Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School: Sixth form leadership in action

Beyond the Classroom Walls: How Sixth Formers at KTJ Are Forging Future Leaders

Leadership isn't a skill that suddenly ignites upon entering the professional world; it's a flame carefully nurtured and fanned long before. At Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School (KTJ), this understanding is deeply ingrained, fostering a culture where students are as ambitious beyond their textbooks as they are within them. The Sixth Form years, in particular, serve as a crucible where this drive truly takes flight. Three recent, student-led initiatives – ranging from national television spotlights to high-profile professional panels – powerfully illustrate this burgeoning leadership.

Expanding Horizons: The ASEAN Youth Science & Economic Forum 2025

When Umar Khaleed, the Head Prefect, and Nadia Munir, Head of Boarding, took the reins of the ASEAN Youth Science Forum from their predecessors, their vision was clear: to elevate its scope and impact. They began by strategically rebranding it as the ASEAN Youth Science & Economic Forum (AYSEF).

“This rebranding reflected a genuine expansion of our mission,” Umar explains. “We aimed to reach a wider audience and acknowledge the reality that the most pressing challenges young people face today are complex, sitting at the intersection of science, economics, technology, and policy.”

This ambitious undertaking did not go unnoticed. The forum garnered significant engagement from major Malaysian organizations, including the Employees Provident Fund, Khazanah, Malakoff, and PETRONAS. The success and growth of AYSEF even earned both Umar and Nadia an appearance on Astro AWANI, a prominent local television channel, to discuss their initiatives.

Organizing an event of AYSEF's magnitude demanded a deep understanding of their respective roles and meticulous preparation. Nadia took the lead in managing stakeholder and partner relationships, ensuring seamless collaboration, while Umar steered the overall strategy and direction of the forum. This division of labor was crucial for keeping the event on track and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

“Knowing which challenges to tackle head-on yourself and which to delegate to someone you trust is, I believe, the true test of leadership,” Umar reflects. His experience at KTJ, where he joined on a scholarship attracted by its reputation for experiential learning, has provided a foundation that extends far beyond his academic achievements. He is set to pursue Economics at University College London this autumn.

Nadia, meanwhile, is embarking on her studies in Chemical Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. Another notable Sixth Former, Iman Izmir, is preparing to delve into law at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, demonstrating the diverse academic trajectories fostered at the school.

Justice in the Making: The KTJ Law Symposium 2026

Head Prefect Iman Izmir and her dedicated team opted for a more dynamic approach than a standard speaker series for their initiative. The KTJ Law Symposium 2026 kicked off with an engaging panel discussion titled “Framing Justice: Questions That Shape the Law.”

This insightful session featured distinguished legal professionals from respected Malaysian firms, including representatives from Azman Davidson & Co., offering participants a glimpse into the practicalities of the legal field. The symposium continued with a hands-on cross-examination workshop and a focused corporate law session, both expertly facilitated by practicing lawyers.

These interactive segments provided attendees with an invaluable insider's perspective on the legal profession, moving beyond theoretical concepts to practical application. A subsequent LNAT Masterclass introduced the fundamental principles of the UK law admissions test through spirited debate and argumentation, honing the critical thinking skills essential for future legal scholars.

Instead of merely observing the practice of law from a distance, students left the symposium having actively engaged with it. They departed sharper, more curious, and demonstrably better prepared for the rigors of legal studies and the challenges that lie ahead in their academic and professional journeys.

A Gap Filled: The KTJ Economics & Finance Symposium 2026

Aneesha Kaur Dhinsha identified a distinct gap in the extracurricular offerings at KTJ. While students interested in law had a dedicated platform, those with a passion for economics and finance lacked a similar focal point. Driven by this observation, she took the initiative to create one.

“I wanted to establish a platform that not only deepened students’ subject knowledge but also provided a rare and invaluable opportunity to network with industry professionals,” Aneesha stated. Translating this vision into reality required reaching far beyond the familiar confines of the school.

The KTJ Economics & Finance Symposium and Workshop 2026 successfully brought together prominent figures from the financial sector. Among the esteemed speakers were Bryan Chung Yew Pong, Director of True Vine Capital Partners; Munirah Khairuddin, Chief Executive Officer of Principal Asset Management Berhad; and Glen Cha, Chief Technology Officer of AEON360.

Securing speakers of such caliber was no small feat. It involved a multi-pronged approach, utilizing cold emails, leveraging personal connections, and tapping into the robust KTJ alumni network. Aneesha acknowledged the challenges, noting that many initial outreach efforts went unanswered, but her persistence remained unwavering.

“If you don’t try, you will never know,” she emphasized, highlighting her proactive and resilient approach to achieving her goals. Aneesha herself took on the role of panel moderator during the symposium, demonstrating her confidence and leadership capabilities.

Persistence alone, however, was not the sole determinant of the event’s success; it also tested Aneesha’s adaptability. When a workshop facilitator unexpectedly withdrew at the last minute, she swiftly restructured the program on the spot, ensuring that every participant still received the enriching experience they had signed up for.

This high-pressure situation served as a powerful catalyst for sharpening her soft skills in ways that a typical classroom environment alone could never replicate. The ability to navigate unexpected challenges and maintain composure under pressure is a hallmark of effective leadership.

“Connecting and conversing with professionals was a significant fear I grappled with growing up,” Aneesha confessed. “Practice is the only way to quiet those internal doubts and build confidence.” She is now planning to study Economics and Politics in the UK, leaving KTJ with a profound sense of self-assurance and the practical skills needed to confidently engage in any professional setting.

These student-led initiatives at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School underscore a powerful educational philosophy: that leadership development is an ongoing process, cultivated through hands-on experience and empowered by a supportive academic environment. The success of AYSEF, the Law Symposium, and the Economics & Finance Symposium demonstrates that the school is not just preparing students for exams, but equipping them with the confidence, skills, and vision to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to the world.