British Council honours Malaysian changemakers

Sarah Lois Dorai and Dr Paul Cliff Simon Divis are part of the impressive group of 20 shortlisted applicants who were recognised for their innovative work in driving change across industries and society at large in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2026.

For Sarah, a finalist in the Culture, Creativity and Sport category, being shortlisted to the top grouping was an unbelievable achievement. “This is testament that we can dare to dream big and actually achieve those dreams,” said the film director, who’s directed two music videos; Midang Midang and Warrior Spirit; to redefine and promote the Sarawakian-Kelabit identity to a wider audience, particularly the younger generation.

The Chevening scholar has also published a bilingual Kelabit-English children’s book series in effort to champion indigenous literature and art. Most recently, her Songs of the Highlands documentary was selected at the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival and won the Best Documentary at the Kalimantan International Film Festival 2025.

Sarah, who’s currently a part-time lecturer at Multimedia University strongly feels her UK education has shaped her creative and cultural approach.

“In the UK, I was able to gain direct access to industry practitioners which is crucial to enriching my film-making experience. I’m replicating that effort here in my work as a lecturer and an active film practitioner to bridge industry experts with students so the students can be eased into the industry even before graduation,” she shared.

Sarah strongly believes that stories can change how people see the world and credits her time in the UK with the mindset of connecting creativity with heritage sustainability.

“I’m now focused on telling indigenous stories as living culture and aspire to build platforms that preserve language, empower local creatives, and ensure these stories are carried forward by the next generation,” she shared.

Dr Paul Divis, one of the shortlisted applicants, also pays tribute to his time in the United Kingdom for shaping his perspective on his field of study.

“Studying in the UK gave me the scientific tools to understand malaria properly, but the real work began when I returned home and focused on translating research into something communities could use, understand, and own,” said the Kuching native.

This journey led him to develop the “HapusMalaria" programme in the Kapit Division of Sarawak, a highly endemic region, which utilises gamified learning tools, storytelling, and culturally inspired activities. The programme has engaged villagers from multiple longhouses within the indigenous Iban community and has also been extended to remote Penan communities, strengthening awareness, preventive practices, and community ownership of malaria control.

A key element of the initiative, which was supported by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia and the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Sustainability Centre, is the empowerment of women as family and neighbourhood health advisors, recognising their vital role in guiding household health decisions and sustaining prevention efforts.

British Council Malaysia Director, Jazreel Goh, noted that each of this year’s winners shows us what is possible when talent, purpose and opportunity intersect. Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence, but the wider impact UK alumni continue to make wherever they go.

“At the British Council, we are proud to celebrate these changemakers, global citizens whose dedication to innovation and service is leaving a lasting, positive mark on the people and communities they touch,” she said.

The British High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Ajay Sharma CMG, said, “The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate outstanding Malaysians who create meaningful impact at home and beyond with their UK education. Apart from being a key foundation of the enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries, the success of UK alumni is testament to how UK education helps shape leaders, innovators, and changemakers for the future.”

The awards, currently in its 7th edition in Malaysia, paid tribute to Dr Rebecca Tay Sook Hui who took home the award for the Business and Innovation category; Dr Hor Chee Peng who was named the winner of the Science and Sustainability category; Matthew Tan Yi Jian who swept up the top spot in the Culture, Creativity and Sport category and Tan Shi Min for the Social Action category.

Dr Rebecca turned her grief from losing her mother at a young age into a zeal to bring pharmacogenomics to Malaysia so that clinically accredited genetic testing can be accessible and affordable. The University of Nottingham alumna has also consulted on a national roadmap to see through her conviction to advance tomorrow’s cures today.

Dr Hor Chee Peng, a graduate of University of Edinburgh, was recognised for his impact in leading his hospital’s pandemic preparedness and response. He attributes his ability to manage the evolving needs of the hospital during that period to the evidence-based approach, systems thinking and collaborative leadership learnt during his time in the UK.

Matthew Tan Yi Jian, a University of Oxford graduate, was recognised for his influential role in shaping the next generation of Malaysian storytellers as a film educator, maker, and scholar.  He shared he is deeply moved by the win and intends to use this achievement as motivation to continue contributing to film discourse in Malaysia, with a particular interest in inspiring his students and young filmmakers to embrace research as a cornerstone of their creative storytelling process.

For the Social Action category, Tan Shi Min was recognised for her effort to make education equitable. The University College London and Plymouth Marjon University graduate has impacted the community in a demonstrable way with her innovative product, the Wheel of Learning, making an impact in over 1,000 teachers and students and growing the English aptitude of her students in rural Malaysia.

The biennial award recognises outstanding individuals who exemplify the global impact of a UK education. From driving innovation and advancing sustainability to championing social change and elevating culture, the awards shine a spotlight on Malaysian alumni making an influence on the global stage. Over 1,000 applications were received for the 2026 edition, which were whittled down to 200 for the judges’ selection before the final 20 were shortlisted across the four categories.

This year’s edition once again brings together a diverse group of trailblazers, leaders, and changemakers, reflecting the strength and reach of the UK alumni community in Malaysia. By celebrating these accomplishments, the awards also reinforce the value of a UK education in equipping graduates with skills, perspectives, and leadership needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.