May 2o26 Newsletter
Dear Friends of U-GO,
It was with great anticipation that Amy, Tom and I boarded a Cathay Pacific plane at LAX in late April. Ahead of us lay two action-packed weeks across the Asian continent. First stop: U-GO’s 4th annual Global Summit in Cambodia’s picturesque capital of Phnom Penh. This followed with a short layover in Hong Kong for an Investor Appreciation Night hosted by our friends at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Finally, onwards to the grand finale – our 4th annual Singapore Wine Dinner, which once again sold out with nearly 200 attendees.
For me, the biggest highlight was witnessing the interactions amongst the 90 attendees at the Global Summit. Our regional Board members were exchanging stories with the 24 U-GO scholars in attendance, our key investors did deep dives with the leadership of our 14 partner organizations, and together we plotted out the future of this inspiring global movement that we are all co-creating. As I said in my closing keynote – This is the greatest group of people with whom I have ever had the privilege to work. It was an emotional moment for me, as the group had collectively committed to doing something that no other organization has ever done – awarding long-term university scholarships to 10,001 ambitious and promising young women in less than five years since formation. The motivational drive of this group is unlimited, and thankfully, is matched by a world-class ability to execute with precision.
The other momentous highlight of the trip was being with our U-GO Singapore Board as they crushed the record for the most funds ever raised in one night. Thanks to a generous $1 million matching grant from our dear friends Anthonia Hui and Leonardo Drago, the crowd was encouraged to think big. The energy in the room nearly blew the roof off the Edition Hotel’s ballroom. As the DJ kicked off the after-party with the Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’, we announced a final result of US$2.2 million. This is the equivalent of over 2,750 additional years of U-GO scholarships. It’s a huge leap forward towards our goal of 10,001 scholars.
I have never been more optimistic about the future of U-GO. I hope you’ll keep reading to learn the latest about our progress, enjoy our new brand video Be The One, read our very first guest post by a U-GO scholar reporting on a recent AI training in Indonesia, and explore our upcoming events in numerous cities around the world. For now, we are enjoying being home in San Diego, resting and recharging. But soon, another flight awaits — for this amazing global team and their world-changing progress, the journey never stops.
All the best,
John Wood
Founder and CEO
New brand video
On the road to 10,001 scholars, a new video to inspire us all to BE THE ONE!
lighting the future
U-GO AI in Indonesia
One of the promises of being a U-GO scholar is that university education will provide a path to a meaningful career. As we create more opportunities for our scholars to practice their skills, we are thrilled to be sharing our first guest blog from a scholar. Isysyika Imasyta is a Digital Media and Communications Major at IBP University in Indonesia. In February she participated in a special U-GO AI training along with U-GO’s Tom Monroe and Stuart Kerr. Please enjoy her report from an inspiring convening.
Coming soon to a
city Near You…
Image: Samantha Tracey Photography, Singapore 2026
Sydney
An Evening with U-GO
Thursday, June 4th
Dentons, Westfield Tower, 5:45pm - 8pm
🇦🇺Over drinks and light refreshments, enjoy an update on U-GO’s progress from the Australian board. Enjoy a special live virtual appearance from a U-GO scholar who will share her personal journey, passion, and dreams for herself and her community. Tickets $25. Register here
London
An Evening with William Boyd
Wednesday, June 10th, 6 - 8pm
The Financial Times, Bracken House
📚You are invited to enjoy an evening in conversation with one of the world’s most-loved and celebrated authors, in support of U-GO.
Space is limited. To inquire, email [email protected]
Hong Kong
U-GO Wine Dinner
Saturday, September 19th, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
The Rosewood Hotel
🧧 We are back for the year’s most exciting and generous night of fundraising in Hong Kong! To inquire about table purchases or corporate sponsorship, please email [email protected]
San Francisco
U-GO Wine Dinner
Saturday, September 26th, 5:30pm - 9:30pm
China Live
🍷 The San Francisco annual wine dinner takes the wine experience to new heights this year. Start with winemaker tasting sessions in China Live’s speakeasy before moving the the 3rd floor banquet room for a delicious modern Chinese menu paired with more of California’s finest wines. To inquire about table purchases or corporate sponsorship, please email [email protected]
