The British Council and the British Embassy in Riyadh announced the recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2018-2019 in Saudi Arabia at an awards ceremony hosted by British Ambassador Simon Collis in Riyadh on Monday. Three Saudi alumni in three categories were recognized for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their important contribution to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in its fifth year globally, the award received more than 1,200 applications from international UK alumni in a record 100 countries, representing more than 120 higher education institutions across Britain. Following in-depth interviews with a judging panel, recipients were selected for the three award categories: Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial, and Social Impact. The Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership in their professional field, was presented to Dr. Waleed Alsalem, Alumnus of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Dr. Alsalem is CEO of the National Health Laboratory (NHL) at the Ministry of Health where he implemented an ambitious three-year plan that involved reorganizing its entire structure and enabled the laboratory to process 300,000 newborn screening annually for metabolic disorders. He is also a voluntary advisor at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and was previously named as one of the top five Saudi researchers studying in the UK. The Social Impact Award, which acknowledges alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to creating positive social change, was presented to Dr. Taghreed Alsaraj for her dedication to education and for helping Saudis seek employment. A graduate of University College of London, Dr. Alsaraj is now a consultant and works on new and innovative programs to help tackle Saudi unemployment and support Saudi Vision 2030. The best-selling author has also co-founded a start-up that concentrates on developing a pre-employment program to reduce the candidates' screening time and established training programs for Saudi youth on entrepreneurship, working collaboratively with higher education institutions. The Entrepreneurial Award, which highlights alumni who have played a leading role in business innovation, was presented to Osamah Alawwam, who received his bachelor's degree from London Metropolitan University. Osamah's passion for coffee led him to start his own company, The Roasting House, which has grown from a small business to become the largest Cafflano (coffee maker) distributor in the world. He also distributes the coffee he roasts to international hotels in Saudi Arabia and abroad. In addition, he regularly engages in workshops to help young Saudi entrepreneurs, sharing his experiences to build budding businessmen and women. Ambassador Collis said, "The Study UK Awards recognize international alumni who have achieved excellence in their chosen field, and who are leveraging their UK education to make a significant contribution to their professions and communities while inspiring others. They also showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education and how it enhances career opportunities and contributes to future success. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners on their outstanding achievements and for the vital role they play in strengthening cross-cultural ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Our Alumni here tonight — both women and men — are an indication of a global Britain, a magnet for international talent, and an outward looking nation that through education has enriched and enhanced the lives of many around the world." Amir Ramzan, country director at the British Council in Saudi Arabia, said, "The remarkable individuals we celebrated today at the Study UK Alumni Awards in Riyadh have all taken their UK education as a starting point to excel in their chosen careers and shape the world around them. This year's awards ceremony is testimony not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavors, but also to the transformative impact of a UK education. With more than 100,000 alumni of UK education, there is much to celebrate." — SG
