The British Council announced the recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 in China at a ceremony in Beijing on 6 December 2025. In total, 12 UK alumni in China were recognised for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and China.

The prestigious international award celebrates the outstanding achievements of UK alumni around the world. Now in its tenth year, the award received more than 1,800 applications from international UK alumni in more than 120 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK. 

The Business and Innovation award was presented to Dr Kelvin Liu, a graduate of University of Cambridge. Culture, Creativity and Sport Award was presented to Shunhao Jia, a graduate of Loughborough University and University of Birmingham. Science and Sustainability Award was presented to Dr Yang Li, a graduate of Durham University. The Social Action award was presented to Miao Wang, a graduate of University of Manchester. 

Recognising alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, that have the potential for growth. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: entrepreneurship, business, technology and finance

Business and Innovation Award finalists

 Recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts, culture and sport. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: arts, design, humanities, traditional media, music, video, TV, sports and online content and audiovisual media creation (e.g blogging, vlogging including for YouTube and social media).

 Culture, Creativity and Sport Award finalists

Recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession, and beyond. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction. 

Science and Sustainability Award finalists

Recognising alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: education, peace and justice and reducing inequality, poverty and hunger and broader humanitarian work or work for social good. 

Social Action Award finalists

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