When Hiu Jack Yuan, better known as Jack, left Malaysia to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at the University of Manchester, he packed not only his luggage, but also a bright curiosity about the world around him and hopes of making said world better for students like him.
Now the Vice Chairperson of the UKECatalyst Office 2025 under the United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC), and Editor-in-Chief of CEKU, UKEC’s editorial arm that provides Malaysian students a space to exchange perspective and engage in critical dialogue, Jack represents a new generation of Malaysians abroad who are redefining what it means to give back to their homeland from a whole other continent.
Staying Connected to & Connecting Malaysians
Jack first stumbled upon UKEC “completely by accident” during a coffee chat in Malaysia before heading to the UK (United Kingdom). Yet what began as a casual suggestion soon became one of his most defining university experiences.
“I joined UKEC as an Executive Councillor for the Catalyst Office, which is the intellectual arm of the council,” he recalled. “We promote debate, writing and non-partisan discourse among Malaysian students in the UK and Ireland.”
As Vice Chairperson, Jack now leads efforts to create platforms for Malaysian students to express their ideas and concerns. His day-to-day involves stakeholder management, event planning and strategic oversight, all of which are aimed at facilitating meaningful dialogue.
“We want to maintain the high standards set by our predecessors,” he said, “but also expand our impact. Ultimately, we want more students attending our events and engaging in conversations that matter.”
UKEC, which represents over 16,000 Malaysian students across the UK and Ireland, serves as a bridge between Malaysians abroad and their home country. Beyond community building, the council plays an active role in addressing pressing issues like employability and brain drain through various initiatives such as its annual career fair. The most recent iteration connected over 4,000 students with more than 20 Malaysian companies.
“That’s one of the most tangible ways we help students,” Jack shared proudly. “We give them opportunities to see the value of returning home.”
UKEC’s purpose mirrors that of MyHeart’s Network & Connect platform, which bridges Malaysians abroad and those back home to create a global support system of shared values and aspirations.
Beyond connecting Malaysians abroad, Jack also makes time to foster his own connection to his roots. “I love Malaysia, and even more so after coming to the UK and seeing what shade of green is on the other side,” he said with a smile. “I miss the food, the vibrancy the architecture. Calling my parents every day and seeing my siblings grow up virtually always helps ties me back.”
Collaborating through CEKU: A Platform for Malaysian Ideas
Alongside his leadership role in UKEC, Jack also oversees the podcast CEKU Inspires as CEKU’s Editor-in-Chief.
“When I joined in 2024 , there weren’t any podcast episodes at all,” Jack said. “It was a brand-new initiative, and we now have six episodes with one more on the way. It’s turned out far better than we expected.”
The podcast, which has featured prominent figures such as Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (Malaysia’s former Director-General of Health), Shazmi Ali (Global Vice President of Human Resources at Shell), and Med Pang (founder of Med Salleh Kopitiam), seeks to highlight inspirational Malaysian voices both at home and abroad.
CEKU’s mission to amplify Malaysian perspectives brings to mind MyHeart’s Cherita Kita, a podcast that showcases the journeys of Malaysian students abroad. While the two podcasts differ in terms of interviewees, they both play a pivotal role in giving anak Malaysia from all walks of life a platform to make their voices heard.
“CEKU’s role has evolved over time,” Jack explained. “It used to be one of the few ways for Malaysian students to publish their opinions before blogs were common. Today, it continues to provide that same safe, non-partisan space but with a bigger mission: to reflect what young Malaysians are thinking and talking about.”
Jack hopes to see CEKU grow beyond the UK and Ireland, opening its doors to contributors from Malaysia and other parts of the world. “We’re reaching out to local Malaysian authors now,” he said. “There’s a gap back home for youths who want to share opinions but don’t know where to publish. CEKU fits that niche perfectly.”
Contributing to Nation Building, One Initiative at a Time
For Jack, the work done by UKEC and CEKU goes beyond connecting Malaysians abroad—it’s about contributing to Malaysia’s growth through advocacy and policy engagement.
From tackling brain drain to supporting students struggling with the cost of living, UKEC’s initiatives address challenges both at grassroots and national levels.
“We do surveys, gather feedback and present policy proposals to Malaysian leaders,” Jack explained. “When our Prime Minister visited the UK, we submitted a proposal on the cost-of-living crisis faced by Malaysian students. We’re also lobbying for the recognition of Durham University’s law qualifications in Malaysia.”
Jack’s own interest in policy work is reinforced through his experience as a mentee under the BMS Mentorship Programme, where he’s guided by Dr Kogila Balakrishnan, the Director of Client and Business Development (South East Asia) at the University of Warwick and a seasoned professional in public policy. “She gave me a really intimate insight into how governments make decisions, like how policies are created, refined and implemented,” he shared. “That’s the kind of knowledge I hope to bring back to Malaysia one day.”
A Call to Return Home & Ending Words of Advice
When asked about his future plans, Jack’s answer was immediate. “One hundred percent yes, definitely. I want to be close to my mom and dad, and if I don’t have Malaysian food for more than two weeks, I’d probably explode,” he quipped.
He recently completed an internship in Malaysia with PwC Consulting Financial Strategy & Operations, which gave him a taste of what life back home could look like. “It was quite a good time, as I was able to drive, had independence, and found fulfilment in my work,” he reminisced.
As for advice to other Malaysian students abroad, Jack offered this: “Put yourself out there. Try new things and engage in new communities. I joined UKEC on a blind leap of faith, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me a platform to channel my energy for Malaysia and to meet great friends along the way.”
Are you a Malaysian studying overseas looking to connect with fellow Malaysians like yourself? Join MyHeart today to not only connect but potentially collaborate with a wide network of future-minded youths around the world.
