The Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center (TSEA) recently held a virtual alumni gathering attended by 107 Tsinghua University alumni and program fellows of TSEA. The gathering aimed to gain insights into the evolving needs of Tsinghua alumni and program fellows, explore possibilities of TSEA’s support in meeting these growing demands, and showcase the center’s impactful initiatives and collaborative potential.

H.E. Prof. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council and Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University, delivered a speech.

Speakers from the Indonesian government included H.E. Prof. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, recently appointed Chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council and Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University, H.E Prof. Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Minister Of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic Of Indonesia, H.E Prof. Mari Elka Pangestu, Presidential Special Envoy for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation of the Republic of Indonesia, and Prof. Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology for the Republic of Indonesia. These distinguished leaders presented a shared vision that included continued China-Indonesia partnerships, the pursuit of groundbreaking research and innovation, and a focus on sustainable development. Emphasis was placed on the role of an engaged Tsinghua alumni base in achieving these goals.

Prof. Yang Bin, Vice President of Tsinghua University, delivered a speech

Tsinghua Vice President Yang Bin addressed the alumni, emphasizing their vital role as ambassadors of Tsinghua’s values and highlighting TSEA's crucial role as a bridge linking the University’s academic strengths to the dynamic professional landscapes of Southeast Asia. “The role of our alumni in this endeavor is irreplaceable. Your expertise, your networks, and your commitment to Tsinghua’s ideals are what will drive these collaborative efforts forward,” Yang said.

Wang Xiaoxiao, Director of TSEA, expressed excitement at reuniting this global community and encouraged alumni to remain engaged with TSEA by collaborating, sharing insights, and contributing to the center’s mission of fostering positive change across the region. The Chair of the Board of Management of TSEA, Prof. Edward Crawley provided perspective on the critical need for sustainable development and collaborative innovation in shaping the future and highlighted TSEA’s strategic location in Southeast Asia as an ideal bridge between East and West, poised to advance AI, global energy solutions, and inclusive growth.

Mr. Tang Jie, Secretary General of the Tsinghua Alumni Association, highlighted the association's vast network. Noting recent alumni conferences in North America and Switzerland, he announced plans to bring the next Tsinghua Alumni event to Southeast Asia.

Adding a personal perspective to the gathering, Dumasi Marisina Magdalena Samosir, spoke passionately about her transformative experience with the HDX program. She emphasized the importance of the adaptability and human-centered design skills that she gained from the program, and shared her pride in the group project, "Happy Planet," where they successfully trained weavers in the Lake Toba region to create sustainable textiles from recycled plastic waste, advancing circular economy efforts in Indonesia.

Breakout Sessions Spark Collaborative Dialogue among Alumni, Tsinghua Leaders, and Government Patrons

Following an impactful plenary session, the Alumni Gathering continued with breakout discussions focused on several key topics, including Academic programs, Southeast Asia network & partnerships, Regional branding & recognition, and Research & industry collaboration. The sessions featured distinguished guests from the Indonesian government as well as notable alumni and Tsinghua representatives.

The sessions created an atmosphere of lively discussion and collaborative spirit. Many alumni spoke about the importance of Tsinghua’s presence in Southeast Asia and those in attendance presented exciting new ideas for cooperation, such as creating a dedicated liaison entity for facilitating collaborations between Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indonesian business sectors, and an extensive database of Tsinghua alumni in the region that can be tapped into to strengthen connections. Several alumni praised TSEA’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and the UN SDGs, and many generously offered their time and resources to support the center to enhance educational efforts and bring Chinese technology to Indonesia. 

Cherie Nursalim, Board of Trustee of TSEA, delivered closing remarks

In her closing remarks, Cherie Nursalim, Board of Trustee of TSEA, thanked all attendees for their insights and contributions to this valuable gathering. She emphasized that Indonesia’s future lies in collaborative efforts across China, Southeast Asia, and beyond, supporting participants' calls for partnerships with the U.S., U.K., and other global regions. Reflecting on past initiatives like the Global Blended Finance Alliance and the forthcoming Tri Hita Karana Center of Future Knowledge, she shared her vision for stronger South-South collaborations, adding, “It’s just the beginning of a journey.”

From Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center

Editor: Li Han