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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Malaysia: Chevening Scholarships Programme

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur article entitled 20 Malaysian scholars awarded prestigious UK Chevening scholarships, published on 21 August 2026, what assessment has been made of the number of collaborations between UK and Malaysian organisations which have resulted from relationships established through the Chevening programme.

Answer

Malaysia has approximately 2,000 Chevening alumni, including former ministers, senior civil servants and leaders across finance, healthcare, climate policy, academia and civil society. Alumni continue to support UK-Malaysia engagement and cooperation in priority sectors including semiconductors, AI and digital technology, education and skills, life sciences, climate and clean growth. The UK-Malaysia relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2025.

The Chevening programme is assessed through its results framework and regular surveys of scholars and alumni, including on leadership and influence, connections with the UK, trade, investment and development activity. The Chevening alumni network in Malaysia is actively managed to ensure its strong delivery in support of national and UK interest. Independent evaluation has found that the Chevening programme delivers economic benefits to the UK in excess of the original investment and 47 per cent of Chevening alumni have recommended the UK as a place to do business. For the 2026/27 academic year, 9 of the 19 Malaysian Chevening scholarship awards are co-funded through partnerships, helping to reduce costs to the UK taxpayer.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
25860
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Malaysia Chevening scholarships programme
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk