The year 2020 has indeed been unlike any other, full of challenges and unexpected circumstances. However, even in the midst of a pandemic, the GIR/GAD programme has managed to summon current and prospective students as well as alumni working or studying at home and abroad to an online Zoom Alumni Gathering on November 18, 2020.

This year, seven outstanding alumni were invited to share their experience studying in the GIR Porgramme and embarking onto careers of their choice. After graduation, they continued went on accumulating achievements in various sectors, ranging from technology start-ups, to academia, to real estate companies and media. Nevertheless, the connection they have to the GIR/GAD community remains strong.

“I have already graduated for ten years, and I still cannot forget those fond memories and experiences in GIR. I am glad to consistently engage with the GIR community to share my journey and support that of others”, said Mr. Bruce Chen, a 2010 graduate who is now the founder of xCurrency, a platform that provides cross-border fintech services. Last year, Mr. Chen has returned to UIC also as a scholarship provider.

Mr. Bruce Chen, founder of xCurrency

Mr. Shawn Deng, currently working at the Cable News Network, added: “The trans-disciplinary knowledge that I learned in GIR has already became a part of me. It empowered me to perceive and grasp new things and their connections, and made me adaptable to an ever-changing world.”

Mr. Shawn Deng - now working at Cable News Network

Mr. Arizton Pamplona discussed his way of applying the precious analytical and practical skills obtained in GIR to his job interview process and in the commercial setting he now operates in: “I happened to quote the expression ‘cross-cutting cleavages’ - learned from Dr. Monaco’s lectures - in an interview, and that actually got me a job! Employers truly appreciate my international affairs background and transferable skills learned as a GIR student. I realized that what I learned did not end with my graduation, but actually came alive more and more in my daily activities, especially regarding resource distribution and stakeholder management” Mr. Pamplona graduated in 2018, and now serves as copywriter for Laserfiche International, coordinating with major public and private sector stakeholders all over the world.

Mr. Arizton Pamplona- now working at Laserfiche International

Many GIR alumni are pursuing further studies in prestigious universities overseas: Ms. Helen Shao, for instance, a 2020 graduate, is now majoring in Public Policy (M.A.) at Duke University. “I was able to explore a wide range of topics within GIR, and that provided me with a broad set of options to choose from when it came to decide my specialisation path after graduation”.

Ms. Helen Shao- now studying Public Policy (M.A.) at Duke University

GIR also wishes to specially thank for their presence and contribution of the following alumni: Ms. Clytie Ding, who is now working at the China Evergrande Group as an investment director, after a Master’s Degree in Urban Development Planning at University College London; Ms. Florence Lin, who is now based in the United States and works in the American Enterprise Institute, after a Master’s Degree in International Studies at Johns Hopkins University; Mr. Stevie Liang, a 2019 graduate who just gained his MA in International Politics and East Asia at the University of Warwick.

Ms. Clytie Ding- now Investment Director at China Evergrande Group

Ms. Florence Lin- now working in American Enterprise Institute after a Master’s Degree in International Studies at Johns Hopkins University

Mr. Stevie Liang sharing his life at the University of Warwick, UK

All the exceptional experiences of these GIR alumni resonated vividly with current and prospective GIR/GAD students. We deeply appreciate the contribution of our graduates to the further strengthening and growth of the whole GIR/GAD community!

The programme is keen on staying in touch with its graduates studying and working in a variety of sectors all over the world. We look forward to seeing all of you again at the next gathering!