“In the future, I hope to major in aerospace engineering at a top STEM university in the US. I hope to apply this knowledge to my ambitious plans to revolutionize the industry, and I hope these plans come to fruition. ”
Starting Grade 9 at ISKL in August 2024 has been an exciting adventure for Malaysian student Jaden T. (‘28), filled with new friendships, challenges, and opportunities.
Passionate about swimming, academics, and creative pursuits like coding and writing, Jaden has aspirations in aerospace engineering and draws inspiration from visionary role models.
Here is his story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am a 14-year-old Malaysian born in Kuala Lumpur. I come from a family of five with two younger siblings.
I’ve always lived here but have studied at several different schools before joining ISKL in Grade 9 in August.
What were your first days of school like?
I transferred from a British syllabus school, and my first few days were filled with adapting to this new environment. I remember making new friends and meeting my teachers, who were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.
It’s fantastic to see how dedicated you are to swimming and your studies. How do you juggle your time between these two important things?
Time management is key. Swimming has always been a passion of mine, and I enjoy swim sessions every day except on Saturdays. This means I wake up extremely early in the morning for the Aqua Panthers training sessions.
Therefore, proper time management and a good sleep schedule are definitely beneficial.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
I enjoy reading books, watching movies, and listening to pop music from the 1980s and 1990s. I write and code in my free time, and hope to complete a novel and develop a computer game soon.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
In the future, I hope to major in aerospace engineering at a top STEM university in the US. I hope to apply this knowledge to my ambitious plans to revolutionize the industry, and I hope these plans come to fruition.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My role models are the fictional character Tony Stark, otherwise known as Iron Man, and the non-fictional Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.
Tony Stark is a genius and an innovative inventor. He learns from his mistakes, perseveres through difficult times, and is brave and selfless. Lee Kuan Yew is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of modern-day Singapore. He was a talented visionary, a great pioneer, and someone with “that iron in him.” They are both truly inspirational and have influenced how I make decisions daily. By applying their characteristics and mindsets to every task, I can ensure it is completed efficiently and effectively.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
The PRAXIS field trip to Sekeping Serendah was very enlightening. I had so much fun learning about the Orang Asli and their ways of living, especially during the interview segment, where I learned about their traditional culture, architectural style, and the role they play within society.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
ISKL’s motto is divided into two main sections: the first is understanding oneself and one’s strengths and weaknesses, and the second means using that strength to help and care for others. In essence, the school aims to push us to our fullest potential and develop our strengths so we can utilize them within society.
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.
