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British Council Singapore Honours Outstanding UK Alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – British Council Singapore celebrated the achievements of exceptional UK alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025, held at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, on 20 February. This flagship event honours individuals who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their professions, communities and societies.

British Council Singapore Honours Outstanding UK Alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025

The Study UK Alumni Awards are a testament to the power of education and collaboration in tackling common challenges and finding lasting solutions to these.

The 2025 Awards celebrated winners across four categories, each recognising the transformative impact of UK-educated Singaporean professionals:

  • Business and Innovation Award – Wen Si Chow, for promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for women in the STEM industry.
  • Culture and Creativity Award – Chong Soon Khong, for significant contributions to Singapore’s creative music landscape.
  • Science and Sustainability Award – Stephanie Choon Xia Liaw, for impactful work in energy transition and sustainability.
  • Social Action Award – Shalom Lim Ern Rong, for exceptional efforts in driving inclusion and positive change in society.

UK universities consistently excel in world rankings, with four featured in the 2025 QS World University Rankings top ten. The strength, depth and diversity of the UK higher education sector – from small conservatoires to large metropolitan universities – has always attracted students from all parts of the world, including close to 7000 students from Singapore who choose to pursue higher education in the UK every year.

The Study UK Alumni Award winners exemplify the value of their world-class UK education, using their expertise to drive innovation, address pressing challenges, and contribute to Singapore’s progress.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Nik Mehta OBE, British High Commissioner to Singapore, commended the awardees: “All four Singapore winners inspire me because they are making a difference to our world in fields ranging from science and sustainability to culture, social engagement, and business innovation. Their stories illustrate how higher education can be a life-changing experience – shaping minds, values, ambitions, and futures”.

On 9 August 1965, the UK was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the newly independent Singapore. As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday this year, the 2025 Awards hold special significance, underscoring the profound and enduring

educational and cultural ties between the UK and Singapore, cemented over these 60 years.

As Lissy Vadakel, Country Director for British Council Singapore, commented: “Through these Awards, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding UK alumni in Singapore. This is also an occasion for us to come together as a community, with at least one commonality: in one way or another, be that through our educational experiences, our professional lives, or our personal and social connections, we are part of the Singapore-UK fabric”.

The High Commissioner also reflected on the lasting impact of UK-educated Singaporeans in growing and strengthening bilateral relations: “At the heart of our countries’ partnership are our people, who have forged lifelong professional and personal connections in our communities. These ties contribute to the mutual trust and understanding between our countries today and will do so for years to come”.

The British Council remains committed to supporting and celebrating the aspirations of UK alumni worldwide, ensuring their achievements continue to inspire future generations.

For the editor

Recipients of Study UK Alumni Awards Singapore 2025

BUSINESS AND INNOVATION AWARDS

Wen Si Chow
University of Bristol
Wen Si Chow is a currently a Senior Legal Counsel at Mott MacDonald. She strongly believes in promoting inclusivity and equality within society. In this regard, her previous stint as a lawyer in private practice has seen her working on a pro bono basis and helping the less privileged in society access legal advice and representation. At Mott MacDonald, Wen Si also serves as the Asia Lead for Inclusive Networks for Women, a regional initiative which seeks to encourage the support of women within the organisation, in the hope that this advances the further promotion of women within the STEM industry as a whole. Wen Si credits her time at the University of Bristol with broadening her perspective on equality in society, as well as increasing her exposure to, and appreciation of, the unique cultural diversity that is found in Southeast Asia.

CULTURE AND CREATIVITY AWARD

Chong Soon Khong (Ken)
Bath Spa University
Dr Ken Chong is an award-winning composer, chart-topping songwriter, and an educator at tertiary institutions, including Nanyang Technological University. Ken’s accolades include Apple Music Best Song of 2016 (China) for his song “Rainbow Bot”, sung by Mandopop queen Stefanie Sun, as well as recognition for his music in full feature films, TV programmes, and advertisements. Bath Spa University was pivotal in Ken’s songwriting career, where almost half of his songs submitted for his Master of Music final year project were sold to popular Chinese music artists upon graduation. Ken attributes his success to the university’s ability to help him identify his strengths and passions, and then develop knowledge and skills towards achieving excellence. Ken recognises the benefits of music composition, often perceived as exclusive to a gifted few, and hopes to show how technology has democratised composing, such that anyone can create. He credits his UK educational journey with the impact he now has as a music teacher on his students at various institutes of higher learning in Singapore.

SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Stephanie Choon Xia Liaw
University of Strathclyde
University of Birmingham
Stephanie Liaw is the Energy Lead for Singapore and Malaysia at Mott MacDonald, where she drives energy transition and sustainability initiatives across Asia. She is currently leading the cross-border interconnector projects at various phases to integrate green energy, connecting Singapore and the ASEAN Power Grid. Under her leadership, Mott MacDonald developed a model to assess interconnector impacts, funded by the UK FCDO under the UK-SG Green Economy Framework. Stephanie’s Engineering and MBA studies in the UK provided a transformative, multicultural experience, equipping her with valuable technical insights and business opportunities to advance energy transition in the region. Her enduring passion lies in ensuring equitable energy access in underdeveloped countries, advancing renewable energy by reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing community livelihoods through Just Transition principles. This passion continues to fuel her mission as an Energy Lead, committed to bringing clean energy to shape a more sustainable future for all.

SOCIAL ACTION AWARD

Shalom Lim Ern Rong
University of Liverpool
Shalom Lim is an artist and a writer, as well as an advocate dedicated to disability inclusion in Singapore. As a committee member on the Management Board of the Disabled People’s Association, he strives to improve social policies relating to disability and to shift public perspectives. He has also collaborated with K9Assistance to expand access to assistance dogs for individuals and families with non-vision disabilities in Singapore. Shalom’s storytelling, through books and performances, challenges perceptions and touches hearts, showing others that people with disabilities can thrive academically and contribute meaningfully. Pursuing Criminology and Security at the University of Liverpool shaped Shalom’s confidence in advocacy and his passion for justice and inclusion. The university’s open discussions helped him recognise the power of his voice in pushing for change. Shalom continues to use his art and writing to build a more inclusive society in Singapore, and to inspire others to see inclusion as a necessity, not a choice.

Hashtag: #BritishCouncilSingapore

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About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people.

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FikaGO Debuts in SoHo, Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design

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The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.

FikaGO Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design

Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.

“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO

SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.

The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.

“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO

As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.

Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer




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About FikaGO

FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.

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Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

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HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant

From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.

Asian Flavour Duet: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation

Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.

The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.

(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.
(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.


The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.

The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.

At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”

Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.

Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.
Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.


As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.

Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants


In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.

Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships

With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

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About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.

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DHL Express appoints new commercial lead for Asia Pacific

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  • Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.

Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express

Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.

“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.

“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL


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DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

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