanated from
the Main Hall as scholars and parents
came together to enjoy a marvellous
home-cooked meal during the annual
Scholars’ Dinner. Held on 12 November
2019, this event is a highlight of the
year, especially for Scholars, providing
them an opportunity to meet
some of the Foundation’s generous
donors personally and to show their
appreciation. All 45 students were
united that night under the UWC
mission to celebrate their successful
UWC selection and to share their life
journey as well as cultural differences
within the diverse school community.
Kahaani 2020
by Emily and Losalini, Grade 12
On 23 January, the Kolkata GC hosted
Kahaani (which translates to ‘story’ in
Hindi) an annual celebration of Indian
dance and music performed by the
students and teachers in support of
Voice of World NGO in Kolkata, India.
The dance showcased the diversity of
the Indian culture and elements such
as the beautiful traditional clothes
worn by the performers were woven
seamlessly into numerous Indian songs.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers:
“No community is without love”
by Evelin, Grade 12
A powerful Grade 12 Drama production
adapted from Pulitzer Prize-winner
Katherine Boo’s novel of the same
name that depicts the hardships and
relationship struggles in the squatters’
slum of Annawadi bordering Mumbai
airport. A harrowing and powerful
plot, with thoughtful attention paid to
the wonderfully detailed setting and
talented actors, it was truly an amazing
production. The cast and crew made an
outstanding effort to create a stunning,
thought-provoking and memorable
theatre experience for the audience.
CultuRama 2019:
Unexplored
by Carla, Evelyn and Raqeb, Grade 12
From the vibrant celebrations of
Carnaval in Brazil, to the energetic
fan and drum dances of South
Korea, CultuRama 2019: Unexplored
showcased 14 countries, including new
dances from Greece, Iran, Germany,
and more! The 2019 UWC Day theme,
“Climate of Change”, was woven
through the dances alongside the rich
diversity of our school. In the plaza,
stalls hosted by community nationality
group parents served delicacies from
their home nations. This coupled
with the melodious voices of talented
performers set the joyous atmosphere.
UWC Day 2019:
Climate of Change
by Ashi, Kinley and Manaw, Grade 12
The spirit of “Generation Greta” flows
through the UWCSEA community
every day, but even more so at the
2019 UWC Day celebrations held
on 20 September. Themed ‘Climate
of Change’, UWC Day saw a variety
of workshops, science experiments,
community gardening, exhilarating
performances and informative
displays.
March 2021 OneºNorth 17
No summer university visits?
No problem!
UWCSEA alumni bring their university
experience to current students.
The most intense “season” in the UWCSEA University Applications process is
undoubtedly Term 1 of Grade 12. To prepare many students spend time during the
summer prior to their final year visiting colleges and universities around the world. These
visits give students not only a chance to see these campuses for themselves, but also to
speak with current students enrolled at these schools to obtain an insider’s perspective
on university life. Sadly, travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19 and unrest in many
parts of the world made this all but impossible last summer.
Meanwhile, many of UWCSEA’s young alumni have also had their university education
disrupted with a number returning to Singapore from schools around the world to
complete their courses via online learning. Julia Schetelig ’18, was one such alumnus
who found herself completing her third year of study at Earlham remotely from
Singapore. Whilst in conversation with her former University Advisor, Niki Dinsdale,
Julia suggested bringing these two groups together: alumni with current knowledge
and experience of university and students contemplating the university selection and
applications process. From this conversation, the idea for UWCSEA’s inaugural Virtual
University Fair was born!
Within a matter of days Julia enlisted close to 50 fellow alumni from East's Class
of 2018 to host virtual information sessions about their respective universities and
programmes of study. The Alumni Relations Team created an interactive padlet to
share the schedule and manage student registrations.
The sessions offered represented universities spanning the globe (USA, UK, Australia,
Canada, United Arab Emirates, The Netherlands, France and Singapore) and covered
courses including medicine, engineering, international relations, psychology, computer
studies, music, business, sports management and many more! Over the course of
three weekends 55 alumni hosted 49 sessions covering about 42 universities attended
by 197 students from both East and Dover.
Annika Singh ’21
Virtual University Fair Attendee
"I really enjoyed how friendly and
open the alumni were about their
life at university. It gave me a much
clearer picture of each university.
The alumni on the calls I attended
had inspiring stories and gave very
specific information wherever
they could. I also thought that
the format was well structured—
students on the call, including me,
made full use of the ability to ask
questions. I really appreciate the
effort made by the UAC to adapt
this event to a virtual platform, it
was incredibly helpful for me!"
Charlotte Kemp ’18
Virtual University Fair Session host,
King’s College London
“The Virtual University Fair was very
well organised. Looking back, I wish I
had the opportunity [as a High School
student] to speak to alumni currently
studying at universities that I was
interested in applying for because
you get a more heartfelt and honest
understanding of how that particular
university functions, so it’s great that
the current UWCSEA students had
this opportunity!”
Julia Schetelig ’18
Virtual University Fair Organizer and
Session Host, Earlham College
“I was motivated to give back to the
community. As recent graduates, it’s
easy to think that there’s nothing
you can give back, simply because
we’re broke college students. But
giving back as alumni is not limited
to donations. If every alumni
dedicated just two hours per year
mentoring a student, answering
a few questions about careers or
universities or, of course, donating, it
would make a huge difference—for
alumni, students and the College.”
Once voted by her classmates as
“Most likely to become a House
Parent” Julia spent Term 1 on East
Campus working as a Boarding
Intern at Tampines House.
18 OneºNorth March 2021