We are delighted to invite our alumni, valued friends and contacts in the region to our centenary celebrations in Thailand. 

Date: Monday 3 August
Time:15:00-21:30 (ICT)
Location: Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, The Unicorn Building, 18 Phaya Thai Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

In the beautiful venue of Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, you are invited to attend an insightful panel discussion, followed by drinks, networking, and a buffet-style dinner. 

A perfect opportunity for our alumni in the region to learn, engage, connect and reminisce on their time at Reading, plus meet with other University of Reading partners and stakeholders. 

The celebrations will include two parts. The first part, our Centenary Forum from 15:00-18:00, will feature panel discussions exploring the topic Future Skills for a Climate-Resilient and AI-Enabled Economy. This will be followed by the Centenary Celebration Dinner from 18:30-21:30.

Please note: Alumni are welcome to bring a guest to the Centenary Celebration Dinner in the evening. 

Please indicate on the booking form which parts of the event you would like to attend.

The booking form will close at midnight (BST) on Tuesday 22nd July.

Event Overview

Centenary Forum - 15:00-18:00

Start the celebrations with two insightful panel discussions. 

• Future Skills for a Climate-Resilient Economy, chaired by Professor May Tan-Mullins, Provost and CEO of the University of Reading Malaysia campus
• Future Skills for an AI-Enabled Economy, chaired by Professor Elena Beleska-Spasova Dean of Henley Business School

The discussions will provide expert insights and practical guidance on the skills academics, practitioners and industry leaders identify as increasingly essential in the workplace. Particularly, in the context of growing AI usage, and the need for increased climate resilience. Offering valuable insights and applicable across a range of job roles and disciplines, we hope you will join us as part of your ongoing engagement and continued professional development.

Celebration Dinner 18:30-21:30

All guests are invited to join us for the evening's celebrations. Enjoy a drinks reception, a delicious buffet-style three-course meal and the opportunity to hear from senior colleagues as well as some of our inspiring alumni. 

We would be honoured to have you join us for this special occasion. Please confirm your attendance by completing the booking form.

Who will be attending?

This is a rare opportunity to meet a wide range of senior colleagues from University of Reading and Henley Business School in Thailand. The following colleagues will be attending:


Paul Lindley
Chancellor, University of Reading
Paul Lindley is Chancellor of the University of Reading and a leading entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the award-winning children's food brand Ella's Kitchen. An advocate for innovation, sustainability and social impact, he brings extensive experience in business leadership and public service to his role as the University's ceremonial head.

Professor May Tan-Mullins
Provost and CEO, University of Reading Malaysia
Professor May Tan-Mullins is Provost and CEO of the University of Reading Malaysia and a Professor of Sustainability. Her research and leadership focus on sustainable development, climate resilience and international higher education, helping to shape the University's impact across Asia.

Dr Caroline Baylon
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International)
Dr Caroline Baylon leads the University of Reading's international strategy and global engagement activities. She works closely with partners around the world to strengthen international collaboration, enhance the student experience and expand the University's global reach.

Professor Elizabeth Allen
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Internationalisation)
Professor Elizabeth Allen oversees the University's internationalisation agenda, supporting initiatives that foster global perspectives across education, research and partnership activities. Her work helps ensure that international collaboration remains at the heart of the University's mission.

Professor Elena Beleska-Spasova
Dean, Henley Business School
Professor Elena Beleska-Spasova is Dean of Henley Business School and an internationally recognised expert in strategy and international business. She is committed to preparing future business leaders to navigate complex global challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.

Professor Simon Mortimer
Head of the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Professor Simon Mortimer leads one of the UK's most highly regarded schools for agriculture and food systems, here at University of Reading. His work focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental management and developing solutions to global food security challenges.




Professor Sarah Cardey
Deputy Head, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Professor Sarah Cardey is an expert in international rural development, food systems and sustainable livelihoods. Her work focuses on supporting communities and organisations to address global challenges related to food security, development and environmental sustainability.



Rose Armour
Secretariat Operations Director, International Universities Climate Alliance
Rose Armour is Secretariat Operations Director for the International Universities Climate Alliance, a global network of universities working together to address climate change. She supports international collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action to advance climate solutions through higher education and research.



Hicham Yezza 
Principal Data Scientist for Responsible AI at the BBC
Hicham Yezza is Principal Data Scientist for Responsible AI at the BBC, where he leads on the evaluation of AI systems and their impact across the organisation. He is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Reading and is a regular adviser on AI adoption and transformation to organisations operating in the media, technology and policy spheres 
 

Dr Lamma Zghoul
Senior Global Partnerships Manager
Dr Lamma Zghoul leads the development and management of a strategic portfolio of international partnerships that support the University’s global ambitions. She works closely with institutional partners across multiple regions to develop collaborative opportunities in education, research, and long-term institutional engagement.

Mellisa Patrick
Regional Partnerships Manager
Mellisa Patrick is Partnership Manager for the University of Reading’s South-East Asia Hub and University of Reading Malaysia, supporting the development and management of partnerships across the region.



Greta Gidley
Alumni and Supporter Communications Officer
Greta Gidley leads communications that keep the University's global community of alumni and supporters informed, connected and engaged. She works across a range of digital and print channels to share stories of alumni success, University impact and opportunities for lifelong involvement.

Event speakers

We are delighted to welcome some exceptional speakers to our event. Watch this space as more are confirmed...




Professor Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti
Vice President for Global Partnerships & University Council, Mahidol University
In this role, Professor Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, leads the university’s international engagement strategy, fostering collaborations with institutions and partners around the world while supporting governance and strategic development across the university.





Danny Whitehead 
Country Director, British Council Thailand
Danny leads the British Council's work to strengthen educational, cultural and international partnerships between the UK and Southeast Asia. With more than two decades of experience in international cultural relations across Asia and Africa, he has held senior leadership roles supporting education, language, skills and people-to-people connections.



David Thomas
Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Bangkok 
David Thomas plays a key role in advancing the UK–Thailand relationship. Through collaboration with government, business and academic partners, he supports initiatives that promote economic growth, education, sustainability and international cooperation.

Professor May Tan-Mullins
Provost and CEO, University of Reading Malaysia

Professor May Tan-Mullins is Provost and CEO of the University of Reading Malaysia and a Professor of Sustainability. Her research and leadership focus on sustainable development, climate resilience and international higher education, helping to shape the University's impact across Asia.




Professor Elena Beleska-Spasova
Dean, Henley Business School 
Professor Elena Beleska-Spasova is an internationally recognised expert in strategy and international business. She is committed to preparing future business leaders to navigate complex global challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.