UKECATALYST
Introducing UKECatalyst!
UKECatalyst serves as the intellectual branch of UKEC, with the aim of stimulating more intellectual discourse among Malaysian students in the United Kingdom and Ireland. We strive to spark interest and curiosity in current and crucial Malaysian issues through spearheading our flagship, Projek Amanat Negara since 2003, regional events called Coffee n Conversation, UKEC’s in-house publication called CEKU and a step-by-step guide to the world of speaking up and critical thinking through Catalyst Classroom.
WHAT WE DO
PROJEK
AMANAT
NEGARA
COFFEE
N'
CONVERSATION
CEKU
UKECATALYST 2024/2025
Amirah Mardhiah binti Abu Bakar
Vice-Chairperson of the UKECares Office
3rd Year, BSc Psychology
University of Southampton
Ian Azril Goh Bin Adrian Adnan Goh
Executive Councillor
UKECatalyst
2nd Year, BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of Warwick
Hiu Jack Yuan
Executive Councillor
UKECatalyst
1st Year, BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of Manchester
Toh Ding Xi
Executive Councillor
UKECatalyst
1st Year, BSc Mathematics and Statistical Sciemnce
University College London
Muhammad Afif Bin Muhammad Azlan
Executive Councillor
UKECatalyst
1st Year, BSc Accouting and Finance
University of Warwick
Muhammad 'Aqil bin Mohd Azri
Executive Councillor
UKECatalyst
2nd Year, BA(Econs) Economics and Finance
University of Manchester
PROJEK AMANAT NEGARA
In its 22nd edition, PAN XXII 2025 embraces the theme, “The tree of the future grows from the seed in the past” (Benih Masa Lalu, Tunas Masa Hadapan), as a call to rediscover Malaysia’s roots while crafting a forward-looking vision for its future. This year’s proud hosts of PAN XXII are Sheffield Malaysian Students Association (SMSA) and The University of Sheffield Malaysian and Singaporean Society (MASSOC). Held at the University of Sheffield Students’ Union, this unique one-day forum invites participants to reflect on the nation’s historical milestones, assess its present challenges, and contribute to a collective vision for sustainable progress.
The event will symbolically weave Malaysia’s growth journey through a metaphorical tree, with each session representing stages of growth—planting seeds of patriotism, nurturing the branches of progress, and showcasing a fully matured ecosystem ready for collaboration and innovation. From bold strategies that redefined Malaysia’s response to the 1997 financial crisis to cutting-edge solutions for global challenges, PAN XXII 2025 will examine critical crossroads in the nation's history. It aims to inspire unity, foster cross-sectoral collaboration, and cultivate a shared sense of purpose to ensure Malaysia thrives in an ever-changing world.
Reflecting on the foundational principles of Malaysia’s identity, this session explores how love for the nation and resilience have shaped the country’s trajectory.
Focusing on Malaysia’s export-driven economy, this discussion addresses the role of STEM and sustainability in maintaining global competitiveness amidst shifting trends.
A thought-provoking discussion on the relevance and possible refinements of crucial Malaysian policies.
Diving deeper into critical topics such as the national education system, ethical AI practices, and social challenges like bullying, these sessions aim to foster actionable solutions and cross-sectoral understanding.
Celebrating youth leadership and the power of collaboration, this session envisions Malaysia as a thriving ecosystem, drawing on the strengths of diverse sectors to address complex national challenges.
Through its thought-provoking programme, PAN XXII offers a space for robust discussions, shared insights, and collaborative visioning, ensuring that every participant leaves with a renewed sense of national pride and identity.
COFFEE N CONVERSATION CnC
Traditionally called Coffee n Conversation, CnC is a regional initiative by UKECatalyst that focuses on student centric discussions on a niche topic in a fun and engaging setting. This platform provides students with opportunities to learn about interesting topics of their interest, share their opinions, and foster lifetime friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
This year, CnC aims to tackle relevant and important issues that are close to students by sparking conversations in a welcoming and engaging environment:
- Confidence built through a 15-minute presentation of Catalyst Classroom by the Vice Chairperson of UKECatalyst
- Moderated discussions led by the UKECatalyst Office Executive Councillors
- Painting sessions including batik painting to promote creativity.
- Artist and student exhibitions to increase engagement.
- Opening keynote sessions featuring experts in the field.
- Dance, art and education workshops!
- University of Northumbria - Career n Conversation
- University of Lancaster - Creativity n Conversation
- University of Warwick - Culture n Conversation
- Oxford Brookes University - Classroom n Conversation
Stay tuned as a Coffee n Conversation may be coming to your region soon. Let’s encourage more Malaysian students to boost their confidence and sharpen their critical thinking skills!
CEKU
CEKU is UKEC’s editorial and publishing arm, founded in 1996. CEKU was, and always is, about championing student activism through the written medium. For instance, CEKU 2008’s Editorial team was led by a team of inspiring and now successful writers, with Shahril Sufian bin Hamdan being Chief Editor. Their articles touched on topics such as The Nobles and Their Obligations which touched on the responsibility of the privileged to give back to its community, and Cruelty is A Matter of Choice, Not Transparent Blouses which discussed on how rape is the ultimate exercise of power abuse. CEKU 2008 was one of the rarest years where its edition was printed into a hard copy magazine.
The current CEKU is under the purview of the UKECatalyst Office with the Vice Chairperson of UKECatalyst Office being the Editor-In-Chief. CEKU 2024/2025 aims to bring a new reform with a mixed team of UKECatalyst Executive Councillors and passionate outsourced students. We aim to have the following components:
Our CEKU Team takes on controversial and political topics, aiming to catalyse change.
The CEKU Team pens their outlook across all topics, enhancing awareness and activism.
Voices of Malaysian students in the UK, Ireland and Malaysia, translated in written medium.
Seasonal celebrations/significant events condensed in the form of infographics. (on CEKU's Instagram page only)
Inspirational conversations with notable and relatable figures, spreading wisdom and hope.
Stay tuned to UKEC’s first podcast series, CEKU Inspires, where the CEKU Editorial team sits with inspirational figures from various fields and backgrounds. With one episode published every month, CEKU Inspires started strong with the first three episodes having featured key industry figures including Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah.