KUALA LUMPUR: British Council Malaysia honoured recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024 at its flagship gala dinner held at W Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
The event brought together outstanding UK alumni from different industries, diverse stakeholders from public and corporate sectors as well as university representatives to meet, network and celebrate with UK alumni who were making a difference in Malaysia.
The gala dinner also served as the finale for the British Council Malaysia’s 75th-anniversary celebration and the ceremony, now in its sixth edition, took on a greater significance this year.
The director of British Council Malaysia, Jazreel Goh said in their 75th year in Malaysia, it was more important than ever to recognise and reflect on the achievements of Malaysian UK alumni and the impact they had on the community, society and nation and British Council Malaysia took pride in all of them who epitomised the spirit of innovation and leadership.
“This event is also a reminder to all of us of the important role that UK alumni from Malaysia play as ambassadors who form the bedrock of a relationship of trust and cooperation between the UK and Malaysia, enabling partnerships that benefit both our countries,” Jazreel said.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ailsa Terry, who officiated at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024, said that education was one of the most important pillars in the UK-Malaysia relationship with thousands of Malaysians graduating from world-class UK education institutions every year.
“In the last 10 years alone, 80,000 Malaysians have received their higher education from the UK. These UK alumni members can bring their knowledge, experience and networks to further build on the strong foundation and create new partnerships.
“I congratulate the British Council on its anniversary and all the work it has delivered in the last 75 years to promote UK education and English language as well as supporting arts and Science partnerships.
“I look forward to great success in the future as the British Council continues to engage and leverage on the powerful alumni network that we have,” she added.
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the impact and value of UK higher education as well as the achievements of UK alumni all over the world.
In Malaysia, a total of 12 nominees were recognised for their remarkable accomplishments and contributions towards their profession and societies in the following four categories: Science and Sustainability, Business and Innovation, Culture and Creativity and Social Action.
The Science and Sustainability category highlighted the achievements of UK alumni in advancing the fields of science and sustainability. The award was presented to Prof Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, a graduate of University of Cambridge.
In addition, the Business and Innovation category, which cast a spotlight on UK alumni who had made an impact on driving innovative business solutions, was awarded to Sr Vicky How Peck Ying, a graduate of University of The West of England, Bristol.
Meanwhile, the Culture and Creativity category recognised UK alumni who had displayed an innovative and inspiring approach to art, culture and/or creativity.
Wendy Teo Boon Ting, a graduate of University College London and University of Cambridge took home this award.
“She is a pioneering architect and cultural advocate in Malaysia, who champions local craft communities and pioneering innovative design applications.
“Her impact transcends borders, evident in the pan-Borneo craft research initiative, empowering communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimantan and symbolising a commitment to preserving heritage and enriching cultural landscapes across Southeast Asia,” the statement read.
The Social Action category that acknowledged UK alumni who had made an exceptional contribution to effecting positive social change was presented to Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, a graduate of London School of Economics & Political Science and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
