Global alumni award shortlisting for international graduates

Two international graduates have been shortlisted for a global prize which celebrates their commitment to pursuing a career in arts and culture.

Teesside University dance graduate Adeline Jingyi Wong and law graduate Chen Kiong Gan, who are both from Malaysia, have been shortlisted as finalists in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards 2022.

The Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 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 and industries.

Adeline and Chen have both been shortlisted in the Culture and Creativity Award category, which recognises alumni who have established a successful career in arts and culture. The award winners will be announced in Kuala Lumpur on March 17.

Adeline, 28, who graduated from Teesside University with a BA (Hons) Dance in 2013, is now director of Adeline Dance Academy, which she launched in 2019 in her hometown in Malaysia.

She has been dancing since childhood, having studied ballet from a young age and going on to develop a keen interest in dance history, teaching and performing. Adeline said studying in the UK helped to widen her experience and knowledge and offer valuable insight into the diversity of dance courses.

Adeline said: “At the beginning, there was a lot to take in; the different accents, ways of teaching, ways to write theoretical essays and experimenting different methods to cater to different learners. I am grateful for the inclusion as an overseas student and my years in the UK was a thoroughly supported space for me to grow in a safe learning environment.”

After completing her degree and moving into teaching dance, Adeline said: “The knowledge I gained from my studies guided me immensely in guiding my learners. They were able to see the impact an education abroad could bring forth to their life.”

In achieving her dream of setting up her own dance academy, Adeline added: “This journey has been a worthwhile experience and greatly treasured memory.”

Chen, 32, who completed the LLB (Hons) Law at Teesside University in 2013, set up his own legal practice when he returned to Malaysia in 2018, working predominantly in legal aid. More recently he was appointed as the Village Chief of Jenjarom, his hometown in Malaysia, by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, in recognition of his services to local people.

Chen is involved in voluntary work and fundraising, supporting those in need. He is also involved in the National Legal Aid Foundation which provides free legal assistance to Malaysians from low-income groups.

He said: “My experience in standing up for the rights of the people served as an inspiration later in my career. The relieved faces of the aid recipients stood as a testament to my ability to help through the skills and knowledge acquired from my time and education in the UK.

“I have very fond memories of my six years spent in the UK. I have grown from a naive village boy to who I am today, all thanks to those very experiences. A lot of the villagers come to me for advice on their children's education. I simply share my time and experiences in UK, and that has inspired a lot of them to encourage their children to aspire for something similar.”

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