The UK has awarded Chevening scholarships to 35 individuals from Malaysia, which includes the first recipient from ASEAN.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — A total of 35 Malaysian scholars have received the esteemed Chevening scholarship to undertake their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom for the academic year 2025/26.

This year's group consists of 34 scholars who will begin one-year Master's programs at prestigious universities in the UK. Among them is a recipient of the Chevening Asean Scholarship, as well as a Chevening Fellow associated with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

Davina Devarajan has been recognized as the inaugural Malaysian recipient of the Chevening Asean Scholarship, which was launched last year to offer an extra opportunity for each Asean nation and a uniquely tailored experience, including involvement in the ASEAN Chevening Conference.

Davina, who is set to undertake a Master’s degree in Environment and Sustainable Development at University College London (UCL), expressed her honor at being granted the opportunity to represent both Malaysia and ASEAN in the United Kingdom.

"To be honest, I was somewhat taken aback, yet I am genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to represent ASEAN while I am in the UK, as well as to advocate for ASEAN-related issues during my discussions with fellow Chevening scholars and other individuals I encounter," she stated to Bernama at the Chevening Scholarships Pre-Departure Reception organized by the British High Commission in Malaysia.

She conveyed her optimism that her stay in the UK would facilitate enhanced collaboration among ASEAN countries regarding climate justice and human rights, while also allowing her to acquire knowledge that would aid in improving coordination within the region.

Davina expressed that her objective is to motivate Asean nations to collaborate on just transition matters that are advantageous for Malaysia and the broader region, while also ensuring that the country's energy transition and climate adaptation strategies are successfully executed, especially for low-income communities.

"I aim to leverage the knowledge gained from my course to influence policies that cater to the requirements of marginalized communities while promoting economic development," she stated, emphasizing that her primary focus will be on the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as well as business and human rights policies.

Esteemed colleague Alexander Jong Jiun Wei, who is set to undertake an MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London, expressed that the Chevening programme will empower him to make significant contributions to sustainable innovation within Malaysia's manufacturing industry.

He stated that the Chevening scholarship provides a top-tier education and a distinguished network that would enhance his development and ability to contribute to the digital transformation aimed at achieving sustainable intelligent manufacturing to satisfy various customer requirements.

He expressed his anticipation for the opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art facilities and research resources, which will facilitate the transformation of innovative and sustainable manufacturing concepts into practical applications.

In the meantime, Faizin Nasrin Md Rejab, who is set to undertake an LLM in International Economic Law at the University of Edinburgh, stated that her program will enhance Malaysia's ability to influence global legal structures.

She selected Edinburgh due to its specialization in international economic law and its emphasis on the convergence of trade, development, and human rights. She further noted that the programme will improve her capacity to evaluate global frameworks and tailor them to the Malaysian context.

"I aspire to return with insights that promote inclusive policy reforms, enhance legal protections, and aid in the development of a more resilient and equitable economy, all while advancing Malaysia's ability to influence and maintain the rule of law on a global scale," she stated.

Malaysia ranks as the second-largest recipient of Chevening awards within ASEAN, boasting more than 2,000 alumni across the nation.

Applications for the upcoming cycle of Chevening scholarships will remain open until October 7, 2025. Further information can be found at www.chevening.org/malaysia. — Bernama