During the last decade, advancement in Asia, Australia and the Middle East has grown exponentially—and along the way, CASE's Asia-Pacific team has worked to build and strengthen a vibrant community of practice. Leading that charge has been Chua Beng Hwee, CASE Asia-Pacific's executive director since 2010.

"It has been my greatest privilege to visit our member institutions in various countries—understanding diverse cultures, educational system, opportunities and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region," says Chua.

During her eight years at the helm of CASE Asia-Pacific, Chua expanded programs and services within the region-including CASE's first events in China and the Middle East. She set up the CASE Asia-Pacific Advisory Council in 2013 and the Asia-Pacific Board of Directors in 2015.

In June, Chua will leave CASE to devote more time to her family. Here, she looks back on her time at CASE, sharing lessons learned, her best professional advice and how advancement has changed globally.

Looking back at your time at CASE, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my team at the Asia-Pacific office: eight extremely passionate CASEies who take enormous pride in their work. This is clear in the way they interact with colleagues and members, and the way they always go the extra mile. As a team, they care for each other and step up to help. What I like most is that everyone is forthright and has great integrity.

What's been your very favorite CASE conference moment?

The 10th CASE Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference in 2017 where we commemorated CASE Asia-Pacific's 10th anniversary in Singapore. The highlight was 10 Cubed, an event conceptualised by Tricia King (former VP for global engagement), where we brought together 10 global higher education leaders to develop 10 big ideas for the future. The goal was to help CASE communities of practice become effective partners in ensuring the continued impact and success of our important institutions.

I still vividly remember all the discussions led by Tan Chorh Chuan, then president of National University of Singapore. To me, CASE's ability to convene thought leadership is powerful and inspiring.

During the last decade, what are the three biggest changes you've seen in advancement in the Asia-Pacific region?

First, because advancement is becoming a priority for institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, there has been a big and steady increase in the number of advancement positions, resulting in a global mobility of advancement professionals. As a result, we're seeing a huge movement of experienced advancement professionals from the United Kingdom and the United States taking up positions in this part of the world and they're thriving.

Second, increased competition in the admission space for students. As a result, we're witnessing a wave of innovative strategic communications initiatives in higher education institutions and K-12 schools.

Finally, the importance of metrics. Institutions are recognizing the importance of using data and metrics to measure outcomes of alumni engagement and evaluate philanthropic support.

What's one of the most important lessons you've learned at CASE?

The power of volunteers! I am so impressed by what they do for CASE. Many have become my friends and I truly value their guidance, support and encouragement.

What's the best piece of professional advice you've received that has shaped your work at CASE?

"Make a difference," from Bill Purcell, then deputy vice chancellor at University Technology Sydney. This idea has inspired me during my entire time at CASE. He shared it with me over tea in Singapore when I just started my role at CASE Asia-Pacific. It was a piece of advice his dad gave him, and it inspired me to go beyond doing my job well, create impact through my work and make a difference in everything I do, big or small.

It has helped me go above and beyond delivering a good piece of work. It's a legacy I want to leave behind.

This article is from the March 2019 BriefCASE issue. 

Please share your questions and comments with Naomi Dillon at ndillon@case.org.