JUNE 7, 2015
PAGE 12 NEW SUNDAY TIMES
NEWS
‘Malaysia, Britain part of the same family’
RE-ENGAGING RELATIONS: British
High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell has a unique link to Malaysia. She was born and schooled in Ipoh, before moving to Britain at 8 with her parents, who were also born in what was then Malaya. She talks to foreign editor Syed Azahedi Syed Abdul Aziz about her plans to promote deeper ties between the countries Question: You were born in Ipoh before you moved to Britain with your parents. Do you have fond memories? Any favourite dishes? Answer: I have lots of fond memories of my childhood in Ipoh. And, of course, a lot of it is filled with fond memories of food — Ipoh is one of the renowned culinary spots in Malaysia. But I was a little girl at the time, so my tendency was to-
constructively on issues that matter to us. If we take (for example) countering extremism, this is an issue affecting many countries. Britain and Malaysia have young people who, for whatever reason, are inspired to go to Syria and Iraq to become jihadists under a false premise, which is influencing (other) young people.
something that most ordinary people find quite abhorrent. And, this is where we can share our experience and learn from each other on how to tackle this. Internationally, too, Malaysia has a seat on the United Nations Security Council for this year and the next. This is a topic that we will work on together. And, Malaysia’s own initiative, the Global Move-
tect peace and security in society. That is important. I remember a childhood growing up in this country, with people who were Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnicities, like Eurasians and (being of) mixed race. And (there was) that sense of understanding and respect. It’s a country I’m very close to and that I care about deeply. Question: In private earlier, you said you were keen to engage Malaysian youth and women. Could you elaborate on this? Answer: I think for Britain to have a much wider and deeper relationship with Malaysia, we want to open up new fronts of engagement with the broader civil society. With youth, of course, (we have) a younger generation of Malaysians for whom the historical relationship
trade and investment, and economic relationship. Education is really important for young people, and employment is a big issue. I am very keen for British companies that are creating jobs here, which are seen as part of the delivery solution for employment, for helping Malaysia move up the value chain, to diversify its economy. With women, I see that as part of engagement with half of Malaysian society. Why wouldn’t you have a special programme to engage with half of Malaysian society? And, women’s empowerment and women’s rights are something I am committed to and interested in. How do you talent-manage and encourage women to go into business, industry and academia? How do you help them rise in those organisations and institutions?
Cenderahati
Datuk Seri Abdul Jalil Hamid CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The New Straits Times Press (MALAYSIA) Berhad
Jalil presenting the “Merdeka� edition of NST, Bangsar, June 2015.
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With her primary school classmates, SK Tarcisian Convent Ipoh, October 2015. Her friends are (from left) Nazira Bibi Gulamnabi, S. Mutharasi, and Lili Nai Thin.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016
NEW STRAITS TIMES
e are pictures of Queen Elizabeth’s three visits to Malaysia. The queen had visited Malaysia in 1972, 1989 and 1998. During her first visit to the country, she was welcomed by then Yang ertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. Her Majesty’s visit in 1989 was to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and in 1998, for the mmonwealth Games that Malaysia hosted.
A QUEEN WITH UNIQUE EMPATHY
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P. SHARMINI KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
S a junior diplomat here in 1989, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell had the ege to not only meet, but also her queen during a state visit to ysia. een Elizabeth II was then attending Commonwealth Heads of GovernMeeting and Treadell was tasked ensuring that Her Majesty and her urage were well taken care of.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell with her Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) award that she received from Queen Elizabeth II in 1989. Pic by Saifullizan Tamadi
“When you think of it, she meets millions of people over her lifetime. After all of these years, she still remembered me. In that moment, it felt personal, a detail that she did not have
her 90th birthday, is Britain’s longest serving monarch. While her actual birthday was on April 21, the British High Commission in Malaysia is celebrating the occasion here today.
of history and of the future.” As the head of the British royal family, the queen’s guidance and vision were shared not just with her children, but also her grandchildren. This could be seen in the younger generation of royals, who were continuing that legacy and engaging with the future generation. Recently, in 2012, Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the duke and duchess of Cambridge, represented the queen in visiting Malaysia. As with the longevity of the queen’s reign, the relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia remained strong and committed. “This relationship has transcended history. Today, it is a modern relationship, one of partnership. It is a good one, with longstanding people-to-people connections that are solid foundations,” said Treadell. “We are members of the Commonwealth, who share the same values and these are things we must preserve.”
ploys 1,000 young engineers aged between 26 and 31, 80 per cent of whom are Malaysian. The majority of Dyson’s products are made in and exported from Malaysia. These are the jobs that Malaysians need in high-value areas. “British businesses are supporting the Malaysian economy in real terms; in job creation, product value and diversification. We need to celebrate that as people often forget about the British presence.” Education is another huge connection, with UK universities being a favourite of Malaysians. The universities had opened branches to support Malaysia’s ambition of becoming an education hub. The UK recently launched the “Education is GREAT” campaign in London and Malaysia was selected to be the first country to launch this campaign outside the UK. More than 150 British and Malaysian education institutions had signed up for this campaign. The Chevening Scholarship had also
Meeting war veterans at the National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, November 2015.
NewSundayTimes . MARCH 18, 2018
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INCREDIBLE TALENT
THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING 12 Malaysians vie for Women of the Future Awards, Southeast Asia, writes MEERA MURUGESAN
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HEN a woman de- part of our work to deepen and c i d e s t o m a k e a strengthen the UK-Malaysia enmark in her profes- gagement. I am a supporter of the sion, she does it with Women of the Future programme guts and glory. and network, and am proud to Twelve high-flying Malaysian have played a part in bringing it to women from diverse fields are the Asean region. proving this theory right. “We soft-launched our plans in They are among the finalists of November 2016 and delivered on the inaugural Women of the Fu- our promise.” ture Awards, Southeast Asia, in For Lilani, the phenomenal reSingapore on March 20. The event sponse in just its first year highis to honour outstanding women lights the importance of these in Asean who have demonstrated awards to create a platform to exceptional leadership qualities in showcase the region’s incredible their areas of expertise. The 12 local talent and strengthen the women have been nominated pipeline of female talent. across five of the nine categories. “These young women have Founded in the worked hard to United Kingdom in forge new paths and 2006 by Pinky Lilacreate a positive imni, Women of the Fupact on the world ture was conceived and those around to celebrate, supthem,” she said. port and inspire the The Malaysian finext generation of nalists are Hannan female leaders. Azlan, a comedianThis community singer-writer-actor, All the of influential who, in her first Malaysian British women grew year of performing finalists are exponentially, with stand-up comedy, networks that ex- winners in their b e c a m e t h e p a n d e d b e y o n d own right. Their youngest person to British shores. win the Hong Kong Southeast Asia success stories, International Comwas the obvious re- leadership qualities edy Competition. gion to formally and values make She has toured connect with the Asia, Australia, Euprogramme, and them great role rope and Great with the support of models. Britain, and has feaBritish high comtured at the Melmissioner to Malay- VICKI TREADELL bourne Internationsia Vicki Treadell, it British high commissioner al Comedy Compeis the next step in to Malaysia tition, Edinburgh building a global Festival Fringe on MTV Asia and Comnetwork of busiedy Central Asia. ness leadership talent. Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, Treadell, who will chair of the judging panel, said: “All the Ma- founder and managing director laysian finalists are winners in of NH Prima International Sdn their own right. Their success Bhd, is also in the line-up. She has
cations category correspondent f national, who info dience about d technology and g Another finalis is Juanita Ramay
is Lee Yen Nee, a for CNBC Interorms a global audevelopments in geopolitics. st in the category yah, presenter of
The finalists of the Women of the Future Awards, Southeast Asia, (clockwise, from top left) Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, Gladys Chun, Dr Jeyanthi Ramasamy and Juanita Ramayah
Next is Gladys Chun, general counsel of Lazada Malaysia, who is recognised for leading her team in the historic acquisition by Alibaba of majority shareholding in Lazada. She is a trailblazer in ecommerce.
for the Gumusut-Kakap deepwater gas field development. The other finalists are Kamila Hamid, a material and corrosion engineer of Wood PLC; Yuet Kim Lim, chief executive officer and co-founder of The Picha Project;
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2018
NEW STRAITS TIMES HIGHER ED
UK-bbound for postgradstudies MURNIATI ABU KARIM murniati@nstp.com.my
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AVING awareness in renewable energy and low-carbon fuel, Petronas Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Marketing and Trading executive Diana Shakila Abdul Sukor, 27, hopes to tackle climate change and carbon emission. Diana is one of the Chevening recipients from Malaysia this year, who will be pursuing her Master’s degree in the United Kingdom from next month. “This has been a long-term dream and a challenging year-long process,” she said. Feeling ecstatic, Diana said she had been eyeing Chevening scholarships for four years and was waiting for the right time to apply. Before venturing into the oil and gas field, she worked at non-profit
“I started by narrowing down the schools and programmes to which I wanted to apply. I spoke to previous successful Chevening scholars to find out what qualities Chevening is looking for in an applicant. “I would camp out at coffee shops during the weekends to write my essays. On the weekdays, thanks to time differences, interviews and phone calls with the UK could be scheduled in the evening after working hours. “Between my job and applying for my Master’s, it feels like I have been working non-stop in this past year. I am glad everything is almost done. I look forward to starting classes in London next month.” Diana described herself as a community-driven person. “With my background and experience of working in a non-profit organisation, I have always been motivated to contribute to the nation.
Malaysia’s growing appetite for higher education in the UK is reflected in the increase in Cheven-
academic session. British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell said: “I am particularly pleased to note that three scholarships have been awarded this year to individuals who will be studying climate change, sustainable development and environment. These are essential subjects for the future well-being of our world. “Malaysia’s growing appetite for higher education in the UK is reflected in the increase in Chevening Scholarships applications. “We received a record of 754 applications for the 2018/2019 session compared with 701 applications last year. “If we increased from last year by 50, I hope that the number of applicants for next year will breach 800. “Each year, applicants selected from Malaysia will be around 40 to 50, which is one of the highest number of Chevening scholarships per capita in the world.”
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Vicky Treadell (Front row, sixth from right) with 45 scholarship recipients at the 2017/2018 Chevening Scholarship Pre-Departure Reception.
NewStraitsTimes . TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017
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MEGA TECH MISSION
UK: MALAYSIA R IMPORTANT TRA
‘Country particularly attractive because of it LIDIANA ROSLI KUALA LUMPUR lidiana@mediaprima.com.my
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ALAYSIA, which has always been an important trade partner for the United Kingdom, is expected play an even bigger role post-Brexit, especially within the scope of digital economy. “As we are leaving the European Union, we are looking at Britain’s place in the global economy and we have identified Malaysia as one of our more significant trade partners within this region,” said British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell at the UK Mega Tech Mission to Malaysia event, here, yesterday. “We are, of course, always in discussions with the International Trade and Industry Ministry and its minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
from, such as digital economy and education, among others.” The Mega Tech Mission is led by the UK Department of International Trade (DIT) in collaboration with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corp (MDEC), Johor State Investment Centre (JSIC) and GBS Iskandar. “We are very pleased to see the contingent of 40 UK technology companies here, which is the largest UK tech delegation ever to Malaysia. This is a significant increase from last year’s missions where we saw a dozen or so companies here,” said MDEC chief executive officer Datuk Yasmin Mahmood. She said Malaysia was particularly attractive to the UK as a trade partner because of its strategic location within Asean as well as its historical ties to the UK as a former colony. Two strategic partnerships were announced at the event, with the first between Action
REMAINS AN ADE PARTNER
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IN BRIEF Serba Dinamik, Junaco ink JV pact KUALA LUMPUR: Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Tanzaniabased Junaco (T) Ltd to establish and operate a Chlorine Skid Mounted Chlor-Alkali Plant in the country. Serba Dinamik said the joint venture agreement would create an opportunity for the company to be awarded with the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) contract valued at US$69.8 million (RM295.26 million).
Prestariang buys 8 Cyberjaya properties British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell (right) and Malaysian Digital Economy Corp chief executive officer Datuk Yasmin Mahmood (centre) at the UK Mega Tech Mission to Malaysia event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. PIC BY MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN
ployment, training and development issues. The second partnership was formed by Kino-mo (UK) and People n Rich Holdings
play and management of 3D content. Direct investment between the UK and Malaysia in the tech sector has reached RM270 million
KUALA LUMPUR: Prestariang Bhd has entered into eight separate sale and purchase agreements with Joyful Star Sdn Bhd for the purchase of an eight semi-detached signature corporate offices/retail suites in Cyberjaya for RM11.41 million. The company said the selling price was ar-
Malaysian MasterChef UK 2018 contestant, Zaleha Kadir Olpin, showing how to cook rendang ayam, Kuantan, July 2018.
JULY 22, 2018 . NewSundayTimes
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BOOK OUT NEXT YEAR
UK ENVOY’S FOOD DIPLOMACY British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell says diplomacy is about relationships and it can be done through food, writes FAUZIAH ISMAIL
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ICKI Treadell does not play golf. So, there is little chance that you will find the British high commissioner to Malaysia engaging in golf diplomacy. But she is big in a different form of diplomacy, which involves food. “To me, food is an important tool for diplomacy and the art of it is what I call gastro diplomacy,” she said while cooking chicken rendang at the home of MasterChef UK 2018 contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin in Kuantan, Pahang, recently. “The kitchen of an ambassador or a high commissioner’s residence is an important tool of the trade. “Because the meals you serve, the engagements that you have, (and) the conversations at the dining table are part of how you develop and nurture relationships. “What you put in front of people, the care and attention that you put into it, how it is cooked and presented, and most important, that people enjoy it, create ambience, warmth and connection.” Gastro diplomacy is one of the more exciting trends in public diplomacy outreach. It is based on the notion that “the easiest way to win hearts and minds is through the stomach”. It
seeks to create a tangible, emotional and transnational connection. “I think all these are important because diplomacy is about relationships — how you build trust, how you engender warmth and even how you disagree. “You need to be professional and respect differences, find common ground and consensus to work together and to deliver. “I think food is a great way to achieve that. “When food is a tool for diplomacy, we have to use it in a considered and careful way.” Treadell is such a firm believer in gastro diplomacy that she is writing a book about it, basing it on her own experiences during her oversea postings. “The book is about diplomacy, about events that I was involved in. “It is me sharing my ideas on how to make gastro diplomacy work.” She cited the gala dinner she hosted during the visit of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to Malaysia in November as one of the highlights of gastro diplomacy. She and the kitchen team had created a menu that was “typically British, yet with an infusion of Malaysian elements” for 5 50 guests. “The m e a l
Vicki Treadell (right) cooking chicken ‘rendang’ with ‘MasterChef UK 2018’ contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin at the latter’s home in Kuantan recently.
spoke about the United King- Prince of Wales and Duchess of dom–Malaysia relations. Cornwall, but also 60 years of “The food was a fusion of Malaysia’s nationhood and our British and Malaysian influ- bilateral relationship since indeences.” pendence. She said the starter was hot“I hoped that the guests apsmoked salmon from Scotland, preciated the thought and care flown in for the occasion. that went into the gala dinner.” Instead of serving it with salad The book contains sketches, garnishes, the chef anecdotes and phoreplac e d it with I find cooking tographs, some of Sarawak ferns which she had posttherapeutic. (Midin). ed on her InstaThe main course It’s a way to gram account. w a s t h e c l a s s i c unwind and There are stories British dish, Beef recharge. Cooking revolving around Wellington, but it food or events that a meal with my was presented as she attended. On a personal B e e f R e n d a n g husband is a way side, Treadell Wellington instead. to connect and shares activities “Apart from the during her down fillet steak, we used catch up with each time. rendang sauce to other. “I find cooking flavour the Beef VICKI TREADELL therapeutic. Wellington. “It is a way to un“It was garnished British High with a swirl of ren- Commissioner to Malaysia w i n d a n d t o re charge. dang sauce and “Cooking a meal vegetables.” For dessert, the classic British with my husband is a way to conTrifle consisted of rambutan, nect and catch up with each othmango and papaya instead of er.” She said there was a chapter on strawberries, raspberries and “Crisis Food”, where she related British berries. She said she hoped the the story when she was the dishes spoke of the con- deputy high commissioner in nection between the Mumbai, India. “During a crisis or emergency, two countries. “Breaking bread, (we the last thing you would think were) celebrating the about is food. royal visit of the “I was in Mumbai when the
2008 terrorist attacks took place. When you go into a crisis mode, you don’t know what time you would go home.” She left her house at 11pm on a Wednesday to support her staff and the British people caught up in the incident. She returned home only at 2am on Friday. “Apart from having the odd snack here or there, I had not had a hot meal. “I had the high commissioner come down from Delhi and he came to my house, and we were hungry. “In Mumbai, I didn’t have any live-in staff. “So, it was just me, the high commissioner and a press officer. “I went to my larder to see what I had in the cupboard. “I found a package of pasta, a tin of tomatoes, tuna and some cheese. “So, I made tuna pasta with grated cheese, and that was one of my crisis meals.” Treadell’s book is expected to be published next year. She said she needed more time to “finish writing some of the missing pieces, work out how to stitch them together so that there is a link to the narrative and carefully group things into the different chapters”. “I’m not sure if there is a book quite like it before.”
Delivering keynote address during the launch of Owen Mumford factory, Iskandar Puteri, March 2017.
During the launch of the GREAT UK Food Journey 2018, Mercato, Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, April 2018.
Fakta nombor
RM270 JUTA pelaburan langsung (FDI) dari Britain pada tahun lalu
54 PERATUS
peningkatan FDI dalam sektor teknologi dari Britain pada tahun lalu
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Syarikat Britain tunjuuk minat laburr di Malaysia Lebih 40 firma sertai delegasi Misi Teknologi Mega United Kingdom 2017 Oleh Shahrizan Salian n shahrizan_salian@bh.com m.my
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alaysia teru us menjadi perhatian pelabu ur asing khususnya dalam sekttor teknologi, apabila lebih 40 firma Britain menyerta a i delegasi Misi Teknologi Mega United Kiingdom (UK) 2017 bagi memperluaskan cap paian perniagaan selain meneroka kerjasama a teknologi baharu bersama syarikat tempata an. Pesuruhjaya Tinggi Brritain ke Malaysia, Vicki Treadell (gambar) beerkata misi dagangan terbesar yang pernah disertai oleh firma Britain ke Malaysia itu bak kal mengukuhkan lagi pelaburan langsungg asing (FDI) dari negara berkenaan ke Mala aysia dalam sektor teknologi, yang pada tahu un lalu meningkat 54 peratus untuk menceca ah RM270 juta. “Bagi tempoh dua hin ngga tiga hari ini,
kita akan menyaksikan lebih banyak FDI syarikat Britain ke negara ini dalam sektor teknologi. “Justeru, pelaburan langsung syarikat Britain ke Malaysia dijangka sekurangkurangnya menyamai pertumbuhan pada tahun lalu atau lebih kukuh daripada itu,” katanya pada sidang media Misi Teknologi Mega UK 2017 di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. Peningkatan ketara Yang turut hadir ialah Penasihat Teknologi Negara UK, Liam Maxwell dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perbadanan Ekonomi Digital Malaysia (MDEC), Datuk Yasmin Mahmood. Pelaburan langsung dari UK ke Malaysia dalam sektor teknologi mencatatkan peningkatan k etara selepas kedua-dua negara pada tahun lalu memeterai Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) untuk mengukuhkan kerjasama digital. → Lihat Ms.28
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‘UK varsities eyei CAMPUS PLANS: Drawn
by nation’s aim to become education hub
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RIZALMAN HAMMIM ISKANDAR PUTERI news@nst.com.my
EVERAL universities in the United Kingdom (UK) are interested in opening a branch campus in Malaysia. British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell said these universities wanted to take the opportunity to be part of the country’s aim to become an education hub, not only in Southeast Asia, but also Asia. “Education is one of the central pillars for strengthening bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the UK. As Malaysia experiences rapid growth and development, there is a need for the country to develop its human capital. “So, it makes sense for these universities to position themselves here. “There are a few universities that are interested in expanding to Malaysia and I will not be surprised if one or two of them would open their campus here,” said Treadell. She was speaking after attending the opening of the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) campus in EduCity here. Present were UoRM provost Professor Tony Downes, University of Reading Chancellor Sir
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki T campus in Educity, Iskandar Puteri, yesterday. of Reading Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell (sec John Madejski and Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell. The university also awarded honorary degrees to Treadell and Ong See Lian, an alumni and the first non-British president of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016
ing Malaysia’
Treadell (right) signing a plaque at the opening of the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) . With her are University of Reading Chancellor Sir John Madejski (third from left), University cond from right) and UoRM provost Professor Tony Downes (left). Pic by Hairul Anuar Rahim Downes said UoRM hoped to have 400 students by year end. “We hope to reach our capacity of 3,000 students at the campus within the next four to five years. After that, we hope to expand the campus to accommodate up to 5,000 students.
We want to get the foundation right because we want to have a significant presence here. We are here for the long term,” said Downes. UoRM is University of Reading’s fifth campus and also houses the Henley Business School Malaysia.
Celebrating England’s goal vs Sweden with staffs of Souled Out restaurant during the World Cup, Ampang, July 2018.
Hari Peringatan Pahlawan (Heroes Day), War Memorial, Georgetown, November 2018.
Delivering her speech during “Towards Green Growth in Malaysia� conference, Kuala Lumpur, April 2015.
P12 | Life & times by new straits times
saturday, may 5, 2018
pulse society society@nst.com.my
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Sherson Lian (left) and Zi Yuan Pang.
A taste of the UK
(From left) Treadell, Saki Goh, John Marsden and Alice.
PicTureS by SALHANi ibrAHiM
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ritisH High commissioner vicki treadell launched the great UK Food Journey 2018 at Mercato in Pavilion Kuala lumpur recently. the month-long campaign celebrates British food and beverages which will be made available at all Mercato, Jasons Food Hall and cold storage outlets. the event also marks gcH retail’s membership into the British chamber of commerce. gcH retail is the operator of cold storage, Mercato and Jason Food Hall premium grocery stores in Malaysia. treadell said the campaign offers great opportunities to explore the intercultural exchange between Malaysia and the UK while showcasing various UK brands and products to the Malaysian market. nur zarina othman (From left) Daniel Lim, Roseta Mohd Jaafar and Sivananthen Ganason.
above: (From left) Nasrul Ruslan, Hartono Mohd Rasyid and Daniel Greig. LeFt: (From left) Khairunnisya Hanis Badrol Din, Eric Low and Sarah Muhd Hashim Koh. datuk Yushaimi YahaYa editor-in-chief, nstp • saidon idris senior executive editor convergence, nstp • Fauziah ismail associate editor, digital & FeatUres email fauziah@mediaprima.com.my tel 03-2056 9726 intan maizura ahmad kamal art, literary & living editor tel 03-2056 9743 email intanm@nst.com.my • Yk Wong advertising tel 03-20569506 email ykwong@mediaprima.com.my • New StraitS timeS tel 1-300-22-6787 Fax 03-2056 7148 email news@nstp.com.my online www.nst.com.my digital edition http://subscription.nstp.com.my FaceBook www.facebook.com/nst online tWitter twitter.com/new straits times@nst_online
Presenting the Linnean Medal to Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s research fellow, Dr Engkik Soepadmo, Kuala Lumpur, April 2015.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017
CHEVENING
Life-changing y ZULITA MUSTAFA zulita@nst.com.my
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HE number of UK Chevening scholarships for Malaysians is expected to increase following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed recently between the British High Commission to Malaysia and Coventry University. At the ceremony, two new Chevening Scholarships were announced by British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell. The additional scholarships will fully fund two Malaysians to do a one-year Master’s degree at the Coventry University starting from the 2018-2019 application cycle. The MoU was signed between Treadell and Coventry University Regional Manager for Southeast Asia Augviera Bong. “The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most important investments we make in the people-to-people relationship with Malaysia. We received a total of 829 applications for the 2017/18 Chevening Programme, an 18.26 per cent increase from the previous year. “We want to help Malaysians to fulfil their dreams in pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK. We want more Malaysians to apply,” said Treadell. She said the Malaysian appetite for a
Vicki Treadell (right) signing the MoU with Aug ships at her residence recently.
British education continues to grow. According to the Higher Education Statistics Authority in the UK, over 17,000 Malaysians enrolled to study in the UK for 2015/2016 academic year. Malaysia has overtaken both the US and India to become the second largest source country for foreign students in the UK. The signing of the memorandum took place at a reception to welcome back Malaysian Chevening scholars for year 2015/2016 who have recently completed their postgraduate studies. Yeo Ling Mien, 30, from Penang, com-
NEW STRAITS TIMES HIGHER ED
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gviera Bong for two more Chevening scholarPICTURE BY ROHANIS SHUKRI
pleted her MSc Risk Management at the Southampton Business School, University of Southampton. “I experienced learning and working with the top risk experts in the UK which is the highlight of my postgraduate degree. “The journey has taught me the importance of risk management and is an eyeopener. I am now better equipped to return to my home country and make a bigger impact in the field,” said Yeo. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2009 with a bachelor of Commerce (Honours) majoring in Actuarial
Studies. Upon her return to Malaysia, she joined Securities Commission before joining Deloitte Malaysia as the manager of Change and Transformation Department. For Nabilah Mohamad, 27, her desire to pursue a Masters of Islamic Finance & Management at the University of Durham began when she saw her senior colleague receiving a Chevening Scholarship. “Studying in the UK has made me more independent and matured. The study culture is different compared to Malaysia as students have to be independent. Our time with the lecturers is only less than an hour, the rest of the time we are on our own,” said Nabilah. She had studied ACCA at Sunway University and worked at Bursa Malaysia. The Chevening award is the UK government’s global scholarship programme offered by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. In addition to funding from the British government, the Chevening Scholarship is also co-funded by partners like BAE Systems, The Prudence Foundation, Yayasan Khazanah, CIMB, HSBC and UK educational institutions. Malaysia has the second largest per capita Chevening programme globally with a total of 40 Malaysians awarded the Chevening scholarships for the 2016/17 session. The interview process for the 2017/18 session is currently in progress.
* We are open every Saturday from March - June 2017.
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During the launch of the Executive Education Programme in Malaysia by Said Business School, University of Oxford and K-Pintar Sdn. Bhd. at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, 8 August 2017. From left, Custom Executive Education Director of Said Business School Dr Elaine Heslop, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for International Trade Mark Garnier, Treadell, CEO of K-Pintar Sdn. Bhd RA Thiagaraja and CEO of HIDF Datuk CM Vignaesvaran.
NewSundayTimes . JUNE 24, 2018
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ECONOMIC CONFIDENCE
TREADELL: MALAYSIA Investment climate will improve, says British high commissioner AZMAN ABDUL HAMID AND V. ASHOK KUALA LUMPUR cnews@nstp.com.my
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ALAYSIA is exp eriencing short-term volatility following the 14th General Election that saw Pakatan Harapan taking over power, but once things settle down, the investment climate will improve. This is the belief of the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell, who said he r country’s view on Malaysia as an investment destination had not changed. “Many British companies are here. I met the top 24 British companies last week, just to gauge their opinion. They share
the same view — there is shortterm volatility because everyone is looking for clarity. Not least who are these new ministers, how will they shape and define policy. “So, it is true. At the moment, people are just in a holding pattern. But we are convinced (things will get better). This is the advice I am giving to British business, that Malaysia is a country worth supporting and investing.” When the new government settled all ministerial portfolios and corruption was dealt with, that would make Malaysia stronger economically, where every ringgit that was made went back into the economy, into spending on public sector, to deliver programmes, investments and infrastructure, she added. “As we know, markets don’t like surprises but once they get over that and things settle down, and business of government goes on, I think the investment climate should improve and will improve,” said Treadell. She was commenting on
British High Com drive by the new
YUSNI ARIFFIN
whether Malaysi tive market af vestors were re taken billions ou since the general Last Thursday, FTSE Bursa Mala KLCI) ended be logical level of 17.43 points, or
WORTH SUPPORTING
mmissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell supports the w government to deal with corruption. PIC BY MOHD
ia was an attracter foreign ineported to have ut of the country l election. y, at the close, the aysia KLCI (FBM elow the psycho1,700, slipping 1.01 per cent to
finish at 1,692.32, the weakest level since Feb 8, 2017 when the index closed at 1,688.50. Treadell said she supported the drive by the new government to deal with corruption and ensuring the right investment would deliver real benefits to Malaysia. Tre adell, who ho p es that
Malaysia will have a new foreign minister soon, said she wished the country would continue to be prominent on the world stage. “This is a new Malaysia. This is a Malaysia that, (Prime Minister) Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) had made it very clear, will be defined by the application of the rule of law. “That is not just about the domestic agenda. If Malaysia is defined by the rule of law, it is equally the rule of law that applies in the global community. “So I would hope that is the sentiment of the new Malaysia. Making sure that the rules are observed internationally, that international norms are respected, and Malaysia has a moment on the world stage. The result of your election, a beacon of democracy. “Counter to some of the trends that we have seen elsewhere, it is an opportunity for Malaysia to say we have a global profile. We are part of the international community and we want to be a leading player on issues like this.”
A dialogue session between (from left) NSTP group managing editor Datuk A. Jalil Hamid, NST group editor Mustapha Kamil Mohd Janor and NST foreign editor Syed Azahedi, Balai Berita, Kuala Lumpur, June 2015.
VICTORIA MARGUERITE TREADELL
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MALAYSIA 2014 TO 2019