Alumni News: June 2025 Edition
Zal Dastur ‘01: Alumni Graduation Speaker for the Class of 2025
We were honoured to welcome Zal as this year’s Alumni Graduation Speaker!
Looking back at his experience, he reflects, “Someone mentioned to me that the best advert for the school is the kids they produce, and I couldn't agree more. Got to chat to a few of them about what they wanted to do next and was incredibly impressed by how switched on and community-driven they are. It was a blast being part of their big day and seeing some familiar faces from my own time there. The warm welcome I received reminded me just how special this community is.”
The shared DNA of growing up in a place that taught us to question, to care, to challenge, and to connect. That stays with you. The UWC bond doesn't go away. It multiplies. The UWC network is one of the best gifts you're ever going to receive.
Thank you, Zal, for sharing your story, wisdom, and humour with our newest alumni. Moments like these remind us just how meaningful it is when alumni come back to support and celebrate the next generation.
Watch Zal’s full speech!
Nitya Padmanabhan ‘10: Launches personalised storybooks—Book My Tale
Founded by Nitya and her partner Sid, Book My Tale creates deeply personal children’s storybooks based on real family stories, memories, and milestones.
Inspired by their journey into parenthood, Book My Tale is more than just a storybook brand. It’s rooted in early childhood development frameworks from around the world. Each story is designed around three pillars: identity and self, family and love, and community and culture—themes proven to offer young children the emotional foundation they need to grow confident, connected, and curious. Their first title, Colourful You, is a joyful exploration of a child’s many moods, traits, and quirks. Each book is personalised with your child’s name, skin tone, and a special dedication, making it a keepsake they’ll treasure for years.
See more of their journey, behind-the-scenes moments, and a closer look at the book on Instagram.
I spent ten wonderful years at UWCSEA. That experience shaped so much of who I am and now, I’m finally working on something that feels deeply aligned with our school’s vision. We use real stories and personalise our books to drive relevance, representation, and make story time personal, emotional and fun! It’s all about creativity, voice, and storytelling—values I know UWCSEA champions.
Angkan Mukherjee ‘07: From code to chicken rice
Weekend Kopitiam was started as a fun side business because Angkan, co-founder of Apprvd, a legal contract management platform built for growing businesses, could not find good chicken rice in Barcelona. So he decided to make his own during the weekend and share it with a city full of expats who long for the taste of home just as much as he does.
With his latest addition of chicken rendang to the menu, it’s clear that Angkan is serving up more than just great food—he’s creating community, connection, and a shared sense of home.
We are transitioning it to a networked supper club over the summer on Barcelona rooftops so South East Asian food lovers can connect and miss home a little bit less.
Food holds a special place in the hearts of many of our alumni; it’s not just nourishment, but a memory of their time in Singapore. For Angkan, it’s also become a delicious way to stay rooted while building something new.
Blessing Edward Masang ‘25: A recipe for change
A shout-out to our recent graduate, Blessing, a scholar from Tanzania, who has been awarded a $2,000 grant this year by the GoMakeaDifference grant scheme.
Blessing's grant will empower women in Mbeya City, demonstrating the powerful impact of a UWCSEA education in action. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this meaningful project.
My experience at UWCSEA has significantly broadened my understanding of potential solutions to the various sustainability challenges facing my country. I intend to utilise the funds to acquire resources necessary for training and raising awareness of clean cooking initiatives in two schools located in my hometown, Mbeya City. These resources will be instrumental in educating women in these areas, enabling them to construct their own affordable and sustainable stoves that utilise clean energy for cooking in schools. My objective is to commence this project in mid to late July and complete it by early August before I depart for university studies.
We’d love to hear more exciting updates from you! Simply send us a summary between 100-150 words and an accompanying image (at least 1mb) related to your update via email!