Sonny Bill Williams has spoken of the ‘honour’ of being appointed the new Pro Chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU) after the New Zealand rugby great appeared at a graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
The All Blacks legend, who has long been known for his inspiring work championing social equality and humanitarian causes, revealed in November that he was set to begin his new career move.
AIU is a private university based in Malaysia that has over 1,000 students enrolled on its courses and has three specialist schools that teach Business and Social Science, Education and Human Science and its School of Computing and Informatics.
He was seen arriving at the university, which is based in Malaysia, before donning a set of academic robes. Williams also appeared to be formally announced as the University’s Pro Chancellor during a ceremony and was later seen giving a talk to students at the university.
The 39-year-old, who played for the Bulldogs and the Roosters before switching codes to join up with Toulon in France, comes from humble beginnings having grown up in Auckland but dropped out of school when he was 14.
He would later go on to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management (Sport Management) and spoke of how he participated in a graduation ceremony at the university.
‘It has been an amazing journey for me to accept the role of Pro Chancellor of Albukhary International University,’ Williams wrote on his X account.
‘The convocation ceremony today showed me the true essence of what the university is about in uplifting students from unprivileged backgrounds and giving them an opportunity at a very critical point in their lives through higher education.
‘These students with the blessing of the Almighty will go on to become leaders of the future and role models for society.
‘I had the honour of awarding each and every one of the 218 graduating students and excited to watch them grow into the future society that we leave behind.
As part of his new role, the University states that Williams will work to help the AIU achieve its mission of fostering well-rounded graduates to achieve their goals and become well-rounded citizens.
Williams is due to work as an advisor to establish new initiatives and community outreach programmes in the future.
In a statement released in November, AIU wrote: ‘His [Williams’] involvement will enhance the university’s vision of fostering a transformative educational environment where values-driven leadership meets academic excellence.
‘Beyond Advising key initiatives such as student engagement and community outreach programmes, his presence at AIU will inspire students to strive for excellence in both their personal and professional journeys.’
Williams has also reflected further on his excitement over the new role.
‘For someone who dropped out of school at 14 and was given a chance to change my life through sports, this appointment is a proud privilege to be part of a university that does the same through education,’ Williams wrote on X.
‘Along with changing my family’s situation, I was also able to attain a university degree.
‘Special thanks to the Founder of Albukhary International University, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, the Board of Governors, and the entire AIU community.
‘Lastly, to the students, I look forward to meeting and speaking with you all next month on the 10th. God bless!’
During his professional rugby career, Williams made 58 international appearances for the All Blacks and is regarded as one of the most creative centres to have played rugby union.
Williams is one of the most decorated stars to have played both codes of rugby. He would clinch the 2004 NRL premiership with the Bulldogs before going on to win the NRL with the Roosters.
After jumping ship to union, he’d win the Super Rugby title with the Chiefs, multiple Bledisloe Cups with New Zealand as well as two Rugby World Cups.
He would later step into boxing and reigned as the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight champion and WBA International heavyweight champion for a period.Â
