The Malaysia of the 1950s, when UNE first began to attract scholars, was a developing nation. Our academic strengths in agriculture, environmental science, education and rural development aligned perfectly with its national priorities.
“A significant number of Malaysians pursuing higher education at that time were recipients of government scholarships, including those under the Colombo Plan*, which aimed to develop skilled professionals who could contribute to Malaysia’s growth,” explains Pat Yeoh, until recently President of the UNE Malaysia Alumni Association (UNEMA).
“Many of these scholars, particularly those from the Malaysian Agricultural University (now Universiti Putra Malaysia), pursued Masters and PhD programs. On returning home, they took up teaching positions at Malaysian universities, playing a crucial role in shaping the country’s higher education landscape and agricultural research.”
From the 1950s until the late 1990s, the UNE alumni network in Malaysia grew and diversified, reflecting Malaysia’s changing workforce needs. UNE graduates have taken up roles in key industries, including agriculture, law, business, environmental science and education. “UNE has a long and rich history of producing graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in Malaysia,” Pat says.
“UNE remains deeply rooted in our region,” she said. “Today, this vibrant alumni community continues to foster professional collaborations, mentor younger graduates, and contribute to Malaysia’s development.”
And, as a long-term contributor to the 550-member-strong UNEMA, which spans generations of graduates, Pat should know. “UNE remains deeply rooted in our region,” she said. “Today, this vibrant alumni community continues to foster professional collaborations, mentor younger graduates, and contribute to Malaysia’s development.”
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Pat came to UNE after attending an international boarding school in Singapore and then completing her senior schooling in Brisbane, after her family migrated to Australia in 1985. Moving to Armidale – and Mary White College – to study Economics provided the valuable experience of living away from home.
Pat would spend five “life-changing” years at UNE, adding a Diploma in Financial Management to her undergraduate degree. It was a small student population, she says, that fostered a strong sense of belonging and lifelong friendships, as well as meaningful interactions with supportive teaching staff.
“Looking back … it was a transformative experience that shaped my professional and personal development. The friendships, leadership experiences, and academic foundation I gained at UNE continue to influence me to this day. More importantly, UNE provided me with a global perspective and prepared me for leadership roles. It was instrumental in my academic and personal growth.”
Living in “tight-knit” Mary White with students from diverse cultural backgrounds was rich with organised events and social gatherings, and “weekend trips to create our own entertainment”, including barbecues at New England waterfalls.
And, over time, the maturing of Malaysia’s economy – with a shift to industrialisation, construction and infrastructure development – was reflected in student choices. Finance, trade and corporate governance grew to prominence, inspiring more Malaysian students to study urban planning, economics and financial administration at UNE.
According to Pat, UNE’s “academic excellence, research-driven approach and strong support for international students” enabled professionals to study by distance while contributing to Malaysia’s economic and social development.
After graduating, Pat herself embarked on a successful career in HR and administration outsourcing and consulting. She earned the inaugural Young Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999, was instrumental in reconnecting UNE in Malaysia to celebrate UNE’s 50th anniversary, in 2004, and founding UNEMA, which became a platform for former students to reconnect, network and contribute to UNE’s legacy.
Eventually, Pat was elected President of the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC), an umbrella body for all Australian university alumni chapters in Malaysia. “Leading MAAC gave me the opportunity to put UNE on the map alongside other major Australian universities, raising awareness of the university’s contributions to Malaysia,” says Pat, who held the position for 13 years.
Pat Yeoh receiving her UNE Alumni Achievement Award in 2016 from then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Annabelle Duncan.
In 2016, Pat received the UNE Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to both UNE and the broader alumni community.
UNEMA has continued to host events and to collaborate with the MAAC.
“Our alumni events provide valuable networking opportunities, allow graduates to connect with industry leaders, explore career prospects and foster collaborations,” says Pat, who remains an honorary advisor and trustee of the MAAC and enjoys watching other UNE alumni make their way in the world.
“For me, studying at UNE was not just about gaining a degree – it was about becoming part of a lifelong community, one that continues to grow and thrive across borders,” she says. “UNE alumni demonstrate how education, determination and a strong mindset can lead to success across various fields, and the strong bonds formed at UNE continue well beyond graduation, creating a lifelong community.”
* Colombo Plan scholars were among the first Malaysians to pursue higher education in Australia.
