AUW is  honored to welcome Ms. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former Prime Minister of Denmark and a member of AUW’s Council of Patrons, as the 13th AUW Commencement Speaker and an Honorary Degree recipient on January 9, 2027 in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Denmark, Ms. Thorning-Schmidt later led Save the Children International, where she championed the rights of children affected by conflict and displacement around the world. A longstanding advocate for democracy, human rights and gender equality, her life and leadership reflect many of the ideals at the heart of AUW.

More than 300 students from across Asia and the Middle East will receive their undergraduate and graduate degrees, joined by their families, faculty and members of the wider AUW community. Commencement celebrates not only their academic achievement, but the determination, promise and leadership of a remarkable community of young women.

Honorary Degree Recipients

Honorary Degrees will also be conferred upon three distinguished leaders whose achievements and contributions exemplify the values and vision of Asian University for Women:

• Mr. Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair Emeritus of the Asia Society and Chairman of its Hong Kong Center, in recognition of his distinguished leadership in business, philanthropy, education and the advancement of international understanding;
• Ms. Kathy Matsui, Former Partner and Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs Japan, and General Partner of MPower Partners, whose pioneering work on Womenomics has helped advance women’s economic participation and leadership in Japan and internationally; and
• Baroness Denise Kingsmill, Member of the House of Lords (UK), in recognition of her distinguished career across law, business, public service and advocacy for women’s advancement.