Profile Archives - ISKL Alumni https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/category/profiles/ Community Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:18:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/iskl-alumni-logo-150x150.png Profile Archives - ISKL Alumni https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/category/profiles/ 32 32 10 Questions: Han Liu Chao (’00) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-han-liu-chao-00/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:18:56 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/?p=60258 10 Questions is where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Han Liu Chao (’00) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions. Have […]

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10 Questions is where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Han Liu Chao (’00) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions.

Have you or anyone you know said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?

No.

What do you take with you everywhere?

My wallet.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?

30.

What can you do today that you were incapable of a year ago?

Travel.

If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for High School (HS) students, which book would you choose?

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

What’s your number one advice for current Seniors as they approach adulthood?

Learn to listen more, especially to those who are more experienced or older than you.

What was your favorite class in ISKL and why?

PE – it was probably the only class I was good at.

What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?

My PE uniform from 1995.

What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati, and Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or Ampang Hilir location?

Ampang, everything was all relatively close together.

What was your first and last day at ISKL like?

Excited and then sad.


 

Han Liu Chao (’00) is currently working in Malaysia. If you want to get in touch with Han Liu, you can find him on our Alumni website.

Do you know alums who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

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10 Questions: William Fey (’20) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-william-fey-20/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:09:47 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/?p=60183 10 Questions is where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with William Fey (’20) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions. Have you […]

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10 Questions is where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with William Fey (’20) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions.

Have you or anyone you know said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?

Not yet.

What do you take with you everywhere?

My phone, AirPods, wallet, and pilot certifications.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?

21.

What can you do today that you were incapable of a year ago?

Flying a plane.

If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for High School (HS) students, which book would you choose?

“Flying High – My Story: From AirAsia to QPR,” an autobiography by Tony Fernandes.

What’s your number one advice for current Seniors as they approach adulthood?

If you still need to, figure out what you want to do in life NOW so you can start early and enjoy it longer than you would further down the road.

What was your favorite class in ISKL and why?

Theater Tech.

William's memories at ISKL

What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?

My IASAS Theater Tech sweatshirt from 2019.

What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati, and Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or Ampang Hilir location?

The Robert B. Gaw (RBG) Theatre.

What was your first and last day at ISKL like?

My first day of Elementary School (ES), which I attended from Prep Senior to Grade 4, was amazing; I remember making new friends. I also remember returning to ISKL for my High School (HS) years from Grade 9 to 11 and meeting up with old friends I made in ES.

As for my last day of school in 2019, that memory will stay with me forever.


 

William Fey (’20) is pursuing his aviation dream and studying at LoneStar College in the Professional Pilot Program in Texas, USA.

If you want to get in touch with William, you can find him on our Alumni Portal at https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/.

Do you know alums who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

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10 Questions: Silvia Faldini (’07) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-silvia-faldini-07/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:25:45 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/?p=59892 10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Silvia Faldini(‘07) to see what she’s been up to and to ask her 10 […]

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10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Silvia Faldini(‘07) to see what she’s been up to and to ask her 10 questions.

Have you or anyone you’ve known said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?

As far as I know, no one has ever met or seen my doppelganger, at least for now.

What do you take with you everywhere?

Nothing in particular. However, I remember that when I was at university, I always used to take a book with me to read during the subway ride.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?

Everyone tells me that I look a lot younger than I seem. The fairest answer would be between 25 and 30 years old.

What can you do today that you were incapable of a year ago?

This year I made advanced-level cross-stitch patterns.

If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for high school students, which book would you choose?

I would choose “My Dog Skip” by Willie Morris. It’s a memoir about the author’s childhood with his dog, Skip. The book is appropriate for high school students (although everyone should read it) because it includes themes like growing up and friendship. It is so well written that, while reading it, one person can actually hear the author telling the story of his life as a child. One piece of advice for sensitive people: while reading it, keep a packet of handkerchiefs near you because it brings tears to your eyes!

What’s your number one advice for current Seniors as they approach adulthood?

Life is made both of ups and downs. One thing I recommend to current Seniors is never to give up if you fail something and to surround yourself with people that will be there for you during the ups and, most of all, during the downs.

What was your favorite class in ISKL and why?

In ISKL, I actually liked all classes (except math), but my favorite ones were English as a Second Language (ESL) with Dr. Narsiman and Mrs. Gallagher and Beginners Band with Ms. Davey. The first was because those classes helped me learn English from scratch – every day was a new word. The second one is because I’ve always enjoyed music, and Beginners Band was the right place to start playing the flute.

10 Questions - Silvia Faldini

What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?

I still own my uniform t-shirts, my Grade 7 yearbook, the ISKL awards I earned in Grades 6 and 7, a humanities notebook, and most of all, my Malaysia Week notebook.

What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati, and Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or Ampang Hilir location?

I attended the Ampang Campus between 2000 and 2002 (Grades 6 and 7). My favorite places were at the Robert B. Gaw Theatre, where I participated in all Middle School (MS) assemblies and concerts with the band, and the swimming pool, where I improved my swimming skills.

What was your first and last day at ISKL like?

My first day at ISKL was exciting. Even though I couldn’t speak English, I wasn’t scared and couldn’t wait to start school. My last day was really sad because I enjoyed going to ISKL. I remember crying on the bus while all the teachers waved us goodbye. I’ll always have very fond memories of those two years at ISKL.

Silvia Faldini (’07) earned her B.A. in Modern Languages and Literature (English and German) in 2011 and her M.A. in Modern Languages (English and German with a focus on language, linguistics, and didactics) in 2014. She lives in a small town in Piemonte (Italy) and does translations and gives language lessons.
If you want to get in touch with Silvia, you can find her on our Alumni Portal at https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/.


 

Do you know alums who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

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10 Questions: Tim Chavez (’84) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-tim-chavez-84/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 03:33:43 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/?p=49736 Have you or anyone you’ve known said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double? Chevy Chase. Based on movies like Caddyshack and Fletch, many college friends adopted the nickname “Chevy” for me. I get the feeling that not only the general look of the guy but his […]

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Have you or anyone you’ve known said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?

Chevy Chase. Based on movies like Caddyshack and Fletch, many college friends adopted the nickname “Chevy” for me. I get the feeling that not only the general look of the guy but his humor was at play, and it was an easy adoption.

What do you take with you everywhere?

My love of travel and food. Whether you consider it a curse or a blessing, my parents instilled a desire to travel, and one thing that is common wherever you go is food. I find it fascinating to experience different places and different cultures through their food. Wherever I am, I like to reach out (with my fork, fingers, or chopsticks) to taste what is around me. From menudo, haggis, vegemite, schnitzel, machboos, quiche, to nasi lemak… You name it, and I’m going to, at least, try it.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

13. Clearly, I haven’t been able to give up my teenage boy humor that often gets me into trouble as the “World’s Greatest Farter… oops, Father!”

What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

I’m not sure that I can answer this question… because I am, like, 900 years old, one year does not make a significant difference in my capabilities. If you were to ask what I can do today that I was not capable of 10 years ago, I’d have to point to skills I have developed and continue to develop; 10 years ago, I couldn’t design a Lidar-guided robot or use a CNC machine to mill 3D objects. It is always a goal of mine to continue to learn; the downside is simply time – it never seems to be enough time to do all that I want to do.

If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for high school students, which book would you choose?

“The Hobbit,” by J. R. R. Tolkien. It presents a good lesson for many of us Third Culture Kids (TCKs). It takes Bilbo from a comfortable place (his home/culture of birth) through a journey of growth and experiences through foreign cultures. He comes through it with a better understanding and acceptance of those beyond his hobbit hole at Bag End.

What’s your number one piece of advice for current seniors as they approach adulthood?

Enjoy each and every day; Live, Love, Laugh, Listen, and Learn (L^5). While I do not desire to repeat my youth, I share with my kids that they should stop and enjoy the events and people around them. That is not to say that they shouldn’t take things seriously (like grades, relationships, work, etc.), but to remember that this time in their lives is precious and doesn’t last that long. Remember this for the “ups,” it’s not always awesome, and for the “downs,” things will change.

What was your favorite class in ISKL and why?

Ummm … too many to choose from – perhaps Art. I enjoy being creative and learning new things. Mrs. Lau and Mrs. Chin were always excited about teaching their craft; fortunately, ISKL had the resources to allow us kids to truly learn hands-on.

What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?

My ISKL Student ID.

What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati, and/or Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or Ampang Hilir location?

The Pool and/or the Theater. I worked as one of Mr. Goh’s lifeguards for four years (I actually had to pull a kindergartener out because no one told him he didn’t know how to swim – he was told to jump in, and the boy did; he went straight to the bottom).

And then there was the theater. Because my parents, Alex and Virginia (Ginger), were faculty responsible for the Fall Drama and the Spring Musical for ten years, I was involved with nearly all of them. Usually running lights and sound in the light booth or, occasionally, managing the stage from the back. Much of my existence during those years was actually on campus.

What was your first and last day at ISKL like?

No idea – I’m really, really OLD and have trouble remembering what I was looking for from one room to the next.

Tim is a Senior Technical Specialist for Ground to Space Communications with Peraton and is based in Williamsburg, Virginia, in the USA. He is currently working on a project for the “Space Defense Agency” a sub-agency of the United States Space Force) where they are trying to launch experiential satellites. If you want to get in touch with him, you can find him on our Alumni Portal at https://alumni.iskl.edu.my.


 

Do you know an alumni who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

Written By: Farena Cooper and Tim Chavez.

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10 Questions: Caitlynn Vidya Savari (’12) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-caitlynn-vidya-savari-12/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 03:13:51 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/?p=49727   10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Caitlynn Vidya Savari (‘12) to see what she’s been up to and to […]

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10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Caitlynn Vidya Savari (‘12) to see what she’s been up to and to ask her 10 questions.

Have you or anyone you’ve known said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?

“Yes! I’ve gotten Gal Gadot, which was extremely flattering, but I have a friend who looks very similar to me. We used to say we were doppelgängers because we were both the same mixed race.”

Caitlynn-ChoirWhat do you take with you everywhere?

“Unfortunately, my phone. It has my calendar, contacts, music.. everything I need on the go!”

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

“Somewhere between 23-25.”

What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

“Financially support myself!”

If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for high school students, which book would you choose?

“The Harry Potter books, Great Gatsby, and anything by an Austen.”

What’s your number one piece of advice for current seniors as they approach adulthood?

“Be wise with your time and finances in Friendships, Relationships, Studies, and Family.

Caitlynn-Memories-at-ISKLWhat was your favorite class in ISKL and why?

“Singers, Spanish, and English. I had the most amazing teachers who inspired, supported, and challenged me as a person!”

What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?

“My letterman and graduation mug.”

What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati and/or Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or Ampang Hilir location?

“As a teacher here in the US, the theater and the campus’s overall cultural design and open layout. It was so unique and absolutely stunning.”

What was your first and last day at ISKL like?

“I can’t quite remember, but I do remember my teachers. On my first day, my teacher was so kind, and on my last day, my favorite teachers gave me hugs and tears goodbye. I will always cherish what I had at ISKL. It truly was a blessing to attend there.”


 

Caitlynn Vidya Savari (‘12) works as a Middle School Choir Director in Abilene, Texas in the USA. If you want to get in touch, you can find her on our Alumni Portal at https://alumni.iskl.edu.my/.

Do you know an alumni who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

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10 Questions: Arun Krishnamurti (’02) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-arun-krishnamurti-02/ https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-arun-krishnamurti-02/#respond Mon, 21 Nov 2022 01:22:51 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-arun-krishnamurti-02/ 10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. It’s not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Arun Krishnamurti (‘02) to see what he’s been up to and to ask […]

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10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. It’s not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Arun Krishnamurti (‘02) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions.

Have you or anyone you’ve known said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?

“Sadly no.”

What do you take with you everywhere?

“My headphones.”

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

“30.”

What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

“Spend more time alone.”

If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for high school students, which book would you choose?

“The Shadow of the Wind,” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

What’s your number one piece of advice for current seniors as they approach adulthood?

“Say yes to things you are nervous about. Those are often the best experiences.”

What was your favorite class in ISKL and why?

“Causes, Practices, and Effects of War’ with Ryan Carey. It was a detailed and thorough look at why wars happen and how conflict spreads. It was small, intimate, in-depth, and a fantastic learning experience.”

What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?

“A polo shirt.”

What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati and/or Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or Ampang Hilir location?

Ampang. The senior lounge was amazing. It was wonderful to be in the open air.

What was your first and last day at ISKL like?

“My first day was scary as always. I had been to many new schools, but this was the most different. My last day was bittersweet. I was excited to go off into the world but worried about losing touch.”

Arun Krishnamurti (‘02) works as a lawyer for Google Canada in Toronto. He also participated in the Alumni Amazing Race for Team RPB in January 2022. If you want to get in touch, or find out more about Arun, you can find him on our Alumni Portal at https://alumni.iskl.edu.my/.


Do you know an alumni who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

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Alumni Profile: Emily Gumal https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/alumni-profile-emily-gumal/ https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/alumni-profile-emily-gumal/#respond Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:25:30 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/?p=43741 Interning at ISKL during the long end-of-academic year holidays is a great way for ISKL alumni university students and recent graduates to gain ...

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“Before joining the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) program at ISKL, I was just another Malaysian kid who had completed her SPM. However, after graduating from the program, I gained many new life experiences and perspectives,” says former IBDP scholar Emily Gumal (’18), who is currently studying for her Masters in Dance and Studio-Related Studies at the Florida State University in the United States.

Emily, who joined ISKL in 2016 after completing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) at a national school in Sarawak, shares that she followed in the footsteps of her sister, Katherine Gumal (’16), also an IBDP scholar.

When asked what she gained during her time at ISKL, Emily shares, “The IBDP program opened many doors for me and gave me opportunities I would never have had. Meeting new people worldwide while attending Singapore, Manila, and Taiwan dance conventions or making friends with Malaysian and international students during a Global Action Program (GAP) trip to Cambodia are some unforgettable experiences I’ve had. In addition, I had the opportunity to learn new subjects and languages, which I had never been privy to.”

She also shares how the IBDP helped her to be future-ready and prepare for undergraduate studies in college as she learned how to research papers, cite works, juggle time commitments, participate in extracurricular activities, and excel in her studies. “Seeing as I double-majored with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance with Honors and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and Creative Writing with a Publishing Track, the IBDP program helped me prepare both mentally and physically for my undergraduate studies. This, in turn, prepared me for the rigorous college experience, learning to juggle dance and academics while balancing work and play.”

To earn the IBDP Diploma, students must study six subjects (three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)) and complete the Diploma Programme (DP) Core. Emily describes how she took HL English Literature, HL Theatre Arts and HL History, SL Biology, SL Mathematics, and SL French Ab Initio. “Before choosing my subjects, I knew I would pursue Creative Writing and Dance as my majors in college. Therefore, taking HL English Literature enhanced what I already knew; I love English and Writing and wanted to pursue it as a career. Taking HL Theatre Arts was partly due to not taking HL Dance but also because I love theatre and the performing arts; I wanted to expand and grow as a more well-rounded multidisciplinary artist. ” She also adds that other subjects didn’t necessarily influence her career choices; however, she did enjoy taking them and didn’t need to take maths in college as she had already taken SL Mathematics for her IBDP.

When asked about advice for current IBDP scholars, Emily shares,” Don’t be afraid to try new things and throw yourself into as many activities and experiences as possible.” She explains how the IBDP program offers many different experiences and opportunities for all its students. She adds, “as someone who prioritizes work over play and believes strong academic results are essential, it is equally important to take advantage of all the opportunities in the various programs, GAP opportunities, extracurricular activities, and so on.”

Emily concludes that thanks to the IBDP, she gained more knowledge about the world, saying, “ISKL is like the world in miniature, with people from all over and plenty of experiences to explore. My time at ISKL wasn’t just about studying, although that was very important; I learned about people, gained exposure, and co-choreographed dance shows! My experience at ISKL was so well-rounded, and I loved it!”

Were you an IBDP student? How did it help to prepare you for your future studies? Share your story at [email protected].

Find out more about the 2-year International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) Scholarship for Malaysian SPM leavers here.

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10 Questions for Tanes Jitsawart (’03) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-for-tanes-jitsawart-03/ https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-for-tanes-jitsawart-03/#respond Tue, 04 Oct 2022 02:47:32 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-for-tanes-jitsawart-03/ 10 Questions for Tanes Jitsawart (’03) 10 Questions is a feature in the newsletter where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. It’s not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently caught up with Tanes ”TJ” Jitsawart (‘03) to see […]

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10 Questions for Tanes Jitsawart (’03)

10 Questions is a feature in the newsletter where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. It’s not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently caught up with Tanes ”TJ” Jitsawart (‘03) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions.

How do you spend your weekends?
Reviewing my photos from the archive. I look back at the past job/work to see what could have been improved during the shoot because photos normally reflect what’s happening during the shoot. For example, if I had planned the workflow well in terms of on location shooting. If it’s a studio photoshoot, there’s always a setup of the look and feel of the image prior to the shoot, which requires a lot of pre-planning too. Overall, it’s just a self reflection when I go through the photos shot that day.

What podcasts do you find inspiring?
“I use Clubhouse more often because of its two-way communication features.”

Clubhouse is a social audio app where users can communicate in audio chat rooms that accommodate groups of thousands of people. Similar to Spotify Greenroom or Twitter Spaces (Wikipedia)

Have you ever had five minutes of fame? When? For what?
“I was an Olympus Ambassador for Malaysia and a Profoto Ambassador for two years. Olympus were looking for a professional photographer who had the ability to use their camera system in a different kind of field and my style of motorsports and commercial fit well which I feel helped overcome many obstacles during the two years. It was really a win-win situation, but the road that led to the collaboration was a very long one.”

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t rely on anyone but yourself.”

What’s your current favorite show to binge-watch on Netflix?
“Suits”

What’s something that you love that everyone you know hates?
“I don’t think there’s anything.”

What style decisions do you regret from your ISKL days?
“Red hair color. There is no story behind it really; I was pretty much just exploring styles and colors as a teenager! ”

Who was/were your favorite staff/faculty members at ISKL?
Mrs. Virgina “Ginny” Bieberich (alumni faculty ‘97-07’). She was my art teacher and was very attentive during my time in ISKL. There are a few teachers that I would talk to when I had a problem, such as coping with homework because of the language barrier as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student. As an ESL student, it was difficult to express myself all those years, and not every teacher paid attention to these details, but she did. She would sit down and talk to me slowly, so I could open up and talk about my problems.

Also, Mr. Ewan Crouch (alumni faculty ‘97-’03) who taught Environmental Science. He took the time to talk to me after class and make sure I understood what he was teaching. It was like a recap of the whole lesson. ”

Who is one other alumni you are in touch with?
“Otto Von Nostitz (‘03), Ching Wen Chan (‘04), Varqa Buehrer (‘03) and Fadzly Kamilan (‘03). Quite a few actually. Some of them are still in Kuala Lumpur. ”

If you could relive one day of your life at ISKL, which day would you choose to relive?
“International fest. There was plenty of food, and dressing up in national costume was so much fun. ”

Tanes is currently working on a project with an Italian car manufacturer brand. He enjoys driving around searching for locations in west Malaysia to be featured for the project. If you want to get in touch with him, you can find him on our Alumni Portal at https://alumni.iskl.edu.my/.

Do you know an alumni who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

Written By: Aleia Zulkifly and Tanes Jitsawart

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10 Questions for Andre Cheng Ho Sun (’08) https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-for-andre-cheng-ho-sun-08/ https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-for-andre-cheng-ho-sun-08/#respond Mon, 18 Apr 2022 02:47:33 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/10-questions-for-andre-cheng-ho-sun-08/ We recently met up with Andre Sun ('08) to see what he's been up to and to ask him 10 questions.

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10 Questions is a new Newsletter Feature where we introduce you to Alumni by having them answer 10 questions. Not your typical alumni profile, but a nice way to learn a bit more about fellow alumni. We recently met up with Andre Sun (‘08) to see what he’s been up to and to ask him 10 questions.

  1. Have you or anyone you’ve known said they’ve seen or met your doppelganger? If so, who did they say was your double?
    My students said Thanos?
  2. What do you take with you everywhere?
    Books!
  3. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
    25
  4. What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?
    Logistics planning for food and goods during Shanghai Lockdown
  5. If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for high school students, which book would you choose?
    Shaq Uncut: My Story by Shaquille O’Neal
  6. What’s your number one piece of advice for current seniors as they approach adulthood?
    Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, it’s not the end
  7. What was your favorite class in ISKL and why?
    So many! But I would say any class with Mr. Lawrence Myers!
  8. What is one ISKL memorabilia that you still own?
    My ISKL Towel
  9. What was your favorite part of the ISKL campus you attended, be it the Istana, Melawati and/or Ampang (Jalan Kolam Air Lama) or    Ampang Hilir location?
    I attended both Ampang and Melawati. My favorite part was the walkway into the school
  10. What was your first and last day at ISKL like?
    First was 2000 January and it was so confusing because I couldn’t speak English but then thanks to Haziq, who helped me a lot, then I got to meet my first Chinese friend Allen Li (‘08)! We are still friends today! The last day was graduation in 2008 and that was sad. I remember crying as we threw our graduation caps up in the air. I knew it was going to be difficult not to see all these friends I’ve made over the years but I’ve managed to meet up with a lot of them!

Andre is also still in touch with his High School IB Chinese teacher Mrs. Nian Nian Chen (current faculty) since being in Shanghai.

Andre Sun is High School IB English Teacher at Shanghai Community International School in Shanghai, China. While he was in

ISKL he was the biggest basketball fan and player. He participated in the sport on a varsity level from his sophomore year in 2006, onward. Despite his IASAS only career starting in 2006, he was never seen walking the halls without that basketball. His advice to seniors who are graduating this year would be “Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, it’s not the end”. Andre always has a positive outlook on life and always manages a smile through any obstacles. If you want to get in touch, you can find him on our Alumni Portal at https://alumni.iskl.edu.my/ .

Do you know an alumni who should be featured in our 10 Questions series? Want to be featured yourself? See what the latest questions are, and give us your answers here.

Written By: Aleia Zulkifly and Andre Sun

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Faculty Spotlight: Ryan Naughton https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/faculty-spotlight-ryan-naughton/ https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/faculty-spotlight-ryan-naughton/#respond Mon, 18 Apr 2022 02:47:33 +0000 https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/faculty-spotlight-ryan-naughton/ Ryan Naughton is the High School Activities and Athletics Director and has been with ISKL since 2017. He is a passionate advocate for student.

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Ryan Naughton is the High School Activities and Athletics Director and has been with ISKL since 2017. He is a passionate advocate for student involvement in sports and school activities. We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for being an integral part of ISKL’s sports and activities as well as IASAS tournaments. Ryan shares his personal and invaluable experience through his journey as the HS Activities and Athletics Director pre and amidst the endemic.

“I have been lucky enough to be a part of the amazing ISKL Community for the past five years, and my wife and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to work with such amazing students and faculty members. I was fortunate enough to host multiple IASAS Athletic and Activity events pre-pandemic and even in the middle of the pandemic through the Virtual IASAS Cultural Conventions. These events are massive in size and scope and they are such a part of the ISKL fabric that I am sad that I will not be able to be present for the next IASAS tournament next year.

During my time, we have hosted Badminton, Rugby/Touch, Model United Nations, Cross-Country, and Volleyball tournaments with 80-150 students attending from the other five IASAS schools from around Southeast Asia. With all the fanfare of an American high school state finals tournament or a rugby/soccer tour of Asia or Europe. The families of ISKL accepted these students into their homes, fed them, washed their clothes/uniforms, and created memories that ISKL alumni still talk about!

During the pandemic, we have hosted virtual IASAS Music and virtual IASAS Debate and Forensics Cultural Conventions. All IASAS tournaments, virtual or in-person, are not as much about the sport or the activity as much as they are about the learning experience for the students.

  • How to stick your neck out by getting on stage or stepping out into that court, how to work as part of a team
  • How to win with humility and accept a loss with your head held high
  • How to give it your all, and
  • How to create relationships with those around you.

These are the lessons of the IASAS tournaments.

The preparation for the IASAS tournaments for the Athletic and Activities Directors is the fun part. Amongst other things it includes:

  • Working with students to create the logos for shirts, posters, programs, and signage
  • Setting up a student team to help run the tournaments
  • Asking for teachers to volunteer their time and effort to be judges, chaperones, or other needed positions
  • Making sure that our students and our host families are prepared to accept the other students into their homes

Posters and programs are printed the weeks before. Weekly status update meetings start months in advance. Booking the guest speakers, guest conductors, or international referees sometimes starts one year before the tournament, and the coordination with the other IASAS schools regarding the dates and locations of the tournaments takes place years before the actual tournament. Regardless of the tournament being virtual or in-person, expectations are high and the coaches, sponsors, students, and families expect the best, and IASAS never fails to deliver.

With IASAS in-person tournaments set to resume sometime next school year, the aspects of the events that I hope to continue here at ISKL are the excitement shown by the school community, the participation of all three divisions, and the Spirit of IASAS. When we hosted our last event before the pandemic we had students from the elementary school (ES) walking out on the pitch holding the hands of the starting line-ups and cheering for a school and specific students (we assign visiting schools and teams to a specific ES Classroom and set a time where they visit the class, read with the students, or just have fun), the middle school (MS) students were seen cheering from the decks and creating posters for all the visiting schools, and parents and teachers bring their entire families for a weekend full of excitement.

One aspect, that is not well known outside the tournament participants, is the “Spirit of IASAS” Award that can be awarded at each event. This award is only presented to a member of the IASAS community who exhibits exemplary behavior that builds community and sets the standard for which all IASAS schools strive. Examples can include an individual or group who has exhibited an act or acts of outstanding spirit, courage, character, sportsmanship, a selfless act, or service to others. Each school has a plaque that shows who has won this award. During the past five years, I am extremely proud to say that ISKL has won six Spirit of IASAS Awards. Teachers, students, and families have been recognized due to going above and beyond at a golf tournament, staying at a hospital late in the evening, training and leading others, and overall being amazing Panthers of ISKL! I hope that at our first in-person tournament or convention next year, the ISKL community shows its true colors (Yellow and Blue) and earns another Spirit of IASAS Award for our hospitality and generosity with the students and families that travel to Malaysia and our beautiful campus!

Thank you for the past five years of your support for the athletics and activities here at ISKL. I will miss Malaysia and all the amazing, food, beaches, sights and sounds, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets on campus, the monkeys drinking out of the pool at the old campus, and the ever-increasing amount of birds and other creatures coming to our new campus, but most of all I will miss ISKL and the students and the families that I have been lucky enough to serve as your Athletic and Activities Director for the past five years. Terima kasih dan jumpa lagi, ISKL Boleh!!”

His positivity, vibrance and commitment through the years has made all that the IASAS Spirit Award conveys and we will truly miss him.

“Jumpa lagi Ryan!”

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