Westminster alumni win British Council's Study UK Alumni Awards across nations

The British Council held one of their Study UK Alumni Awards national awards ceremony in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 29 January. This year, four Westminster alumni have been awarded across multiple categories, with two winners and two finalists.

The first winner is Munira Begmuratova who received the Science and Sustainability Award. This Award recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, demonstrating the impact of their achievements in their profession and beyond. Munira graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate of Teaching and Learning and is a Senior Software Engineer and Community Leader at Toptal, a global network of IT talent. She is an active speaker at events, promoting IT and entrepreneurship among young adults. Munira chose to study at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) as she felt it was the only institution that aligned with her aspirations to study in an environment that fosters independence and critical thinking. Munira aims to launch her own start-up, and along her journey, is committed to supporting others in realising their entrepreneurial dreams.

Financial Economics BSc Honours graduate Shakhbozjon Ibodullaev is the second winner, receiving the Business and Innovation Award. This Award honours alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, which have the potential for growth. As a Trade Advisor at the British Embassy in Tashkent, he strengthens economic and trade ties between Uzbekistan and the UK, notably facilitating the first-ever UK Export Finance-backed transaction in Uzbekistan for Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine.

Previously, as Head of Investor Relations at JSCB Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank, he played a key role in Uzbekistan’s first Eurobond issuance, raising £240 million, and securing £20 million in green financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for sustainable projects. His work supports Uzbek businesses, attracts foreign investment and aids the country's global economic integration.

Finalist Gulnaz Bektemirova was recognised in the Social Action Award, which celebrates alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving lives. Gulnaz graduated in 2023 with a Master’s in Learning and Teaching and was appointed Director of Student Support Services at the WIUT in 2018. In this role, Gulnaz has led on the reforms in student affairs, development and co-ordination of a range of student support services, including most recently diversity and inclusion support. Prior to this, over the past 15 years at the WIUT, she has held the roles of the Deputy Dean on Learning, Course Leader and Lecturer in Business Studies.

Finalist Aziza Pulatova, a multidisciplinary producer and artist shaping Uzbekistan’s creativity, was in the Culture and Creativity Award category, which recognises alumni who have carved a career in arts and culture by demonstrating their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity. The WIUT graduate in Business Administration co-founded and serves as Executive Producer of the Ministry of Culture (MOC), which fosters the independent arts sector. She is also the founder and producer of Hendrix Films, specialising in commercial video and independent cinema production. Aziza has produced films for major international exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale in 2022 and 2024 and Documenta Fifteen in 2022, and she has contributed to the design of the Venice Biennale’s Uzbekistan Pavilion in 2021.

As Executive Producer of MOCFEST and Stihia Festival, she merges art, music and environmental advocacy. Additionally, Aziza leads educational initiatives to develop creative talent and creates mixed-media art installations.

Brazil hosted the Study UK Alumni Awards national awards ceremony on 20 February, where Alessandra Maria de Albuquerque Reis was recognised as a finalist in the Science and Sustainability category. The 2018 graduate in International Planning and Sustainable Development MA is now the Smart City Coordinator at Curitiba Agency for Development and Innovation. With a background in architecture and urban planning, Alessandra has played a key role in Curitiba’s sustainability initiatives, international collaborations and smart city projects. Her leadership helped integrate sustainable and innovative solutions into the city’s urban development strategies, including programmes such as Pinhão Valley and the Municipal Plan for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change.

Alessandra’s experience studying in London provided her with a global perspective on urban challenges and innovation. Upon returning to Curitiba, she applied her knowledge to advance smart city policies and secure international recognition for the city. Her contributions have led to Curitiba receiving multiple awards, including the Smart City Expo World Award and Seoul Smart Prize. She has also remained active in mentoring aspiring Chevening scholars, participating in selection interviews and organising events to promote sustainable development and professional growth. Her journey exemplifies the impact of international education on urban innovation and policy-making.

Turkey hosted a national awards ceremony on 20 March, with Gaurav Henry being a finalist in the Business and Innovation category. As the Co-founder and CMO of ReelCraft, an AI-driven platform for creating immersive animated story videos, Gaurav credits much of his success to his time at the University. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled the transformative impact of his mentor, Nicholas Lambrou, whose teachings on business process modelling became instrumental in shaping ReelCraft’s seamless and scalable design.

During his studies, Gaurav worked on real-world projects that reinforced the importance of practical application over theory such as the NHS smart card implementation and the London Underground’s automated top-up system. These projects not only honed his problem-solving skills but also laid the foundation for his work at ReelCraft. Passionate about UK education, he actively encourages aspiring students to study abroad, emphasising the unparalleled exposure, diverse cultural experiences and hands-on learning that shaped his career.

David Brooks, Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Westminster, said: “We’re so proud of the success of our alumni. The range of achievements across such diverse areas is remarkable, and it’s fantastic that they have been recognised by the British Council through the Study UK Alumni Awards. The continued recognition of our alumni though these Awards demonstrates the significant impact our graduates make around the world.”

The alumni’s achievements directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about our alumni.