Northumbria alumni named as finalists for British Council's Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia

The British Council has named Northumbria graduates Amira Stephen and Cheng Kiong Gan as two of 15 finalists selected for the Malaysia ceremonies from more than 1,500 applicants. The ceremonies celebrate graduates' outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and their important contribution to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and Malaysia. The four award winners will be announced at a ceremony at Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 17 March 2022.

The prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in its eighth year, international UK alumni applied from more than 100 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK.

The finalists of the Science and Sustainability Award, which recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, are:

• Dr Muhd Siv Azhar Merican Abdullah - graduate of London South Bank University, Deputy Director, Putrajaya Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia
• Justin Jing Ho Chin - graduate of Imperial College London, Managing Director, Gamuda Engineering
• Prof. Dr Fatin Aliah Phang - graduate of University of Cambridge, Professor, School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
• Assoc. Prof. Dr Fatimah Ahmedy - graduate of Cardiff University, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah

The finalists of the Culture and Creativity award, which recognises alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts and culture, individuals who demonstrated their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity, are:

• Dr Nur Izzati Jamalludin - graduate of King's College London, Senior Lecturer, Universiti Teknologi MARA
• Adeline Jingyi Wong - graduate of Teesside University and University of Bedfordshire, Teacher, En Pointe Dance Academy.
• Chen Kiong Gan - graduate of Northumbria University Newcastle and Teesside University, Village Chief, Federal Village Development and Security Committee

The finalists of the Social Action award, which recognises alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others, are:

• Izza Izelan - graduate of University College London, Executive Director, WOMEN:girls.
• Zaim Mohzani - graduate of London School of Economics and Political Science, Director and Trustee, Impact Malaysia
• Dr Fauziah Mohd Taib - graduate of University of Exeter, University of Kent and University of the West of England, Bristol, Member of Defence Team, Kosovo Specialist Chambers, The Hague
• Kenneth Chai - graduate of University of Aberdeen, Microseismic Team Lead, Schlumberger

The finalists of the Business and Innovation award, which recognises alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, that have the potential for growth, are:

• Shaun Adam Bin Abdullah - graduate of University of Edinburgh, International Trade Policy Consultant.
• Melvin Poh - graduate of Imperial College London, Founder/CEO, Empirics Asia
• Weng Keong Kong - graduate of University of Cambridge, Managing Director, Telford Engineering
• Amirah Afina Stephen - graduate of University of Cambridge , Sales/Project Engineer, Excel Air Engineering

Jazreel Goh, Director Malaysia at the British Council said: “The remarkable individuals selected as finalists for the Study UK Alumni Awards in 2021-22 have all taken their UK education as a starting point to excel in their chosen careers and shape the world around them. This year’s finalists are testimony not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavours, but also to the transformative impact of a UK education.”