Congratulations to the five Brunel alumni who have been recognised in the finals of the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in 2023. Brunel are delighted to have had finalists and winners representing the University in Saudi Arabia, Greece, Thailand and Uzbekistan, demonstrating the strength of the global successes that our international community go on to achieve.
The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Award winners are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions, and countries.
Brunel’s successful alumni who have been recognised include:
- Abdullah Alotaibi, Winner of the Business and Innovation Award in Saudi Arabia
- Dr Soloman Almadi, Finalist of the Business and Innovation Award in Saudi Arabia
- Dr Panrawee Rungskunroch, Finalist of the Social Action Award in Thailand
- Vicky Margariti, Finalist of the Business and Innovation Award in Greece
- Shokhpur Gulturaev, Finalist of the Business and Innovation Award in Uzbekistan
Our Brunel winner in Saudi Arabia, Abdullah spoke of his joy of being announced the winner. “I was very satisfied when to be nominated as one of best three in the Business and Innovation category. Because, I know that the competition is so hard and I believe that all the candidates are very strong. I can’t explain my feelings when my name was announced. Thank god, and thanks to my great family. I would like also to express my gratitude to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting with His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his royal highness, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, and then the Ministry of Education represented by Taif University, which gave me the great opportunity to complete my high studies in the United Kingdom”
Panrawee from Thailand, who is pictured receiving her certificate, shared how honoured she was to be shortlisted. “Being a UK alumna (from Brunel and Birmingham) has been a life-changing experience. The education system taught me the importance of respect and understanding, regardless of differences in age, race, gender, wealth, or nationality. These lessons have been invaluable in shaping me as a person and in navigating the real world. My passion for creating a better society drives me to make small, yet meaningful impacts. I could not have done this alone, and I am grateful to the UK, Europe, USA, and Thailand volunteer teams for their contributions to our projects.”
Meanwhile, Vicky from Greece said that it was an unforgettable evening. “When I graduated from Brunel University London almost 15 years ago I could not have imagined that an emotional moment such this would come for all the effort I have put in until now. The last 4 years digital transformation in Greece is developing at a very fast pace and I feel particularly proud I have actively participated in this huge national effort together with my brilliant colleagues at the Ministry of Digital Governance.”
Lastly, Soloman shared “The UK PhD program structure, advisory process, and overall research methods learning and application were very effective. The process you go through in the UK educational system created independence rather than co-dependence which has stimulated innovation, technical leadership, and more focus on practical research results”.
The Development and Alumni Relations Office at Brunel University London are delighted for our alumni and their achievements.