KUALA LUMPUR (March 4): British Council Malaysia recently honoured recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2024 at a gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur.

In a statement on Monday, the council said 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.

The ceremony, now in its sixth edition, was the culmination of British Council Malaysia’s 75th anniversary, a year-long celebration of milestones in charting the course forward for UK-Malaysia connections through education, the arts and sciences.

British Council Malaysia director Jazreel Goh said it is more important than ever to recognise and reflect on the achievements of Malaysian UK alumni and the impact they have had on the community, society and nation.

“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 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,” she said.

Meanwhile, 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. These UK Alumni members can bring their knowledge, experience and networks to further build on the strong foundation and create new partnerships,” said Terry.

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 toward 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 award in advancing those fields was presented to Prof Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, a graduate of University of Cambridge.

The business and innovation category award on driving innovative business solutions went to Vicky How Peck Ying, a graduate of University of The West of England, Bristol.

Meanwhile, the culture and creativity category award went to Wendy Teo Boon Ting, a graduate of University College London and University of Cambridge.

Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, a graduate of London School of Economics & Political Science and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, bagged the award in the social action category that acknowledges UK alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to effecting positive social change.