It was a busy year for Chevening scholar Commander Khairol Nizam Mansor.
Apart from completing his postgraduate study in Engineering Management at the University of Chester in England, he had spent more than 100 hours volunteering on a project which he initiated at the Shah Jalal Mosque in Blacon.
Together with a friend, Khairol Nizam came out with The Bricks Herbs Garden project, where they transformed the mosque's backyard into an aromatic and medicinal herbs garden.
"I saw a notice at the mosque asking for donations as it operates mostly from charity and partly supported by the British government. I then realised that although the mosque had a huge backyard, it was abandoned, which allowed weeds to grow.
"The backyard was later turned into a garden where we grew herbs and plants, such as turmeric, ginger and coriander. The project has made the mosque's surroundings more appealing and generated a steady income as the crops were sold at a nearby shop.
"We worked on the garden weekly or when there was free time with help from the local Muslim community. This project has helped the locals bond closer and curb Islamophobia.
"Volunteering allows me to practice and develop my social skills as I have met people with common interests. It helps me to relax and escape the routine of being a student," said Khairol Nizam, who is working at the Royal Malaysian Navy, which is under the Defence Ministry.
For his effort and passion in volunteering, he became the first international student to be awarded the Kirsty Craig Associates Award by the university. He described the achievement as part of his once in a lifetime Chevening experience.
Khairul Nizam is among the 45 Chevening Scholarship recipients from the 2018/2019 academic year who recently completed their post-graduate studies in Britain. After spending a year in the United Kingdom studying, immersing in its culture and building lasting friendships, they were welcomed home by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Charles Hay, at his residence.
Another returning scholar, Ennie Yong, who obtained his Masters in Autism from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, said she returned to Malaysia with a renewed sense of purpose.
"Studying in the UK has given me new and wider perspectives in supporting and advocating for individuals with autism. During my study, I won a grant to organise a one-day event to boost awareness about autism.
"I had the opportunity to engage with the National Autism Implementation Team, individuals with autism, advocacy organisations and the city council, which has given me new insights on the importance of collaboration in policy implementation.
"I hope to seek more avenues to collaborate with various parties in Malaysia so that we can create more sound policies and support individuals with autism and their families," said Yong, who is a speech therapist.
Present at the welcome home reception were Yayasan Hasanah managing director Shahira Ahmed Bazari and Yayasan Khazanah head programme coordinator Intan Zalila Mohd Yusof.
Yayasan Khazanah announced that it was extending its continued support as a Chevening partner by sponsoring five awards each year until the academic year 2022/2023.
Hay said: "The UK's departure from the European Union (EU) will not affect the strong education partnership between the UK and Malaysia. The Chevening programme is a great example of how the UK continues to invest in Malaysia's brightest and best talents.
"The continued support of our Chevening partners in Malaysia is a testament to the strength of our education partnership. I am pleased that Yayasan Khazanah has extended its partnership to sponsor five awards for an additional three years."
