Chevening Award Ceremony - June 2008

The British Ambassador in Cairo, Dominic Asquith, hosted on Tuesday, 24 June 2008 an award ceremony for the 30 young Egyptians who have recently returned to Egypt after completing their postgraduate studies in Britain, fully funded by the British Government under the 'Chevening Scholarships Scheme'.  In addition, the Ambassador presented certificates to mid-career professionals who were awarded Fellowships for intense study for three months in 2008.  Another 18 scholars, due to go to the UK in September 2008 to take up their studies, also attended the ceremony.

Ambassador Asquith addressing the graduates said: "I am very proud of the Chevening Scholarship scheme that gives the opportunity to young, successful and ambitious Egyptian professionals, like yourselves, to complete their postgraduate studies in the UK.  We have chosen you because we are sure that you are going to make a major contribution to the development of your country."

Representatives from sponsoring partners including HSBC, BG Egypt, Shell Egypt, BP Egypt, Vodafone, Barclays Egypt  Royal and Sun Alliance, Zaki Hashem and Partners and BA also attended the ceremony.

Returning scholars join work in different ministries, universities and in senior positions in the private sector and local and international non-governmental organisations.

"My scholarship offered me invaluable insights on prevailing international and regional issues, in addition to learning about the aspects of international and bilateral relations and has helped me achieve a lot in my career.''  Commented Bassel Salah, MSc in Comparative Politics, London School of Economics and Second Secretary at the office of Political Advisor to the President.

"The Chevening program was not just an opportunity for my professional development; it was much more than that, as it has contributed in teaching me how to become a leader." Said Wael Dowidar, LLM International Development Law and Human Rights, University of Warwick, and Manager at Unilever Mashreq.