20 Malaysian Scholars Secure Prestigious Chevening Scholarships in the UK

The British High Commission recently organised a pre-departure briefing and reception for 20 Malaysian scholars who are set to embark on their postgraduate studies in the UK, backed by the esteemed Chevening scholarship programme.

Increasing Representation from East Malaysia

This year’s Chevening cohort features a notable rise in scholars from East Malaysia, increasing from three last year to five this year. Among these recipients, three hail from Sarawak and two from Sabah, marking a significant milestone as they represent 25% of the current cohort. Additionally, interest in Scottish universities has surged, with the number of scholars opting for institutions in Scotland rising from three in 2025 to eight this year, accounting for 40% of the cohort. This trend highlights a growing preference for educational opportunities beyond London.

Ruzina Hasan, the Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, hosted the reception for the scholars and remarked, “Through Chevening, we invest in individuals who possess the talent, ambition, and purpose to effect change in their communities and beyond. We take pride in supporting Malaysia’s emerging leaders by granting them access to the UK’s world-class universities, coupled with a rich cultural experience that broadens perspectives and fosters lifelong connections. We eagerly anticipate this new cohort continuing that legacy.”

She further emphasised the significance of the educational ties between the UK and Malaysia, stating, “The UK–Malaysia education partnership remains one of the strongest and most enduring pillars of our bilateral relationship, cultivated through decades of academic collaboration and personal connections.”

Scholar Aspirations and Academic Pursuits

The cohort will travel to the UK in September to pursue a diverse array of postgraduate programmes at leading universities, covering fields such as war and psychiatry, infection and immunity, applied theatre studies, and cybersecurity with machine learning.

Daniella Lupi Balan, a scholar from Sarawak set to study for an MPhil in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh, shared her motivations: “My drive stems from witnessing development from both sides—through my work in Sarawak’s development sector and as a member of the Kayan community in Belaga, impacted by the Bakun Dam resettlement. These experiences highlighted how development can create opportunities yet also exacerbate socio-economic disparities when communities are not adequately represented. Upon my return to Sarawak, I intend to leverage the knowledge gained at the University of Edinburgh to promote inclusive and sustainable development, especially as the state progresses towards a green economy. With a special study leave arrangement from my employer, I view this opportunity as a responsibility to bring valuable insights back home, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s future.”

Contributions to Public Health and Engineering

Adilah Binti Aidit, who will be studying for an MSc in Infection and Immunity at University College London, expressed her commitment to public health, stating, “As a Family Medicine Specialist, I have witnessed the devastating effects of infectious diseases on vulnerable communities, particularly those living with HIV, who often face stigma and barriers to care. My experience in HIV care, community outreach, and developing national guidelines has reinforced my dedication to more inclusive, evidence-based healthcare. I aim to learn from the UK’s expertise in infectious diseases and public health during my studies at UCL and apply this knowledge to enhance services in Malaysia, reduce stigma, and influence national health policies. I also aspire to establish enduring collaborations between the UK and Malaysia that translate shared knowledge into tangible public health outcomes.”

Dr Muhammad Farhan Nordin, who will study MSc in War and Psychiatry at King’s College London, shared his aspirations: “My interest in military and disaster psychiatry was sparked by my experiences responding to the Ranau earthquake, followed by my role as a reserve army officer and psychiatry lecturer. It is crucial that soldiers and first responders are psychologically resilient, as this is as important as physical preparedness during crises. Through the knowledge I will gain at King’s College London, along with networks formed through Chevening and Yayasan Khazanah, I aim to enhance Malaysia’s readiness and resilience through collaborative research, guideline development, community outreach, and training for frontline personnel.”

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Prashanthini Sunderan, the second Malaysian recipient of the Chevening ASEAN Scholarship, will attend the University of Cambridge to pursue an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development. She remarked, “My dedication to sustainable development has been shaped by nearly two decades in the energy sector, where I have observed the crucial role of energy in economic growth and the challenges associated with transitioning to a lower-carbon future. I am committed to making this transition practical and inclusive by balancing energy security, economic development, and environmental responsibility. At Cambridge, I hope to enhance my ability to tackle engineering challenges from a systems perspective that integrates technology, policy, economics, and social considerations. My goal is to apply these insights to Malaysia’s energy transition, assisting organisations in decarbonising hard-to-abate industries through energy efficiency, cleaner technologies, and improved utilisation of existing infrastructure, thereby turning sustainability ambitions into actionable solutions.”

Malaysia stands as the second-largest recipient of Chevening awards in the ASEAN region, boasting over 2,000 Chevening alumni nationwide. The UK government has reiterated its welcoming stance towards international students. Malaysians aspiring to secure a scholarship for postgraduate studies in the UK for the academic year 2027/28 are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 6 October 2026. Further details can be found at www.chevening.org/malaysia.