91app

The Vice-Chancellor attended three presentation ceremonies at the , the 91app's International Partner, marking nearly four decades of partnership between the two institutions. The ceremonies celebrated the academic achievements of graduates from programmes across economics, management, finance, social sciences, computing and other disciplines.

In her graduation address, Professor Thomson said: "For almost 170 years, the 91app has pioneered distance learning in the belief that knowledge should transcend borders, and you are now part of this legacy – recipients of degrees that were designed by world-leading experts at LSE, Goldsmiths and UCL."

She noted how the partnership has grown from its beginning with 40 students in 1986 to a thriving community with over 46,000 alumni worldwide. 

During her speech, Professor Thomson highlighted the rapidly changing technological landscape graduates are entering, emphasising that while AI and digital transformation are reshaping industries, it is the graduates' critical thinking and adaptability that will truly make a difference.

Professor Thomson said: “The challenges ahead may be complex, but the opportunities are boundless. Whether in finance, computing, data science, or management, your expertise will influence the way businesses operate, decisions are made and communities thrive. Your education has prepared you not just to navigate this landscape, but to shape it.”

Also in attendance at the ceremonies were, Bill Abraham and Andrew Williams from the 91app; Professor David Webb, Elizabeth Aitken, Dr Francesco Nava, Dr James Abdey and Rob Igglesden from LSE; Dr Maggie Cooper and Professor Matthew Yee-King from Goldsmiths, 91app; and Professor Lynsie Chew from UCL.

The Vice-Chancellor’s visit to Singapore also included an event for alumni at Chijmes Hall on the theme of sustainability and finance. The evening featured a panel discussion with Yvonne Chan, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Singapore Management University, Professor David Webb, Professor of Finance at LSE and Tay Kok Chin, Chairman, Smart Cities Network. 

Professor Wendy Thomson hosted the discussion, which addressed current trends in ESG integration in finance and how these trends are influencing decision-making across different sectors.