Sonny Bill Williams becomes Pro-Chancellor at university despite dropping out at 14
- Sonny Bill Williams has been appointed the inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Albukhary International University in Malaysia.
- He dropped out of school at 14 and now aims to inspire students to pursue academic excellence.
- Williams is also advocating for cultural expression in schools, emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse identities.
In a significant career shift, former rugby player and boxer Sonny Bill Williams has been appointed as the inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU) in Malaysia. Williams, who famously left school at the age of 14, expressed immense pride in this appointment, stating it is a reflection of how education can transform lives, especially for those from challenging backgrounds. His role is intended to enhance AIU's vision of creating an educational environment centered around values-driven leadership. Williams' appointment comes amid his growing involvement in social issues, particularly in supporting students expressing their cultural identities, as seen in his recent advocacy for a student banned from a graduation ceremony for wearing a Keffiyeh scarf. This highlights the ongoing debates around cultural representation and student rights within educational institutions. Williams aims to be a voice for marginalized communities, utilizing his platform to push for greater recognition and acceptance of diverse cultural expressions in academic settings.