Events > UK Pavilion at Bett UK 2026

UK Pavilion at Bett UK 2026

Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 January 2026

Meet us at the UK Pavilion

(North Hall, Stand NB20)

OUR DBT OVERSEAS EDUCATION ADVISERS

HONG KONG

Sophia Ip

Associate Director, Education and Healthcare

Email: sophia.ip@fcdowebmail.fcdo.gov.uk

 

Associate Director, Education and Healthcare, UK Department for Business and Trade Hong Kong & Macao

Sophia has worked in the UK trade and investment team at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, for over six years leading on the education, healthcare & life sciences sectors. She plays a key role in supporting UK businesses looking to expand to Hong Kong, Macao and the Greater Bay Area. She helps develop strategies to manage relationships with clients and other stakeholders, being responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating implementation, which can include the delivery of trade missions, events and programmes.

Prior to this Sophia has a wealth of experience working in different education organisations including the British Council, the International Affairs Office of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and education consultant, with the majority of time focused on education marketing and student recruitment.

SPAIN

Ignacio Hurtado

Senior Trade Adviser

Email: ignacio.hurtado@fcdo.gov.uk

 

I am a Senior Trade Adviser for Education at the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), based at the British Embassy in Madrid. As part of DBT’s International Markets team, I support UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to enter or grow in the Spanish market.

My work covers several sectors, with a particular focus on education and educational technologies. Depending on the company’s needs, I provide market research, identify potential partners, and assist with promotional activities to showcase UK capabilities.

My goal is to help UK businesses navigate the Spanish market and explore opportunities for sustainable growth.

GHANA

Jo Ann Sackey

Deputy Country Director and Trade Promotion Lead for Education

Email: joann.sackey@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Jo Ann Takyiwah Sackey is the Deputy Country Director and Trade Promotion Lead for Education at the UK Department for Business and Trade in Accra, where she drives strategic UK-Ghana trade relations and fosters partnerships that support inclusive economic growth.
 
Jo Ann began her career at Nestlé Central and West Africa Region LTD, where she honed her analytical acumen as a Cost Analyst in the Costing Centre of Competence for Africa. She later transitioned to the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) as a Senior Policy Analyst, where she led high-impact research and advocacy initiatives focused on energy governance, sustainability, and equitable access.
 
In 2020, she joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as a Senior Prosperity Officer. In this role, she provided strategic economic insights, conducted cross-sector policy analysis, and served as Secretary to the UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC), supporting high-level bilateral engagements and investment dialogues.

Her expertise spans, economic development, energy economics and policy, climate sustainability, international trade and diplomacy and foreign policy
Jo Ann holds a BA in Economics, an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy, and an MA in Global Diplomacy.

EGYPT

Tamir Ismail

Education Director - Africa

Email: tamir.ismail@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Tamir is an international education growth champion with 15 years of experience delivering impact for education systems across the Middle East / Africa regions and creating economic value for the UK education sector.

Tamir leads the education and skills trade and investment portfolio for the Africa region at the UK's Department for Business & Trade, bringing to his work expertise in international education policy, programme, and commercial partnerships development alongside a passion for education transformation. Tamir supports UK education organisations access new markets and secure business in the public and private sector, advising on market entry strategies, partnership models and commercial sustainability.

He also works with governments, regulatory bodies and the private sector to support overall market ecosystem development, driving regulatory reforms which enable international education partnership, as well as exploring financing solutions for educational service exports across the K12, TVET, HE/TNE, English language, and edTech segments.

Priority markets include Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, and Mauritius.

MALAYSIA

Min Mahayuddin

Senior Trade Lead - Education (Malaysia)

Email: min.mahayuddin@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Min Mahayuddin is currently the Senior Trade Manager - Education from the Department of Business & Trade (DBT) based at the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In her role, she is the country lead for work in supporting and promoting UK education in Malaysia. With a professional background spanning more than 19 years in education management, both in private and public service for UK and Malaysia specialising in educational social good projects and transnational education partnerships.

Her experience in marketing and impactful collaborations are through a wide range of areas from student recruitment to exams, research, community engagement and most recently director of alumni and university fundraising before joining the DBT team.

Among her footprints in the education includes serving in 2 top 65 best ranked universities in the world, improving the wellbeing of over 12,500 students in financial distress and in the last 5 years have raised more than £2.5 million to fund scholarships, mobility, graduate employability initiatives, research endowment, and community development projects.

Min graduated from the University of East London, UK with a BSc (Hons) in E-Commerce, Master in Publishing (UM) and holds a Diploma in Information Management (UiTM).

MALAYSIA

Husna Hashim

Head of Education Asia Pacific - Trade

Email: husna.hashim@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Husna leads the APAC Education trade work for Deparment for Business and Trade which  involves developing and delivering campaigns to promote UK business interests.  Husna works with UK Education companies to help grow their international revenue across Malaysia and the APAC region.

Prior to this, Husna was a Programmes and Partnerships Manager at the British Council and has successfully delivered many regional programmes nationwide including the International Inspiration, the first ever international legacy initiative ever linked to an Olympic and Paralympics Games London 2012.

She was also responsible for the implementation of  the National Education Technology project under the Ministry of Education Malaysia

UZBEKHISTAN

Dilnoza Rasulova

Market Access and Education Trade Advisor

Email: dilnoza.rasulova@fcdo.gov.uk

 

I focus on building strong partnerships between the UK and Uzbekistan in education and trade. My role involves supporting British companies in entering the Uzbek market, particularly in sectors such as schools, higher education, EdTech, English Language Teaching (ELT), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

With a background in economics and experience in international trade and project coordination, I work closely with local and UK stakeholders to ensure compliance and deliver effective market access strategies.

I am passionate about fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth through bilateral cooperation. I strive to create impactful connections that drive long-term value for both markets.

MAURITIUS

Deeptee Korlapu Bungaree Gooheeram

Country Director

Email: deeptee.bungareegooheeram@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Deeptee K. Bungaree-Gooheeram is the Country Director for the UK Department for Business & Trade (DBT) in Mauritius, leading the UK’s trade, investment, and education engagement under the UK–Mauritius Strategic Trade Partnership (STP). In this role, she drives the UK’s support for Mauritius’ ambition to become a regional hub for high-quality education, digital innovation, and future-focused skills.

Deeptee works across government, academia, and industry to strengthen partnerships between UK institutions and Mauritian counterparts. She has played a central role in advancing transnational education pathways, from university branch campuses and joint programmes to micro-credentials, TVET reform, and workforce development initiatives. Her work also supports the growth of digital learning ecosystems, including EdTech adoption, professional training, and new models that enhance access, flexibility, and employability for learners.

She is a key contributor to shaping the upcoming Enhanced STP (ESTP), positioning education, digital transformation, and innovation as core pillars of long-term bilateral cooperation. Deeptee routinely engages with senior policymakers and leads sector missions, UK university delegations, and strategic dialogues that open new opportunities for collaboration.

Her academic journey spans the University of Mauritius, the University of Nottingham, and Monash University, where she studied international relations, diplomacy, and trade. These experiences shaped her commitment to creating accessible and globally connected learning environments.

Passionate about the role of education in driving socio-economic progress, Deeptee champions initiatives that empower young people, support lifelong learning, and build sustainable connections between the UK and Mauritius.

KAZAKHSTAN

Tatyana Blazhiyevich

Education Trade Adviser

Email: Tatyana.Blazhiyevich@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Tatyana leads on education portfolio at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), British Embassy Astana, Kazakhstan. Since joining DBT in 2017, Tatyana has held positions across multiple sector including Mining, Agriculture, Market Access and Trade Policy. 

DBT Kazakhstan provides tailored assistance to the UK education providers seeking opportunities in Kazakhstan’s growing education sector. This support includes:
 

  • Market Intelligence by offering insights into Kazakhstan’s education landscape, regulatory environment, and emerging trends.
     
  • Business development by connecting UK institutions with local partners, agents, and government bodies to facilitate collaboration.
     
  • Trade promotion by organising education-focused events, exhibitions, and missions to showcase UK expertise.
     
  • Networking by facilitating introductions to key stakeholders, including universities, schools, and private sector players.

MEXICO

Cassandra Vargas

Head of Education - Trade

Email: cassandra.vargas@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Cassandra leads the Education portfolio at the Department for Business and Trade in Mexico. She is responsible for supporting UK businesses and educational institutions in entering and expanding within the Mexican market, strengthening bilateral relations, and promoting awareness of emerging opportunities in the sector.

Her work focuses on designing and delivering strategic programmes that showcase British educational expertise and best practices, with the objective of enhancing understanding of the UK’s innovative solutions among Mexican stakeholders.

Cassandra holds a degree in International Relations from Tecnológico de Monterrey and has completed specialised certifications in international studies and cooperation from leading global institutions, including Harvard University (USA), Kansai Gaidai University (Japan), and Ghent University (Belgium).

INDIA

Rashmi Priyesh

Senior Trade Advisor - Tech, Education & Skills

Email: rashmi.priyesh@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Rashmi Priyesh is a Senior Trade Advisor for Technology, Education Services, and Skills at the UK Department for Business and Trade, based at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru.

She champions UK-India collaboration in education and EdTech, supporting UK companies to access India’s rapidly growing digital learning and skills ecosystem. Rashmi works closely with government, industry, and academia to build partnerships that drive innovation and improve learning outcomes.

At BETT, she looks forward to engaging with UK education and technology providers to explore opportunities that combine expertise, technology, and education to create sustainable impact and develop future-ready talent.

SAUDI ARABIA

Hazna Dibu

Head of Education & Skills

Email: Hazna.Dibu@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Hazna Dibu is the Head of Education and Skills at the Department for Business and Trade at the British Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this role, she leads the UK government’s work to strengthen partnerships in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing education sector.

She supports UK organisations looking to enter or expand in the Kingdom by providing market insights, strategic guidance, and connections with key government and industry stakeholders.

Hazna also works closely with Saudi partners to explore collaboration across schools, higher education, vocational training, and skills development.
Before taking on this position, Hazna served for three years as an International Markets Advisor at the embassy, where she supported UK small and medium-sized businesses across 11 markets in the Middle East and Pakistan.

Hazna holds a master’s degree in computer applications and has over 14 years of experience with the British Council, giving her strong expertise in education, assessment, and training.

NIGERIA

Nankling Danfulani

Trade Adviser Education and Creatives

Email: nankling.danfulani@fco.gov.uk

 

As a Trade Adviser at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), I lead strategy and delivery across Education and the Creative Industries in Nigeria — two distinct yet deeply interconnected sectors I thrive in.

As a Trade & Investment Advisor for the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade, I focus on education and the creative industries — driving partnerships that shape Nigeria’s future. I’ve played a key role in landmark projects like Charterhouse Lagos and Rugby School Nigeria, and have worked closely with the Nigerian government to co-develop the Transnational Education (TNE) framework guiding UK–Nigeria university collaborations.

At my core, I’m a multipotentialite — energized by variety, driven by curiosity, and passionate about connecting global ambition with local opportunity. I believe innovation happens when you bridge worlds: between policy and enterprise, creativity and commerce, and vision and execution.

Let’s talk if:

  • You’re exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s education, creative, or retail sectors
  • You need insight, access, and strategy for successful market entry
  • You believe in building with purpose, partnership, and profitability in mind.

INDIA

Habib Raihan

Senior Trade Advisor-Education Services, Skills, and Technology

Email: habib.raihan@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Habib serves as a Senior Trade Advisor for Education Services, Skills and Technology at the Department for Business and Trade. Currently stationed at the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, he is responsible for identifying business opportunities for UK organisations in India, with a keen focus on Higher Education, TVET, EdTech, and K12 in education sector.

Habib, with previous experience collaborating with Indian government departments, UN and other international agencies, and education organisations, is driven by a passion for fostering quality education through partnerships between UK and Indian organisations.

As Habib also manages technology sector with a focus on AI, Semiconductor, Telecom, Quantum etc., he also explores opportunities for UK organisation to develop skill development training program on these tech related areas for the Indian stakeholders.

CHINA

Si Su

Head of Education, China

Email: Si.Su@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Si Su works at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as Head of Education China, based in the British Consulate-General Shanghai. In this role, she assists UK education institutions and companies in identifying high-value business opportunities and engaging in government collaboration projects, having supported several successful projects entering the Chinese market.

She is also involved in foreign direct investment (FDI) initiatives within the education sector, helping Chinese companies invest in the UK.

Prior to joining the Department for Business and Trade, Si Su worked at the British Council, focusing on UK-China education partnerships and mobility programmes across higher education and K12 education.

CHINA

Sharon Qu

Head of K12 Education

Email: Sharon.Qu@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Sharon Qu serves as Head of K12 Education at the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), based at the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou since January 2019. In this role, Sharon leverages her extensive experience across both private and public sectors, combining deep knowledge of education markets with strong expertise in building strategic partnerships. She works closely with business and government stakeholders to broker high-value collaborations that drive mutual growth.

Sharon’s portfolio covers the full spectrum of K12 education—including Early Years, Schools, and Holistic Education—where she supports leading UK institutions and organizations in identifying opportunities for market entry, expansion, and innovation in China.

Her work includes facilitating government-to-government engagement, advising on policy trends, and connecting UK education providers with Chinese partners to deliver impactful projects that enhance educational outcomes and strengthen bilateral ties.

TUNISIA

Aida Ben Ghorbal

DBT Tunis Country Director

Email: aida.benghorbal@fcdo.gov.uk

 

Aida Ben Ghorbal is the Country Director for Trade at the British Embassy in Tunis, leading the Department for Business and Trade’s strategy to enhance UK–Tunisia trade and investment.

She has extensive experience in trade policy, market access, and international collaboration, with a track record of organizing trade missions and sectoral events, including in education.

Aida holds advanced degrees in Strategy and Consulting (ESCP Europe) and Economics (Sorbonne, Toulouse School of Economics) and has previously advised top European firms on transformation projects.

Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, she is passionate about fostering partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable growth.