The awards will turn the spotlight on leaders whose experience of studying and working in the United Kingdom inspired them to make a positive impact on their industry, community and country. Finalists will receive the opportunity to showcase their achievements to a global audience and gain extensive press coverage through national newspapers, such as The Jakarta Post.

This year, British Council Indonesia will be looking at six finalists from two categories: science and sustainability and social action.

The Science and Sustainability Award features alumni who have demonstrated the impact and scale of their achievements throughout their career in science and sustainability. Areas of work could include climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction.

Meanwhile, the Social Action Award recognizes the merit of alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to improving the lives of others by making positive social changes. Their areas of work could include reducing inequality, poverty and hunger. Education and upskilling, and peace and justice.

The winners and finalists will gain further benefits for their flourishing careers, including opportunities to connect with professionals and other people of influence during the ceremonies and afterward. The event will also help them reconnect with their UK universities and the UK.

British Council Indonesia has invited two external judges to be part of the ceremony; they are Ahmad Fuadi, celebrated author of the Negeri 5 Menara (Land of 5 Towers) trilogy and Femmy Soemantri, an experienced program manager who has been working extensively with the United Nations.

A Chevening and Fulbright alumnus, Fuadi is best known for his award-winning novel Negeri 5 Menara, which has been adapted into a feature film. He has been a featured writer at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Byron Bay Writers Festival in Australia, Ubud Writers Festival, Singapore Writers Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival and Makassar Writers Festival.

In 2011, Fuadi founded Komunitas Menara, an organization that aims to provide free access to early childhood education for underprivileged children. Currently, the organization is running four free schools across Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi.

His experience in community service led him to become an external judge for this year's Study UK Alumni Awards. He commended the British Council for showcasing the achievements and contributions UK alumni gave to their communities in Indonesia.

"This awarding night is significant because, firstly, it makes the alumni feel appreciated for their work and efforts. That, in turn, will inspire them to do more and drive more alumni to do the same. Secondly, it also shows that the alumni didn't just learn about theories during their time in the UK, but they are also capable of applying their skills throughout their careers. Thirdly, the British Council will be able to see and measure the impact of its scholarships in Indonesia," Fuadi said.

Femmy Soemantri was a senior program manager for the Newton Fund, a British Council program that focuses on scientific and technological research and innovation for long-term sustainable growth in 18 countries, including Indonesia. Her other experiences include working with the ASEAN Secretariat and the UN World Food Programme.

Femmy's portfolio and cross-cutting interests in science, innovation, history, and environment made her an avid cross-sectoral collaborator.  She is now a partnership and advocacy lead at Pulse Lab Jakarta, where she utilizes the skills in science diplomacy she honed while working with the British Council.

As the second external judge, Femmy noted that the roster for this year's event was significantly younger.

"In the past, we've seen senior, more established alumni sending in their applications. Still, it's refreshing to see the younger generation applying for this alumni award. To me, it’s like seeing new potential in human resources in Indonesia," Femmy said in an interview with the Post.

Fuadi also noticed the remarkable achievements and output this year's alumni has put forth.

"Sometimes, it's hard to decide the best work out of them all because each finalist has their merit and strength," he said.

"On the other hand, I am sure that there are more alumni out there whose work and accomplishments have gone unnoticed. They should apply to award events like this and have their feats known.”

Both judges acknowledged that this year's finalists already had very focused portfolios. With more space and opportunity to grow, these alumni can strive for the next stage of their community projects and create a more powerful impact in Indonesia.

"I hope they can share their knowledge with the next generation. Knowledge is multiplied by sharing your experience with others and teaching the skills that you gained," Femmy said. "Make sure what you're doing doesn't just sit on your desk but can be leveraged into something much bigger."

The online Study UK National Alumni Awards ceremony will be held over Zoom on Feb. 11.

For more information, please contact Yuli.Tukidjo@britishcouncil.or.id

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