Looking ahead: Shepherd (centre, seated) with the returning scholars.
PAYING it forward is a key commitment for the 35 Malaysians who have returned home after completing their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom under the Chevening awards programme.
Mandeep Singh, who obtained a Master’s in Anthropology and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), has set his sights on contributing to the public and social sectors.
“I am glad I made my voice count during my year at the LSE. While I got to contribute to various intellectual debates concerning the Global South, I did not lose sight of the everyday challenges that left economic growth precarious for many.
“Through my postgraduate studies, I urged anthropologists to play an active role in making development policies fair and just. I hope to work with the public and social sectors to make this a reality in Malaysia,” he said in a press release dated Feb 7.
Nur Ezzah, who attended the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and obtained a Master’s in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice, said she is currently advocating for marginalised communities, ensuring that human rights principles are integrated into policies and legislation while fostering social justice and equality.
“My master’s provided me with an in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues and equipped me with the tools to critically analyse policies and legislation through a human rights lens,” she said.
Reflecting on her Chevening year, she shared that her most memorable experience was attending the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts in Hay-On-Wye.
“I met some of my favourite authors and camped under the stars in that charming book town,” she recalled.
Mandeep and Nur Ezzah were part of the 2023/24 cohort, who were also the 40th batch of Malaysian Chevening alumni since the scholarship programme’s establishment in 1983.
In this cohort, 34 scholars completed their master’s degrees, while one scholar completed a fellowship programme at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The scholars, who attended prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford, King’s College London and the LSE, graduated in disciplines such as medical ultrasound, film aesthetics, and conservation and international wildlife trade.
Congratulating the returning scholars, acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia Tom Shepherd said the UK’s commitment to education and fostering global talent remains steadfast, with the Chevening programme being a great example.
“Strengthening the bond between the UK and Malaysia, these alumni have returned not only equipped with invaluable knowledge and skills but also empowered to make a real difference in Malaysia, contributing to its continued growth and prosperity,” he said during a reception in Kuala Lumpur to welcome the scholars home.
The Chevening award is the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded and administered by its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
This is complemented by sponsorships from Malaysian corporate partners, including Yayasan Khazanah, CIMB Foundation and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF).
British universities also provide additional funding in support of the programme.
Sunway Group and JCF founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah said the Chevening Scholarships scheme, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has nurtured key talent in many countries over the years.
“The scholarships have become a byword for excellence, prestige, loyalty and satisfaction. It has been the JCF’s pleasure to support the Chevening Scholarships since 2018, and we look forward to doing so for many years to come.
“This is a flagship programme in our links with the UK, which have seen us partner with Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster, and the Royal College of Physicians,” he said.
Yayasan Hasanah head of scholarship Norhidayah Aslah said Yayasan Khazanah is proud to support and celebrate the return of the Chevening scholars.
“Their experiences and insights will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s growth and development. We look forward to seeing them apply their knowledge, drive positive change and make a lasting impact in their respective fields,” she said.
CIMB Foundation chief executive officer Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to uplifting communities and driving positive societal impact through education.
“By investing in learning and development, we empower outstanding individuals with the expertise and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change,” he said.
Malaysia is the second-largest recipient of Chevening awards in Asean. The 35 returning scholars are now part of the 2,000-strong Chevening alumni network in Malaysia.
