By V. Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Winning a Chevening scholarship to study in London is definitely a dream come true for Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist, Joan Santani.
Joan, who will be pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at Birkbeck, University of London, said although she felt at one point she might not get the scholarship, she remained steadfast in her quest, doing her best to meet all requirements in the selection process for the UK government’s global scholarship programme.
And when the final good news came that I had been selected, it was a moment of joy and tears of happiness, she said.
Joan, along with 37 other Malaysians, received their Chevening scholarship awards earlier this month, to pursue their studies in top universities in the UK.
Joan, who also became the first journalist from Bernama to be awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, said she felt honoured to be chosen.
Talking to Bernama following a brief ceremony held at the British High Commissioner Charles Hay’s official residence here for the scholarship awardees, the 34-year-old shared her arduous journey in the award’s application and selection process which stretched over eight months.
“Writing essays, prepping for interview, and sitting for IELTS examination were the major hurdles to overcome…(and) when the Chevening Secretariat started announcing the names of candidates who have been selected for the interview stage, I didn’t receive any email indicating whether I had been selected or otherwise.
“At this point, I was really nervous; I reached to a Chevening Alumni who suggested that I check with the British High Commission before a personnel at the high commission informed me that I was shortlisted for the interview.”
Joan, who is currently responsible for organising and coordinating webinars in Bernama, said on June 23 – after the long wait – she received an email from the Chevening Secretariat informing her that she had been awarded the scholarship.
“The first couple of words read, “We are delighted to inform you…”, and that was it!”
Joan, who has been with Bernama the last eight years, has also served as a reporter with the agency’s Business Desk and a broadcast journalist with its television arm, Bernama News Channel.
She said the Chevening Scholarship will be a gateway for her to enhance her knowledge, broaden her horizon and hone her leadership and social skills.
“I believe by undertaking a master’s degree in Journalism at Birkbeck, University of London, it will help equip me with the tools to examine local or international issues in an in-depth manner, by weighing various perspectives.
“And of course, it provides me with the opportunity to broaden my network and experience the rich cultural heritage of UK.”
Joan said the scholarship will also enable her to get a first-hand look at how the British government is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficiency and challenges faced by the country’s National Health Service, as well as issues closer to home, such as tourism between the UK and Malaysia.
NNN-BERNAMA