KUALA LUMPUR: Like British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay, Malaysian Chevening scholars, individually and collectively, also have a role in maintaining connections between the two countries.

       When hosting a reception at his residence to welcome home 38 Malaysian Chevening scholars, here on Thursday (May 13) Hay said the scholars were ambassadors for Malaysia in the United Kingdom, contributing to communities and showcasing the achievements, ambition and potential of Malaysian youth.

       "Now, back in Malaysia, I sincerely hope that you can continue to act as ambassadors between our two countries, maintaining the connections to the United Kingdom and using what you learnt at our amazing universities," he said. His speech text was made available to Bernama by the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

       Hay hoped the High Commission could stay engaged with the scholar as alumni and that this is only the beginning of the partnership

       The returning batch of Malaysian Chevening scholars from the 2020/21 academic year have graduated from disciplines such as climate change, law, human rights, public policy, arts and journalism.

       They attended prestigious institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, King's College London and London School of Economics. They now joined the 1,800-strong Malaysian Chevening alumni network.

       While congratulating the scholars for completing their Master's degrees, Hay said their experience was unusual as many of them experienced a harsh lockdown in the United Kingdom with classes moved online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "We are confident that the new expertise, networks, and confidence that you bring back with you will prove a great asset to any organisation and to the country," he said.

       The Chevening award is the United Kingdom government's global scholarship programme, funded and administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

       This is complemented by sponsorships by Malaysian corporate partners including CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Yayasan Khazanah and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. British universities are also providing additional funding in support of the Chevening programme. – Bernama