SHAH ALAM: The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP) journalist Tharanya Arumugam has been granted the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations.
She will study at University of Bristol beginning Sept 24.
“I am truly honoured and glad to be have been awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarship, which enables me to pursue MSc International Relations at the reputable University of Bristol and places me among the global network of leaders. Thank you Chevening and the British High Commission for this opportunity,” she said.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the New Straits Times Press, New Straits Times, my superiors and colleagues who have guided, assisted and cooperated during my entire working career.
“I also wish to express my gratitude to Taylor’s University and University of South Australia for putting me on the track to journalism, a course which I truly enjoyed. All this success would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my parents and sisters,” she said.
A pre-departure briefing and reception for Chevening scholars will be held on Aug 9 at the British High Commissioner’s residence.
“It has been a long time dream to pursue postgraduate studies. So when I came across Chevening, I started preparing for the scholarship since it opened for application in August (Aug 7, 2017). I was juggling between daily assignments at work and completing the application form and essays.
“On Feb 13 this year I received an email from Chevening announcing that I have progressed to the next stage and selected by the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to attend an interview.
“On June 8, after a long wait, I got an email from Chevening. Took me a while to open the mail. When I read the first couple of words, “We are delighted to inform you…” I literally screamed with joy,” she said.
She also believes the knowledge and experience gained from International Relations will equip her with the tools to look at local or international issues from various perspectives.
“The exposure gained from this stint will equip me with a better understanding of how everything is interconnected, worldwide. This will also aid me in coming up with analytical and insightful articles that promote critical thinking among readers,” she said.
Tharanya had previously won the Malaysian Press Institute's A. Samad Ismail Young Journalist Award and Best News Report in 2015.
She was also a Grand Prize winner at the 2015 Health Ministry Media Awards for English Newspaper Category and won first place at the 2017 Malaysian Health Promotion Board for the Blue Ribbon Print Media Award.