A University of Warwick graduate has scooped a top prize at the ‘British Council Study UK Alumni Awards 2017’ in Hong Kong.

Samuel Chan – who completed a master’s course in International Political Economy in 2011 – won the Entrepreneurial Award at a ceremony dinner hosted on 16 February 2017 by Chris Rawlings, Director of the British Council.

Since graduating from the University of Warwick, Samuel has become leading educationalist, columnist and consultant in Hong Kong.

Samuel works to help international students who are considering studying at UK schools.

In 2012, Samuel launched the multi-award-winning Britannia StudyLink, an online tool to match students from Hong Kong to UK schools.

He has also helped to standardise the process for students from Hong Kong applying to UK schools, by introducing the testing system UKiset to the area.

Samuel believes that his UK education gave him exposure to equality, teamwork and the sharing of ideas. He aims to make UK education more accessible through introducing scholarship schemes and organising interactive seminars.

He comments on winning the award, and his time at Warwick:

"To say that I am honoured to have won the Alumni Award would be an understatement. This Award is extra special because I was nominated by the University closest to my heart - Warwick.

"The University of Warwick is truly unique. The all-round experience I gained was certainly beyond my wildest dreams. I came into my own outside the classroom - joining clubs which brought the best out of the collaborator and communicator in me.

“In terms of running a business, I have been able to draw on my experiences at Warwick. Of course, I gained time management and critical thinking skills during my course, but it was the people skills I observed and learned that can be seen in the way I run my company today.

“I am indebted to Warwick for the man I have become."

For his work on Britannia StudyLink, Samuel has also been honoured with a Hong Kong Emerging Service Brand Award from Hong Kong Brand Development Council, and the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards 2016 Hong Kong – both in 2016.

The ‘British Council Study UK Alumni Awards’ celebrates the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni.

All award-winners are leaders who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries.

21 Feb 2017

Further information:

Luke Walton, International Press Officer

+44 (0) 7824 540 863

+44 (0) 2476 150 868

L dot Walton dot 1 at warwick dot ac dot uk