A Tribute to My Beloved Father
By Ms Alagammai A/ Parasarahman, Head of Teachers, Kinder Labz

Parasarahman S/O Arumugam was my father. He worked as a gardener at a Tamil school in Ladang Kuala Gula, situated in Taiping, Perak. His parents were from a village called Vengalathur in India. My father was a hardworking, resilient and dedicated man. Unfortunately, he had to discontinue his studies when he was in Standard Six due to his family’s difficult circumstances. At a very young age, he started working to support his family and shoulder their responsibilities.

To me, my father was my hero, the greatest man in the world. He was the pillar and head of our family. He taught me good manners and constantly reminded me to be honest, humble and kind to others. He was my role model because he showed me how to live a responsible and meaningful life. Although he was very strict, he was also fair and compassionate.

Despite being a school gardener, my father handled almost every task in the school except teaching. He was a well-known and highly respected person among his colleagues, relatives and the community. His dedication and commitment towards his work were truly admirable. With only a minimal wage, he managed to take care of his wife and all ten of his children, including me. He gave us the best life he could and never revealed the pain, sacrifices and struggles he endured for our sake.

My father’s school was once selected as one of the most beautiful and well-maintained schools, and he received an award as a token of appreciation for his hard work and commitment. The staff members and even the headmasters often sought his help regarding school matters because of his reliability and experience. In 2025, my father’s former school organised an alumni gathering for former teachers, staff and students. During the event, the school management honoured my mother with an award on behalf of my late father in recognition of his dedication and long years of service to the school, even after 32 years of retirement.

Although my father was not highly educated, he never failed to educate all ten of his children. As I was his youngest child, I spent most of his old age with him. I cherished the quality time we shared, especially listening to his old stories and jokes. I admired the way he handled things and his wonderful sense of humour. He often told me that even though he was not educated, he would make sure all his children received the education he never had. His final wish was to see me become a graduate.

Today, I stand proudly as a gardener’s daughter who has successfully completed her Master’s in Education and is currently serving as the Head of Teachers at Kinder Labz. Every achievement in my life reflects my father’s sacrifices, perseverance and unconditional love. My father left us on February 5th, 2012, due to a lung infection. Although he is no longer here to witness and cherish these beautiful moments with me, I truly believe that his soul is smiling proudly upon his daughter’s achievements.

 

Key Vocabulary

Resilient – able to recover from difficulties and stay strong

Dedicated – committed and hardworking towards a duty or responsibility

Circumstances – conditions or situations affecting someone’s life

Responsibilities – duties or obligations that someone must handle

Pillar – a person who gives strong support to a family or group

Humble – modest and not proud or arrogant

Compassionate – showing kindness and concern for others

Admirable – worthy of respect and praise

Commitment – strong dedication towards work or responsibilities

Sacrifices – giving up something important for others

Endured – suffered patiently through difficulties

Appreciation – recognition and gratitude for someone’s efforts

Reliability – the quality of being dependable and trustworthy

Cherished – deeply valued and appreciated

Perseverance – continuing to work hard despite challenges

Unconditional – without limits or conditions

Achievement – something successfully accomplished

Well-maintained – properly cared for and kept in good condition

Role model – a person looked upon as an example to follow

Graduate – a person who has successfully completed a degree

Witness – to see or experience something personally

Education matters. It is every parent’s dream to see their children succeed. Their sacrifices can only truly be repaid through the success of their children.

At ILTI, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access high-quality English education. Invest in your future with ILTI and build brighter opportunities, stronger communication skills and more meaningful social interactions.

Explore our language and professional development programmes today. Let’s keep moving forward together.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

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Rising Above the Noise: Why Their Behaviour is a Reflection of Their Limitations, Not Your Leadership
By Dr Evelyn Chen Lee Na, Executive Director Bonanza Educare Sdn Bhd

I read somewhere that when people feel incompetent, threatened or insecure, they often use information hoarding and silence as a form of power. If they don’t tell you anything, they think you can’t control or judge them. And there I was, nodding to myself, thinking yes, that explains a lot!

I have been working for a long, long time. I am very serious about everything I do, I work hard and I don’t tolerate rubbish and drama. My goals have always been simple: make sure the organisation is healthy, my staff are happy and motivated, students are learning and safe and that I, myself keep growing into a better version of who I was yesterday. SIMPLE, isn’t it? Yet somehow, for some people, even that is too much to stomach.

And so, over the years I have been labelled many things. Some I didn’t even know how to pronounce, lol! Some people have written emails long enough to fill a small novel, all dedicated to complaining about me. I am flattered 😊!

Here’s what I have learnt though. What other people think of me is honestly none of my business. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and even the people who don’t like me are entitled to theirs. I have made peace with that.

Someone smart once told me it is a very lonely place at the top. I concur. I am here to do a job, a responsibility entrusted to me, and I take that seriously. I am not here to win a popularity contest or play games. What I have come to understand is that it is far easier for some people to point fingers outward than to look inward. And that too is okay. That is their journey, not mine.

Here is what I want to say to you today. Life is too short to spend it fighting battles with people who are not worthy of your energy. Pour that energy into your work, into the people who matter and into becoming the best version of yourself. Do not let the difficult ones live rent free in your head. They are not worth the space.

If you are fighting the same war that many of us quietly fight every day, please hear this: it is not you. Stay the course. Hold your head high and keep doing what you do best. WORK! Show up, give your best and let the noise stay exactly where it belongs, in the background. And please remember, their behaviour is a reflection of their limitations, not your leadership.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. And as always, ignore the pests. 😊

 

Key Vocabulary

Incompetent: Lacking the necessary skills, knowledge or ability to perform a task or role effectively.

Insecure: Lacking confidence or assurance in one’s own worth, abilities or position, often leading to defensive behaviour.

Hoarding: The act of accumulating and hiding away resources or information rather than sharing them openly.

Motivated: Driven by a strong internal or external incentive to act, achieve goals and maintain high performance.

Concur: To be of the same opinion; to agree completely with a statement, perspective or finding.

Entrusted: Given the responsibility, care or custody of something valuable with the complete confidence that it will be protected.

Limitations: The boundaries, restrictions or lack of capacity within a person’s abilities, mindset or character.

Pests: Annoying, persistent individuals or influences that cause minor trouble, create unwanted distractions or disrupt peace.

We have all been there; dealing with the drama and wondering why some people choose to point fingers instead of doing a good job. At ILTI, we believe the best answer to the noise is always excellence. You cannot control what others hide or say, but you can control your own growth. When you invest in your communication skills and your professional voice, you are doing it for yourself, not a popularity contest.

If you are ready to focus on your own journey, brush off the distractions and build the unshakeable confidence real leadership demands, explore our language and professional development programmes today. Let’s keep moving forward together.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

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From Passion to Purpose: My Journey in Early Childhood Education
By Syahidatul Iryani

Every journey in education begins with a simple passion — the desire to make a difference in the lives of children. For me, that passion gradually grew into a meaningful career in Early Childhood Education, shaping not only the teacher I have become, but also the leader I aspire to be.

My journey began when I pursued my studies in Early Childhood Education. During my practical training in a famous kindergarten in Ipoh, Kinder Labz, I quickly realised that teaching young children is far more than simply caring for them. It is about nurturing their humanity, supporting their emotional well-being, guiding their physical development and helping them discover the joy of learning. Those early experiences opened my eyes to the importance of building a strong foundation during the early years of a child’s life.

Throughout my journey, I had the opportunity to assist in organising and handling programmes in several kindergartens under the same company. These experiences allowed me to grow professionally and develop confidence in managing large-scale school events and activities. I was actively involved in Sports Day, Open Day, school roadshows, concerts, and Graduation Day celebrations. Each programme taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, organisation and leadership.

Wanting to deepen my understanding of children with diverse learning needs, I also joined a Special Needs course. Through this experience, I learnt how to better understand, support and guide children with additional needs using patience, empathy and inclusive teaching approaches. This knowledge strengthened my belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.

My professional journey continued at Knewton Global Schools Rawang, where I gained valuable experience teaching in an international school environment. At the same time, I pursued my studies part-time while working full-time. Balancing work and studies was certainly challenging, but it taught me resilience, commitment, and effective time management. The experience encouraged me to continuously improve myself both personally and professionally.

One of the most meaningful experiences in my journey was participating in the Aims and Excellence in Early Years event at ISP International School ParkCity. The event was a tremendous success and provided an inspiring opportunity to observe and appreciate the beautiful learning environments created for young learners. Most importantly, I had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with Early Years specialists from some of Malaysia’s leading international schools. Through these professional conversations and shared experiences, I gained new perspectives, ideas and inspiration that further strengthened my knowledge in Early Years teaching and learning.

These experiences have continuously shaped my growth as an educator and leader. From being a student teacher to becoming the Head of Early Years, my journey has been filled with learning opportunities, challenges and unforgettable moments. Every child, colleague, parent and experience has contributed to the educator I am today.

As an Early Years leader, I believe that children learn best in an environment where they feel valued, safe, happy and inspired. I am passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support children’s holistic development while also empowering teachers to grow with confidence and purpose.

As Rita Pierson once said, “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them.”

My journey in education continues to remind me that teaching is not simply a profession — it is a responsibility, a passion and a lifelong commitment to shaping the future, one child at a time.

 

Key Vocabulary

Passion: a strong feeling of enthusiasm and dedication towards something

Humanity: kindness, care, and understanding towards others

Emotional well-being: feeling happy, safe, and emotionally supported

Foundation: the basic support or starting point of something important

Leadership: the ability to guide, support, and inspire others

Inclusive: ensuring everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported

Resilience: the ability to stay strong and continue during challenges

Commitment: dedication and responsibility towards a goal or purpose

Holistic development: supporting all areas of a child’s growth, including learning, emotions, physical skills, and social development

Empathy: understanding and caring about another person’s feelings

Inspiring: encouraging others to feel motivated and confident

Collaboration: working together with others to achieve something

Professional growth: improving skills, knowledge, and experience in a career

Meaningful: important, valuable, and purposeful

Empowering: helping others feel confident and capable

Legumes: A group of foods including beans, lentils and peas that are high in protein and fibre.

Join us at ILTI and start your own journey of growth. Whether you are building a foundation for your child or your career, we are here to be your champion. Enrol today and shape a brighter future.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

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Hidden Sugars, Instant Food and Student Health: What Every Parent Should Know
By Arvinraj Batumalai

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, processed food has become increasingly common among school-going children and teenagers. Sugary drinks, packaged snacks, cereals, instant noodles and fast food meals are often marketed as quick and tasty options. However, many parents may not realise the sheer volume of hidden sugar and unhealthy additives this food contains or how it may affect a student’s health, concentration and academic performance.

Hidden sugars are those added during processing and are commonly found in flavoured drinks, breakfast cereals, yoghurt drinks, chocolate spreads, sauces, biscuits and even some “healthy” snack bars. Excessive sugar consumption leads to rapid spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels. Consequently, students may experience fatigue, mood swings, poor concentration, irritability and a reduced attention span in class.

Over time, a diet high in sugar and processed food may increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver disease and poor dental health. Many students today rely heavily on sugary snacks for energy during long school hours without realising that these provide only a fleeting boost, often leaving them feeling more exhausted than before.

Another growing concern is the increasing consumption of instant ramen and heavily processed meals. While instant noodles are affordable and easy to prepare, they are often laden with sodium, preservatives, unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates while lacking vital fibre, vitamins and minerals. Frequent consumption may contribute to poor nutrition, dehydration and long-term unhealthy eating habits.

Students require proper nutrition because the brain needs a steady supply of nutrients to function effectively. Food rich in protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and complex carbohydrates helps improve focus, memory and learning ability. Instead of relying on processed options, parents can encourage students to consume wholesome, balanced meals. Real food options such as properly cooked poultry, fish, eggs, lean red meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains provide essential nutrients needed for growth and cognitive development. Iron-rich food like beef, spinach and legumes support oxygen delivery to the brain while proteins help maintain alertness.

Good nutrition does not require expensive ingredients or complicated diets. Simple, balanced meals prepared consistently at home can make a significant difference in a child’s physical health, emotional wellbeing and academic performance. As educators and parents, we must work together to build healthier habits and encourage students to make wiser choices for a brighter future.

Key Vocabulary

Additives: Substances added to food to improve its flavour, appearance or shelf life.

Refined Carbohydrates: Grain products that have been processed to remove the bran and germ, stripping them of fibre and nutrients.

Insulin Resistance: A condition where the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin, often linked to high sugar intake.

Sodium: A mineral (found in salt) used for seasoning and preservation; excessive amounts can lead to high blood pressure.

Wholesome: Conducive to or suggestive of good health and physical well-being.

Legumes: A group of foods including beans, lentils and peas that are high in protein and fibre.

At ILTI, we believe that a sharp mind starts with a healthy lifestyle. Just as the right nutrients fuel the brain for study, the right environment fuels a student for success.

We encourage all our students and parents to swap processed food for brain-boosting whole ingredients to ensure they are always ready to excel in their English language journey.

Let’s nourish our bodies and our minds together! Come speak to us today.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

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When One Result Does Not Define Your Future
By Andrei Ponomarev

Many students believe that an examination result has the power to determine their entire future. A disappointing score can feel final, overwhelming and deeply discouraging, particularly when expectations have been high. Yet one result, however painful at the time, does not have to become an irrevocable judgement on a person’s ability or potential. My own experience taught me that setbacks can become turning points if they are met with resilience, support and the determination to continue.

In 2015, I sat an English examination that was extremely important for my university aspirations. Throughout my trial examinations, I had achieved strong results, and my tutor was confident that I would score highly. My family and I also expected a positive outcome. However, when the final result arrived, I had only achieved the minimum passing score. Although I had passed, the result was far below what I had hoped for. It was a moment of real disappointment. The universities in my hometown set their own entry requirements, and my score was not high enough for acceptance. At that point, it felt as though the path I had imagined for myself had suddenly become inaccessible.

However, this was not the end of the journey. Thanks to my mother and grandmother, who refused to let me give up, we began looking for other possibilities. Their encouragement became a source of strength when my own confidence was shaken. Eventually, we found a university in a different city that accepted me. It was not the original plan, but it became the opportunity I needed.

Once there, I made a conscious decision to make the most of my studies. Through diligence, perseverance and a refusal to be defined by one examination result, I worked hard, gained the degree I wanted, and began building my career. Step by step, I continued to grow professionally, gaining experience, taking on responsibility and learning from every challenge. Today, I am proud to serve as Head of International Primary, a role that once might have seemed distant from that disappointing moment in 2015.

For students, the lesson is clear: an exam result may influence your next step, but it does not dictate your destination. Disappointment is painful, but it can also reveal strength, courage and new pathways. For parents, the message is equally important. Children need encouragement not only when they succeed, but especially when they feel they have failed. Sometimes, the belief of a parent or grandparent can help a young person keep going when they are ready to stop.

Success is rarely a straight road. It often includes unexpected turns, setbacks and moments of doubt. What matters most is not that everything goes according to plan, but that we continue moving forward. One result does not define a life. Determination, support and the courage to try again can transform disappointment into the beginning of a much greater journey.

Key Vocabulary

Irrevocable: Not able to be changed, reversed or recovered.

Aspirations: Strong hopes or ambitions for the future.

Inaccessible: Unable to be reached or achieved.

Resilience: The ability to recover after difficulties or setbacks.

Diligence: Careful and persistent effort.

Perseverance: Continuing to work towards something despite difficulty.

Setback: A problem or difficulty that delays progress.

Transform: To change something completely, often in a positive way.

Don’t let one result define your destination. Join a community that celebrates progress, encourages perseverance and transforms challenges into opportunities.

Rewrite your future!! Enrol today to discover our range of English programmes tailored for all levels. Let us help you find the right starting point for your success.Come speak to us today.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.