For the third consecutive year, University of Westminster alumnus and philanthropist Ken Subraj has created life-changing opportunities for students through a programme of awards and international internships, helping individuals develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed in their future careers.
As a graduate of the Regent Street Polytechnic, one of Westminster’s predecessor institutions, Ken remains committed to supporting the University that helped shape his own journey. This year, he has generously recognised students’ achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, diligence and real estate development with Ken Subraj Awards, and has funded international work placements with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM).
To celebrate the achievements of this year's recipients, Ken Subraj Award winners, UN IOM interns from 2024, 2025 and 2026, their families, academic colleagues and members of Ken's team gathered at the Royal Festival Hall on 22 July. The event celebrated student success and the impact of Ken's ongoing support, as well as provided an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, aspirations and future plans, while connecting with fellow students, alumni and supporters.
Students were given awards across several categories. For the Diligence and Entrepreneurship/Intrapreneurship category, Business Management (Entrepreneurship) BA Honours students Taras Krivosh and Ashton Williams-Brown received the first and second prize awards, while for the Postgraduate Award, Human Resource Management MA student Adeola Adefulu took home first place and Accounting and Finance MSc student Aadel Abarra took the second place prize. The winner of the Development Project category was Real Estate BSc Honours student Michal Rainda, with fellow classmate Veer Larh coming in second place.
The celebrations concluded with an academic dinner hosted by Ken. Guests were joined by Professor David Dabydeen, an internationally acclaimed writer, academic and former Ambassador of Guyana to UNESCO. The evening reflected Ken's enduring connection to Westminster and his belief in the power of education to transform lives and create opportunities for future generations.
Ken’s continued support for the UN IOM has enabled 12 students to undertake international internships across Europe and Africa this year. These internships offer students a unique opportunity to gain professional experience within a global organisation working on issues ranging from migration and sustainable development to humanitarian response and disaster preparedness.
Since Ken first began supporting the programme, 37 Westminster students have benefited from these international opportunities, gaining an invaluable experience that will shape their future careers and broaden their understanding of global challenges.
Ken's commitment to supporting students is rooted in his own experience. After moving to London from Guyana at the age of 20, he studied Engineering at the Regent Street Polytechnic while building a new life in the UK. Through determination, hard work and entrepreneurial ambition, he established a successful international career in structural engineering, working on major projects across South America and the Middle East. He later joined forces with his brothers to build Zara Realty, which has grown into one of New York's leading property ownership and management companies.
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University, said: “Ken’s continued generosity is creating genuinely transformative opportunities for our students. Through these awards and internships, he is not only recognising their talent and hard work but giving them access to experiences, networks and professional environments that can shape the course of their global careers and hopefully follow in his footsteps! We are enormously grateful for Ken’s enduring commitment to Westminster. He is so very proud of the institution where it all started for him, and we are all proud to see the impact of his support grow year after year.”
Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad, Director of Employability and Project Lead of the IOM at the University, added: “The continued support of Ken Subraj has been transformative for our students and the University of Westminster's partnership with IOM. His generosity has enabled students from diverse backgrounds to access prestigious international internships that would otherwise be out of reach. These placements provide invaluable professional experience while building confidence, broadening global perspectives and developing the skills and networks needed for international careers. It has been inspiring to see many interns make meaningful contributions to IOM and go on to secure roles within the UN system and the wider international development sector.”
Ken’s support directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To find out more about how alumni and supporters can create opportunities for students through scholarships, prizes and internships, contact the Development Team.
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