Pre-Departure Briefing Hosted by the British High Commission
The British High Commission recently organised a pre-departure briefing and reception for 20 Malaysian students who are set to embark on their postgraduate studies in the UK, courtesy of the esteemed Chevening scholarship. This gathering provided an opportunity for the scholars to connect and prepare for their upcoming academic journeys.
This year’s Chevening cohort has witnessed a notable increase in representation from East Malaysia, rising from three scholars last year to five this year. Among these, three hail from Sarawak and two from Sabah, marking a significant 25% of the current cohort. Additionally, there has been a marked increase in the number of scholars choosing universities in Scotland, climbing from three in 2025 to eight this year, indicating a growing interest in institutions outside London.
Investment in Future Leaders
Ruzina Hasan, the Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, expressed her enthusiasm during the event. She highlighted the importance of the Chevening programme, stating, “Through Chevening, we invest in individuals who possess the talent, ambition, and purpose to create a positive impact in their communities and beyond. We take pride in supporting Malaysia’s emerging leaders by providing them access to the UK’s world-class universities, complemented by a rich cultural experience that broadens perspectives and fosters lasting connections.” She further emphasised the significance of the UK-Malaysia education partnership, which has flourished over decades through academic collaboration and personal connections.
The Chevening Award is a global scholarship programme established by the UK government, funded and overseen by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This initiative receives generous sponsorship from Malaysian corporate partners including the YTL Foundation, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, Yayasan Khazanah, and CIMB Foundation, with additional funding from British universities to support the Chevening programme.
Scholars Share Their Aspirations
The selected scholars will commence their studies in the UK this September, enrolling in a diverse array of postgraduate programmes across leading institutions. Their fields of study encompass a wide range of subjects, including war and psychiatry, infection and immunity, applied theatre studies, as well as cybersecurity and machine learning.
Daniella Lupi Balan, a scholar from Sarawak, will pursue an MPhil in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh. She noted, “My motivation stems from witnessing development from both sides through my work in Sarawak’s development ecosystem and as a member of the Kayan community in Belaga, affected by the Bakun Dam resettlement. These experiences have shown me how development can create opportunities while also exacerbating socio-economic disparities when communities are overlooked. Upon my return to Sarawak, I intend to apply the knowledge I acquire at the University of Edinburgh to foster inclusive and sustainable development, especially as the state progresses in its green economy transition.”
Another scholar, Adilah Binti Aidit, who will study MSc in Infection and Immunity at University College London, shared her commitment to public health: “As a Family Medicine Specialist, I have witnessed the impact of infectious diseases on vulnerable communities, particularly those living with HIV, who face stigma and barriers to care. My work in HIV care and community outreach has reinforced my dedication to inclusive, evidence-based healthcare. At UCL, I aspire to learn from the UK’s expertise in infectious diseases and public health, and bring this knowledge back to Malaysia, aiming to enhance services, reduce stigma, and shape national health policies.”
Diverse Academic Pursuits and Future Contributions
Dr Muhammad Farhan Nordin, who will study MSc in War and Psychiatry at King’s College London, expressed his passion for military and disaster psychiatry. He remarked, “My experiences responding to the Ranau earthquake and serving as a reserve army officer and psychiatry lecturer have shaped my drive. Soldiers and first responders play a crucial role during crises, making their psychological resilience as vital as physical readiness. Armed with knowledge from King’s College London and networks through Chevening, I aim to bolster Malaysia’s preparedness and resilience through collaborative research and community outreach.”
Prashanthini Sunderan, a recipient of the Chevening ASEAN Scholarship, will attend the University of Cambridge for an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development. She stated, “My dedication to sustainable development has evolved over nearly two decades in the energy sector, where I have witnessed the critical role of energy in economic growth alongside the challenges of transitioning to a lower-carbon future. I am committed to ensuring this transition is practical and inclusive. At Cambridge, I hope to enhance my ability to tackle engineering challenges through a comprehensive approach that incorporates technology, policy, and social considerations.”
Opportunities for Future Scholars
Malaysia stands as the second-largest recipient of Chevening awards in the ASEAN region, with over 2,000 Chevening alumni already established within the country. The UK government has reiterated its welcoming stance towards international students, encouraging Malaysians interested in pursuing postgraduate degrees in the UK to apply for scholarships for the academic year 2027/28. The application window is currently open and will close on 6 October 2026. Further details can be found at www.chevening.org/malaysia.