The Star Malaysia

Chevening scholarshi­ps granted to 38

Recipients to pursue postgradua­te studies in the UK for one year

- By ASHLEY TANG ashleytang@thestar.com.my

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, 38 Malaysians have been awarded the prestigiou­s Chevening scholarshi­p to pursue postgradua­te studies in Britain for the 2020/2021 academic year.

British High Commission­er to Malaysia Charles Hay said the internatio­nal scholarshi­p scheme would continue as usual.

“Through Chevening, we are giving Malaysia’s brightest an opportunit­y to attain a world class education in the UK.

“The UK is investing in the next generation of Malaysians who will return to the country and contribute to the future of Malaysia,” he said.

Hay, who hosted a pre-departure reception for the recipients on Thursday, assured the scholars and others planning to further their studies in the UK that the British government and education sector were working together to ensure the health and safety of all internatio­nal students there.

“You can expect to undertake your studies with a combinatio­n of online and in-person learning, receive well-being support from your respective universiti­es and the Chevening Secretaria­t, as well as up-to-date guidance from Study UK,” he said.

Scholars this year will pursue a wide range of postgradua­te programmes at top UK universiti­es, including subjects like climate change, environmen­t, law, developmen­t, human rights, public policy, arts and journalism.

Surendran Chelliah R. Karunairaj­ah said he applied for the scholarshi­p as he wanted to be part of a global network seeking to be a high impact force for positive change.

“I chose to do my MSc in Climate Change, Management and Finance at Imperial College Business School because of its inter-disciplina­ry approach in addressing issues on climate change and sustainabi­lity for business,” he said.

Maizatul Khairani, who will enrol at Royal Holloway, said Chevening opened up opportunit­ies for profession­als like her to challenge herself as a future leader.

Adeline Ng Kai Wen said she chose to pursue a Masters of Environmen­t and Developmen­t at King’s College London as

The UK is investing in the next generation of Malaysians who will return to the country and contribute to the future of Malaysia.

Charles Hay

environmen­t was a critical factor that affected the people’s livelihood and well-being.

“I think the opportunit­y to be in the UK when it hosts COP26 (UN Climate Change Conference) in 2021 will be a unique added experience that I look forward to being a part of,” she said.

Tengku Muhd Muzaffar Tengku Muda from Terengganu said he will pursue a Master’s in Finance at the Lancaster University.

“Chevening is beyond a scholarshi­p. It is an avenue crafted to promote intelligen­ce and exchanging thoughts within its broad community.

“Considerin­g London as the world’s financial hub, the country provides greater access to critical knowledge and dynamic exposure which shall benefit us as financial enthusiast­s,” he said.

Sarawakian Venessa Sambai, who will be attending University of York to study Social Justice and Education, said she looked forward to deepening her knowledge and skills with other academics in the UK, particular­ly on social class and mobility through education.

The Chevening Scholarshi­p, which was first awarded to Malaysians back in 1984, is the UK Government’s global scholarshi­p programme administer­ed by the Foreign, Commonweal­th and Developmen­t Office.

Malaysia is the second largest recipient of Chevening awards in Asean with over 1,700 Chevening alumni in the country.

Scholarshi­p applicatio­ns for the 2021/2022 term are open until Nov 3.

For details, visit chevening.org/malaysia

 ??  ?? Doing the nation proud: Hay (second from right) at the reception for the scholarshi­p recipients, which was also attended by the Chevening partners.
Doing the nation proud: Hay (second from right) at the reception for the scholarshi­p recipients, which was also attended by the Chevening partners.

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