Through his consultancy, Jaya Strategies, Rithiya helps media companies, tech startups, and public institutions adapt to the rapidly changing digital environment. His work includes:

• Advising media outlets on digital-first content strategies
• Training communications teams on platform-specific engagement

His goal is to help organisations reach wider audiences, strengthen trust with the people they serve, and create new opportunities for local communities.

He draws a comparison with streaming platforms like Netflix:

[Netflix] doesn’t show everyone the same home screen. Instead, it looks at your data, specifically your viewing history. Netflix isn’t guessing. It uses your past behaviour (data) to predict what you’ll enjoy next.

Rithiya is helping companies to do the same, and move from ‘I think this will work’, to ‘I know this works because the data shows it’.

How Chevening has supported Rithiya

On his Chevening Scholarship, Rithiya studied media management at the University of Westminster.  In his own words, the experience allowed him to:

• Deepen his understanding of global media governance, data ethics, and audience research
• Build connections with UK-based broadcasters, tech innovators, and policy thinkers
• Exchange ideas with other Chevening scholars working at the intersection of media, technology, and public engagement.

Exposure to world-class media institutions like the BBC and Ofcom has shaped his awareness of best practices, which he now adapts for Southeast Asia.

Chevening has also helped him forge international connections with others who, like him, are ready to drive meaningful positive change in their home countries. 

Chevening’s leadership network has also helped amplify my consultancy’s vision and foster regional collaborations that bridge the digital gap in underrepresented media markets.

What’s next?

Going forward, Rithiya will continue to open doors for local talent and strengthen Southeast Asia’s role in the digital future.

He plans to:

1. Launch a Digital Transformation Fellowship for Cambodian media professionals.
2. Roll out audience intelligence dashboards to help media outlets improve how they connect with people.
3. Collaborate with universities to build a media-tech innovation curriculum that blends content creation, analytics, and platform strategy.

Rithiya’s story reflects the wider Chevening community’s commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.

Take Chevening scholar and Social Media Ambassador Mariwan, currently studying for a masters in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching at King’s College London.

Committed to making language education inclusive and innovative, particularly for people from underprivileged communities, Mariwan is using his time in the UK to amplify his mission, and it’s getting noticed. Combining his expertise as an English teacher with his creativity in digital content creation, he has captured the attention of more than two million people worldwide through his online platforms.

As well as going viral, his work has also opened doors to new and unique opportunities. One of the world’s most respected academic publishers, Oxford University Press, reached out after seeing his content. They invited Mariwan to collaborate and share his experience on their Teaching English with Oxford podcast.

‘This wasn’t just a professional highlight , it was a deeply personal milestone. Following the podcast, I was invited on a private tour of the Oxford University Press… Walking through its historic halls, I was reminded of the global reach of education and the many lives transformed through language and learning.’

Mariwan is exploring how immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence can revolutionise how we teach and learn languages

‘I believe immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, will shape the future of learning. Studying in the UK has positioned me at the forefront of that transformation.’

‘Chevening gave me the opportunity to study a subject I’m deeply passionate about at one of the world’s top universities. It has opened doors to a global community of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Sharing my story is part of inspiring others to believe in theirs.’

]]> https://www.chevening.org/news/breaking-down-barriers/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:00:46 +0000 https://www.chevening.org/?post_type=news&p=24848 My name is Kavya Mukhija. I’m a Chevening scholar from India, currently studying Disability, Design and Innovation at UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub. But my journey didn’t begin at a prestigious university; it began with rejections.

As a child growing up in Delhi, I was denied admission to almost every school. I was born with a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which affects the muscles and joints across the body, and I use a wheelchair for mobility. For a long time, society saw only my disability, not my potential, not my dreams.

Among the many lessons I’ve carried with me through life, one stands taller than the rest: never stop dreaming. Back in Grade 12, I dreamt of studying in the UK. I didn’t know how or when it would happen or even if it could. But I held onto that dream quietly, fiercely.

Years later, I found myself outside Westminster station, gazing at Big Ben with a mix of awe and disbelief. I was living that very dream – pursuing a master’s degree in the UK at one of the world’s leading universities.

Kavya in front of Big Ben in London.

A transformational experience

Coming to the UK has been one of the most transformational chapters of my life, not only academically, but personally and politically. I am finally studying a course that aligns perfectly with my advocacy work back home, helping me deepen my understanding of inclusive design and disability justice.

More than anything, my time here has helped me experience what accessibility can truly look like when it is embedded in the system, not just treated as an afterthought.

At UCL East, my classrooms were equipped with height-adjustable desks. I had access to a support worker who assisted me in navigating campus and taking notes. When I couldn’t attend class due to flare-ups in my health, I didn’t fall behind; remote access to recordings and digital materials kept me going. My professors were incredibly understanding and flexible, which made a huge difference in how supported I felt as a disabled student.

Access and independence

That said, while physical accessibility is more common across UK institutions than in many parts of the world, it’s always advisable to check accessibility details in advance. Reaching out to the designated disability support staff or student services before arriving on campus can ensure that your individual access needs are met smoothly. In my case, having a Statement of Reasonable Adjustments (SoRA) in place right at the start of term made my learning journey significantly easier.

London’s public transport has also been a game-changer. While not all stations are step-free, Transport for London’s ‘Plan My Journey’ feature and the Passenger Assist app helped me navigate routes. I used wheelchair-accessible cabs for spontaneous outings and reached out to the helpful staff at railway stations. These small elements gave me the freedom to move on my own terms.

Kavya using an accessible train in the UK.

Moving forward with pride

Of course, it wasn’t always rosy. The harsh UK winters, with their biting winds and endless grey skies, were challenging. I had to learn the art of layering (and unlayering!), always carry an umbrella, and never leave my wheelchair raincoat behind.

Looking back on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride not just for what I’ve achieved, but for the barriers I’ve broken and the community I’ve found along the way. To anyone reading this who’s been told their dreams are too big, or their bodies too different – don’t stop dreaming. You never know when you’ll find yourself on the other side of the world, living a dream you once whispered to yourself, and watching Big Ben sparkle under the London sky.

]]> https://www.chevening.org/news/my-vision-for-the-future-driving-criminal-justice-reform-on-a-global-scale/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:14:41 +0000 https://www.chevening.org/?post_type=news&p=24760 Around the world arbitrary detention remains a pressing issue, with countless individuals imprisoned without legal basis or due process.

Over the past nine years, my work has spanned:

• Grassroots legal aid
• National policy reform
• International human rights advocacy in Indonesia

I’ve supported victims of arbitrary detention and contributed to legal opinions at the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. I’ve witnessed first-hand how systemic injustice continues to affect thousands, particularly in areas like the war on drugs.

I began my journey as a human rights lawyer giving legal assistance to those from poor and marginalised communities.

Eventually, I became a Strategy Manager for Criminal Justice Reform, in a development programme between the governments of Indonesia and Australia. I worked on reforms for fair trial standards, restorative justice, and high level drug policy change.

My expertise led me to contribute to arbitrary detention cases worldwide, analysing individual case complaints, applying international human rights law, and assisting in drafting opinions. I presented my research on the war on drugs and its link to arbitrary detention to the UN WGAD at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, emphasising the human cost of punitive policies.

My presentation exposed the real life human impact of policies, shaping the Working Group’s understanding and engagement.

Chevening’s impact

The Chevening experience plays a transformative role in deepening my capacity to advocate for meaningful reform in criminal justice systems, both in Indonesia and on a global scale. I’m currently studying an LLM and serving as a Research Assistant at the Essex Law School in the UK, contributing to several research projects on drug policy and human rights in partnership with academics, UN agencies, and NGOs.

During my time here, I’ve co-chaired and co-organised the 17th Annual Human Rights in Asia Conference at the University of Essex, providing a crucial platform to examine the intersection of environmental justice, human rights, and forced migration in the region.

I’ve remained committed to advancing justice, ending arbitrary detention and ensuring human rights protections are upheld in both national and global systems.

Chevening empowers me to build on this foundation by gaining advanced academic training in international human rights law, criminal justice reform, and evidence-based policymaking at a leading UK university.

Equally important is the opportunity to be part of the Chevening global network, a diverse and dynamic community of changemakers. Chevening not only equips me with the tools I need to scale my impact, but connect me with a global network of allies committed to justice, accountability and human dignity.

What’s next?

After completing my studies in the UK, I plan to return to Indonesia and take on a leadership role in shaping criminal law and drug policy reform at both national and regional levels. I’ll work with civil society organisations, government bodies, and international partners to advocate for legislative changes that promote fair trial standards, reduce mass incarceration, and shift from punitive to restorative approaches.

Academically and professionally, I plan to build on my work as a Research Assistant. I hope to lead further evidence-based research that influences national and international policy, bringing the lived experiences of detainees into global conversations and reform processes.

I’ll continue engaging with international human rights bodies like the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, where I previously contributed through the Arbitrary Detention Redress Unit.

My goal is to strengthen advocacy at the UN level to hold governments accountable, promote country visits and support victims of unjust detention.

By combining strategic policy work, international advocacy, and community-rooted legal reform, I hope to drive sustainable change that upholds dignity, fairness, and the rule of law for all.

My name is Sarah, a Chevening scholar from Thailand and a transgender activist with a passion for using media to drive social change. 

Being selected as a Chevener is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Studying in the UK has always been one of my ultimate goals – one I’ve pursued since I was 12 years old. Chevening has made that dream a reality. 

Coming from a lower-middle-income family in the northeastern region of Thailand, with no one in my family ever having studied abroad, this opportunity is deeply meaningful.  

In the interview room, I told the judges: ‘If I’m selected, I will be a light of hope for every LGBTQ+ person in Thailand – as a living example that everything is possible.’

My victory matters – especially for the trans community around the world – as proof that anything is possible, regardless of gender identity or background. 

Using media for activism 

As a transgender activist who has used media to pave the way for gender activism in Thailand, studying for my master’s in the UK strengthens my future online advocacy. My wish is to pave the way for trans rights and inclusivity in Thailand – through the legalisation of gender recognition laws, access to free healthcare and surgery for trans individuals, and more gender education in schools. 

Alongside my work as an educator, I volunteer as a trans activist mentor at Young Trans Club in Chiang Mai. I hope to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained in the UK to the next generation of activists so they can continue advancing rights for the community. For me, this journey isn’t just about personal growth – it’s about being part of something bigger: the development of gender activism and media education in Thailand. 

As a media personality, I’ve used my platform to advocate for equal rights, inspire others, and help people believe in themselves and live with purpose. This Chevening opportunity empowers me to do that on an even greater scale – nationally and internationally. 

Finding home in Brighton 

For me, Pride Month is full of hope, opportunity, and inclusivity for queer people. It’s not only a time for celebration, but also a time to protest for equal rights and dignity. 

Living in Brighton truly means experiencing inclusion and diversity. As the UK’s well-known ‘gay capital,’ Brighton feels like a second home to me. 

Trishaa (India) and Mariana (Mexico) have fully embraced the spirit of giving back during their Chevening Scholarship! Their volunteering efforts reflect core Chevening values of leadership, influence, and a commitment to driving positive change.

This National Volunteers Week, we’ve invited them to give us an insight into their experience volunteering.

What inspired you to volunteer during your scholarship? 

What do you think it means to be a Chevening scholar?

What impact have you seen from your volunteering?

Trishaa: One of the most tangible contributions I made was improving the efficiency of stock rotation at the PDSA charity shop. By ensuring that donated items were sorted, priced, and displayed quickly, I helped increase the turnover of goods, which directly boosted sales and fundraising efforts.

Week by week, I took initiative to systematically organise the basement, creating clear sections and labelling systems. This improved accessibility, sped up rotation, and maximised the use of available donations. As a result, local sales improved, directly contributing to increased funds for animal care.

Mariana: During each session, my volunteering team would cook meals for between 20 and 70 people depending on the day and location. I was able to see the impact of our volunteering not only in terms of how many meals were served, but also in terms of how happy the guests left after having lunch. Guests even wrote letters to thank us for cooking for them!

Volunteering has inspired me to continue with a project that involves food as a nudge for community building, which is an essential ingredient for social justice.

Learn more about volunteering with Chevening!

Volunteering on a Chevening Scholarship gives the chance to not only create meaningful change in the UK, but develop new skills and experiences to take back home. It allows scholars to stay engaged, continue to apply their skills in real-world settings, and connect with local communities. It strengthens Cheveners’ insight, empathy, and leadership skills for driving impact when they return home.

This year, with the 2024-25 Chevening cohort, VolunteeringMatters and Chevening have provided 9 volunteer days and over 100 additional opportunities and networks for scholars to tap into. From building community gardens to supporting isolated members of the community, we hear from the organisations involved, how Chevening scholars have been positively impacting those around them.

Centre404

Centre 404 is a lifeline for families across eight London boroughs, providing friendly, reliable, and person-centred support for people with learning disabilities, autism, and their families. Their services give both children and adults a voice, a sense of belonging, and access to meaningful day activities and one-to-one support.

Cheveners stepped up, bringing enormous energy to Centre 404 at Christmas, wrapping hundreds of presents!

“Chevening students had come from all over the world… their enthusiasm was infectious… The main bulk of the day was taken up with the wrapping of over 200 presents for service users… It was wonderful to see the way that the pile of presents grew larger and larger. They all worked so hard and were so enthusiastic, it was a pleasure to host the day.”

Plant MCR 

Plant MCR transforms underused urban spaces across Manchester, creating thriving community gardens that boost local biodiversity, improve mental wellbeing, and strengthen community ties. They’re been turning grey spaces into green, life-filled places.

Chevening scholars made a tangible impact with the help of gardening experts, helping nature flourish in the heart of the city.

“We had a really great time with the Chevening volunteers. They were engaging, enjoyed the activities we had set up for them, and were all happy to chat away to us, sharing their own plant and garden experiences along with what their life in the UK has been like.”

Ouseburn Trust

The Ouseburn Trust is dedicated to protecting and celebrating the Ouseburn Valley. Working closely with volunteers, the local authority, and local businesses, the Trust helps shape a thriving, sustainable environment, enhancing the Valley by preserving its unique heritage and precious ecosystem.

Chevening scholars got their hands dirty and cleared the way to make it more accessible for the public.

“We achieved a lot! A woodland path cleared, planted beds weeded, and footpaths at a heritage site made more accessible. The group brought so much energy and enthusiasm, and their efforts were recognised by people passing by. The session supervisor was really impressed by how engaged people were in the tasks, and the interest they showed in the local area. The whole experience was excellent.”

Pets as Therapy

The Pets As Therapy Hub is a grassroots initiative to support individuals in the community who feel isolated or disconnected from loved ones. Through the power of animal companionship, the Hub brings comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of wellbeing to those who need it most.

Chevening scholars brought incredible energy and compassion, helping shy attendees come out of their shells.

“The volunteers changed our session into a wonderful multi-generational session filled with laughter and joy. The laughter from lots of our attendees was really memorable and one of the usual attendees who is usually quite reserved really opened up to our volunteers.”

Lean more about volunteering during your Chevening Scholarship and hear from scholars about their experiences!

From career break to social impact

I was motivated to return to academia not just for a career break, but to drive positive change in society through my research on supporting carers in corporate workplaces.

The inspiration for this topic comes from my experience of caring for my grandmother outside of a full-time job in Hong Kong, and the realisation that this issue is becoming increasingly discussed within academia and industry due to global ageing. These experiences sparked my ambition of leading change through interdisciplinary research, combining my professional training and background in medical anthropology.

Through the Chevening Scholarship, I hope to strengthen not just my academic expertise, but also the leadership skills and global network needed to translate insights into sustainable impact.

Challenges and strengths of a mature student

Going from working 9-to-5 to sitting in 9AM lectures was certainly challenging to begin with. I had to invest significantly more time and effort into catching up with the core readings compared to younger students, who had studied the material more recently. However, being a mature student has its advantages! For example, I found that my professional skills helped me manage my research project effectively and approach academic theory with a practical, real-world perspective – enriching both my essays and contributions to class discussions. Additionally, the Chevening community has been instrumental in supporting me since day one. Particularly the scholars at my university, they have become my extended family, cheering me on during tough times and keeping me motivated to continue striving for what I came back to academia to achieve.

Advice for future Chevening applicants

My biggest piece of advice for working professionals considering a career break to pursue a Chevening Scholarship is to see it as an investment in your long-term growth, both personally and professionally.

Aside from your studies, consider ways to get involved in your university’s societies or any Chevening volunteering events to strengthen your leadership skills and expand your connections to benefit future collaboration and job opportunities. Learning is lifelong, it’s never too late to study. However, returning to university requires readjusting, which is why planning for the transition is essential. If it’s your first time studying in the UK, exploring the blog posts shared by other scholars about their experiences is a great place to start.

Finally, stop doubting and start believing, because you will never know until you try!

It took some trial and error, but I eventually found my feet. So, I’m sharing some tips to hopefully make your transition a little smoother too! 

#1 Master your schedule 

When the professors said that each of the three units in a semester would require at least 17 hours of independent work per week, I realised that I had to get serious about time management. 

That’s where Google Calendar became a lifesaver.

I started blocking out time for everything including deep work, meals, breaks and even self-care, to avoid the illusion of free time between classes. 

But don’t stress out if something goes unplanned, that’s the beauty of life! Your schedule is there to give you structure, not to pressure you into unrealistic perfectionism.     

#2 Break your study sessions into smaller chunks

Long study marathons?

No, thanks! I prefer the Pomodoro Technique where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, you take a longer break (around 15-30 minutes).  

I usually pair my Pomodoro sessions with some background music, it helps me stay focused without feeling like I’m drowning in silence.  My go-to playlists?  

• Lo-fi beats for deep concentration 

• Bridgerton-style classical pop when I want something lively but not distracting 

• Jazz blues for the rainy days 

The key is to keep your sessions short and focused. It’s much easier to push through knowing you’ve got a break coming up. Plus, those little 5-minute pauses are the perfect time to grab a coffee, stretch, or just look out the window and reset. 

#3 Choose the most comfortable study space

Where you study matters.

Sometimes I need to be surrounded by noise, especially when I’m working on something more practical, like slides for our start-up from the Idea to Launch unit.

On those days, I head to the Centre for Innovation on campus or my favourite café. The background chatter helps me stay energised and focused.  

Then there are the deep-focus days, when I have to power through readings or craft a tricky essay. For that, I go straight to the Wills Memorial Library, the sacred spot for every University of Bristol student. 

And when deadlines are looming, I become a bit of a study nomad, hopping from one spot to another to recharge between sessions.

Walking from place to place helps clear my mind and gives me a mental reset before diving back in. 

 #4 Keep all your notes in one place

Back home, I used to have notes scattered across countless Google Docs, and surprise, surprise, I could never find them when I actually needed them. I’d tell myself I’d go back and organise them later, but of course, that almost never happened. It was chaos. 

When I got here, I realised I needed a better system. There are plenty of free organisers out there; OneNote, Evernote, Notion. I ended up going with Notion and it’s free-to-use templates.

Now I have a single space for everything including lecture notes, research links, readings, and even my to-do lists, all organised and easy to access.

#5 Lean into your support system

My programme is mostly project-based, with a group assignment for almost every subject, and at first, I was quite sceptical about it. Turns out, it’s one of the best parts of the experience.

Seeing how hard other people are working motivates me to push harder, too. Plus, working with others makes it easier to share interesting readings, get feedback, and have genuinely productive discussions. 

It’s not just about motivation, though – it’s about perspective. Talking through ideas with others helped me think more critically and creatively. Even for individual assignments, I now prefer to sit with my studious friends and work alongside them. 

And if your programme doesn’t have built-in group work? Create your own study group. Text some local Cheveners and suggest a study session, you’d be surprised how much more productive (and less lonely) it feels when you’re working with others. 

To sum up, adjusting to student life after working full-time is tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding challenges you’ll face as a Chevener. If you can find a system that keeps you focused, balanced, and connected, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you adapt. 

You’ve already made it this far –  trust yourself to figure out the rest! Good luck!  

My name is Samarjeet Thapa and through the Chevening Scholarship I graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Bath. After working in the international development sector for six years, I had been looking for a programme that would equip me with the right skillset to transition to the private sector. The course had both an academic curriculum and the chance to work on real projects with real companies.

The application process with the university was very smooth. While I was being interviewed, I was able to understand the program’s emphasis on career development for those trying to enhance their current trajectories and also for those who wished to make a career transition.

Learning through real projects

The coursework in the MBA was the perfect blend of academic learning and practical experience, finding business solutions for real clients.

Studying with classmates from different professional backgrounds, with expertise honed over at least three years, made this experience even more enriching. I was coming out of group projects with a whole new skillset and friendships, with successful project completions religiously marked with social activities on campus or around town.

Getting career support that really helped

The careers team worked with me throughout. Weekly sessions covered a wide array of topics from producing high quality CVs to working the LinkedIn algorithm to become more visible. The team provided me with mentors and coaches, of whom held solid expertise in industry, helping me understand and play to my strengths.

Turning learning into impact

The University of Bath and Chevening Scholarship were instrumental in my professional development.

The MBA programme’s emphasis on leadership has taught me to make decisions based on the values I built during my time at the university.

Back in my home country now, I am in a unique role remotely consulting for a Bath and London-based sustainability solutions provider looking to expand their business into new markets.

Final thoughts

Are you thinking about a career pivot?

Samarjeet’s story is proof that with the right support and mindset, it’s absolutely possible. Chevening opens doors – and this scholar stepped through with purpose at the University of Bath.