By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 4: Sarawak-born filmmaker Sarah Lois Dorai and malaria researcher Dr Paul Cliff Simon Divis were among 20 shortlisted applicants who were recognised for their innovative work in driving change across industries and society at large in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards Malaysia 2026.
According to a media release by the British Council, Sarah was shortlisted in the Culture, Creativity and Sport category for her work in promoting indigenous identity and heritage through film and literature.
A Chevening scholar, Sarah has built a diverse creative portfolio that spans visual storytelling and publishing. Her directing credits include the music videos Midang Midang and Warrior Spirit, while her commitment to early education and language preservation is reflected in her bilingual Kelabit English children’s book series.
She also produced the documentary Songs of the Highlands, which gained international recognition after being selected for screening at the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival and winning Best Documentary at the Kalimantan International Film Festival 2025.
Beyond her creative practice, Sarah continues to shape the next generation of storytellers. Now serving as a part time lecturer at Multimedia University, she said her education in the United Kingdom sharpened her creative thinking and expanded her professional networks, experiences that continue to inform her work in Malaysia through teaching and filmmaking.
“This is testament that we can dare to dream big and actually achieve those dreams.
“I’m now focused on telling indigenous stories as living culture and aspire to build platforms that preserve language, empower local creatives, and ensure these stories are carried forward by the next generation,” she shared.
Also shortlisted was Dr Paul, a Kuching native, whose work addresses one of Sarawak’s persistent public health challenges. He was recognised for his leadership in malaria research and community engagement, particularly through the development of the “HapusMalaria” programme in the Kapit Division, one of the State’s highly endemic areas.
“Studying in the UK gave me the scientific tools to understand malaria properly, but the real work began when I returned home and focused on translating research into something communities could use, understand, and own,” he said.
The programme fosters stronger community ownership by integrating gamified learning, storytelling, and culturally inspired activities to raise malaria awareness and prevention.
It has been implemented among Iban and Penan communities, with support from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Sustainability Centre, and places a strong emphasis on empowering women as community health advocates.
Commenting on the shortlist, British Council Malaysia director, Jazreel Goh, said the candidates exemplify the far reaching impact of UK alumni in driving innovation, creativity and social progress across sectors.
Echoing this, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Ajay Sharma CMG said the awards underscore the role of UK education in shaping leaders and changemakers who continue to make meaningful contributions to Malaysia and the wider global community.
The awards, currently in its 7th edition in Malaysia, paid tribute to Dr Rebecca Tay Sook Hui who took home the award for the Business and Innovation category; Dr Hor Chee Peng who was named the winner of the Science and Sustainability category; Matthew Tan Yi Jian who swept up the top spot in the Culture, Creativity and Sport category and Tan Shi Min for the Social Action category.
The biennial awards celebrate Malaysian alumni who exemplify the global impact of a UK education, from driving innovation and advancing sustainability to championing social change and promoting culture.
For the 2026 edition, over 1,000 applications were received and shortlisted to 200 candidates before the final 20 finalists were selected across four categories.
This year’s edition highlighted a diverse group of trailblazers, leaders, and changemakers, reflecting the strength and reach of the UK alumni community in Malaysia. By celebrating these achievements, the awards underscore the value of a UK education in equipping graduates with the skills, perspectives, and leadership needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape. — DayakDaily
