Alumni Awards 2025
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Music MA alum triumphs at prestigious Alumni Awards 2025
Monday, 24 February, 2025On 20 February Music MA alum, Dr. Ken Chong was crowned one of four winners of the 2025 Alumni Awards in Singapore, recognised in the Culture and Creativity category.
Developed by the British Council and UK universities, the Awards launched in 2014 to recognise outstanding alumni of UK universities. The Awards are open to alumni residing in any country outside the UK, who have been awarded a full degree-level qualification (or higher) by a UK university within the last 15 years.
The Awards recognises leaders in their respective fields who have used their experience studying at a UK university to positively contribute to their communities, professions, and countries.
Ken’s success showcases the impact and value of an education from BSU and celebrates his exemplary work since graduating.
Discussing his time at the University, he said:
"Bath Spa University's constructivist approach, which helps students identify their passion and then provides scaffolding for independent learning towards it, is the reason for achieving excellence."
Ken garnered international recognition after selling almost half of the songs he submitted for his final project at BSU. One song composed as part of his final project at BSU to popular Singaporean singer and songwriter, Stefanie Sun who has earned widespread acclaim in the Chinese-speaking world.
His chart-topping song, Rainbow Bot featured on her 2016 EP by Universal Music Taiwan. Discussing his whirlwind success, Ken said:
“This song was chosen by Apple Music in that same year to be used in promotional material and announced as an exclusive early release on the launch of Apple Music in China. The song went on to win several awards. It goes without saying how this song might have impacted listeners and fans of Stefanie Sun in China and beyond.”
Following the success of Rainbow Bot, Ken decided to pursue a career in teaching, hoping to pass on the knowledge he had gained to budding artists and music teachers. He also got accepted into a PhD programme at Nanyang Technological University, where he completed a thesis on songwriting.
Currently lecturing at Nanyang Technological University, Republic Polytechnic, and The Songwriter Music College, Ken’s career in music influences his teaching methods. He said:
“I hope to inspire my students to take their schoolwork seriously. You never know the positive snowball effect it might bring.”
BSU’s Chancellor, Sharanjit Leyl recorded a video message to congratulate Ken on his remarkable achievement which was shown at the ceremony in Singapore last week.
“I'm especially thrilled about your win, Ken because just like you, I'm Singaporean too. I love the fact that you’ve won for Culture and Creativity. Culture and creativity are what we’re known for here at Bath Spa University. It’s a university that exemplifies creativity, curiosity, and confidence. So, thank you Ken for making us proud. And especially, Bath Spa proud."
Singaporean winners recognised alongside Ken include individuals in the award categories for Business and Innovation, Science and Sustainability, and Social Action.