Alumni Awards 2019-20 Finalists

Mr. Aws AlShaheen , University of Bradford

Mr. Aws AlShaheen is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the first consultancy firm dedicated to the charity sector in Kuwait: Sunbulah Humanitarian and Charity Consultants. Aws is part of the team constructing a National Charity Governance Code and his publications range from a scholarly book to edited policy papers and thorough analysis reports.

He acknowledges that studying in the UK, particularly at the University of Bradford, meant his thoughts would be positively challenged and his opinions would be critically debated. Bradford was adaptive to Aws’s interest and provided him with the environment and the tools that pushed him through his research journey.

Dr. Salman Khuraibet , Royal Holloway University of London/University of Greenwich

Dr. Salman Khuraibet is the first Kuwaiti polo player registered in Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA). His passion for the sport was instrumental in establishing the first polo club in the country and founding the Kuwait Olympic committee for polo which is a part of Federation of International Polo.

Dr. Salman’s interest in the sport began when he observed people playing it at the Royal Holloway University club. He appreciates that had he not been privileged enough to study in the UK, he may have never been introduced to the sport and that it something he is forever grateful for.

Mr. Firas M. AlOda , City University of London

Mr. Firas M. AlOda in his capacity as the Director of Finance and Investment at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), has developed a strategy that contributed to accomplishing the KFAS objective to advance research and science on a larger scale.

Through this strategy, today, KFAS manages around 1.7 billion pounds in diversified assets around the globe, while achieving the required returns to fund the expansion strategy to support science and research in Kuwait.

Firas observes that City University of London provided him with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive his career forward.

 

 Dr. Hamad M. Ali Yaseen Ali , Newcastle University

Dr. Hamad M. Ali Yaseen Ali is a research associate at the Dasman Diabetes Institute and an assistant professor of medical genetics at Kuwait University. His research, funded by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), has led to the discovery of a set of genetic mutations causing polycystic kidney disease and has improved disease diagnosis.

Dr. Hamad was also nominated as a member of Board of Directors at the Scientific Center of Kuwait, becoming the youngest to hold this position.

He observes that Newcastle University not only provided him with an excellent environment for career development but also contributed to his personal growth.

 

 

 Mr. Talal Al-Muhanna , Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan University)

Mr. Talal Al-Muhanna is a Senior Producer for Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and an independent filmmaker. Talal is applying the knowledge and skills gained from creative producing towards establishment of a fellowship program for Kuwait-based emerging artists and cultural operators.

His work in film, TV, festivals and distribution raised the profile of Kuwaiti filmmaking internationally while his contributions to theatrical production has set new standards for performing arts regionally.

Talal credits his Northern Film School tutors with providing him the confidence to pursue a filmmaking career and for having encouraged him to develop ambitious thesis projects shot in several international locations.

Dr. Abdullah Miteb Alazmi , University of Exeter/ University of Sheffield

Dr. Abdullah Miteb Alazmi is an English Professor with a passion for educating people outside the classroom as well. He single-handedly established an active presence on social media via which he provides daily English lessons to people throughout the Arab world. His accounts reach millions of monthly visits, offering the public free access to rich content.

Dr. Abdullah observes that the University of Exeter provided him with the skills, qualities and necessary values to understand the importance of giving back to one’s community and to acknowledge the necessity of providing others with access to a language that could widen the opportunities available to them.

Dr. Fatemah Hashem AlMosawi , London School of Economics/ King’s College/Birkbeck College/ Imperial College/King’s College

Dr. Fatemah Hashem AlMosawi is passionate about empowering youth and fostering a culture of giving. She is currently the Executive Manager at KAFO – a national platform under the Amiri Diwan to help people search, connect and collaborate with other achievers.

She also established “Spread the Passion” which is a non-profit organisation promoting volunteerism amongst young adults and linking them to various volunteering opportunities.

Having lived and studied in the UK for over 11 years; Dr. Fatemah was exposed to UK culture from a young age. She credits this experience to influencing her choice of career and aspiration to make a difference when she returned.

Ms. Sahar Deinparvar , Coventry University

Ms. Sahar Deinparvar is a senior physiotherapist specializing in neurological rehabilitation and elderly care at Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network. Her passion for working with this demographic was crucial in the establishment of this department.

Apart from her professional work, Ms. Sahar is also the Co-Founder of “Inspirational Hangout” which provides a platform to allow the public to speak about fundamental concepts because she believes that every change starts with a conversation.

Sahar’s experience at Coventry University exposed her to international students and allowed for knowledge exchange with people from different cultures and diverse backgrounds which plays a vital role in what she does today