British Council Singapore honours outstanding UK alumni at Study UK Alumni Awards 2025

British Council Singapore celebrated the achievements of exceptional UK alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025, held on 20 February at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The annual event recognises individuals who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their professions, communities, and society. The 2025 Awards honoured winners across four categories, highlighting their transformative impact:

• Business and Innovation Award – Wen Si Chow (University of Bristol), As Senior Legal Counsel at Mott MacDonald.Wen Si Chow promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in STEM. She leads Inclusive Networks for Women in Asia, advocating for greater career advancement for women in the industry.
• Culture and Creativity Award – Chong Soon Khong (Ken) (Bath Spa University). Dr Ken Chong is an award-winning composer and educator. His song Rainbow Bot was named Apple Music Best Song of 2016 (China). He champions music accessibility through technology and education, helping aspiring composers in Singapore develop their craft.
• Science and Sustainability Award – Stephanie Choon Xia Liaw (University of Strathclyde, University of Birmingham). As Energy Lead for Singapore and Malaysia at Mott MacDonald, Stephanie Liaw spearheads cross-border interconnector projects to integrate green energy into the ASEAN Power Grid. Her work advances energy transition and sustainability across Asia.
• Social Action Award – Shalom Lim Ern Rong (University of Liverpool). A disability inclusion advocate, Shalom Lim serves on the Disabled People’s Association Management Board, pushing for policy changes and greater access to assistance dogs for individuals with non-vision disabilities. His writing and art promote a more inclusive society.

Recognising the power of UK education

UK universities continue to rank among the world's best, with four institutions listed in the 2025 QS World University Rankings’ top ten. The UK remains a top destination for higher education, with nearly 7,000 Singaporean students choosing to study there annually. The Study UK Alumni Award winners exemplify the value of a UK education, applying their expertise to drive innovation, tackle challenges, and contribute to Singapore’s development. Speaking at the event, H.E. Nik Mehta OBE, British High Commissioner to Singapore, praised the awardees: "All four Singapore winners inspire me because they are making a difference in fields ranging from science and sustainability to culture, social engagement, and business innovation. Their stories illustrate how higher education can be a life-changing experience – shaping minds, values, ambitions, and futures."

Strengthening UK-Singapore ties

The UK was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with independent Singapore on 9 August 1965. As Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, this year’s awards hold special significance, reaffirming the longstanding educational and cultural ties between the two nations. Lissy Vadakel, Country Director for British Council Singapore, highlighted the event’s importance: "Through these awards, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding UK alumni in Singapore. This is also an occasion for us to come together as a community, united by our shared educational and professional experiences that strengthen the Singapore-UK fabric." The High Commissioner also reflected on the impact of UK-educated Singaporeans in strengthening bilateral relations: "At the heart of our partnership are our people, who have forged lifelong professional and personal connections. These ties contribute to the mutual trust and understanding between our countries today and will do so for years to come."