Panthers of ISKL #276: The Alan McLean Sahabat Award Winners
At ISKL, service is a cornerstone of student life—an opportunity not just to give back but to grow as compassionate, responsible global citizens.
This year, two students, Alivia N. ('28) and Andre A. ('27), were honored with the Alan McLean Sahabat Award at the 45th SEA Forensics & Debate tournament for their outstanding commitment to supporting the ISKL and wider SEA Forensics community.
The award is named in honor of the late Alan McLean, a beloved ISKL teacher whose legacy of kindness, leadership, and service continues to inspire. Sahabat, meaning “friend” in Bahasa Melayu, reflects the spirit of the award—recognizing students who consistently go above and beyond to help others with empathy and respect. For Alivia and Andre, volunteering at the tournament wasn’t just about logistics or behind-the-scenes tasks—it was about uplifting others, building connections, and living the values that define ISKL.
Here are their stories:
Alivia N. (‘28)
Do tell us more about yourself.
My name is Alivia, and I am from the United States of America. I have been in Malaysia for 3 years, having moved from England.
Can you tell us about your journey in SEA Forensics & Debate — how did you first get involved?
One day, I was in my English class, and then I heard Ms. Tan call my name to introduce me to Ms. Anwar and tell me I should volunteer to help with the SEA Forensics & Debate tournament to develop my leadership skills further. From there, I attended several meetings to set up adjudication sheets and more to prepare for the competition kick-off.
Congratulations on winning the Alan McLean Sahabat Award! What does this award mean to you, and how does it connect with your values?
I am so glad to receive this award because I love volunteering for all sorts of events and functions. It aligns with my personal morals and values to always put others first and to always try my best to ensure that everyone gets the help they need to succeed. This award means a lot to me, as most of the time, you have nothing to show for hard work and dedication.
Now, I will have the motivation to volunteer more throughout my time at ISKL.
Looking back on the tournament, what was your most memorable moment?
One of the most memorable moments was when I had to make a speech in front of all the coaches and judges, telling them they had to bus their own dishes. It was absolutely terrifying, and I must've apologized at least five times in the speech, probably more!
What do you enjoy most about SEA Forensics & Debate? Do you have a favorite category or event?
In the SEA Forensics & Debate tournament, I personally didn't compete but instead chose to volunteer to check ballots, enter scores, time, and more. Over the course of three days, I gained undeniable respect for participants in all categories, but overall, my favorite events were solo acting and impromptu because it was interesting to see the different monologues performed and also how different impromptu speakers could have different takes on prompts.
Andre A. ('27)
Do tell us more about yourself.
My name is Andre. I'm currently 16 years old and half-Thai and half Malaysian.
Joining ISKL as a Prep Reception student in 2012, I have learned a lot about myself through being a panther. I learned that I love music as I performed in school concerts for gamelan, choir, and band, where I played the flute.
I've also discovered a love for learning new languages. I'm fluent in English and speak basic Thai, but I've learned Spanish for 5 years and am currently learning Chinese, Bahasa, and Korean.
Finally, I've grown a passion for service and sustainability as I'm currently a leader for the Service Council and a member of the Children's Future Education Center (CFEC) and STEM Savers.
Congratulations on winning the Alan McLean Sahabat Award! What does this award mean to you personally, and how does it connect with your own values?
Throughout my service experience, I've always tried to have an altruistic mindset of doing good without expecting anything in return. Hence, when I saw my name on the screen, I was shocked and even wondered if it was a mistake!
The Alan McLean Sahabat Award is awarded to those who show exemplary behavior and willingness to support others, have friendly and respectful interactions with the wider SEA Forensics & Debate community, and positively impact this event overall. Receiving an award like this makes me feel incredibly honored and grateful, as I can see that the effort I put into helping others has actually made an impact. This award connects to my own values, as I believe in the importance of supporting others even when there's nothing to gain in return.
Can you tell us about your journey in SEA Forensics—how did you first get involved?
To be honest, I joined simply because my friend recommended that I volunteer. Lots of my other friends participate in debate, so by helping out, I would be able to watch them.
My experience as a volunteer wasn't how I expected it to be. Usually, with service work, I can spend lots of time focusing on the quality of my work. However, at the SEA Forensics & Debate, everything was extremely fast-paced; everything had to be submitted as soon as possible with zero mistakes. At first, my past self would've thought that this was too overwhelming, but instead, I found myself genuinely enjoying the rush. The high-energy environment made the experience exciting rather than daunting.
Looking back on the tournament, what was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was watching the awards ceremony rather than the performances themselves. I saw many people who had put their heart and soul into the most astounding performances get recognized and rewarded for their efforts. I was inspired by hearing the cheers, seeing people's faces light up, and even seeing people move to tears. It reminded me of how much passion and dedication people put into their talents, and I loved being part of that atmosphere.
What do you enjoy most about the SEA forensics and debate? Do you have a favorite category or event?
I don't directly participate in the SEA forensics and debate, but what I enjoy most is how it serves as a creative outlet for so many people. It's incredible to see people express their thoughts and emotions creatively, whether through an act, delivering a speech, or arguing with people across the room.
My favorite event is the debate because it's the most exhilarating to watch. Also, lots of my friends are in debate, so it's fun to see them argue professionally.
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.