Panthers of ISKL #344: Jaden T. (‘28) - The Passionate Swimmer
Everyone at ISKL is so incredibly kind and willing to strike up a conversation, and many of my closest friendships have begun with those small, casual interactions. That openness makes ISKL feel less like a school and more like a community where people truly belong.
Meet Jaden T. (‘28), a passionate and dedicated swimmer who joined the IASAS Swim Team in Grade 9. He credits the team culture and training focus on his motivation to approach the sport and life with patience and humility. His feelings of inclusion extend beyond the swimming pool, where he sees ISKL life as a community where people truly belong.
Here is Jaden’s story
Can you tell us more about yourself? What grade did you join ISKL in?
Before joining ISKL in Grade 9, I was in many different international schools. I’m 16 this year, and I am a Kuala Lumpur-born Malaysian. I’ve lived and studied here my whole life.
We understand that you are part of the ISKL Swim Team. Tell us how this came about, and it entailed being included as a team member.
Swimming was something I was already serious about before joining ISKL, so trying out for the Swim Team felt like a natural step. I’ve been swimming ever since I was three years old. Although I only started swimming competitively a few years ago, swimming has become a very central part of my life. It’s part of my daily routine, and being in the water is where I feel the most focused and grounded.
I joined the Swim Team in the first week of school as a freshman because I couldn’t wait to get back into the pool! From the beginning, the coaches were very welcoming, and they are incredible at what they do to help develop us as athletes. The thing that stood out to me was the team culture. There’s a very strong sense of unity and support here, and everyone pushes each other to improve while also celebrating each other’s successes. It’s an amazing environment. I’m thankful that I get to be surrounded by such dedicated, hardworking, and like-minded people who share the same passion for the sport. I think this environment has motivated me to train harder and contribute to the team in and out of the pool, which pushes me to be better every day.
What inspires you in swimming?
I draw inspiration from both Joseph Schooling and Michael Phelps. In my opinion, they are the two greatest swimmers ever.
Joseph Schooling was the 100-meter butterfly gold medalist in the 2016 Olympics, winning a full body length ahead of the World and Olympic record holder Michael Phelps. Growing up in Southeast Asia, it's easy to feel that the highest levels of international sport are distant, but seeing Schooling succeed on the biggest stage in the world represented what is possible for swimmers from this part of the world. He was disciplined and committed enough to pursue something greater. Having to work many hard years in training, balancing sport with his academics, and trusting the training process without any guarantees, I think his journey is the most meaningful to me.
Michael Phelps inspires me differently: he's widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. What stands out to me is his showing up every day with the intention to achieve the very best results. I recall in an interview that Michael Phelps stated in the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he trained for a five to six-year stretch without taking a single day off. That speaks volumes to me, and his dream to continue improving despite the immense pressure that is set upon him has shaped how I think about excellence.
Finally, with professional swimmers aside, I think that my coaches are the ones who inspire me the most. They show up every single day and are even willing to put time aside to develop us into better athletes and better people. They are honest, committed, and inspire me to swim faster and approach the sport and life with patience and humility.
Who are your role models? And who influences you?
I think my biggest role model is former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, because I admire his uncompromising commitment to principle. His leadership was rooted in realism, and he was not at all concerned about popularity. In fact, he was willing to make difficult decisions in the service of the future rather than the present, and I admire his discipline and his vision for the long-term. His belief in meritocracy and integrity shapes how I approach both ambition and responsibility. It is important to think boldly, but it is also important to stay grounded and disciplined. Ultimately, he influences me to aim for meaningful contribution, to use my abilities well and creatively, and to remain accountable to something larger than myself.
Furthermore, I think two other figures that influence me greatly are my parents. From a young age, they shaped how I think. They've always encouraged me to aim high and reminded me that ambition without integrity and perseverance means very little. Through example, they have taught me the virtues of responsibility, consistency, and to do things properly, even though no one is watching. Thanks, mom and dad.
What is your most memorable moment at ISKL so far?
I think the most memorable moment at ISKL so far has been the IASAS swimming event hosted at SAS. Competing at IASAS was special because it brought together months of preparation and sacrifice into a single environment where every race mattered.
I think what made the experience unforgettable was the sense of unity that I felt with my teammates. Wearing the ISKL colors together gave the meet a very special meaning. Supporting my teammates on deck and racing for the school was incredibly motivating and made me feel like I was training for something larger than myself. I even won my first medal! It reminded me why I love swimming, and why representing the school is such a privilege. That experience will forever stay with me, even after the season ends. Go Panthers!
What do you enjoy most about being part of the ISKL community?
What I enjoy most about being part of the ISKL community is how genuinely welcoming it is. ISKL is very different from other schools because there's a sort of friendliness that's built into the culture, and it makes it impossible to feel left out.
From the moment I first set foot onto campus, there was a sense that people were open, approachable, and actually interested in one another. Every event hosted at ISKL is meticulously planned, not just for the participants but for everyone involved. There's always an emphasis on inclusion and a shared sense of enjoyment.
Everyone at ISKL is so incredibly kind and willing to strike up a conversation, and many of my closest friendships have begun with those small, casual interactions. That openness makes ISKL feel less like a school and more like a community where people truly belong.
Which Panther superlatives best describe you, and how does it reflect your Panther spirit and personality?
I believe I am the Most Onz Panther because I am someone who actively seeks out challenges with a "nothing is impossible" mindset. For me, Onz is a mindset that anything is achievable as long as you put your mind and effort into it. I think my willingness to push through when times are uncertain and keep going when things don't go as planned reflects this Panther spirit. Being an Onz Panther means supporting others in their pursuits and encouraging others to keep pushing, especially when they doubt themselves.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you and what you like most about the school.
I Suka (like) ISKL because it shapes you personally and academically. As a result of my joining ISKL, I've grown more confident, resilient, and more willing to challenge myself. I Suka ISKL because I know that I am supported by a strong community. The combination of high standards and care is what makes ISKL a place I'm proud to call home.
What does the ISKL vision ‘Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
To me, the ISKL vision is to grow with purpose. It means to know your strengths, limitations, values, and responsibilities, to be aware of the people around you and choose kindness even in small, everyday interactions, and to use these abilities responsibly in your community. The vision reminds me that success is about who you become and how you contribute to something bigger than yourself.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, 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.