UK Introduces Chevening Asean Scholarship Programme To Nurture Future Regional Leaders

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom (UK) Mission to ASEAN has unveiled a new Chevening ASEAN Scholarship programme aimed at developing future leaders from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.

The initiative, which complements existing country-specific Chevening programmes, offers fully funded opportunities for selected individuals to undertake a Master’s degree at one of the UK’s leading universities.

ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the scheme, describing it as a significant driver for regional integration and community-building efforts amid an increasingly interconnected world.

"This programme serves as a vital bridge, enabling our scholars to exchange ideas, build networks, foster cultural understanding and cultivate innovative solutions to the challenges and needs of our time," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, in expressing her enthusiasm, said: "It is a privilege to support these ASEAN scholars through this excellent educational opportunity and invaluable experiences."

In addition to standard Chevening benefits, the new programme includes an exclusive ASEAN-focused component.

Scholars will participate in a welcome event at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), receive priority invitations to South East Asia Policy Network and ASEAN events hosted by the FCDO, and engage with leaders from the FCDO, the Houses of Parliament, the private sector, academia, and think tanks.

A post-graduation Chevening ASEAN Conference will also be part of the programme.

-- BERNAMA