Panthers of ISKL #228: Hyren G. (‘25) – The Geographer
“When I was six, my dad bought me a world map with flags and pasted it on my bedroom wall. I’d like to say that was the catalyst for my passion for geography! The interdependent relationships between countries, cultures, and ruling regimes fascinated me, and ever since then, I’ve started learning more about the subject.”
Meet Hyren G. (’25), a Grade 12 Malaysian student who achieved outstanding success by winning a gold and a bronze medal at the International Geography Championships (IGC) in Vienna in July 2024. As featured in a newspaper article, Hyren utilized the funds from the Harvard Prize Book Award he received at the Grade 9-11 Awards Ceremony earlier in the year, along with ang pows, to sponsor his trip.
Here is Hyren’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
Hi! My name is Hyren, and I will turn seventeen this year. I come from Malaysia and was born in Kuala Lumpur; however, I have lived in Hong Kong for 14 years. I have an older sister who is currently studying at a university in New York, and I also have a pet cat.
Which grade did you join ISKL? What were your first days like?
I joined ISKL in Grade 10, just after the Movement Control Order (MCO) and when pandemic restrictions were being lifted. It was a really strange time, as although most people had been at ISKL for many years, they were unfamiliar with our new Ampang Hilir campus, as online learning had become the norm for so long. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming everyone was, involving me in the school community and ensuring I would feel comfortable wherever I was.
Congrats on clinching a gold and a bronze medal at the International Geography Championships (IGC) in Vienna. We understand your trip was funded by ang pows and from the Harvard Prize Book Award you won at the Grade 9-11 awards ceremony in June. Can you tell us more?
Thank you! Yes, I had to do a lot of convincing, but in the end, my parents were generous and kind enough to lend me their full support and encouragement. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to win, so I am incredibly thankful for their assistance. The Harvard Prize Book Award was most definitely helpful in persuading my parents to send me to the International Geography Championships (IGC), as it demonstrated my passion and dedication to academic endeavors. The prize money was also amazing, as some of my travel costs could be covered by it.
In Vienna – how many days was the event, and what tasks did you have to do? What was the most challenging part of the competition? What did you enjoy the most?
The event took place from July 14 to July 20, with various categories all relating to geography. There were three types of events: buzzer-based quiz competitions, examinations, and research/simulation competitions. The event I enjoyed the most was the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) simulation, where we met with OPEC officials at their headquarters in Vienna to discuss policy and current affairs.
For the simulation activity, our task was to draft a 2024 policy proposal for the future of oil and renewable energy as OPEC nations. As for the Austrian Geography Exam, we were provided with a 75-question exam on everything about Austria, ranging from historical events and physical geography to current-day politics. The exams were the hardest, as they were very mentally exhausting and challenging. For example, all participants had to do the mandatory Battery Exam at the beginning of the Championships, which consisted of 400 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours! At the end of the exam, I felt really tired and drained, but overall, the entire experience at IGC was pleasant, as I made new friends from all over the world.
Have you always been passionate about geography? Do you have any advice for other students who want to compete in similar competitions?
When I was six, my dad bought me a world map with flags and pasted it on my bedroom wall. I would like to say that was the catalyst for my passion for geography! However, I don’t know how I fell in love with this subject. The interdependent relationships between countries, cultures, and ruling regimes fascinated me, and ever since then, I have started learning more about the subject.
My advice for others is to go for it: I probably wouldn’t have participated in the IGC without my sister’s encouragement! After all, there is nothing to lose and so much to win!
Do you participate in any other co-curricular activities at ISKL?
Yes, I am the Secretary-General of the Model United Nations (MUN) program here and also serve as the head of the ISKL Debate Club. I am the Service Leader for Tether, a community partnership program that organizes and conducts student-operational staff bonding activities, such as Christmas card giving and Hari Raya decorating, and I was also elected into the Student Leadership Team (SLT) as the Head of the Committee for the Clubs and Activities Department. We do a lot of work promoting the extracurricular scene in High School, encouraging all students to enrich their experience by joining the clubs they like.
What are your plans for after you graduate from ISKL?
First, I intend to relax and spend time with my friends and family before I decide to do anything. I want to enjoy the last summer with my ISKL friends here in Malaysia before we depart to all corners of the globe. Afterward, I hope to attend university in the United States or the United Kingdom to extend my knowledge.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
Besides geography and politics, I am deeply interested in aviation and transportation. From airplanes and trains to cars, all of them interest me. I find it amazing how these machines can deliver people across the world within a day. I also enjoy watching football and badminton, which I sometimes play with my cousin. I also spar in taekwondo often.
Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
I have nothing concrete yet, but I want to venture into policymaking or the political field. Entering politics is necessary to influence public policy and enact change in the community. People may have a negative impression of politics, tainted by sensationalized scandals or reports.
However, it can also be a vessel for hope. Politics can unify communities, inspire people, and improve the quality of life for those who need it the most, and I hope whenever I become a civil servant, I can bring these qualities to my work.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
A figure that inspires me the most is the late Tun Dr. Ismail. His strong adherence to his principles, unwavering integrity, and pursuit of equality are all admirable traits we should learn from. As Deputy Prime Minister, his actions paved the way for the Malaysia we know today, and without his advocacy for peaceful discourse, we may have never known the true potential of our nation. Guided by his cause, I hope to continue bringing pride to my country, to keep working hard, and to stay driven. No wonder there is a part of KL named after him!
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
Being selected for the IASAS MUN team during my Grade 10 year is up there, as it had only been my third month in ISKL. I wasn’t expecting to be selected for the team, but the surprise that flowed through me after I received the email confirming my attendance in Bangkok was surreal. I got to know many people I now call my friends through that trip. IASAS trips will always have a special place for me, and the camaraderie and togetherness these trips foster is simply indescribable.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” “mean to you?
To have your work contribute to the betterment of society, playing on your strengths while continuing to be empathetic towards others. This quote is how each ISKL student motivates themselves for the future by hoping that their contributions years down the line will make the world a better place.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.