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As we reflect on the past three months, I am pleased to share highlights from the vibrant tapestry
of activities and events that have shaped the United Board's recent journey. This issue of our e-newsletter captures the spirit of our ongoing commitment to fostering transformative education across Asia.
The
Whole Person Education Academy (WPEA) continues to exemplify our deep belief in whole person education—a philosophy that lies at the heart of our mission. Educators like Rita Atienza have had a profound impact in this area. Rita's journey—from mathematics
to transformative pedagogy—is a compelling example of dedication to holistic learning. Her leadership at the Ateneo Teacher Center has helped shape WPEA into a beacon of innovation, cultivating environments where educators and students engage deeply and meaningfully
in the learning process.
We also marked the successful conclusion of the inaugural
United Board Heads of Institution Leadership Strategy Institute last December. Following its launch at Singapore Management University in July, participating heads of institutions engaged in a five-month journey, putting new theories and tools Into practice.
The results have been nothing short of remarkable, including strengthened collaboration, the creation of new academic programs, and improved financial and IT systems. We extend our appreciation to this pioneering cohort of Asian higher education leaders!
In the first two months of 2025, we have continued to expand our outreach and share best practices
across the region. In Northeast India, we conducted leadership development programs and pedagogy workshops, equipping educators with tools grounded in whole person education philosophy and person-centred leadership models. These efforts address regional challenges
through collaborative and mission-driven approaches. We also deepened partnerships in Cambodia and Laos, exploring new opportunities for shared learning and institutional collaboration.
We were also delighted to celebrate the strength of our alumni network during a reunion in Chennai,
India, where alumni gathered to share their transformative experiences and renew their shared commitment to inspired teaching and leadership. This was complemented by the launch of our
Alumni Webinar Series, beginning with a session by Dr. Joseph Zolner on sustaining leadership growth. These initiatives highlight our commitment to supporting a lifelong journey of learning and leadership for our alumni.
Finally, we are excited to welcome new members to our team:
Mr. Fredrick Vasanth Pandian and Ms. Praveena Elizabeth D., who bring valuable expertise and energy to our shared mission.
As we move forward, I invite you to join us in celebrating these milestones and embracing the challenges
ahead. Together, we continue to nurture a culture of transformative education—one that empowers individuals and communities across Asia.
Thank you for your continued support.
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Pareena Gupta Lawrence
President
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The Educator Behind the Academy: A Conversation with Rita Atienza
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The Whole Person Education Academy (WPEA), hosted by the Ateneo Teacher Center at Ateneo de Manila
University (ADMU) and supported by the United Board, continues to champion transformative education across Asia. Following the conclusion of WPEA 2024 last October, we spoke with Rita Atienza, director of the Ateneo Teacher Center and a pivotal figure in the
academy's development. She shared her reflections on her journey, insights into WPEA's evolution, and her aspirations for its future....Read
more
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United Board representatives and other leaders at “EXPLORE: Endless Possibilities”
held at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in Bangalore
Full marks to the heads of institutions
The
United Board Heads of Institution Leadership Strategy Institute was inaugurated with an in-person summit from 15 July to 19 July 2024 at Singapore Management University, bringing together 27 presidents, rectors, and principals from six South and Southeast
Asian countries....Read
more
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Strengthening Partnerships and Exploring Collaborative Opportunities
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Pareena receives a warm welcome from Dr. Oum Ravy, Vice-Rector of the Royal
University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia
Deepening roots in Tamil Nadu and Manipur
On 21 January, Dr. Pareena Gupta Lawrence, United Board President, and Dr.
Maher Spurgeon, Consultant and Director for South Asia, visited Bishop Heber College in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, one of the United Board’s longstanding partners. They held a fruitful meeting with the college’s leadership team, faculty, and students.....Read
more
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United Board Alumni Gather and Grow
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Chennai reunion reignites alumni network potential
1 February marked a milestone not only in reconnecting with alumni but also
in renewing efforts to build a self-sustaining alumni community. At Women’s Christian College, Chennai, 38 United Board alumni—ranging from the earliest Fellows Program cohorts to recent Whole Person Education Academy graduates—gathered to celebrate
their shared journey, reconnect, and explore ways to deepen their collective impact.....Read
more
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In January, we were pleased to welcome two new members of the United Board family. Mr.
Fredrick Vasanth Pandian joined us on 21 January 2025 as Vice President for Finance and Administration, bringing more than 11 years of leadership experience in nonprofit financial management, strategic planning, and administrative operations.
Born in Chennai, India, Fred was raised in the United States. Prior to joining the United Board, Fred served as a senior leader at Ballet Hispánico, where he oversaw finance, human resources, payroll, and compliance functions. He successfully managed the
organization’s endowment and introduced technology-driven solutions that enhanced operational efficiency. In addition to his nonprofit leadership experience, Fred is the founder of Pandian Global, a consulting firm that provides strategic financial guidance
to organizations navigating leadership and organizational transitions.
Fred is responsible for overseeing our financial management, investments, and administrative operations
across our offices in New York, Hong Kong, and Chennai. He also serves as a key resource to the Audit, Compensation, Finance and Administration, and Investment Committees. With his deep commitment to advancing education and youth development, Fred’s values
align closely with our mission to foster whole person education across Asia.
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We also welcomed Ms.
Praveena Elizabeth D., who joined us as Consultant, Program Assistant in our Chennai consultancy office on 2 January 2025. Elizabeth brings a broad range of experience in project management, business support, and quality analysis, developed through
previous roles at organizations such as Cognizant Technology Solutions and DCKAP, a cloud-based software product company.
She has demonstrated expertise in report creation and presentation, client
engagement, and project profitability analysis. Additionally, her leadership as a soft skills trainer and her international experience gained through her involvement with the Thermofisher project in Pittsburgh, USA further enriched her profile and perspective.
In her current role, Elizabeth is responsible for day-to-day office operations, financial oversight
and reporting, and logistical coordination for meetings, travel, and events. Her strong educational background, including a master’s degree in chemistry from The American College, Madurai, and certifications in project management and soft skills from IIT Roorkee,
have prepared her well to support the United Board’s growing portfolio of programs and partnerships.
We are delighted to have both Fred and Elizabeth on board and look forward to the
many contributions they will make to our mission.
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