Two Sarawakians shortlisted for Study UK Alumni Awards 2026

KUCHING (Feb 5): Two Sarawakians were among 20 shortlisted changemakers recognised at the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2026, which honour graduates of UK universities for their contributions to innovation, sustainability, culture and social progress.

They are film director Sarah Lois Dorai and malaria researcher Dr Paul Cliff Simon Divis, the British Council Malaysia said in a press release.

Sarah, a finalist in the Culture, Creativity and Sport category, described the recognition as an “unbelievable achievement.”

A Chevening scholar, she has directed music videos such as ‘Midang Midang’ and ‘Warrior Spirit’, highlighting Sarawakian Kelabit identity, particularly among younger audiences.

She has also published a bilingual Kelabit-English children’s book series to promote indigenous literature and art.

Her documentary ‘Songs of the Highlands’ was selected for the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival and won Best Documentary at the Kalimantan International Film Festival 2025.

Currently a part-time lecturer at Multimedia University, Sarah said her UK education allowed her to gain direct access to industry practitioners, an experience she now seeks to replicate by connecting experts with students to ease their transition into the film industry.

“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.

Paul, a Kuching native, credited his time in the UK for shaping his scientific perspective.

“Studying in the UK gave me the 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,” he said.

This led him to develop the ‘HapusMalaria’ programme in the Kapit division, a malaria-endemic region.

The programme uses gamified learning tools, storytelling, and culturally inspired activities to engage villagers from multiple longhouses and remote indigenous Penan communities, strengthening awareness, preventive practices, and community ownership of malaria control.

A key element of the initiative is the empowerment of women family and neighbourhood health advisors, recognising their vital role in guiding household health decisions and sustaining prevention efforts.

The programme is supported by the Ministry of Finance and the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Sustainability Centre.

British Council Malaysia director Jazreel Goh said this year’s recipients demonstrated what could be achieved when talent, purpose and opportunity come together, noting their achievements reflected both personal excellence and the broader impact of UK alumni worldwide.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said the awards underscored the role of UK education in shaping future leaders, innovators and changemakers, while strengthening people-to-people ties between Malaysia and the UK.

Now in its seventh edition in Malaysia, the biennial awards recognise winners across four categories: Business and Innovation; Science and Sustainability; Culture, Creativity and Sport; and Social Action.

More than 1,000 applications were received for the 2026 edition, with 20 finalists shortlisted nationwide.