Winners of British Council Study UK Alumni Awards announced in Jordan

AMMAN — The British Council on Monday announced the winners of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22 in Amman.

In total, 11 UK alumni were recognised as finalists this year for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and Jordan, according to a British Council statement. 

The announcement was made in the presence of Regional Director of MENA Chris Rawlings, Deputy British Ambassador to Jordan Richard Moon, Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology Dia Arafeh, President of Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions (AQACHEI) Thafer Assaraira, among other guests.  

Following rigorous evaluation by the judging panel, winners were selected for four award categories: The Science and Sustainability Award, the Culture and Creativity Award, the Social Action Award, and the Business and Innovation Award.

This prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world, read the statement. 

Now in its eighth year, the award received more than 1,500 applications from international UK alumni in more than 100 countries, representing more than 140 higher education institutions across the UK. 

The Science and Sustainability Award was presented to Almoayied Assayed, a PhD graduate of University of Surrey in environmental sustainability. 

The Culture and Creativity Award was presented to Edelina Joyce Issa, who graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a BA in Fashion.

The Social Action award was presented to Laith Alfalah, who graduated from King’s College London with an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 

The Business and Innovation award was presented to Noor Abu Jbara, who graduated from the University of Warwick with an MSC in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

Summer Xia, country director of the British Council in Jordan, said: “We are thrilled to bring the British Council’s Global Study UK Alumni Awards to Jordan this year, recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements by Jordanians who have studied at a UK university.”

“The winners tonight represent a diverse range of sectors across society, showcasing the very positive contribution they have made to the development of their profession, community and the whole Kingdom. We hope they will inspire many more to follow in their footsteps and benefit from the UK’s world-renowned education,” Xia added. 

Upon receiving the award, Laith Alfalah, winner of the Social Action award, said: “This award has brought me a step closer towards my dream of bringing more awareness around mental health and having less stigma around the topic as well as providing high quality services to those who need them.”

Jordan is the first country to host the awards this year and will be followed by awarding ceremonies in 20 other countries including, India, Qatar and Azerbaijan.