The Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2026 returns this January – recognising outstanding UK alumni who are driving change in their professions, communities, and the country.

Celebrating the impact of UK alumni in Malaysia and beyond

The Study UK Alumni Awards is the British Council’s flagship global awards programme recognising the outstanding achievements of UK alumni worldwide. Each year, the Awards celebrate graduates of UK universities who are creating positive change in their professions, communities, and industries — demonstrating how a UK education empowers individuals to shape a better future.

In Malaysia, the Alumni Awards highlight individuals who have translated UK-shaped knowledge, values, and leadership into meaningful impact across science, sustainability, culture, creativity, sport, business, innovation, and social action.

We are proud to showcase this year’s shortlisted applicants.

The national judging process

Our award finalists were selected through a rigorous judging process involving independent screening, detailed evaluation, and in-depth panel deliberations. Each application was assessed against strict global criteria, ensuring fairness, integrity, and international benchmarking.

This year's finalists were shortlisted by industry leaders, senior academics, and subject-matter experts — reflecting the credibility and prestige of the awards. These panels represent some of Malaysia's most respected voices in policy, arts, sustainability, education, business, and social impact.

Meet the judging panel

Introducing our 2026 shortlisted applicants

Celebrating UK alumni who are driving meaningful social change by applying UK-shaped perspectives to public service, advocacy, education, and community development. These outstanding individuals exemplify a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and systemic impact, translating global learning into local action that improves lives.
Recognising UK alumni who harness creativity, culture, and sport as powerful forces for connection and change. United by their UK education, this year’s shortlisted applicants span the creative industries, cultural leadership, and sports performance and development, using their platforms to inspire communities, shape narratives, and elevate the respective sector’s presence on the global stage.
Honouring UK alumni whose scientific excellence and sustainability initiatives are creating a positive impact for people and the planet — from breakthroughs in healthcare and engineering to innovations that drive climate resilience, clean energy, and sustainable development.
Celebrating UK alumni entrepreneurs and innovators who are translating their UK education into real-world impact — scaling businesses, driving economic growth, and transforming industries across borders. This year’s group reflect the breadth of UK-inspired innovation, from people-centred digital platforms and inclusive business models to industry-shaping commercial leadership.

Celebrating the game-changers, risk-takers, and visionaries. This award honours UK alumni who are driving innovation — whether that’s launching a start-up, building a transformative product, or reshaping an industry. Winners in this category have turned creative ideas into tangible solutions and thriving opportunities, setting new benchmarks for growth and impact. 

Areas of work could include (but are not limited to): entrepreneurship, business leadership, technology, finance, and emerging industries. Whether you’ve founded a company, pioneered a new market, or led groundbreaking projects in your organisation, this category is for those who turn possibilities into progress.

New for 2026.

Recognising UK alumni who inspire, entertain, and connect communities through creativity and sport. This category celebrates artistic ingenuity, cultural influence, and the unifying power of sports — from the creative minds shaping music, design, and media, to the athletes and sports leaders who inspire both on and off the field. 

Areas of work could include: arts, design, humanities, traditional and digital media, music, film, TV, sports, online content creation, and audiovisual media (including blogging, vlogging, and social media). If your work sparks imagination, moves audiences, or brings people together through sport, this is your stage. 

For the problem-solvers and innovators committed to building a better future. This award honours UK alumni whose careers and achievements in science and sustainability are creating meaningful change — from breakthrough research and technological advancements to solutions that address some of the planet’s biggest challenges. 

Areas of work could include: climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry, and construction. If your work drives measurable impact in science or sustainability — improving lives today and securing a better tomorrow — this is your platform to be recognised. 

Celebrating those who lead with purpose and act with compassion. This award recognises UK alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to creating positive social change, championing equality, and improving lives in their communities and beyond. 

Areas of work could include: education, peace and justice, reducing inequality, tackling poverty and hunger, humanitarian work, or broader efforts for social good. If you’ve dedicated your career or a significant part of your life to uplifting others and building more inclusive, equitable societies, your story deserves to be told here. 

The Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2026 ceremony

The Awards ceremony will bring together UK alumni, partners, and stakeholders for an evening of recognition and connection. We will celebrate this year’s national finalists and announce the winners across each award category, celebrating the outstanding impact of UK alumni in Malaysia and beyond. Beyond the awards, the ceremony offers a valuable opportunity to network, reconnect, and celebrate the collective achievements of the UK alumni community.