Master’s student represents UCA at
Buckingham Palace reception

MA Design, Innovation & Brand Management student Sid Oupathana visited Buckingham Palace – by Royal Appointment – last month.

20 Feb 2023

Sid, who hails from Laos, was invited to the reception, hosted by King Charles III and the Queen Consort to celebrate British East and South-East Asian communities in the UK.

“It was the greatest moment of my life, meeting the Royal Family, said Sid. “I felt very honoured to meet them. I managed to share my stories with the Duchess of Gloucester about how I would use my degree to improve the branding industries in Laos.”

Sid is studying for his Master’s degree at UCA Epsom as part of a world-class scholarship programme called Chevening.

Chevening allows students to live and study in the UK, develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture and strengthen the collaboration between their home country and the UK.

Sid said: “The UK has a world-class level of education, which encouraged me to apply.

“In Laos I set up a local electrical brand, which led to the self-realisation that it could be much more if I had a UK education.” 

Building on his passion for; technology innovation and branding, his MA will provide the skills to become a leader in branding and marketing back in his home country.

Sid’s career plans for when he returns home include creating a successful national brand; improving the perception of locally made products; creating more creative educational opportunities through collaboration with the UK, and creating a platform and community to inspire and support young creatives.

“At UCA I’ve enjoyed making new friends and connecting with other international students through my role as president of the language society,” he said. “I have learned a lot of subjects and enjoyed academic discussions with tutors and lecturers, all of which has taught me game-changing skills for achieving my ultimate career goals.”

To learn more about learning more skills for business, visit UCA’s Business School for the Creative Industries.