Leah Saiful’s story is one of determination, growth, and a passion for global understanding. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she was awarded the AISM Scholarship in 2016 after achieving 7As and 3Bs in her SPM examinations. At AISM, Leah discovered a different ball game—one that encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration beyond the classroom. Her time at AISM laid the foundation for a unique educational journey shaped by both academic rigor and a strong sense of global citizenship.

Leah received the AISM Scholarship for 2016/2017 for the final two years of schooling (Year 11 & 12).

AISM offered an enticing array of subjects. During the first week, Leah had the flexibility to explore options like Legal Studies and English Literature, with the ability to switch if they weren’t a good fit. This adaptability was invaluable as she was still unsure of her academic path. AISM also offered multiple levels for subjects like Maths and English, catering to individual strengths and interests.

“When it came to subject selection, the teachers were super helpful in providing advice on what to pick, especially as I had no real grasp on what the syllabus would look like at this point. In the end, the subjects I started AISM with were very different to the ones I chose to graduate with.”

While Leah wasn’t extensively involved in co-curricular activities at AISM, she actively participated in school events and volunteered in the Chin Immersion Programme. Here, she had the privilege of teaching and mentoring primary school-aged refugee students in various subjects, including IT skills. These experiences fostered a deep sense of social responsibility and a broader perspective on the world.

Leah’s fondest memories at AISM are undoubtedly the people she met. The strong Third Culture Kid (TCK) environment resonated with her, as she was born and raised in the UK for the first twelve years of her life. The teachers were incredibly accommodating, ensuring she fully understood the AUSMAT system before finalising her subjects. “They considered my academic strengths and weaknesses and advised me on how to best score in the final exams. In the end, I graduated with an ATAR of 80.45.”

Leah acknowledges that her experience at AISM influenced her decision to study International Relations at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

Finding her passion

Leah’s experience at AISM significantly influenced her decision to pursue International Relations at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC). While she’s always had an interest in history, AISM nurtured a deeper fascination with Southeast Asian history. For her Higher School Certificate (HSC), Leah delved into the Vietnamese Civil War and its lasting impact on Vietnam. Combined with her Geography final project on the historical buildings in Melaka’s Jonker Street, she explored her passion for this region’s rich history.

Leah’s involvement with the Chin Immersion Programme was the turning point in her interest in international relations and current affairs. Witnessing the lasting effects of Myanmar’s history on the refugee students sparked her interest in the region's complex issues and the world at large.

“My personal statement to UNMC touched on this, but also heavily touched on my experience in an international school with expat friends.”

Unlike her previous school, AISM’s classrooms buzzed with students from various backgrounds, nationalities, and socioeconomic realities. Observing firsthand how her classmates, some privileged scholarship students and other fortunate refugees, navigated the same educational space instilled in Leah a deep sense of cultural empathy. This exposure to a microcosm of the global community fueled her fascination with international affairs and the relationship between different cultures and political agendas.

Learning to Look Beyond

Perhaps the most profound impact of AISM on Leah was how it transformed her approach to learning. Facts became stepping stones for deeper understanding and practical application. Math class was no longer about memorising formulas; it was about using those formulas to solve real-world problems, from calculating taxes to building spreadsheets.

Perhaps even more valuable was the exposure to people from different cultures. This not only honed her communication skills but also instilled in her a sense of cultural empathy. Leah learned to navigate diverse viewpoints, effectively communicating her ideas while actively listening to others. This ability to bridge cultural divides would later become a cornerstone of her professional success.

Beyond academics, AISM nurtured a sense of self-discovery and cultural pride within Leah. Interacting with international classmates allowed her to see her Malaysian heritage through new eyes. She discovered a newfound joy in sharing her culture and becoming an enthusiastic ambassador for her home country. “I feel going to an international school made me proud to be Malaysian. I found joy in sharing my traditions and exploring KL with people who hadn’t experienced the city similarly.”