Strong Education Ties Integral In Malaysia-Britain Relations - High Commissioner

By Ismail Amsyar Mohd Said KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Strong education ties between Malaysia and Britain are integral to their relations, says British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell. She said the relationship of both countries in the education sector was growing from strength to strength amidst Brexit concerns, noting that there were over 500,000 Malaysians who were alumni of British universities. "We have long relations, we have a shared history, economic ties are getting deeper and wider, and of course, people-to-people relationships. "So, we have a big campaign this year to promote our educational ties between Britain and Malaysia. It's also about British education institutions investing in Malaysia," she told Bernama Thursday, after presenting certificates to the recipients of the British Government's Chevening scholarship here at her residence. A total of 40 young talented Malaysians will embark on a journey to the United Kingdom (UK) after successfully receiving the Chevening Scholarship to pursue their Master's degree for the 2016/2017 academic session. The 40 scholars will soon be added to the 16,000 Malaysians currently studying in the UK. Treadell also noted there were about 60,000 Malaysians pursuing British qualification at Malaysian institutions through relationships with British organisations. Currently, there are five British university campuses in Malaysia, namely Nottingham University, Herriot-Watt University, University of Readings, Southampton University and Newcastle University. Commenting on the scholarship, the Malaysia's Perak state Ipoh-born British High Commissioner said two Malaysian business and organisation partnered with Chevening this year toallow more young Malaysians to pursue their education in the UK. "Partnership with businesses and industries have existed for a long time. The Prudence Foundation and BAE Systems (British-based organisations) have been partners for a number of years. "But this year, we thought, why not open the opportunities to some great Malaysian organisations? And of course, I'm delighted that Khazanah and CIMB agreed to do this," said Treadell. Meanwhile for Wong Pui May, 30, getting the scholarship means she can pursue her dream and fight to protect endangered animals in Malaysia. Wong, who will pursue Master of Philosophy in Conservation Leadership at Cambridge University said many Malaysians did not realise that Malaysia was a stronghold for some of the endangered animals, including the leopard. "It is important to conserve our forest and the habitat for these animal or else, they will be gone from this earth forever. I will return to Malaysia and do my best to help protect them," said the scholar. Another scholar, Hanif Mohsein Mohd Fauzi, 32, who will pursue Master of Science in Islamic Finance and Management at Durham University, said his patience finally paid off after trying for five years to get the scholarship. "I hope I will be able to contribute in the Islamic finance development in Malaysia when I complete my studies next year," he added. The Chevening award is the UK Government's global scholarship programme offered by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The final candidates selection was made by the Chevening board in London. -- BERNAMA