On 26–27 September, over 140 newly elected student leaders gathered in the Grand Hall at Garden International School Kuala Lumpur (GIS) for the annual Secondary Student Leadership Conference. This two-day event served as both an induction and a launchpad, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and vision to lead effectively in the year ahead.
Expert Insights from Industry Leaders
A highlight of the programme was the line-up of guest speakers, who brought real-world insight and inspiration through hands-on sessions.
- Paul Nelson, Director at Arrowhead Skills, inspired students with the story of his trans-Atlantic row; highlighting how resilience, teamworking and stepping out of your comfort zone means you can achieve big things.
- Attila Emam, certified trainer and HR consultant, previously Head of People Services at AirAsia, encouraged students to embrace innovation, problem-solving, and visionary leadership in a rapidly changing world.
- Rai Yatim, Head of Culture & Organisational Development at POS Malaysia, spoke about implementing strategic change and the importance of resilience and adaptability—qualities vital to every aspiring leader.
- Fenti Riana, an experienced global brand and marketing executive, led an engaging workshop on branding and effective communication, encouraging students to think creatively about how they present ideas and inspire others.
Building Confidence Through Challenge
High-energy team-building challenges, delivered by Arrowhead Skills, pushed students outside their comfort zones. From fast-paced races that tested communication under pressure to large-scale construction tasks demanding innovation and strategy, each activity was designed to strengthen teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking. Students left energised, with a clearer sense of their individual strengths and how to apply them within their teams.
Leadership Skills That Last
Alongside these activities, GIS staff and student leaders facilitated workshops on public speaking, project planning, and conflict resolution. These practical sessions gave participants tools they could immediately use in their leadership roles, ensuring long-term impact well beyond the conference itself.
What Are Strands?
At GIS, student leaders are organised into dedicated “Strands”—leadership teams that focus on specific areas of school life such as Arts, Sports, Community Service, Student Well-being, and Environment. Each Strand, guided by staff mentors, is responsible for planning and delivering initiatives that enrich the wider school community.
During the conference, these Strand groups worked intensively with their mentors to set priorities and create action plans for the year ahead. Projects ranged from peer-support initiatives and student well-being campaigns to whole-school environmental programmes. By starting this planning process early, students left empowered to make an immediate and visible impact across GIS.
Celebrating Success
The closing ceremony was a celebration of collaboration and achievement. Strand Directors shared their progress to date, while the Arts Strand emerged as the winners of the Arrowhead Skills team-building challenges, recognised for their creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. This brought a fitting close to two days of learning, inspiration, and growth.
Preparing Future-Ready Leaders
At Garden International School Kuala Lumpur, we are immensely proud of our student leaders. Through events like the Student Leadership Conference, they gain not only practical skills but also the confidence, creativity, and resilience to thrive as future-ready leaders—both at GIS and in the wider world.
Written by Ms Elizabeth Streat
Maths Department and Student Leadership Coordinator