Jagdeep Singh Bachher installed as 12th Chancellor of University of Waterloo....by KBS Sidhu

A Landmark Moment for Sikh Representation in Canada

Waterloo: Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher, a triple alumnus of the University of Waterloo (BASc '93, MASc '94, PhD '00), was officially installed as the 12th Chancellor of this prestigious institution on 25th October 2024. 

His appointment marks a remarkable milestone not only in the University’s history but also for Canada’s Sikh community, as Dr. Bachher embodies the values of hard work, integrity, and leadership that define both the University and the broader Sikh diaspora in Canada.

A distinguished leader in global finance and a staunch advocate for sustainable investing, Dr. Bachher brings a wealth of experience from his current role as Chief Investment Officer at the University of California, where he manages an investment portfolio exceeding $180 billion.

His return to Waterloo, now as its ceremonial head, is a testament to his deep-rooted connection to the institution and his commitment to fostering positive change in education and beyond.

A Trailblazer in Global Investment and Institutional Leadership

Dr. Bachher’s career has been distinguished by remarkable achievements in finance and investment. As the Chief Investment Officer for the University of California (a prominent public university system encompassing ten campuses, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego), he oversees a vast investment portfolio exceeding $180 billion.

This includes pensions, endowments, and total-return investment funds. Under his strategic leadership, the University of California’s assets have nearly doubled in value.

Dr. Bachher has been a pioneering force behind sustainable and responsible investment initiatives, cultivating a collaborative culture and developing long-term strategies that prioritize social impact.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bachher has held influential positions at prominent institutions across North America, such as Manulife Financial and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation. His innovative investment approach, known as "The UC Investments Way," is founded on ten guiding principles that emphasise transparency, community benefit, and forward-thinking practices. A recognised champion for positive change, Dr. Bachher is celebrated for his vision in institutional finance, where his commitment to inclusivity and impactful policies has made him a respected thought leader in the field.

The University of Waterloo: A Centre of Innovation and Excellence in Canadian Higher Education

Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo has distinguished itself as a powerhouse of innovation and academic excellence, consistently ranked among Canada’s top universities.

With strengths in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, Waterloo has earned an international reputation as a leader in technology and research. Its cooperative education programme—the largest of its kind globally—integrates academics with real-world experience, allowing students to gain valuable skills that prepare them for dynamic careers.

The University’s culture of entrepreneurship and innovation places it at the heart of Ontario’s "Technology Triangle," an ecosystem that fosters technological advancement and economic growth.

Waterloo’s influence reaches far beyond Canada, with research collaborations, entrepreneurial ventures, and alumni contributions that address pressing global issues in fields like artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and healthcare innovation.

Dr. Bachher’s appointment as Chancellor aligns perfectly with Waterloo’s mission, as his experience and values reinforce the University’s commitment to tackling global challenges through bold leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Bachher’s Personal Journey: An Inspiration to the Sikh Community and Beyond

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher's journey from his early years to his current role as Chancellor of the University of Waterloo is a testament to resilience, cultural pride, and dedication to service. Born in Nigeria to Sikh parents, Kuldip Singh Bachher and Harbhajan Kaur Bachher—who dedicated over six decades to education in India, Nigeria, and Canada—he moved to Canada at the age of 15.

This shift marked the beginning of an inspiring journey that would later make him a Canadian citizen and an influential leader in global finance and education.

A proud alumnus of the University of Waterloo, Dr. Bachher’s connection to his Punjabi heritage and Sikh values remains strong. The Sikh religion, which originated in Punjab, India, emphasises core principles of hard work, integrity, and community service—values that Dr. Bachher has embodied throughout his life.

His achievements reflect not only personal success but also the collective accomplishments of the Sikh community in Canada, where Sikh Canadians have made significant contributions across diverse fields.Dr. Bachher’s commitment to community service extends beyond his professional achievements.

He is actively engaged in initiatives that champion sustainable investing, equity, and diversity. He serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Institutional Investors Roundtable and as a visiting scholar at Stanford University’s Global Projects Center. Through these platforms, he advocates for socially responsible investment practices and inclusive leadership, making him a role model for young Canadians.

His multifaceted leadership and dedication to positive societal impact symbolise the Sikh community’s values on the global stage, inspiring not only Sikh Canadians but people from all backgrounds.

Broader Sikh Contributions to Canadian Society

The Sikh community in Canada has established a significant presence, with achievements in politics, business, medicine, and academia. Dr. Bachher’s appointment as Chancellor reflects the growing influence of Sikh Canadians in shaping Canada’s future and underscores the community’s deep-rooted commitment to service, resilience, and innovation.

Sikh Canadians have also gained visibility within the Canadian political landscape, with a strong presence in Parliament and other leadership roles, fostering a multicultural society that values diversity and inclusivity.

Looking Forward: Dr. Bachher’s Leadership as a Beacon Amidst Complex Global Narratives

Dr. Bachher’s appointment comes at a time when public perception of the Sikh community in Canada faces challenges, particularly amid recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Isolated unsavoury incidents involving a small subset of the community have attracted disproportionate media attention, at times overshadowing the considerable accomplishments and positive contributions made by Sikh Canadians.

Dr. Bachher’s leadership, defined by integrity and professional excellence, offers a powerful counter-narrative, highlighting the Sikh community’s valuable role in shaping Canada’s academic and cultural landscape. His appointment stands as a testament to the dedication and impact of Sikh Canadians in building inclusive, respected institutions and underscores the community’s broader contributions to Canadian society.

As the new Chancellor, Dr. Bachher is set to champion the University of Waterloo’s values on the world stage, promoting its legacy of academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.

His role reflects not only his personal achievements but also the significant contributions of Sikh Canadians to society. His leadership at the University of Waterloo is a testament to how communities, when united by shared values and a commitment to progress, can overcome challenges and drive meaningful change.

Dr. Bachher’s journey exemplifies the best of what the University and the Sikh community stand for—resilience, leadership, and a vision for a brighter future.

November 3, 2024