INTERNATIONALLY • Quantedge - Cambridge Masters Scholarships • Voices
Syazwi Rahmad
Building a kinder world through public policy
Syazwi is a recipient of the Quantedge – Cambridge Masters Scholarship, pursuing his MPhil in Public Policy at the University of Cambridge.
At Cambridge, Syazwi engaged with a diverse, international cohort, gaining new perspectives on policy and governance. His academic experience has been complemented by a work placement at think tank Power to Change, where he contributed to research on social capital and community businesses. Looking ahead, Syazwi hopes to apply these insights to public policy and social outcomes.
To me, public policy is about…
making a difference in people’s lives. Policymaking means recognising that decisions have real human consequences – and taking seriously what it means for people to live under those policies.
This scholarship means...
opening doors to dreams my 10-year-old self could never have dared imagine. As my first scholarship, it is a recognition that your starting point does not define your future – with support, perseverance, and opportunity, success is within reach.
My perfect day at Cambridge involves...
going for a walk, basking in the evening sun in spring, and enjoying the beauty of the quaint town. After a day of studying, I would treat myself to a cone of ice cream from Jack’s Gelato.
The world I hope to help build is one that is...
kind, compassionate, and human-centric – one that supports those who fall through the cracks. and recognises the value of community spaces and businesses as social infrastructures that build cohesion, belonging, and identity. I also hope for a world that balances progress with well-being, community and environmental responsibility.
A perspective I’ve gained from my time at Cambridge is that…
meaningful dialogue happens when you engage with different viewpoints with respect. Being exposed to diverse perspectives has taught me to approach my work with greater balance and humility.
In ten years, I hope to...
play an active role in shaping human-centric policymaking that improves lives, while inspiring and guiding the next generation, especially those from backgrounds where opportunities may not always feel within reach.
One piece of advice I'd give to a student from a similar background is...
Never let fear and doubt hold you back. Do not be afraid to reach out for help; you do not have to navigate everything alone. In difficult times, remember that your background is not a limitation. It can be a source of strength.
