The University of Manchester has launched its first global fundraising and volunteering campaign, Challenge Accepted, in Southeast Asia.
Hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kuala Lumpur, in partnership with the British High Commission to Singapore, the launch brought together alumni and partners to highlight the campaign’s focus on philanthropy and action on global challenges.
Professor Duncan Ivison emphasised that the campaign builds on Manchester’s 200-year tradition of discovery, social progress, and innovation. He encouraged attendees to become “challenge accepters” and join a global movement tackling issues such as climate change, health inequality, and social justice.
“Universities like Manchester were created from gifts and talent to answer big questions. Challenge Accepted is our collective response to today’s most urgent challenges,” he said.
The campaign centres on four pillars—Student Inclusion and Success, Research with Purpose, Innovation and Enterprise, and Culture and Community—giving alumni clear, practical routes to get involved. Through donating, mentoring, or volunteering, supporters can help translate Manchester’s expertise into actual benefits for students and society.
The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre (UoMSEA) plays a pivotal role in connecting the region’s nearly 8,000 alumni to these initiatives. The Centre also offers part-time master’s programmes, including the Global MBA, enabling professionals to access Manchester’s academic expertise while progressing in their careers.
From left to right: Desmond Tan, Joycelyn Kum, Professor Duncan Ivison, Michael Kum, H.E. Nik Mehta OBE, Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, Teo Chee Hean, Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov，President of the Academy of Engineering Sciences, Singapore
At the launch, alumni and students were introduced to practical ways to support the campaign, from volunteering through the University’s Volunteering Hub to advocating for causes aligned with research, innovation, student development, and culture.
Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov ，President of the Academy of Engineering Sciences, Singapore，highlighted how initiatives like this empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
The event also recognised regional leadership, with alumni such as Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, a leading architect in Malaysia and Singapore, and Dr Prem Kumar Nair, CEO of IHH Healthcare, exemplifying Manchester’s impact across the region.
The launch tied into the University’s long-term vision, Manchester 2035: From Manchester for the World, which aims to build a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.
Professor Ivison emphasised that the campaign supports this vision, inviting the global community to give, volunteer, and champion discoveries that contribute to a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world.
Supporters in Southeast Asia can donate to initiatives such as brain cancer research, volunteer through the hub, or engage in scholarships, Global Graduates placements, and alumni outreach, including speaking to students or running workshops. Every act of giving or volunteering contributes to real-world impact, from supporting student opportunities to addressing global challenges.