PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian actively involved in community work will be getting a time-honoured London award previously bestowed on luminaries like Winston Churchill and Stephen Hawking.
London-based trainee solicitor Choi Ching Jack (pic), 25, will receive the Freedom of the City of London award on Feb 7, becoming the latest Malaysian to receive the recognition.
Other Malaysians who have previously received the award are Tunku Abdul Rahman and Datuk Jimmy Choo.
For Choi, dedicating time to civic engagement has marked the start of a rewarding journey in community participation.
“Although many may perceive moving or studying abroad to be an isolating experience, there is a plethora of initiatives and activities being organised for Malaysians in the United Kingdom to stay connected with one another,” he told The Star.
For instance, he wanted to get involved in projects that supported and uplifted Malaysians.
His voluntary contributions include work done for the British Malaysian Society (BMS) and as founding co-chair of the Malaysian Lawyers UK Network.
Since joining the BMS, Choi has become an active volunteer in various events celebrating the British-Malaysian connection, such as a Merdeka carnival in Hertfordshire.
To him, it has always been about forging a cultural connection with his homeland.
Choi, who is from Selangor, said his involvement with the BMS began as a chance encounter but soon grew into a commitment to community service.
“Since then, I have been volunteering my time and actively assisting in events open to all who are interested in the British-Malaysian connection.
“I also help lead an annual mentorship programme that connects Malaysian students at UK universities with experienced industry leaders,” he added.
This year, the programme features 31 mentees with the goal of enhancing their career prospects and employability while fostering professional networking and skills development, he said.
Through his work with the BMS, Jack also gained exposure to life in London, thanks to the guidance of BMS members and leaders.
“Truly embracing the spirit of mentorship, they generously exposed me to civic life in the City of London and kindly nominated me to become a Freeman,” said Choi, who will receive the award from the Chamberlain of London in a ceremony at the Chamberlain’s Court in Guildhall next month.
The Freedom of the City of London award, which dates back to the 13th century, comes with traditional yet symbolic rights linked to being a Freeman, such as driving sheep over the London Bridge, he said.
Choi, who studied at Chong Hwa Independent High School before pursuing A-levels at Sunway College, moved to the United Kingdom for further studies.
He pursued his master’s and undergraduate degrees at Oxford University and University College London, respectively.
“I encourage all Malaysians at the beginning of their careers to actively pursue committee roles and build their professional networks as early as possible.
“Never let yourself feel intimidated if you are one of the more junior souls in the room, nor should you be discouraged by any perceived lack of experience.
“Doing so will empower you to harness the full potential of the youth voice, enabling you to influence decision-making and contribute to communities in a positive manner,” he said.
A 28-year-old Malaysian student in speech and language therapy, Lubna Zulkifli, was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London award in June 2024.
