REVIEW: Regional Alumni Gathering
Hong Kong 12th - 14th January 2024
Shared experiences, new connections:
one special weekend
We were delighted to be joined by more than 80 alumni and friends in Hong Kong for a very special Trinity weekend, celebrating the shared connection a Trinity education brings.
Across three days, and beginning with a reception at the home of alumni Tzo Tze Ang and Eashwar Krishnan, we enjoyed a series of lectures, receptions, tours and meals in the company of some of our senior academics and fellows.
Thank you to everyone who made this a memorable weekend by supporting the event and joining us in Hong Kong.
Keynote talks: challenges and opportunities for our future
The main weekend programme began on Saturday morning at the British Consulate, where we were welcomed by Consul General and Trinity alumnus, Brian Davidson. The fabulous facilities also saw another Trinity alumnus 'in attendance' as a portrait of His Majesty King Charles III adorned the wall.
Our first speaker was The Master, Professor Dame Sally Davies. Alumni and guests were provided with an insight into the developments made in the fight against anti-microbial resistance (AMR) - the process whereby bacteria and viruses become resistant to the drugs designed to tackle them.
The Master, who is a UK Special Envoy on AMR and a member of the UN Global Leaders Group on AMR, explained how AMR is widely regarded as one of the greatest medical challenges facing the world. Dame Sally's talk covered a wide-range of possible futures, captivating the assembled audience and resulting in a host of questions. The main takeaway was that while this is an area of concern, there are good people working on the problem and there is hope for the future.
The Master's talk was followed by a 'bowl food' lunch giving everyone the chance to move around the room, meeting new people or catching up with friends.
After lunch, Lord Rees, former Master of Trinity and the Astronomer Royal put in a special 'guest' appearance via recorded video to introduce our second speaker - Nobel Prize-winning Astrophysicist, Professor Didier Queloz.
Professor Queloz is the Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe at the University of Cambridge and a Professor of Physics at Geneva University.
Professor Queloz's talk addressed the interdisciplinary approach being undertaken by the Centre to further the understanding of the formation and structure of exoplanets in the universe, with a particular focus on whether conditions for life could exist and the impacts for human knowledge.
There was much appreciation for Professor Queloz's talk and a fascinating Q&A followed, before everyone departed - some to ride the Hong Kong Peak Tramway and others to return home before coming back together for the Gala Dinner in the evening.
Gala Dinner - A Feast in Hong Kong
The Gala Dinner took place on Saturday evening at The Rosewood and included a number of Trinity touches to make the experience more special.
A drinks reception started things off with conversation flowing easily as friends old and new mixed with the Master, Senior Bursar, Professor Queloz and Dr Banner.
Moving into the dining room, an exclusive recording of the Trinity College Chapel Choir performing the Grace Anthem was followed by an appearance from the Manciple, Mark, sounding the gong in Hall and calling the room to order for dinner.
Scenes from college activities over the last year played on the screens throughout dinner, and it was not uncommon to hear guests discussing memories triggered by the video clips.
The food was plentiful and the wine flowed as the Trinity-themed menu was concluded with Burnt Cream, made by The Rosewood's chefs using the Trinity recipe.
We are most grateful to all at The Rosewood for allowing us to use their beautiful spaces and for the care and attention they took to make this evening feel just like we were back in College - albeit with a few less portraits staring down at us from the walls.
The sign of a successful and enjoyable evening is said to be how long people stay after the meal. The still-full room an hour later suggested that this night fell into that category!
"Cambridge has existed for over 800 years. Trinity has been at the centre of the University for most of that time. We have weathered pandemics, wars: both civil and international and adapted to the rise and ebb of empires. Throughout it all, Trinity has been a place of scholarship, inspiration and discovery. This is what we must ensure stays the same.
All of us are proud of Trinity's reputation, all of us can help ensure that it continues to thrive"
Professor Dame Sally Davies GCB DBE FRS FMedSci
Master, Trinity College Cambridge
Trinity 2046
A plan for the long-term future of Trinity
Those who joined us for the plentiful breakfast at The Rosewood on Sunday morning heard Senior Bursar, Mr Richard Turnill, in conversation with Dr Michael Banner on what it is like to manage the finances of a College with a large and varied investment and property portfolio.
Through careful stewardship and the shrewd decisions of Senior Bursars over the years, Trinity can count itself in a fortunate position. However, it has become clear over recent times that our students, rightly, demand more of us and our beautiful old buildings require some improvements and modernisation.
As such, an estate planning process has been undertaken involving stakeholders from across the Trinity community. This has identified a number of areas for consideration, including three large scale projects that would have a transformative impact upon the learning (Library), sporting (Old Field) and social (Brewhouse) environments for our students.
The latest vision of what these projects could be like can be found at the link below. If you are interested in learning more about Trinity 2046 and supporting our vision, please contact Bill O'Hearn, Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Development via bill.ohearn@trin.cam.ac.uk.
Exploring Hong Kong
For some guests, this was the first visit to Hong Kong and so our weekend programme included a chance to explore some of the things the country has to offer.
We took the short walk from the British Consulate through Hong Kong Park to the Peak Tramway station on Saturday afternoon.
The funicular railway is the best way to travel to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island.
We were all grateful to Robin Hedley for knowing the best spot for a group photo at the Peak.
On Sunday, we visited The Palace Museum. Opening in 2022, it has quickly become one of the most highly-rated cultural attractions in Hong Kong, housing a unique collection of items from The Forbidden City and from the Palace Museum in Beijing.
The views from the Palace Museum made for a fitting location from which to close the weekend.
Photo Galleries & Photo Wall
Talks @ British Consulate
View and download photos from the talks and lunch at the British Consulate on Saturday 13 January.
Gala Dinner @ The Rosewood
View and download photos from the reception and Gala Dinner at The Rosewood on Saturday 13 January.
Share Your Photos!
Share your own photos from the weekend by uploading them to our collaborative album - click here
Staying Connected in the Region
Now that we've all met, let's keep in touch. With groups in five countries there are plenty of opportunities to stay connected. Following requests at the event, we have also set up a WhatsApp chat for alumni in the region so do feel free to join.
We cannot wait to do this all again soon - thank you for being a part of our first East and Southeast Asia Regional Alumni Gathering!
Trinity in China
Established by Yang Xia and Alan Babington-Smith, the group provides social opportunities for alumni to connect in China.
Join the group on WeChat to find out about upcoming activities.
WECHAT: CB21TQ
Trinity in Hong Kong
Led by Tzo Tze Ang, Dominic Chan and Tong Zhao, Trinity in Hong Kong host a regular cycle of activities from social drinks and dinners to the annual new student 'send off'.
Trinity in Japan
With a full programme of regular dinners in Tokyo and fascinating Zoom discussions with Trinity fellows, alumni, and other interesting people, Trinity in Japan often brings together alumni from across Asia. They are celebrating their 10th Anniversary with a special dinner on 6 September 2024, so do get in touch with Gerhard Fasol to join the mailing list.
Trinity in Singapore
Established in 2023, Trinity in Singapore hopes to build upon the connections made at this weekend with more events in Singapore.
Contact alumni@trin.cam.ac.uk to find out more.
Trinity in Thailand
Also established in 2023, Trinity in Thailand is keen to hear from alumni in the area who may wish to meet up and help get the group off the ground.
Contact alumni@trin.cam.ac.uk to find out more.
For comments or queries following the weekend, contact:
Phil Pass (Alumni Relations Manager)
E: phil.pass@trin.cam.ac.uk
Bill O'Hearn (Exec. Director of Alumni Relations & Development)
E: bill.ohearn@trin.cam.ac.uk
Alumni Relations & Development Office (General)
E: alumni@trin.cam.ac.uk
All information correct at the time of publication. All content and images copyright Trinity College. March 2024
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