The cohort includes one Malaysian who received a Chevening Fellowship to complete a short course at the Oxford Centre of Islamic Students.

The Chevening award, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is the UK government’s global scholarship programme that is funded and administered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This is complemented by generous sponsorships from Malaysian corporate partners namely CIMB Foundation, Yayasan Khazanah and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. British universities are also providing additional funding in support of the Chevening programme.

All 3 Malaysian organisations renewed their commitment as Chevening partners to fund a number of scholarships which will enable more Malaysians to study in the UK under the Chevening programme. The organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the British High Commission today. CIMB Foundation agreed to sponsor 4 scholars in technology, management and finance related courses. Yayasan Khazanah agreed to sponsor 5 scholars annually for the next 3 years. Jeffrey Cheah Foundation agreed to sponsor a scholar in any medical field annually for the next 2 years.

Her Excellency Ailsa Terry CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, hosted a pre-departure briefing and reception for the scholars this evening. She said:

The UK wants to invest in the next generation of Malaysian leaders who will return to the country and contribute to contribute to Malaysia’s bright future. Through Chevening, we award Malaysia’s brightest talents an opportunity to attain not only a world class education but an unparalleled 360 experience of the UK during their Chevening year. I am pleased to announce that this year, the UK is awarding 35 Chevening Scholarships to Malaysia.

She added:

The 2024/25 Chevening application cycle will open in September, I encourage more Malaysians from every state to apply.

Malaysians who wish to get a scholarship to pursue a post-graduate degree in the UK should apply when applications open in September 2023. More information is available on www.chevening.org/malaysia.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group said:

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation have been a proud supporter of the Chevening Scholarship since 2018. We have been delighted with the calibre of the recipients. They are all high achievers, and have truly distinguished themselves during their time in the UK and after they returned to Malaysia. Nurturing talents such as these is part of our corporate DNA and we are honoured to partner the UK in supporting the development of Malaysia’s future leaders.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Acting Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation said:

One of CIMB Foundation’s key focus areas is promoting education, and the Chevening Scholarship programme is an excellent platform for nurturing our country’s brightest minds and unlocking their potential. We are pleased to partner the UK in enabling this opportunity, where these scholars will take pride of place in an impressive roster of past winners. We look forward to them returning to lead in their fields of expertise whilst creating meaningful and lasting impact to society.

Adam Said, Trustee of Yayasan Khazanah said:

We recognize the immense value of working together with Chevening toward a common purpose, a purpose that extends far beyond any single organisation or individual. The scholarship is not just about financial support; it is a beacon of hope, a testament to the belief that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to the betterment of society. In addition to the above, YK also sees our partnership with Chevening as conduit to identifying potential leaders, the selection of whom for the scholarship will create the maximum possible multiplier effect to the society they serve. We look forward to continuing this partnership over the next years.

The current batch of scholars will be heading to the UK as early as August this year to pursue a wide range of postgraduate programmes at top UK universities, including in subjects such as Nature, Society and Environmental Governance, Sociology of Education, sustainable food systems and film aesthetics.

Scholar Melvinderjit Singh who will be attending University College London to study Digital Health and Entrepreneurship said:

I am eager to meet other aspiring Chevening students from across the world and build long lasting connections. This is a great opportunity to interact with future leaders, as well as discuss ideas and viewpoints on addressing global concerns. During my Chevening year, I look forward to understanding subsurface CO2 storage from a technical, operational, and economic aspect. This would empower me to contribute towards Malaysia’s energy transition, prioritising decarbonisation and providing a sustainable future through emissions-abated fossil fuels.

Dr. Mohd Khairul Ikhwan bin Mohd Nizam from Melaka who will be attending Brighton and Sussex Medical to study Healthcare Leadership and Commissioning said:

I’m excited about immersing myself in the UK’s vibrant society, delving into its arts, history and culture, I seek to broaden my horizons, enrich my perspective, and foster personal growth. I hope to learn how strengthening health policy involves establishing a financially sustainable ecosystem through robust health insurance mechanisms. Prioritising preventive medicine as a cornerstone, we can curtail future burdens by investing in early intervention and wellness promotion. A harmonious synergy between the private and public sectors will amplify resources and expertise, while fostering a health-conscious society through self-awareness empowers individuals, propelling Malaysia towards a healthier, resilient future.

Sabahan scholar Grace Pounsin who will be attending the University of Kent to study Conservation and International Wildlife Trade said:

I chose the esteemed Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) for its exceptional postgraduate programs, which align with the demands of conservation practitioners. Currently engaged in one of Sabah’s important protected areas, I find DICE’s course structures perfectly tailored to my field. In my highly anticipated Chevening year, I’m enthusiastic about participating in volunteer projects with a conservation focus, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations. Additionally, I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the diverse tapestry of UK culture while also sharing the vibrant heritage of Malaysian Borneo.

Malaysia is the second largest recipient of Chevening awards in ASEAN and there are already over 1,800 members of the Chevening alumni in Malaysia. Photo by David Hawgood, Wikimedia commons.