Last year, Lyn Siew got on stage at TEDxBangsar to tell the world why she’s so passionate about food. It was a big deal and the cherry on top for her many years of hard work, creativity and innovation working in the food industry and what Siew refers to as a “bucket-list dream come true!”. Siew, who studied Film and Art History at university, is a fervent foodie and cites her international education at Garden International School as a key ingredient to this love for world food, culture and cosmopolitan influence. “School opened my mind and gave me the confidence to travel and further my studies abroad. The food industry is tough and you need to be brave. I’m grateful that I attended a school that taught me to appreciate diversity, challenge the status quo and develop resilience. This is what gives me confidence and is still serving me well today!”

ICYMI: Bright Young Things: Lyn Siew of Ruyi & Lyn

Raja Jesrina Arshad

CEO & Co-founder of PurelyB

Reminiscing on her time at school, Raja Jesrina Arshad feels that her own experience played an important part in shaping who she is today. She says, “My biggest takeaway from school was that we are limitless! If we work hard enough and have great support, there’s really nothing we can’t achieve.” She remembers her English Literature teacher with a particular fondness, who she says helped her achieve her full potential. She also holds on to a piece of advice this teacher gave her, which is to always surround yourself with people smarter than you; that these are the people who will push you to go beyond what you think you’re capable of and ultimately drive you to get there. “It’s important to my business, which is digital and always evolving, to not fall into the constraints of feeling too comfortable! I need to work with people who help keep me on my toes and motivate me to keep on pushing the boundaries. PurelyB is based on impacting people’s lives and wellbeing in a positive way, so working with the right people who inspire, share the same vision and philosophy is fundamental.”

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Malisse Tan

Founder of Bobble

Being exposed to extracurricular activities like music and drama and taking on extra responsibilities like being a Prefect and House Captain in her years at school was “fundamental to developing my sense of self-confidence” recalls Malisse Tan. “I left school feeling sure of who I was; self-reliant and capable. And it’s these same traits that I have depended on throughout my professional and personal life.” Having faced life-changing events such as overcoming Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of the lymphoma) and becoming a first-time parent at the same time, Tan strives to do everything with clarity and purpose. This is what she aims to do with her line of organic, sustainable period products. “I’ve been given a second chance at life and I am driven by how I can impact people around me in a meaningful way; this includes my team, my customers and the community in which I work and live in.”

While their paths and passions are each unique, these three inspirational women have one thing in common: their foundation. They all started their journey at Garden International School, where they grow, inspire and support the next generation of leaders born to stand out and build a better future for all of us. Let their stories inspire you to start your journey with GIS; visit gardenschool.edu.my or follow GISMalaysia on Facebook or Instagram.