More than a Game, A Way of Life
How Golf Shaped My Character
By Mr Muhammad Aimran Faiz, Deputy Head of Secondary, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

Some of life’s greatest lessons are not always learnt inside a classroom. Sometimes, they are discovered on a quiet golf course, one swing at a time.

My journey with golf began when I was still a young boy. It was my father who first introduced me to the game, patiently teaching me how to hold a club, perfect my stance, and understand that golf was never simply about hitting a ball. To him, golf was a sport that built character, discipline and respect. Looking back today, I realise he was teaching me lessons that would stay with me for life.

In the early years, I spent countless weekends following my father around the golf course. Every round became an opportunity to learn—not only about technique, but also about patience. Golf is a game that rewards consistency rather than perfection. There were days when my shots flew exactly where I wanted, and there were many more when they did not. Yet my father always reminded me that every bad shot was simply another chance to improve.

As I grew older, golf became more than just a hobby. It became a part of who I am. This sport taught me to stay calm under pressure, to think before making decisions, and to accept that success comes through practice, perseverance and resilience. Unlike many other sports, golf challenges you as much mentally as it does physically. Every hole presents a new problem to solve, and every round teaches you something new about yourself.

What makes golf truly special to me is the bond it created between my father and me. Some of our best conversations happened while walking from one hole to another. There were no distractions—just the sound of birds, the fresh morning air and valuable conversations that I still remember today. Those moments strengthened our relationship and gave me memories that I will always treasure.

Today, whenever I step onto a golf course, I am reminded of where it all began. Every swing carries a lesson from my father, every round reminds me to stay humble and every challenge encourages me to become a better version of myself. Although golf is often described as a game, to me it represents much more. It is a lifelong journey of learning, growth and self-improvement.

As the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer once said,
“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”

Golf has taught me that life is much like the game itself. There will always be obstacles, unexpected challenges and moments of disappointment. However, with patience, determination and the right mindset, every setback becomes an opportunity to improve. For me, golf will always be more than a game—it is truly a way of life.

 

Key Vocabulary

• Character – the personal qualities that define a person’s behaviour and actions.
• Discipline – the ability to control yourself and work consistently towards a goal.
• Technique – the method or skill used to perform an activity effectively.
• Patience – the ability to remain calm while waiting or facing difficulties.
• Consistency – performing at the same high standard over time.
• Perseverance – continuing to work hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
• Resilience – the ability to recover quickly from challenges or failure.
• Treasure – to value something or someone greatly.
• Self-improvement – the process of becoming a better version of yourself.
• Determination – having a strong will to achieve something despite challenges.
• Mindset – the way a person thinks and approaches situations.

Like golf, learning English also requires patience, perseverance and the courage to keep improving.✨

At ILTI, we are committed in helping every learner develop not only strong English skills but also the confidence to communicate, succeed and embrace new opportunities. After all, every journey towards excellence begins with the willingness to learn.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

A Lesson from Sigiriya
By Mrs Florence Gerald, Deputy Principal, Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

Birthdays are often celebrated with family, friends, laughter and cake. Mine was a little different. To mark my 60th birthday, I travelled to Sri Lanka with some teacher friends. It was a trip filled with laughter, sightseeing and unforgettable experiences. Yet one particular day left an impression on me that I will carry for years to come.

A few days into our holiday, we arrived at Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, this ancient rock fortress has stood proudly for centuries, challenging visitors from around the world to make the climb to its summit. As I looked up at the towering rock, one thought crossed my mind: What have I got myself into?

From the word go, I had second thoughts. The climb looked daunting. I have always been afraid of heights, and standing at the foot of Sigiriya, I questioned whether I should even attempt it. Part of me wanted to stay behind and simply admire its beauty from below. Yet another part of me knew that if I walked away without trying, I would always wonder, “What if I had?”

Eventually, I took the first step. The climb was more demanding than I had imagined. About a quarter of the way up, exhaustion began to set in. I wasn’t sure I had the energy or stamina to continue. Yet it wasn’t the physical effort that challenged me the most. It was the fear. I stayed close to the rock face, avoiding the side with the railing where I could see the steep drop below. I didn’t dare look down. Strong gusts of wind only added to my anxiety. The higher we climbed, the more my mind began to race. What if something happened to me? I was so far away from my family. Was I doing the right thing? Looking back, I realise it wasn’t the wind that was controlling me. It was fear. Fear has a way of filling our minds with endless “what ifs”, making us doubt ourselves before anything has even happened. For a moment, I seriously considered turning back. Then came a quiet conversation with myself.

“If I don’t try, I’ll never know. And if I turn back now, I’ll always wonder whether I could have done it.”

Those words became my resolve. Instead of worrying about how many steps were still ahead, I focused only on the next one. Then the next. Slowly, one step at a time, my determination became stronger than my fear. The climb did not suddenly become easier, but I began to believe that perhaps I could do it after all.

When I finally reached the summit, the feeling was difficult to describe. There was an overwhelming sense of relief, followed almost immediately by elation. Standing high above the breathtaking landscape, I felt as though I was on top of the world. The panoramic view was spectacular, but what filled my heart was not just the scenery. It was the quiet satisfaction of knowing that I had not allowed fear to make the decision for me.

The journey down felt very different. I was still careful, but I was no longer controlled by fear. I found myself more confident, more relaxed and quietly smiling to myself. The steps had not changed, but I had.

Looking back, I realise that climbing Sigiriya was never simply about reaching the top. It was about discovering something within myself. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t age; it’s the limits we place on ourselves. Fear often convinces us that we are incapable long before we have even tried.

As teachers, we spend much of our time encouraging our students to believe in themselves, to persevere when learning becomes difficult and to step outside their comfort zones. Standing on the summit of Sigiriya, I realised I needed to listen to my own advice. Even after many years of teaching, life still has lessons to offer if we are willing to learn.

I returned home with wonderful memories of Sri Lanka, but I also came back with something far more valuable. I returned with a renewed belief in myself and a reminder that it is never too late to challenge our own limitations. We all have a Sigiriya in our lives. Mine happened to be in Sri Lanka. Yours may take a very different form. It could be a new beginning, a difficult decision, an unfamiliar challenge or a dream that has been waiting far too long. Whatever it may be, I hope you find the courage to take the first step. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself along the way…

 

Key Vocabulary

• Iconic – Very famous and easily recognised
• Daunting – Seeming difficult, frightening or challenging
• Exhaustion – Extreme tiredness after physical or mental effort
• Stamina – The strength to continue doing something for a long time
• Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness or fear
• Determination – The strong decision to keep going despite difficulties
• Summit – The highest point of a mountain or hill
• Persevere – To continue trying even when something is difficult
• Limitations – Things that stop or restrict what someone can do
• Panoramic – Showing a wide, complete view of an area or landscape

Learning English begins with the courage to try. Every word you speak is a step forward. If you never try, you will never know how far you can go. ✨

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.

The Spring That Rewrote My Story
By Dr. Venix Teo, Deputy Head of International School, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

 

Life has a remarkable way of introducing its greatest blessings when we least expect them.

Mine arrived on a gentle spring morning.

On that day, a little boy stepped quietly into my life and, without saying a single word, rewrote the story of my future. It was a moment of serendipity, a beautiful reminder that life’s most meaningful gifts often arrive in ways we could never anticipate.

People often believe that family is defined by blood. I have come to realise that family is built on unwavering love, steadfast commitment, and the conscious choice to stand beside one another every single day.

Our journey was far from simple. In Malaysia, becoming a child’s legal parent is a meticulous process that demands immense fortitude, patience, and perseverance. What began as a heartfelt dream became a five-year journey filled with paperwork, interviews, home visits, and court proceedings. There were moments when the destination felt impossibly distant yet hope never allowed us to stop believing.

Then came the day when everything changed.

In that moment, one simple word became the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.

“Dad.”

That single word carried more meaning than every document ever signed. Every challenge, every delay, and every anxious moment instantly faded into the background.

Looking back, I now understand that some blessings are intentionally delayed, not to test our patience, but to deepen our gratitude. What once felt like waiting was, perhaps, providence quietly preparing the perfect moment.

Today, my son is woven into the very tapestry of my life. He has transformed my house into a home, my ordinary days into cherished memories, and my heart into a sanctuary filled with purpose.

Although that Spring has faded into memory, its beauty continues to flourish within me each day. Life’s greatest gifts are never defined by how they begin, but by the love, sacrifice and steadfast commitment that allow them to bloom.

Some seasons quietly become memories, yet their beauty never truly fades. Every time I hear the word “Dad,” I am reminded that the most extraordinary chapters of our lives are written not by chance, but by love. And for that one unforgettable Spring, I will remain grateful for the rest of my life.

 

 

Key Vocabulary

Serendipity – The occurrence of finding something wonderful or valuable by chance when you were not expecting it.

Anticipate – To expect or predict that something will happen in the future.

Unwavering – Firm and constant; never changing or becoming weaker, especially in belief, support, or determination.

 Meticulous – Very careful, thorough, and paying close attention to every detail.

Fortitude – Courage and strength of mind that help a person endure difficulties or challenges.

Providence – The protective guidance or care of a higher power, often believed to be God, shaping events for a greater purpose.

Woven – Carefully brought together or combined to form a meaningful whole, like threads woven into fabric.

Tapestry – A rich and complex pattern or collection of experiences, relationships, or events that make up a person’s life. (Originally, it refers to a decorative woven fabric.)

Sanctuary – A place of safety, peace, comfort, and refuge where one feels protected and at ease.

Steadfast – Loyal, dependable, and firmly committed without giving up or changing.

Extraordinary – Very unusual, remarkable, or exceptional; far beyond what is ordinary or expected.

Life has an unexpected way of introducing something big into our lives. Sometimes, a simple event can end up making a 360-degree change in our lives.

One of the best things that can happen to us is getting the opportunity to improve ourselves and upgrade our lives — for example, becoming a fluent English speaker who can write beautifully.

Take your first step today. Talk to us at ILTI. ✨

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.

When will be the last time?
By Aainaa Sofea, Head of Early Years & Language Kinderlabz

 

Do you ever feel like social media is spying on you? Well, I do.

Last weekend, I was idling on TikTok when I came across a piece of content that I genuinely relished. It was an English-speaking practice video where a paragraph of text would scroll across the screen for you to read aloud.

And because social media seems to know everything about me, once I started reading, more and more of these videos kept surfacing on my feed!

Honestly, I didn’t mind. I had time to spare, and I enjoyed reading them in between cute cat videos and those AI-generated movie clips. *grin

Have you noticed that AI-generated movies have become quite a phenomenon these days? Some of them are so well made that they almost feel better than real movies!

Then came another English practice video. This time, the text said:

There is always a last time for everything.
Ironically, you will never know when that last time will be.
You will never know when it is your last dinner with your parents,
You will never know when it is the last vacation with your best friend,
You won’t even know when it is the last time you drive your favourite car,
So, cherish every moment in your life.
Say “thank you” and “I’m sorry” more often. Tell them that you love them.
Because we never know when we will have the opportunity to do it again.

That was it.

The moment I read the very first sentence, I broke down.

Ever since I got married and moved out of my parents’ house, I’ve missed them every single day. Going through my daily routine without them still feels foreign, even now. Reading those words made me feel incredibly emotional.

At that moment, I wished I could start my car, drive back to their house, and embrace them as tightly as I could.

But it was already 1:00 a.m.

So, I had no choice but to hold back my emotions and stop myself from crying like a little kid. I remember I prayed to God to bless them with good health and long live.

Cherish every moment in life.

Now, I understand those words more clearly than ever.

As Meryl Streep once said:

“Life is precious, and when you’ve lost a lot of people, you realise each day is a gift.”

Every moment we spend with the people we love is invaluable. Once that moment passes, we may never have the opportunity to experience it again.

If you’re reading this and you haven’t told your loved ones “I love you” today, please do.

You never know when today becomes the last time.

 

Key Vocabulary

• Idling – Spending time without doing anything important or productive.
• Relished – Enjoyed something very much.
• Surfacing – Beginning to appear or become noticeable.
• Phenomenon – A remarkable event or something that becomes widely popular.
• Opportunity – A chance or favourable moment to do something.
• Broke down – Became overwhelmed with emotion and started crying.
• Foreign – Strange, unfamiliar, or not yet comfortable.
• Embrace – To hold someone closely in your arms; to hug.
• Cherish – To love, value and appreciate someone or something deeply
• Invaluable – Extremely precious or valuable; impossible to replace.

We never truly know when the last opportunity to change our lives will pass us by. That’s why mastering English is what you need to do now—after all, it’s always better late than never! Enroll with ILTI today, and embrace the journey to become the best you can be.

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.

Overcoming the Fear of Speaking – Helping Shy Learners Find Their Voice in English
By Ms Caroline Samuel, Principal at ILTI

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”
– Mary Anne Radmacher

Many students understand English well, complete their written work successfully, and perform well in reading and listening activities. However, when it comes to speaking, they become quiet, nervous, or hesitant. They may worry about making mistakes, being laughed at, or not finding the right words to express themselves.

At ILTI, we believe that every student has a voice worth hearing. Speaking English is not about being perfect—it is about building confidence, expressing ideas, and communicating effectively. By creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment, teachers and parents can help shy learners gradually overcome their fear and develop the confidence to speak English naturally.

Understanding the Fear of Speaking

Many children experience anxiety when asked to speak in English. This fear is completely normal, especially for learners who are still developing their vocabulary and sentence structures.

Some students are naturally shy, while others may have had previous experiences where they felt embarrassed after making mistakes. Others may compare themselves with classmates who speak more fluently and become afraid of being judged.

For example, during a classroom discussion, a student may know the correct answer but choose not to raise their hand because they worry about pronouncing a word incorrectly. Instead of participating, they remain silent even though they understand the lesson. Recognising these feelings is the first step towards helping students build confidence.

Creating a Safe and Encouraging Environment

Students are more willing to speak when they know mistakes are accepted as part of learning. Teachers play an important role by praising effort rather than perfection. Instead of focusing only on grammatical accuracy, teachers can encourage students whenever they make an attempt to communicate. Simple comments such as “Well done for trying,” or “That’s a good idea. Let’s improve the sentence together,” help students feel valued and motivated.

At ILTI, we encourage a positive classroom atmosphere where students support one another and understand that every learner progresses at their own pace. When students feel safe, they become more willing to participate and take small risks in speaking English.

Building Confidence Through Small Speaking Opportunities

Confidence develops gradually through regular practice. Rather than asking shy learners to give long presentations immediately, teachers can begin with simple speaking activities.

For example, students can:

• Introduce themselves to a partner.
• Describe a favourite toy or hobby.
• Answer simple daily questions.
• Read short dialogues aloud.
• Share one sentence about their weekend.

These small successes help students realise that speaking English is achievable. As confidence grows, students naturally become more comfortable speaking in front of larger groups.

Learning Through Pair and Group Activities

Speaking becomes less intimidating when students practise with classmates instead of speaking alone in front of the entire class. Pair work and small group discussions allow learners to practise English in a relaxed setting. Students encourage one another, exchange ideas, and build confidence together. For example, during a picture description activity, two students may work together to describe what they see using simple English sentences. As they discuss the picture, they naturally practise vocabulary, sentence construction, and pronunciation. These collaborative activities reduce anxiety while making speaking enjoyable and meaningful.

Accepting Mistakes as Part of Learning

One of the biggest obstacles to speaking is the fear of making mistakes. The truth is that mistakes are an essential part of language learning. Every successful English speaker has learned through practice, correction, and continuous improvement. Teachers should correct mistakes gently without interrupting students’ confidence. Instead of immediately pointing out every error, teachers can allow students to finish speaking before providing helpful feedback. This approach helps students remain confident while continuing to improve their language accuracy.

At ILTI, we remind our students that every mistake is another opportunity to learn.

Using Real-Life Communication Activities

Students gain confidence when they practise English in situations they may encounter outside the classroom. Role-play activities make speaking both practical and enjoyable.

Students may practise:

• Ordering food at a restaurant.
• Asking for directions.
• Introducing themselves to a new friend.
• Shopping at a supermarket.
• Booking a hotel room.
• Conducting a simple interview.

These activities prepare learners for real-life conversations while helping them understand that English is a communication tool rather than simply another school subject.

Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection

Every learner develops confidence at a different pace. Some students begin speaking confidently within a few weeks, while others require more time and encouragement. It is important to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. A student who answers one question today may volunteer to participate in a discussion next month. These small milestones represent significant personal growth. Recognising progress motivates students to continue challenging themselves.

The Role of Parents

Parents can play an important role in helping children become more confident English speakers.

Simple activities at home can make a big difference:

• Encourage your child to speak English during everyday conversations.
• Praise effort rather than correcting every mistake.
• Read English storybooks together.
• Watch English cartoons or educational programmes.
• Ask open-ended questions that encourage longer answers.
• Give your child time to think before responding.

Most importantly, avoid comparing your child with others. Every learner develops confidence at their own pace.

How ILTI Supports Speaking Confidence

At ILTI, developing confident communicators is one of our primary goals. Our Cambridge English programmes provide students with regular opportunities to practise speaking through:

• Interactive classroom discussions.
• Pair and group activities.
• Role-play and real-life communication tasks.
• Storytelling and presentations.
• Speaking games and vocabulary challenges.
• Individual feedback and positive encouragement.

Our teachers create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves while steadily improving their communication skills. We believe that confident speaking develops through consistent practice, patience, and encouragement.

Practical Tips for Parents

Parents can help build speaking confidence by:

• Speaking simple English during daily routines.
• Encouraging children to express opinions in English.
• Playing language games together.
• Reading aloud as a family.
• Praising confidence rather than perfection.
• Creating opportunities for children to communicate with others in English.

These small daily practices reinforce what students learn in the classroom.

Vocabulary Galler

Confidence – belief in one’s own ability.

Communication – sharing ideas and information with others.

Pronunciation – the correct way of saying words.

Fluency – speaking smoothly and naturally.

Encouragement – giving support and confidence to someone.

Participation – actively taking part in an activity.

Role-play – acting out real-life situations for learning.

Vocabulary – the words a person knows and uses.

Conversation – a spoken exchange between two or more people.

Self-confidence – believing in your own abilities.

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.