UKAA and Job Fair 2008 in Indonesia

On 22 November, British Council gave the highest appreciation to Indonesian citizens who had graduated from UK Universities.

The UK Alumni Awards (UKAA) 2008 were designated to individuals who have been contributing and achieving greatly in the sector of education,

environment, social entrepreneurship, journalism, and business.

(L-R): Afifa Zulfikar (Education winner), Laksmi Dhewanti (Environment winner), Ridwan Zachrie (Business winner) and Alexander Sriewijono (Social Entrepreneurship winner)

The winner selection was done not only by competitive elimination from the panel of judges but also based on democratisation. That is, through public nomination in which the rest of the UK graduates in Indonesia nominated and elected their heroes, as well as maintained communication among the alumni members.

"The 5 winners are young leaders who play their roles as change makers within their sector of professions. They are the future leaders who give inspirations to the rest of Indonesian society," explained British Council UK Education Manager, Andrias Soesilo.

This prestigious celebration was attended by many distinguished guests, including the UK Ambassador Mr Martin Hatfull, Head of Education Social and Culture Section of the Indonesian Embassy for the UK, prominent UK Alumni from government, media and business organisations, as well as key contacts from local partners, institutions and companies. This adds further recognition to UK universities as the education institutions that provide conducive environments to nurture Indonesian achievers.

Juwono Sudarsono, Indonesia Minister of Defence, was awarded the Special Honorary Achievement Award. He received the trophy from the UK Ambasssador Mr Martin Hatfull.

Concurrent to this event, British Council Indonesia also organised a job fair for UK graduates (fresh graduates and alumni) offering them contacts to 20 Indonesia's top-leading companies who are seeking potential employees to join their organisations.

The UK graduates were able to forward their CVs to the participating companies, gain knowledge about Indonesia's most wanted careers, network with professionals from participating companies, and 'reunion' with fellow alumni.

"Many thanks to British Council for the job fair! Because of this event, I got to meet old friends that I haven't seen since we left the UK. The venue's okay too. It's spacious and located strategically. The participating companies were impressive (UNDP, Chevron, Shell).Hopefully I can bag a job from one of these companies - this is one of the best job fair I've been to! So, thanks again BC!" exclaimed Nadhia Indria Dewi, a Cultural and Media Studies graduate from the University of West of England.

The Job Fair 2008 is yet another start for the UK graduates to shape future achievers in Indonesia!

For more information please contact sandra.winarsa@britishcouncil.or.id or fika.karnadewi@britishcouncil.or.id