Cardiff Business School graduate Wael Abdin wins prestigious AMBA Student of the Year Award 2025, in association with GMAC, in the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards

The ceremony was attended by more than 200 business school leaders, as well as category finalists, judges and members of the media.

The AMBA Student of the Year Award plays a pivotal role in supporting AMBA’s pledge to support the MBA degree’s status as the leading international business qualification.

The AMBA Student of the Year Award recognises students who have shown exceptional career potential and who AMBA believes can act as ambassadors for the high quality of accredited MBAs and the opportunities these programmes provide for students.

This award doesn’t just recognise ‘straight-A’ students but also focuses on leadership potential and career progression.

Wael Abdin is Cardiff Business School’s first blind Executive MBA student and his participation has significantly benefited the programme. As module leaders state:

“Wael significantly enhanced my teaching delivery style and content, driving me to seek innovative methods of engagement to foster inclusivity”.

“A very intellectual and enthusiastic student. His perspective on Sudan enriched class discussions, particularly when talking about international business culture”.

“Wael has consistently demonstrated unwavering determination, resilience, and an exceptional commitment to academic excellence. His approach to learning is characterised by meticulous preparation, innovative problem-solving, and a remarkable ability to engage with complex material in unique and insightful ways”.

Wael Abdin said of his win, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family and the Cardiff Business School for their unwavering support. As a blind individual, this recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Sudan. Despite the challenges that come with being blind, I have been able to establish my own legal practice, achieve recognition in Chambers and Partners, and lead a new trans partisan political party in Sudan. My journey is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and the support of loved ones, we can overcome any obstacles. Additionally, my efforts to launch a digital legal platform aim to make legal services more accessible and affordable to all. This award serves as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, we can all achieve great things.”

Tim Edwards, Dean and Head of Cardiff Business School, said, “Wael has consistently demonstrated unwavering determination, resilience, and an exceptional commitment to academic excellence. His approach to learning is characterised by meticulous preparation, innovative problem-solving, and a remarkable ability to engage with complex material in unique and insightful ways”

Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs and Business Graduates Association (AMBA & BGA) said: “On behalf of the AMBA and BGA team, I would like to congratulate the finalists and winners of this year’s Excellence Awards. 

“This year, the competition was stronger than ever – with the highest number of entries ever. The entries who have made the final shortlist in each category should feel proud of their achievements.

“Additionally, the students and graduates who have been shortlisted as finalists today have all used their qualifications to achieve a spectrum of impressive results, in terms of the positive impact they have made to business, education and society as a whole.

“It was thrilling to be able to celebrate the AMBA & BGA network’s achievements at our Gala Dinner - in particular it’s been amazing to celebrate exceptional innovations and successes in the higher management education industry.

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank our partners, BlueSky Education, GMAC, Accredinator - Business School Accreditation Software, QED and Cesim Business Simulations. Their support for our awards – and the business education sector – is greatly appreciated.”

Joy Jones, CEO at Graduate Management Admission Council, (GMAC), said, “We are pleased to be a part of this special event, presenting the winner of the 'Student of the Year' Award to Wael and honoring a group of remarkable and inspiring people in graduate management education," said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. "GMAC's purpose is to ensure that talent never goes undiscovered. To that end, we strive to continue supporting future business leaders in their personal and professional aspirations.”