Study UK Alumni Awards are back - could you be the next MDX alumni winner?
Study UK Alumni Awards are back - could you be the next MDX alumni winner?
06/09/2021
Class of 2021
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of international alumni, who have studied at a UK university and have used their study experience to achieve success and make a positive contribution to their communities, professions, and countries.
Last year, MDX was proud to be represented by four amazing finalists including a winner - you can read their stories below!
If you studied at Middlesex University in the last 15 years and have gone on to achieve exceptional success after your graduation, what are you waiting for - apply today and raise your international profile!
The categories for this year are Science & Sustainability Awards, Culture & Creativity Awards, Social Action Awards, Business & Innovation Awards.
Applications open on 1 September and close on 29 October 2021. Apply directly via the British Council website.
Joanne Yeoh
Course studied: BA Music
Tell us a bit about your time at MDX.
I enjoyed living at the Trent Park campus, which was where the Music Department was situated. I loved the huge acres of green trees and grassland. There was also a pond where ducks would come close as I ate my packed lunch. Our lecturers were always friendly and welcoming which allowed me as a student to explore my potential. The music department was small enough for everyone to know each other, and we were pretty much like a family. There were many weekend evenings where students would cook together in the shared kitchen in our halls where we stayed. There was so much support and frienship evident amongst us.
What have you been up to since graduating from MDX?
My education at Middlesex University has taught me to stretch my wings, and that was exactly what I did. Shortly after graduation, I also participated with the Asian Youth Orchestra traveling to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Australia, Hong Kong for concerts. Soon after that I also joined a couple of Chinese superstars on their World Tours. Back home, I actively played for corporate, government and royal events, and was also invited to play at the Economic World Forum 2015 representing Malaysia.
I have since launched three solo albums, all of which can be found on all major streaming platforms.
Academically, upon graduating from Middlesex University, I furthered my postgraduate education with Leeds University. After graduating with an MMus, I headed home to live an academic life, lecturing at a local university, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
I also continued studying for my PhD in psychology, graduating from Heriot Watt University in 2009, which led to a few published journal articles.
Education does not end with a paper qualification, and I truly believe that life skills are learned in everyday settings.
Let's talk about your Alumni Awards success & what category were you nominated for?
I was pleasantly surprised to be awarded in the Professional Achievement Award category. I have a high regard for this category and the people who were nominated.
What was your favourite thing about being part of the Alumni Awards?
I enjoyed getting to know people from different categories and their individual achievements. Malaysia has got a lot of talent, and I can see how British education has moulded them to be the greatest among the greats.
Do you have any advice for those who'd like to sign up for Alumni Awards themselves?
Go ahead and give it a try!
Saima Eman
Course studied: MSc Applied Psychology
Tell us a bit about your time at MDX.
It was the first time I enjoyed my freedom with other students from completely diverse backgrounds! I loved socialising with students from different cultures and with the library staff at the Enfield campus who were very friendly!
To mention a few of my favourite University moments; I used to play football every Friday with my university friends, and loved going to see fireworks at Guy Fawke's night which was always an amazing experience! There were also many other educational and recreational university trips that I really enjoyed; I attended the infertility conference at the Trent park campus, I got a chance to visit the court and the National Holocaust Centre, and I also enjoyed being part of the volunteering course One to One Enfield.
Overall, it was the best time of my life!
What have you been up to since graduating from MDX?
Since my graduation, I focused on delivering and teaching on many Psychology courses at Lahore College for Women University, while working on scientific and other publications, which all also led me to win great awards and being part of many very important committees.
I also focused on volunteer works and on still developing my skills further through attending many training courses.
Some other very exciting moments from Saima's achievements include:
Member of International Resource Center at Lahore College for Women University, BBC radio observer participant online, Judge for an International prize in the UK, Chartered Member of The British Psychological Society, Representing Pakistan at the Advisory Council of Global Network of Psychologists for Human Rights, and also organising several events; including the International Conference on Health and Wellbeing in Pakistan and World Health day and Mental Health walk.
Let's talk about your Alumni Awards success & what category were you nominated for?
I was nominated in the Professional Achievement Category in Pakistan and became a Finalist in 2021.
What was your favourite thing about being part of the Alumni Awards?
Mainly because it is a very prestigious competition, especially prestigious for me!
Do you have any advice for those who'd like to sign up for Alumni Awards themselves?
Please do apply for these Alumni Awards to self-motivate yourselves, create an impact on your society, and inspire others. Keep on applying and keep on creating a difference. One day you will hopefully win!
Azfar Khan
Course studied: BSc Information Technology
Tell us a bit about your time at MDX.
I was based at the Trent Park campus, which was a perfect place for strolls with my friends - especially in the park behind the campus. This brings so many happy memories! One of my favourite walks was through Snakes Lane, especially in the evenings.
The Student's Union is a place with a lot of fun memories for me too, playing pool, relaxing on the wooden benches during summer, or the little musical nights, it was so much fun!
I was also selected as Hall Warden at Wood Green Halls and had a great time with the Accommodation Services team and fellow residents. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the international students from such diverse cultures!
I remember queuing at the printers which were installed outside our Labs, which back then required a prepaid card to get access. They used to get so busy before submission deadlines!
What have you been up to since graduating from MDX?
I was lucky enough to be selected to be part of a team launching a new chemicals business. I worked hard to play my role in the successful launch and since worked in various roles including sales, business development, new venture development, non-manufacturing safety, and so forth.
After a journey of more than 12 years, I am the Business Head for the Chemicals division in the same organisation.
During my career journey, I have been awarded various awards in recognition of my efforts to innovate and prosper the business and industry; Excellence awards for creating customer value, introducing breakthrough projects, developing water treatment businesses, roll out of world-class safety system and achieving distinction in Chlor-alkali sales.
I am also a Motorola certified Green Belt and I have played my part through various roles in the turnaround of my organization, from launching new businesses, to help them becoming one of the fastest-growing petrochemical companies in the country.
Let's talk about your Alumni Awards success & what category were you nominated for?
I was nominated for the Professional Achievement Award and was selected as a finalist from more than 400 candidates. It was a proud moment to represent Middlesex University in my category amongst other distinguished achievers.
What was your favourite thing about being part of the Alumni Awards?
An opportunity to network with fellow UK alumni and getting acknowledgment for my hard-earned degree abroad.
Do you have any advice for those who'd like to sign up for Alumni Awards themselves?
Your journey for a UK degree can be an inspiration to many others and the story deserves to be shared!
Do you know an inspiring 2021 that you'd like to nominate? Email us on GivingBack@mdx.ac.uk
Study UK Alumni Awards are back - could you be the next MDX alumni winner?
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of international alumni, who have studied at a UK university and have used their study experience to achieve success and make a positive contribution to their communities, professions, and countries.
Last year, MDX was proud to be represented by four amazing finalists including a winner - you can read their stories below!
If you studied at Middlesex University in the last 15 years and have gone on to achieve exceptional success after your graduation, what are you waiting for - apply today and raise your international profile!
The categories for this year are Science & Sustainability Awards, Culture & Creativity Awards, Social Action Awards, Business & Innovation Awards.
Applications open on 1 September and close on 29 October 2021. Apply directly via the British Council website.
Joanne Yeoh
Course studied: BA Music
Tell us a bit about your time at MDX.
I enjoyed living at the Trent Park campus, which was where the Music Department was situated. I loved the huge acres of green trees and grassland. There was also a pond where ducks would come close as I ate my packed lunch. Our lecturers were always friendly and welcoming which allowed me as a student to explore my potential. The music department was small enough for everyone to know each other, and we were pretty much like a family. There were many weekend evenings where students would cook together in the shared kitchen in our halls where we stayed. There was so much support and frienship evident amongst us.
What have you been up to since graduating from MDX?
My education at Middlesex University has taught me to stretch my wings, and that was exactly what I did. Shortly after graduation, I also participated with the Asian Youth Orchestra traveling to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Australia, Hong Kong for concerts. Soon after that I also joined a couple of Chinese superstars on their World Tours. Back home, I actively played for corporate, government and royal events, and was also invited to play at the Economic World Forum 2015 representing Malaysia.
I have since launched three solo albums, all of which can be found on all major streaming platforms.
Academically, upon graduating from Middlesex University, I furthered my postgraduate education with Leeds University. After graduating with an MMus, I headed home to live an academic life, lecturing at a local university, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
I also continued studying for my PhD in psychology, graduating from Heriot Watt University in 2009, which led to a few published journal articles.
Education does not end with a paper qualification, and I truly believe that life skills are learned in everyday settings.
Let's talk about your Alumni Awards success & what category were you nominated for?
I was pleasantly surprised to be awarded in the Professional Achievement Award category. I have a high regard for this category and the people who were nominated.
What was your favourite thing about being part of the Alumni Awards?
I enjoyed getting to know people from different categories and their individual achievements. Malaysia has got a lot of talent, and I can see how British education has moulded them to be the greatest among the greats.
Do you have any advice for those who'd like to sign up for Alumni Awards themselves?
Go ahead and give it a try!
Saima Eman
Course studied: MSc Applied Psychology
Tell us a bit about your time at MDX.
It was the first time I enjoyed my freedom with other students from completely diverse backgrounds! I loved socialising with students from different cultures and with the library staff at the Enfield campus who were very friendly!
To mention a few of my favourite University moments; I used to play football every Friday with my university friends, and loved going to see fireworks at Guy Fawke's night which was always an amazing experience! There were also many other educational and recreational university trips that I really enjoyed; I attended the infertility conference at the Trent park campus, I got a chance to visit the court and the National Holocaust Centre, and I also enjoyed being part of the volunteering course One to One Enfield.
Overall, it was the best time of my life!
What have you been up to since graduating from MDX?
Since my graduation, I focused on delivering and teaching on many Psychology courses at Lahore College for Women University, while working on scientific and other publications, which all also led me to win great awards and being part of many very important committees.
I also focused on volunteer works and on still developing my skills further through attending many training courses.
Some other very exciting moments from Saima's achievements include:
Member of International Resource Center at Lahore College for Women University, BBC radio observer participant online, Judge for an International prize in the UK, Chartered Member of The British Psychological Society, Representing Pakistan at the Advisory Council of Global Network of Psychologists for Human Rights, and also organising several events; including the International Conference on Health and Wellbeing in Pakistan and World Health day and Mental Health walk.
Let's talk about your Alumni Awards success & what category were you nominated for?
I was nominated in the Professional Achievement Category in Pakistan and became a Finalist in 2021.
What was your favourite thing about being part of the Alumni Awards?
Mainly because it is a very prestigious competition, especially prestigious for me!
Do you have any advice for those who'd like to sign up for Alumni Awards themselves?
Please do apply for these Alumni Awards to self-motivate yourselves, create an impact on your society, and inspire others. Keep on applying and keep on creating a difference. One day you will hopefully win!
Azfar Khan
Course studied: BSc Information Technology
Tell us a bit about your time at MDX.
I was based at the Trent Park campus, which was a perfect place for strolls with my friends - especially in the park behind the campus. This brings so many happy memories! One of my favourite walks was through Snakes Lane, especially in the evenings.
The Student's Union is a place with a lot of fun memories for me too, playing pool, relaxing on the wooden benches during summer, or the little musical nights, it was so much fun!
I was also selected as Hall Warden at Wood Green Halls and had a great time with the Accommodation Services team and fellow residents. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the international students from such diverse cultures!
I remember queuing at the printers which were installed outside our Labs, which back then required a prepaid card to get access. They used to get so busy before submission deadlines!
What have you been up to since graduating from MDX?
I was lucky enough to be selected to be part of a team launching a new chemicals business. I worked hard to play my role in the successful launch and since worked in various roles including sales, business development, new venture development, non-manufacturing safety, and so forth.
After a journey of more than 12 years, I am the Business Head for the Chemicals division in the same organisation.
During my career journey, I have been awarded various awards in recognition of my efforts to innovate and prosper the business and industry; Excellence awards for creating customer value, introducing breakthrough projects, developing water treatment businesses, roll out of world-class safety system and achieving distinction in Chlor-alkali sales.
I am also a Motorola certified Green Belt and I have played my part through various roles in the turnaround of my organization, from launching new businesses, to help them becoming one of the fastest-growing petrochemical companies in the country.
Let's talk about your Alumni Awards success & what category were you nominated for?
I was nominated for the Professional Achievement Award and was selected as a finalist from more than 400 candidates. It was a proud moment to represent Middlesex University in my category amongst other distinguished achievers.
What was your favourite thing about being part of the Alumni Awards?
An opportunity to network with fellow UK alumni and getting acknowledgment for my hard-earned degree abroad.
Do you have any advice for those who'd like to sign up for Alumni Awards themselves?
Your journey for a UK degree can be an inspiration to many others and the story deserves to be shared!
Do you know an inspiring 2021 that you'd like to nominate? Email us on GivingBack@mdx.ac.uk