PETALING JAYA: Russel Rohny wants to increase mental health awareness among his community in Sabah – and the Chevening scholar will be heading all the way to the United Kingdom to pick up the skills and knowledge to do so.

“As someone of Iban, Murut and Dusun heritage from Tambunan, I will carry my indigenous values with me throughout this one year.

“I want to raise awareness about mental health among the multi-ethnic communities of Sabah, and contribute towards formulating sustainable approaches to this issue, nationally and internationally,” said Rohny, who will be attending the University of Edinburgh to study Global Mental Health and Society.

Rohny is one of 39 Malaysians who have been awarded the UK government’s prestigious Chevening scholarship to pursue their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

The scholars will pursue a wide range of postgraduate programmes at top UK universities.

Digital Media and Communication scholar Nur Afifah Ismail, from Sarawak, said she hopes that the skills she will learn at the University of Stirling could educate young Malaysians to speak up for justice and against inequality.

“I hope my contribution in Malaysia when I return can kickstart more opportunities and an inclusive future for youth in Sarawak,” Nur Afifah said.

Shimri Lim, who is attending University of Birmingham to do a Master’s in Trauma Science, said he is excited by the opportunity.

“The one year with Chevening is an unparalleled platform to build professional relationships, which I am determined to utilise to the fullest for the benefit of Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

Charina Pria Sivayogam, who will be studying Conservation and International Wildlife Trade, said she is looking forward to contributing to Malaysia’s efforts to protect its natural heritage.

“(Wildlife crime) does not only impact the wildlife population but also our livelihood and national security,” she said.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay said the increasing interest of Malaysians in pursuing studies in the United Kingdom can be seen by the 748 applications received this session compared with only 620 last year.

“I am pleased to announce that the United Kingdom is awarding 39 Chevening scholarships to Malaysia.

“This is just one example of how education remains the most enduring aspect of the UK-Malaysia relationship,” he said after hosting a pre-departure briefing and reception for the scholars here yesterday.