University of Birmingham graduates win Study UK Alumni Awards
Winners celebrated for their work including empowering 7,000 young people in Ghana and driving sustainability in Asia.
Four former University of Birmingham students have won top international alumni awards for their impact across business, sustainability and creativity.
The Study UK Alumni Awards are organised by the British Council and celebrate the achievements of international students who have studied in the UK and applied their education to their communities, professions and countries. The awards celebrate individuals across four categories, each recognising their transformative impact.
The former students who won awards include King Wellington, and Mayra Souza who were each awarded Business and Innovation Awards for their work in Ghana and Brazil, respectively. Stephanie Choon Xia Liaw was awarded the Science and Sustainability Award in Singapore and Dr Shahman Moishan received the Culture and Creativity Award in Bangladesh.
Mayra Souza (left) and Dr Shahman Moishan (right) at the Study UK Awards
The Business and Innovation Awards specifically recognise alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative ideas, solutions, or business opportunities.
King Wellington, who completed his MBA in International Business in 2021, is a business strategist and communications expert. Returning to Ghana after his studies, he co-founded DONE BY US, a consultancy firm dedicated to providing tailored solutions for business and organisations seeking to thrive in Ghana’s dynamic market, and the Africa Street MBA. Through this, he has trained and empowered over 7000 young people across Ghana and equipped them with the skills and confidence to grow their own businesses.
Mayra Souza, who grew up in Brazil and completed a MSc in International Business in 2010 at the University, is now a Global Trade Director and business leader. After graduating, Mayra has worked as a trade and policy advisor for a variety of organisations, such as International Flavours & Fragrances, and has implemented sustainable and equitable policies supporting trade across a variety of industries.
King Wellington (right) received the Business and Innovation Award in Ghana.
Stephanie Liaw completed an MEng in Mechanical Engineering in 2010 and is currently the Energy Lead for Singapore and Malaysia at Mott MacDonald. Study UK recognised Stephanie for her high-impact work in driving energy transition and sustainability initiatives across Asia and awarded her the Science and Sustainability Award (Singapore).
Dr Shahman Moishan, Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka, was awarded the Culture and Creativity Award (Bangladesh). This award celebrates individuals who can demonstrate their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity. Following the completion of his PhD at the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute where he explored political Shakespeare and intercultural performance, he has worked as a scholar, playwright and director.
Gavin Maggs, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, commented:
“We are very proud of the work of our alumni at the University of Birmingham and delighted to see their successes in their respective industries recognised. King, Mayra, Stephanie and Shahman are a testament to the alumni community and showcase how education can be an influential tool in transforming communities and creating opportunities. We look forward to seeing their careers grow in the future.”
We are very proud of the work of our alumni at the University of Birmingham and delighted to see their successes in their respective industries recognised. King, Mayra, Stephanie and Shahman are a testament to the alumni community and showcase how education can be an influential tool in transforming communities and creating opportunities. We look forward to seeing their careers grow in the future.
The Study UK Alumni awards took place on Friday 21 February and the full list of winners can be viewed on the British Council website.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
- For media enquiries please contact Tim Mayo, Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0)7815 607 157.
- The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, educators and more than 8,000 students from over 150 countries.
- The University’s 2030 Strategic Framework identifies ‘People & Culture’ as one of its key pillars. The University is committed to building a culture which is supportive and inclusive, as well as ambitious and high performing.