Natives of Germany, the Gross family looks like many at ISKL. Currently serving as the CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Joe found that moving to Malaysia was a real shift for him and his family, opening their collective eyes to many needs in the communities around Kuala Lumpur.
“My understanding and view on giving have changed after coming to Malaysia,” noted Birgit. “There is just so much need here. It has brought giving back ‘up the surface’ for us.” Birgit, who has spent time volunteering in local refugee centers around KL, sees that it is really easy to have an impact here, given the vast need.
While the family has always supported charitable causes, including needy children in India, Joe shared that supporting ISKL’s “We Build People” Campaign provided an “immediate and urgent” opportunity.
“The fact that we could leave a legacy, a bit of memory here sold us quickly. We love the idea that our girls, Leonie and Tara (now Grade 11), can return to this place in the future, see our family name, and remember their time here at ISKL,” offered Joe. “I would not even call this fundraising,” said Joe. “Even if the school did not need a dime for this new campus, we would still support it as a true honor for us.”
