Keep an eye out for these 4 Malaysian UK alumni

Getting to study abroad, especially in the UK, is a huge bragging right and on every Malaysian parent’s checklist. However, these 4 Malaysian UK alumni have the biggest bragging right of all: a Study UK Alumni Award.

The Study UK Alumni Awards 2024 was held in the form of a gala dinner event at the W Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. This ceremony isn’t like the others though, it’s the culmination of the British Council Malaysia’s 75th anniversary, a year-long celebration of milestones in charting the UK-Malaysia course forward through education, the arts and sciences.

Exceptional UK alumni from different industries—both in public and corporate sectors—as well as university representatives came together in celebration of the event. These awards serve to recognise and reflect the achievements and impact these alumni have on Malaysia.

“This event is also a reminder to all of us on the important role that UK alumni from Malaysia play as ambassador who forms the bedrock of a relationship of trust and cooperation between the UK and Malaysia, enabling partnerships that benefit both our countries,” — Jazreel Goh, Director of British Council Malaysia.

A total of 12 nominees were recognised for their remarkable accomplishments and contributions to their field in the 4 categories of Science and Sustainability, Business and Innovation, Culture and Creativity, and Social Action. However, here’s just 1 for each field, you can read about the other nominees here.

The Science and Sustainability award, obviously an achievement about advancing the fields of science and sustainability, was presented to Prof. Dr. Abhi Veerakumarasivam, a graduate of University of Cambridge and currently the Provost of Sunway University.

He is leading the largest UK-Malaysia transnational education partnership with Lancaster University. An internationally-recognised educator, geneticist, and science communicator, he has helped equip tens of thousands of researchers across Southeast Asia.

The Business and Innovation award goes to the alumni who has made an impact on driving innovative business solutions, AKA Sr. Vicky How Peck Ying, a graduate of University of The West of England, Bristol.

Dedicated to uplifting malaysia’s property market, she’s a pioneering property valuer and esteemed Founder/CEO of Propedia Group. Through innovative ventures like Propedia Consultancy, Academy, Management, and Benefits Malaysia, she’s driving impactful change.

The Culture and Creativity award recognises innovative and inspiring approaches to art, culture and/or creativity. Recipient Wendy Teo Boon Ting, a graduate of University College London and University of Cambridge, is a pioneering architect and cultural advocate in Malaysia.

She champions local craft communities and pioneers innovative design applications. Her impact in the arts is 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 Social Action award is for those who have made exceptional contributions to positive social change. Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, graduate of London School of Economics & Political Science and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, has received this award for his transformative efforts in providing equitable access to cancer care in Malaysia.

As the Managing Director of the national Cancer Society of Malaysia, he continues to lead work to build socially beneficial, sustainable reform of health systems with a focus on non-communicable diseases.

Considering how many Malaysians graduate from UK universities, we’re bound to have more great minds. 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,” — H. E. Alisa Terry CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.