A Decade of Pan-Asia Parties

In May 2019, alumni gathered in Hong Kong to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Pan-Asia reunion.

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On May 24-25, 2019, alumni from 17 countries gathered in Hong Kong for two days of networking, learning, and socializing. We celebrate the 10th anniversary of this popular event: the Pan-Asia Reunion.

Guests also took in a traditional dance of the dragons at the welcome reception.

Started by a small group of alumni in Singapore who wanted to remain connected, the gathering has since turned into one the largest Alumni Association events. Past reunions were held in Singapore (2010 and 2015), Shanghai (2011 and 2017), Seoul (2012 and 2018), Taipei (2013), Hong Kong (2014 and 2019), and Tokyo (2016).

Alumni representing 13 schools, colleges, and units attended the two-day event, which included educational sessions, leadership conversations, and plenty of photo opportunities to show off the Maize and Blue. An acrobatic jump-roping troop entertained guests at the welcome reception.

A panel on U.S.-China relations included (from left) Kenneth Lieberthal, an emeritus Brookings Institution senior fellow; Ann Lin, an associate professor in the Ford School of Public Policy; Mary Gallager, director of the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies; and Nicolas Calcina Howson, a professor of law. Architecture Dean Jonathan Massey, Engineering Dean Alec Gallimore, and Education Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje took part in a separate panel on shaping future cities.

Afternoon sessions included a presentation by Michael Barr, dean of the Ford School of Public Policy.

Panelists discussed the latest trends in technology and digital business. They included (from left) Mingyan Liu, chair of the department of electrical and computer engineering; Thomas Finholt, dean of the School of Information; Scott DeRue, dean of the Ross School of Business; and Dowson Tong, president of Cloud & Smart Industries Group.

Steve Grafton, CEO and president of the Alumni Association, opens the 2019 Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion in Hong Kong at The Park Lane hotel. The annual event is open to all U-M alumni, family, and friends. While there, guests connect, renew friendships, and reignite the Michigan spirit.

Alumni also took home souvenir tea cups. Next year, the event will celebrate its 11th anniversary in Singapore.

Alumni did not go home empty-handed. T-shirts were handed out as souvenirs from yet another successful Pan-Asia reunion.

At the welcome reception, faculty, staff, and eight U-M deans mingled with nearly 450 alumni, making it the biggest Pan-Asia reunion to date.

Luncheon Min — Alumni enjoyed a spirited luncheon celebrating more than $40,000 raised this year for the Pan-Asia Scholarship.

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A Decade of Pan-Asia Parties

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