By Syeda Amtul
JEDDAH — To recognize the success of UK’s international alumni in Saudi Arabia, the British Embassy and British Council launched the prestigious “Education UK Alumni Awards 2017” for Saudi alumni in an UK alumni event at British Consulate Jeddah on Tuesday.
The award which will be presented in three categories — the Professional Achievement Award, Entrepreneurial Award and Social Impact Award — showcases the impact and value of a UK higher education and raises the profile and reputation of UK alumni.
The winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries.
British Ambassador Simon Collis said, in a statement released by the embassy on the occasion, “We are delighted to launch the Alumni Awards 2017 in the Kingdom .The awards recognize the success and achievements of alumni who have studied in the UK and are leaders in their fields in Saudi Arabia.” The Ambassador further emphasized the fact that “the awards will contribute to strengthening ties between the two countries.”
Newly appointed British Consul General in Jeddah Barrie Peach addressed the gathering. He said, “My job is of course to enhance the relation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of education, trade and generally mutual understanding. Tonight I am delighted to be able to invite a group of alumni of British universities to the consulate and I believe that they are excellent ambassadors of UK and will play vital role in enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between our two countries”.
Shoe designer and UK alumnus Professor Jimmy Choo, OBE, is global ambassador of the Alumni Awards. Countries in which Alumni awards 2017 have been announced include India, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA. Those being considered for the awards have to currently reside in one of the 14 countries participating in the awards and have graduated from a British university in the last 15 years.
Amir Ramzan, country director of British Council in Saudi Arabia said, “The United Kingdom offers a world-leading education system with UK qualifications that can make a real difference to a graduate’s career. UK education has educated one in ten of the current leaders of the world and 38% of Nobel Prize winners. The alumni awards celebrate the exceptional stories of alumni who are using their UK education to make a positive impact on their professions, communities and humanity. This highlights graduates who are role models in supporting economic growth in their country and closing the gap between education and market demand.”
Ramzan further added, “We look forward to celebrating and sharing their inspirational stories through this year’s Alumni Awards”
The British Embassy and the British Council are marking the second year of the prestigious award celebrating outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni in Saudi Arabia. UK university alumni in the Kingdom can apply themselves, or be nominated for the “Alumni Awards 2017” from Sept. 7, 2016. Nominations will close on Oct. 16 and applications will be closed on Oct. 31, 2016.
Dr. Hani Al Choudhry, winner of the professional achievement award 2016 and the co-founder of the first research–based cancer society in Saudi Arabia also addressed the gathering.
While sharing his success story to the alumni gathered here, he said, “Joining the University of Oxford gave me the opportunity to work with leading figures in cancer research. The state-of-the-art facilities accelerated my research, while educational and social activities fostered my leadership skills and gave me a broader perspective on global health issues and policies.”
Saudi Arabia is one of 14 countries that will be hosting the Alumni Awards 2017, Award nominees will be announced in early January and the winners will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony hosted by the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The Alumni Awards were developed by the British Council and UK universities and were launched by British council.
