As the top research university in Canada and a world leader in co-operative education, the University of Waterloo is well known to North American industry and government leaders. Yet, Waterloo also has a robust global presence, notably in Asia, thanks to the strong connections we’ve built over the years through our co-op program and our international students and alumni in the region. We’ve continued to forge positive relationships across Asia, which has led to exciting opportunities for students and researchers.
It was no surprise that on my recent trip to Singapore and Hong Kong with Waterloo leaders including our President and Vice-Chancellor, Vivek Goel, and Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland, we were met with great excitement and hospitality. It was our team’s first in-person visit with alumni and partners in these regions since the pandemic began in 2020 – and what a reunion it was! Meeting in person infused our conversations with energy and enthusiasm as we explored opportunities to collaborate on new initiatives. At the Canada-in-Asia Conference in Singapore, our team met with colleagues in government, academia and industry to have deep discussions on climate change, economic development and inclusive societies. Leaders from a range of sectors gathered for an armchair chat with Dr. Strickland and President Goel, who made the case for photonics as the technology of the twenty-first century. At a panel discussion on Asia strategy, audiences heard insights from our Chancellor, Dominic Barton, and Waterloo graduate Kevin Strain (BA ’90, MAcc ’90), the President and CEO of Sun Life. These sessions inspired conversations with potential partners, who shared opportunities that would lead to even greater global impact. This dialogue will continue in the months ahead as we work together to strengthen society and the health of our planet.
Following the conference, we reunited with proud graduates at our Singapore alumni chapter reception. The chapter shared fond memories about their experiences at Waterloo and their annual sendoff for first-year students, which is a longstanding tradition that shows the exceptional connection our graduates have with the University throughout their lives. By encouraging students to attend Waterloo and supporting them as mentors and co-op employers, our alumni play a critical role in building our University community. Meeting with such an engaged chapter highlighted the importance of these relationships, which will become even stronger as our global network grows.
We toured the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) shortly after we arrived in Hong Kong. Now entering its third year, the CEVR is the world’s first international hub for vision science. It combines the expertise of researchers from Waterloo and Hong Kong Polytechnic University – as well as industrial partners and entrepreneurs – to accelerate discoveries in vision science and use those findings to develop technologies that will improve eye and vision health worldwide. The experience gave us a deeper understanding of the advances fueled by this partnership. It was a proud moment for all as we realized the profound impact our researchers have on patients who urgently need to protect their sight.
Initiatives like the CEVR are a natural extension of the collaborations that have distinguished Waterloo from day one. Our University’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is fully embraced by many of our alumni in Asia, who live and work in the world’s most dynamic economies. A case in point is Ronald Li (BSc ’94), who captivated audiences with his insights into entrepreneurship and the health tech sector at the Hong Kong alumni gala. The co-founder and CEO of Novoheart, a global biotech company that engineers artificial human heart prototypes, Dr. Li embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that makes Waterloo’s global community a force for good in the world.
Building on decades of support for Waterloo, our Hong Kong alumni will play an important role in scaling our strong networks in Asia. They are dynamic, forward-thinking and eager to help our University advance in our quest to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
This trip reinforced a core belief at Waterloo: it takes a community, exploring new frontiers from across disciplines, industries and nations, to ensure humanity and the planet flourish.
You are also part of this community. No matter when you graduated, where you live or what you do, you’re always a Waterloo Warrior – and you’re always welcome at Waterloo.
Nenone Donaldson
Vice-President, Advancement