Global Buddies Club member among UUM delegates representing Malaysia at International Symposium set in prestigious National University of Singapore
News and pictures Eilliyah Fong
SINGAPORE, 27 July 2025: Out of more than 1700 applicants, only 300 were selected to attend the prestigious Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS) 2025 – and among them, seven outstanding delegates from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) proudly represented the nation. Held at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the symposium welcomed bright minds from across Asia for two transformative weeks of dialogue, discovery, and cross-cultural exchange.
Among the UUM representatives was Ms. Eilliyah Fong Abdullah of the university’s Global Buddies Club (GBC), who embodied the spirit of international collaboration and youth leadership. Her participation was made possible through the support of UUM’s Centre for International Affairs (CIAC), in line with the club’s mission to foster global engagement.
Aptly themed “Interconnected Communities”, AUS 2025 brought together undergraduates from ASEAN member states, Japan, South Korea, and India. From 7 to 19 July, NUS was transformed into a dynamic hub of diverse perspectives, cultural sharing, and bold aspirations for the region’s future.
The symposium began with an official Opening Ceremony, followed by three days of immersive panel discussions and experiential learning journeys. These activities revolved around three pressing global themes: Sustainability and Regeneration, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and Heritage and Culture. Students engaged in thought-provoking lectures and dialogues led by esteemed speakers, including environmental advocates, DEI champions, and cultural heritage scholars.
The panel on Sustainability and Regeneration featured prominent speakers such as Dr. Farrah Shameen, CEO of the Malaysian Timber Certification Council, and Assoc. Prof. Adrian Loo, Deputy Director at Singapore’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.
They shared deep insights into climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and the future of sustainable forestry. Other sessions were guided by global thought leaders including Dr. Aaron Maniam, Director of Digital Transformation Education at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, and Ms. Bernise Ang, systems innovation expert and Chief Alchemist of Zeroth Labs.
These panels, held in conjunction with the Regen Asia Summit, offered not just learning opportunities, but powerful moments of networking with over 200 regional and global leaders in regenerative development.
On 11 July, the symposium took a hands-on turn during a high-impact workshop on regeneration, co-led by Ms. Bernise Ang and Mr. Shaun Koh of Zeroth Labs. Renowned for their work in systems thinking and sustainable innovation, the duo challenged participants to reimagine their roles in shaping equitable and sustainable futures.
This was followed by the “Making a Difference” speaker series, where impactful changemakers – including Dr. Aaron Maniam, Ms. Jolene Lum of Cento Ventures, and Ms. Shane Yan of Growthbeans – shared personal journeys and strategies for driving transformation across diverse sectors. Their stories inspired students to think critically and courageously about their potential as future leaders in an increasingly complex world.
Yet, the AUS experience went beyond academia – it was deeply human and profoundly personal.
“Being surrounded by such passionate and diverse peers reminded me that change truly begins when minds and hearts come together,” reflected Ms. Eilliyah. “It was an honour to represent UUM and Malaysia, and to contribute to conversations that may one day shape our region’s future.”
The final stretch of the symposium included small-group mentorship sessions, a fireside chat with Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Dr. Janil Puthucheary, and a spectacular Cultural Night, where delegates sang, danced, and proudly showcased their heritage.
“It was pure magic and unity,” Ms. Eilliyah described, recalling the shared joy of cultural expression and celebration.
The symposium concluded on 19 July with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony, filled with laughter, gratitude, and renewed commitments to remain connected beyond borders.
As the delegates returned home, they carried more than souvenirs – they brought back lasting friendships, fresh ideas, and a reawakened sense of purpose. For Ms. Eilliyah and her fellow UUM delegates, AUS 2025 was more than a platform to represent their university – it was a launchpad to reimagine the future of Asia, together.
