Alumni support LSE through the Malaysia Fundraising Initiative
Last month, we were delighted to welcome The Honourable Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia to LSE. Prime Minister Ibrahim delivered a lecture to mark the official opening of LSE's Malaysia Auditorium, which was made possible by support from the LSE Alumni Society of Malaysia.
The Malaysia Auditorium is the result of concerted fundraising by the LSE Alumni Society of Malaysia. Inspired by the philanthropic efforts of other university alumni groups, Dato’ Azman Shah decided in 2017 that the Society would conduct a major fundraising drive.
In August 2018, the Society launched the Malaysia Fundraising Initiative, aiming to raise £500,000 for an LSE space named after Malaysia. Thanks to their perseverance, the LSE Alumni Society of Malaysia reached their target in September 2021.
The vast majority of the donation came from the 2,700 strong Malaysian alumni network who responded to email and online communications from the group. Money was also raised by hosting conferences and events featuring prominent speakers including LSE academia and alumni.
It gives us a deep sense of satisfaction that the Malaysian alumni were united in pursuing this crowdfunding initiative for a good cause, where Malaysia's name is dedicated to a facility as important as the auditorium, where lectures, events and examinations are held, where literally students' dreams and lives are being shaped.
The Auditorium represents the deep connection between Malaysia and LSE. Since the modern state of Malaysia was founded in 1957, 4,222 Malaysians have graduated from LSE, becoming corporate figures, civil servants, and political leaders who have shaped their country. Dato’ Azman and the LSE Alumni Society of Malaysia are delighted to have this long-standing relationship honoured.
Speaking on behalf of LSE and the Philanthropy and Global Engagement Division, Helen Jones, Executive Director of Development celebrated the achievement of the Malaysian alumni.
As part of the Shaping the World Campaign, the LSE Alumni Society of Malaysia raised funds to name the large auditorium and breakout space in the new Centre Building on campus. It was wonderful to see so many of our alumni, who had made the journey to campus especially for this event, especially Dato’ Azman Shah, President of the Alumni Society of Malaysia, who gave us an amusing and comprehensive presentation; and to have so many of our current Malaysian students present for this momentous occasion.
For more information about our global alumni networks and ways in which you can support LSE through volunteering or donating, please visit our Alumni Hub.
