The British Council announced the recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2019-20 in China at an awards ceremony in Beijing. In total, nine UK alumni in China were recognised for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their important contribution to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and China.

The prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in its sixth year, the award received more than 1,200 applications from international UK alumni from over 100 countries, representing over 120 higher education institutions across the UK. 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 recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership in their professional field, was presented to Dr Feng Gao. The Social Impact Award, which acknowledges alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to creating positive social change, was presented to Qing Gu,a graduate of the University of Oxford. The Entrepreneurial Award, which highlights alumni who have played a leading role in innovation or creative solutions, was presented to Yiping Xia, a graduate of the University of Essex.

Professional Achievement Award finalists

The Professional Achievement Award recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership and achievements in their professional industry, and who can demonstrate the highest level of integrity and character in their professional career.

Professional Achievement Award finalists

Social Impact Award finalists

The Social Impact Award acknowledges alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving lives.

Social Impact Award finalists

Entrepreneurial Award

This award recognises alumni who are active in initiating, or contributing to, innovative new ideas or business opportunities with strong growth prospects.

Entrepreneurial Award finalists

Matt Burney, Country Director at the British Council in China, said: “The Alumni Awards allow us to come together to celebrate the role international students play in making the UK one of the most diverse, dynamic and rewarding higher education destinations for international study. It also allows us to recognise the achievements and contributions that alumni from China and around the world have made to their communities. At the British Council, it is our role to connect young people from the UK, China and around the world, to such opportunities. Helping them learn English, access internationally recognised qualifications, experience the UK’s culture and study internationally.”