PETALING JAYA: Choi Ching Jack (pic), a 25-year-old trainee solicitor based in London, is set to be awarded the "Freedom of the City of London".
His voluntary contributions to the Malaysian diaspora, including for the British Malaysian Society and the Malaysian Lawyers UK Network, earned him the honour.
The Oxford alumnus told The Star that he was truly honored to receive the Freedom of the City of London.
“For me, it has always been about forging a cultural connection with my ‘tanah air’.
“Launching a career in law can sometimes be all-consuming, but I have always believed in setting aside time to participate in meaningful civic engagement,” he said.
The Freedom of the City of London, with its traditions dating back to 1237, has been awarded to other prominent Malaysians, including Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1968 and acclaimed shoe designer, Datuk Jimmy Choo in 2006.
Choi will receive the award from the Chamberlain of London in a ceremony at the Chamberlain’s Court in Guildhall on Feb 7.
Originally from Selangor, Choi moved to the UK to pursue his masters and undergraduate degree at Oxford University and University College London, respectively, where he left an indelible mark through his leadership and academic achievements.
“My advice to all young Malaysians aspiring to make a mark on the international stage is to recognise that every organisation – public, private or non-profit – can benefit from the perspective of the youth,” he said.
