RMIT: International alumni chapters

Beyond graduation: Meet the leaders of RMIT’s international alumni chapters who create professional support networks in countries around the world.

A passion for ongoing learning and networking is a common trait among RMIT graduates. However, RMIT is a global university with inspiring alumni across the world – so how do they stay connected?

Enterprising RMIT alumni have set up six international alumni chapters to enable students to socialise, share professional advice and ultimately, create a like-minded community.

Bringing people together

Mina Lim set up Malaysia’s RMIT Alumni Chapter in 2020. The Malaysian chapter now has more than 500 members and a full event schedule. “Our gatherings are all about forging networks, gaining insights, and giving back to the community,” Mina said. “Picture this - events that cater to every stage of life, from young families navigating early parenthood, to ambitious mid-career professionals hungry for networking opportunities, to seasoned alumni eager to pass on their wisdom as subject matter experts.

“We throw epic Aussie-style barbecues where the beer and wine flow freely and yes, happy hours are a must! We're even gearing up to launch a whisky club because why not add a dash of sophistication? Whenever we can, we love shining the spotlight on our stellar alumni, whether they're published authors or inspirational speakers.”

Mina said the alumni events are more than ‘checkboxes on a calendar’. They celebrate graduates with alumni awards, encourage opportunities for collaboration and provide an online mentoring platform.

The result, said Mina, is a dynamic group that benefits from a range of impactful initiatives.

“It's a win-win because elevating RMIT's reputation means our grads shine brighter in the eyes of potential employers,” she said.

A deep talent pool

The UK is home to more than 4,000 RMIT alumni, so it’s ripe territory for RMIT’s newly minted UK alumni chapter. Headed by Steve Watson, the group held its first event in April this year titled Forward 2024. The event was a look back at world events of the last year and a look ahead to the possibilities of 2024. Steve said the UK chapter aims to schedule many more informal networking events with presenters drawn from the talented pool of RMIT alumni based in the UK. “In an era defined by remote work and virtual connections, the need to nurture and sustain our social networks has never been more evident,” he said.

“These connections are not just the foundation of our personal growth and wellbeing; they are essential for our professional development. Meeting fellow alumni, hearing their stories, and seeing connections being formed is the best part.

“When I look back at my own career, it's the connections with others who shared my aspirations or who extended a helping hand, that propelled me forward. And now, I'm thrilled to be part of an endeavour to make available this same incredible opportunity to our fellow alumni.

“The chapter is all about supporting our alumni, creating connections and supporting each other.”

Accomplish amazing things

RMIT’s connections to China have been ongoing for more than 25 years, so an alumni group was always going to be extremely useful for RMIT’s Chinese alumni and other graduates working and living there. RMIT Alumni China Chapter president Chris Pan leads a team of volunteers who bring the Australia-China alumni community together. This year the chapter has hosted a series of events including a thought leadership symposium in Shanghai themed under the title Navigating Tomorrow - the AI Trends Reshaping Business.

Last year the group partnered with Austrade, the government body supporting exporters, international investors and buyers, to organise career talks and workshops, as well as industry pitching events.

“For me, building a trusting, interpersonal experience is the best part,” Chris said.

“At each event, I get to know each participant and can remember who they are and what they do. Then, when they come to me with specific requests, I try to do my best and precisely pinpoint the main issue with my suggestion or potential solution.

“Alongside this, I am committed to [contributing] my resources to the community and thrilled to foster collaborative partnerships that can benefit alumni.”

Graduates thinking of joining the Chinese chapter have a lot to gain, both professionally and personally, said Chris.

“This is the exclusive platform and community for them to stay connected with the college, alumni and professors for lifelong study and possible future collaboration with the industry.”

Giving back to grow

Gayle Wong has recently stepped into the role of President of the RMIT Alumni

Singapore chapter, the university’s largest and most active international alumni group. With a 25,000 strong cohort, Gayle and her team organise regular formal and social events, and some of these are collaborative with other international RMIT alumni chapters.

“We run about four RMIT Alumni Singapore events a year focused on career and personal development, health and wellbeing and networking,” she said. “We also partner [with] RMIT University in Australia and Vietnam [on]their events as well. For example, we have been collaborating on RMIT Australia's Future Ready Business Series, and RMIT Vietnam's A2A Circle events." Gayle, who has been actively involved with the Singapore alumni group for many years, said she is motivated by the need to give to others.

“I am passionate about giving back - connecting our alumni community together, building bonds and networks to help one another grow professionally and personally,” she said.

“I have benefited widely from the networking opportunities that arose from being part of the executive committee, and I sincerely hope the RMIT alumni members can also benefit too.”

Becoming a member of an international alumni chapter supports graduates in finding new career opportunities and developing a strong sense of camaraderie. It’s also about the collective benefit. As a community of driven professionals, an alumni group can learn and achieve as a united whole.

Story: Kate Jones

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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