Edzwan from Malaysia shares his experience of studying civil engineering at Brighton

Edzwan Redza Anwar is a Civil Engineering BEng graduate from Malaysia. We asked Edzwan what it was like to be an international student at the University of Brighton, and why he chose to study with us.

In his Q&A, Edzwan discusses his time as a student and highlights the benefits of studying in a diverse and inclusive city like Brighton. He also explains how his course prepared him for his career as an engineer.

What influenced you to study in the UK?

“I knew that the UK had a reputation for world-class education, with its rich history and academic rigour.  I also knew that a degree from [the UK] would be respected globally, as I have seen in the careers of my parents’ friends and my high school seniors, whose UK degrees are held in high esteem across international industries.

“I was ready to go but afraid at the same time, as I didn’t know what to expect.

“Ultimately, the chance to challenge myself in an international environment, and the quality of the education on offer made the leap of faith feel entirely worthwhile.”

What made you choose to study at the University of Brighton?

“The University of Brighton has a name of quality among successful Malaysians, and I wanted to develop and adopt those attributes. 

“Brighton recognised the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) syllabus and my diploma, which allowed me to join the second year of the programme. Upon arriving at Brighton, I knew I made the right choice as the facilities, especially for my field, were modern and designed to mimic professional environments. 

“The city itself was fun to be in! It is vibrant and creative with Victorian buildings and small alleys to remind you of the fisherman’s village it once was.

“Brighton is quieter than the big cities, which was exactly what I was looking for!”

What was your favourite thing about being a student at Brighton?

“The amazing balance! The friendly university community and the university infrastructure were enough to get you to study. I loved that I could be in a lecture in the morning, and then half an hour later, I’d be walking along the seafront or getting lost exploring the small shops in The Lanes.

“Those simple moments are what I cherish most – when the stress of an assignment was building up, just grabbing some food and watching the waves for a bit would completely clear my head.

“It never felt like just ‘going to university’ – it felt like being part of this whole, rich experience where my life wasn’t just about studying. That blend of a great academic environment and a city that’s so full of life was just perfect.”

Did you find Brighton to be a welcoming place?

“There was amazing recognition from the University of Brighton to provide a place for Muslim students to pray and gather, which was very inclusive.

“I remember during my first six months, one weekend my housemates and I decided to cook and eat together. When I told them that I have to use ‘halal’ meat as I am a Muslim, some weren’t sure about the term or had only heard of it. I explained more about it and offered to get the meat so we could cook together. We also swapped the white wine with thick broth, and everyone enjoyed the food.

“I had the opportunity to share my background with my dorm mates, and the same in return. If I had not been tolerant towards others, I would not have gained any benefit from being an overseas student, or even learned anything from the students in the host country.”

How has your degree from the University of Brighton helped prepare you for your current career?

“Based on my experiences at the University of Brighton, I continue to build my understanding of being part of the international community through engagement opportunities.

“Nowadays, I actively contribute ideas and knowledge on several international platforms. My experience includes supporting the Islamic Development Bank’s energy sector agenda across its member countries. I am now applying this expertise to a similar initiative at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which involves a faster-paced environment and a wider global scope.

“I’ve been living and working overseas for 12 years in Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and now China. This would not have been easy if I had not lived and studied in Brighton, learning to stand on my own two feet.

“My degree is fundamental to my career in every way. Academically, it gave me a strong engineering foundation to become a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Civil Engineers UK, a Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer, and Professional Technologist with the Malaysian Board of Technologist. 

“More importantly, Brighton gave me the opportunity to build my career to where I am today as a Senior Investment Officer (Energy) with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Beijing, China.

“The experience of collaborating with international students in my class honed my skills in communicating and collaborating with others. This directly prepared me for my current role where I am given international platforms to share ideas and am part of a group delivering projects across member countries. The open-mindedness, empathy and tolerance I gained are crucial for working in an international organisation.”

What advice would you give to other international students considering studying in the UK?

“My main advice is to truly embrace the entire experience. Don’t just see it as getting a degree – see it as your chapter to grow into a global citizen.

“Be proactive and step out of your comfort zone. Talk to everyone, get to know people from all backgrounds and countries, and don’t skip those student gatherings because ‘fun’ is seriously the key word!

“Be prepared for a few challenges, and a bit of homesickness. And remember, success isn’t just one big thing – it’s built through small wins. Be open, be curious, and make the most of every single day. It’s a unique opportunity that will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine yet.”

Thank you to Edzwan for sharing his experience of being a Malaysian student at the University of Brighton. Find out more about studying at Brighton.