Opening doors for talented students through Key to King’s
Opening doors for talented students through Key to King’s
Dr Gerald Ariff (Electronic Engineering, 1997) looks back on his time at King’s and why he supports today’s generation of students through Key to King’s.
Dr Gerald Ariff is a lecturer based in Indonesia and a supporter of the Key to King’s bursary. Launched in 2022, the bursary is designed to reach students in greatest need of financial support. Serving as one of our international alumni leaders, Gerald has enjoyed a varied career in the UK, Malaysia and Indonesia. Here, he shares with us stories and vital life lessons from his time at King’s and why he believes education is such a powerful tool.
What do you love about King’s?
I spent four years of my life here and there are so many things I love about King’s. King’s feels like a place where you want to spend a lot of time studying, and there is so much international diversity here both in terms of the faculty members and staff, as well as the students.
What is your favourite memory of King’s?
I remember when I received my final grade, which was very bad. A professor, to whom I admittedly never paid much attention, saw how upset I was and said to me, "Gerald, I will let you in on a secret: I also received the same grade, and I’m a professor now." As a young graduate, hearing that it wasn’t the end of the world and that I could achieve my dreams by working hard was so inspiring. It’s not about achieving the best grade, but the experience you get which will give you the foundation for success.
Dr Gerald Ariff is a lecturer based in Indonesia and supporter of the Key to King’s bursary. Launched in 2022, the bursary is designed to reach students in greatest need of financial support. Serving as one of our international alumni leaders, Gerald has enjoyed a varied career in the UK, Malaysia and Indonesia. Here, he shares with us stories and vital life lessons from his time at King’s and why he believes education is such a powerful tool.
What do you love about King’s?
I spent four years of my life here and there are so many things I love about King’s. King’s feels like a place where you want to spend a lot of time studying, and there is so much international diversity here both in terms of the faculty members and staff, as well as the students.
What is your favourite memory of King’s?
I remember when I received my final grade, which was very bad. A professor, to whom I admittedly never paid much attention, saw how upset I was and said to me, "Gerald, I will let you in on a secret: I also received the same grade, and I’m a professor now." As a young graduate, hearing that it wasn’t the end of the world and that I could achieve my dreams by working hard was so inspiring. It’s not about achieving the best grade, but the experience you get which will give you the foundation for success.
Can you share a personal experience from your time at King’s that has shaped who you are today?
If I could sum up my experience at King’s, it would be the generosity of the staff, faculty, alumni, and my fellow classmates. I remember working with the careers team. With their help, I was able to practice applying for jobs and job interviews, which really helped me build my CV and dreams moving forward. I met so many generous people during my time at King’s who were willing to give their own time, be kind, and offer me advice. It was truly an amazing experience.
Can you share why you are passionate about being an international alumni leader and supporter of the Key to King’s bursary?
Having been an international student myself, I understand the challenges many students face when they come to a country like the UK. I want to grow the spirit of King’s in Indonesia. King’s ethos of being a civic university is also really important to me. It’s not just about striving to be the best in terms of world rankings, it’s also about helping your local community thrive.
Why did you decide to support Key to King’s?
I volunteered as a student counsellor and saw firsthand the challenges many students were facing, the majority of which were financial worries. I want to contribute and alleviate the suffering of some of my fellow students. There is a Chinese expression: ‘If you have one year, plant rice; if you have ten years, plant trees; if you have a lifetime, invest in someone’s education.’ I believe that every single penny invested in education benefits not just the individual but also their family, community, society, and country. One person can make a big difference.
What would you say to other alumni to encourage them to give back to King’s?
Investing in someone’s education is never a waste, provided that the person has a vision aligned with that of the institution. It is a worthwhile investment, and you will reap the rewards in many ways.
What inspires you to give back to King’s?
When I was a student, I received support from an alum who had graduated 20 years prior. They offered me a summer internship that truly opened my eyes.
By offering my time and support to students who need guidance and mentoring, I also learn more about myself. Having been in their shoes, I can see new visions, hopes, dreams, and challenges, and try to provide advice. It is an honour for me.
Why did you decide to support Key to King’s?
I volunteered as a student counsellor and saw firsthand the challenges many students were facing, the majority of which were financial worries. I want to contribute and alleviate the suffering of some of my fellow students. There is a Chinese expression: ‘If you have one year, plant rice; if you have ten years, plant trees; if you have a lifetime, invest in someone’s education.’ I believe that every single penny invested in education benefits not just the individual but also their family, community, society, and country. One person can make a big difference.
What would you say to other alumni to encourage them to give back to King’s?
Investing in someone’s education is never a waste, provided that the person has a vision aligned with that of the institution. It is a worthwhile investment, and you will reap the rewards in many ways.
What inspires you to give back to King’s?
When I was a student, I received support from an alum who had graduated 20 years prior. They offered me a summer internship that truly opened my eyes.
By offering my time and support to students who need guidance and mentoring, I also learn more about myself. Having been in their shoes, I can see new visions, hopes, dreams, and challenges, and try to provide advice. It is an honour for me.
Financial strains previously stopped me from taking part in social activities; this is my opportunity to start anew. One day, I hope to provide an amazing opportunity like this to someone else.
Key to King’s Bursary recipient 2024, Medicine MBBS
Inspired by Gerald’s Story?
Find out more about Key to King’s and help us continue to open doors for students in the greatest need of financial support.
Visit Key to King’s
Inspired by Gerald’s Story?
Find out more about Key to King’s and help us continue to open doors for students in the greatest need of financial support.
Visit Key to King’s
WRITERS
Emily Barton
Paul Brooks
Hermione Cameron
Ruthy Stevenson
Ellie Stone
DESIGN
Principal design by Jonathan Vickers
Illustration work by Caroline Tomlinson
Additional design support from psLondon
Approved by brand@kcl.ac.uk
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
Katherine Chinn
Abbie Coburn
JH Norris
Carly Yung
ALUMNI & EDITORIAL OFFICE
King’s College London
Virginia Woolf Building
22 Kingsway
London, WC2B 6LE
King’s College London 2024 ©
InTouch is published by the University’s Department of Fundraising & Supporter Development. The opinions expressed in it are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the University.
If you have a story for our Spring 2025 issue, email us at forever@kcl.ac.uk
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
ALUMNI & EDITORIAL OFFICE
King’s College London
Virginia Woolf Building
22 Kingsway
London, WC2B 6LE
King’s College London 2024 ©
InTouch is published by the University’s Department of Fundraising & Supporter Development. The opinions expressed in it are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the University.
If you have a story for our Spring 2025 issue, email us at forever@kcl.ac.uk
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
WRITERS
Emily Barton
Paul Brooks
Hermione Cameron
Ruthy Stevenson
Ellie Stone
DESIGN
Principal design by Jonathan Vickers
Illustration work by Caroline Tomlinson
Additional design support from psLondon
Approved by brand@kcl.ac.uk
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
Katherine Chinn
JH Norris
Carly Yung
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