Cambridge: A City of Stories, Strangers and Sanctuary
By Zarith Hanipah
I was deeply honoured to be invited to Cambridge University to serve on the assessment panel for its University of Sanctuary application. This was my first time participating in such a process, and to have it take place in a city so rich in academic heritage was an experience both moving and enlightening.
As someone who has worked extensively in many fields — journalism, banking, finance, education to nonprofit organizations — I brought to the panel not only my passion but my lived experience. Years ago, I served as Europe Correspondent for the Malaysia National News Agency and had the opportunity to engage with Oxford University. I remember meeting student leaders of Malaysian heritage at Wolfson College and a prominent Malaysian professor in cardiovascular research. One illustrious Malaysian student I met was at the top of his class — a reminder of the global excellence that thrives in these historic institutions. Having now visited both Oxford and Cambridge, I can appreciate their differences and similarities. Both are collegiate universities, but Cambridge had an unexpected sleekness to it — the modern buildings, the crisp pavements, and the sheer presence of green spaces stunned me.
I have always admired both Oxford and Cambridge universities for their triumphs in the BBC’s University Challenge program. But when it comes to loyalty, mine lies firmly with Bristol University, University College London (UCL), University of East London (UEL), and University of Lincoln — institutions where I have spent meaningful time and grown both intellectually and professionally. Now that I’ve had the chance to experience both Oxford and Cambridge firsthand, the idea of watching the famous Boat Race in London fills me with even more enthusiasm and appreciation, especially now that I live here.
I have several friends currently based in Cambridge. Martin Lucas-Smith, a friend of 20 years, works in the Department of Geography. Aidan Modica, a music student at Christ’s College, and Cynthia C. James, a fellow Malaysian pursuing a PhD in Education, are also studying there. While I only had time to meet Martin — who recommended we swim at the spectacular Jesus Green Lido, which I did twice — I still felt connected to a personal thread of the city.
When I arrived, I stayed first at the Arundel House Hotel. The Indian receptionist, who noticed my press pass, kindly upgraded me to a river-facing room — a small but touching gesture that made me feel seen and welcomed. Later, I moved to the Lensfield Hotel, where the Greek receptionist offered me a discounted upgrade to a double room with breakfast. These little kindnesses made me feel warmly received. These encounters reminded me that migrants are not strangers but are an essential part of the fabric that has always made this country “Great.”
Next to the hotel, I noticed a sign marking the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. The name stood out to me — not traditionally English, and not one you’d expect commemorated in such a prominent way. Curious, I later discovered that Yusuf Hamied is an Indian billionaire scientist and philanthropist who made groundbreaking contributions to medicine and affordable pharmaceuticals. His legacy and presence at Cambridge are reminders of how deeply global contributions shape the UK’s academic institutions.
In the evenings, I reflected on the diverse and global leadership I encountered throughout Cambridge — from scholars to administrators. Their presence served as a powerful rebuttal to the divisive rhetoric we hear too often from national leaders, including the recent framing of Britain as an “island of strangers.” This country, in truth, is an island of contributors. I wrote a poem that night in my hotel room, affirming this belief.
Having worked as a banker in both Malaysia and Singapore, and later as a Special Officer to the CEO of a conglomerate — designing business trips to South Korea, China, the Middle East, and Europe — I’ve seen firsthand how interwoven our futures are through global cooperation.
As Global Catalyst Ambassador for a foundation that originated from a local Indonesian conglomerate, with participation from Malaysia and The Netherlands, we initiated a Neuro-Linguistic Program (NLP) in rural Indonesian schools. During the Cambridge presentation on Partnerships in Education, I was reminded of that initiative. Cambridge has a global footprint that can create significant positive impact, and I am willing to share my expertise and experience.
I’ve also delivered parliamentary committee submissions and ministerial briefings in Malaysia and the UK. Seeing leaders and scholars at Cambridge — many from diverse backgrounds — only strengthened my conviction that migration enriches the UK in every way: economically, academically, and culturally.
Back to my Cambridge experience — the assessment day began early. At Pages Café, while meeting the other panellists, I saw an African female student cycling while reading a book — something so remarkable I couldn’t help but share it. We gathered in the Old Schools building, where we were greeted by a plaque commemorating 800 years of the university. The meeting room had a panoramic view of King’s College Chapel and was outfitted with sleek, modern tech.
(With Sarah Trewhitt from City of Sanctuary UK & Andonis Marden, Executive Director of Oxford University’s Refugee-Led Research Hub)
I felt incredibly honoured to sit next to Pro Vice-Chancellors Bhaskar Vira and Kamal Munir during the panel session, alongside three distinguished professors from Oxford University, Exeter University, and Birkbeck (University of London). To be among such accomplished individuals — each deeply committed to education and sanctuary — filled me with pride and humility. Nathan Chapman from Cambridge City Council also joined us and expressed strong interest in expanding collaborative refugee projects with the University. He was moved by a poem I shared during the visit and expressed a desire for me to recite it during Refugee Week at Cambridge University.
From left: Pro Vice Chancellors Professor Bhaskar Vira & Professor Kamal Munir
The scholars’ stories moved me deeply. A postdoctoral scholar from Afghanistan shared, with both of us tearful, the pain of having to leave her female students behind. An Iraqi scholar reflected, “It’s not brilliance, it’s persistence,” a phrase that has stayed with me. I was awestruck by a Ukrainian nuclear engineering scholar whose depth of knowledge and determination were remarkable. Another Ukrainian scholar demonstrated inspiring entrepreneurial spirit by organizing a food stall at Downing Street Church to support the local community.
Despite the areas that require further development, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. The scholars we met — from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iraq — were inspiring and affirming.
Reflecting on this moment, I felt a renewed sense of purpose that connected me to my diverse past — from global NGO work, to parliamentary committees, ministerial briefings, designing international business travel, and initiating educational programs in rural Indonesia — reenergising my passion for refugee rights and global solidarity. Currently, I’m Chairperson of the IMIX UK Steering Group Committee, Board Chair for Migrant Haven, a trustee for several UK organisations, a Voices Network Ambassador for the British Red Cross, and a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). I also actively work with Rainbow Migration and other LGBT organisations, regularly speaking in the media against harmful government policies affecting LGBT people seeking sanctuary. Additionally, I organize the Edward Carpenter Community retreat — a space where LGBTQ+ individuals share challenges and celebrate milestones in living authentically — and have been a member of the Rainbow Lunch Club since its inception at Alyth Synagogue, which provides hot food and foodbanks for displaced LGBT asylum seekers and refugees. These roles reflect my ongoing commitment to supporting displaced and marginalised communities, a commitment deepened through my time on the Cambridge assessment panel.
This experience feels like an early birthday gift, as I edge towards the end of my 30s. Given the chance again, I am looking forward to being part of the process to assess the next University to be accredited, as this country provided me the sanctuary I needed — and now, I have the chance to help make it a sanctuary for others.
