Study UK Alumni 2024 awardees Dr Murallitharan, Teo, How and Prof Abhi symbolised the role of the British Council Malaysia in facilitating UK education towards the nation’s development.
BRITISH Council Malaysia (BCM) honoured recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024 at its flagship gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
The event brought together outstanding UK alumni from different industries, diverse stakeholders as well as university representatives.
The gala also served as the finale for the BCM’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration.
BCM director Jazreel Goh drew attention to the milestone making it even more important to recognise the contributions of Malaysian UK alumni to the nation and its various communities.
“We take pride in all of them who epitomise the spirit of innovation and leadership.
“This event is also a reminder to all of us on 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,” said Goh.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry, who officiated the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024, said: “Education is 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,” she said.
Terry also spoke on how UK alumni members here could bring their knowledge, experience and networks to further build on the strong foundation and create new partnerships.
“I congratulate 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,” she added.
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the value of UK higher education as well as alumni achievements globally.
In Malaysia, a total of 12 nominees were recognised for their 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 award was presented to Prof Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, a graduate of University of Cambridge.
The internationally-recognised educator, geneticist, and science communicator is the provost of Sunway University, leading the largest UK-Malaysia transnational education partnership with Lancaster University.
The Business and Innovation category, which casts a spotlight on a UK alumni member who has led innovative business solutions, was awarded to Vicky How Peck Ying, a graduate of University of The West of England.
The pioneering property valuer is also Propedia Group founder and chief executive officer.
Through ventures like Propedia Consultancy, Academy, Management and Benefits Malaysia, she drives impactful change in Malaysia’s property market.
The Culture and Creativity category which recognises a UK alumni member who has displayed an inspiring approach to art, culture and creativity was awarded to Wendy Teo Boon Ting, a graduate of University College London and University of Cambridge.
As a pioneering architect and cultural advocate in Malaysia, she champions local craft communities and innovative design applications.
Her impact transcends borders, evident in the pan-Borneo craft research initiative, empowering communities across Sarawak, Sabah, and Indonesia (Kalimantan), thus symbolising a commitment to heritage and culture across Southeast Asia.
Social Action, a category that acknowledges exceptional social contribution by a UK alumni member, was presented to Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, a graduate of London School of Economics & Political Science and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
As the National Cancer Society of Malaysia managing director, he has led efforts in providing equitable access to cancer care to all Malaysians and continues to lead work to build socially beneficial, sustainable reforms of health systems with a focus on non-communicable diseases.
