Testimonials - Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar

Michael Alexander Burley, U.S.A.

Lower Six

My father is based in KL and I have been at KTJ for almost 6 years that is since Form One. I am currently attending Lower Six. When I first came here, I was a quiet and shy person and spent most of the time reading but now I enjoy theatre and being on stage, taking part in sporting events and have so many friends to talk to from many different countries. KTJ has moulded my character in many good ways. The boarding environment, its close-knit society and the friendly atmosphere allows me to interact, adapt, grow and develop while becoming a sociable and matured person. The acting and stage exposure has also make me more confident and comfortable when I am with other people. I have KTJ to thank for. I am glad that I am here.

Kim Ye Jin, Elizabeth, Korea

A-Levels

My father heard about KTJ and its good reputation in Korea. Due to the nature of my father’s job, we moved a lot. I have lived and studied in many countries before coming here. When my father takes his new posting in Korea and the family moved back to Korea, they sent me to KTJ to continue my studies. I have been here for more than three years and I am enjoying my life, the activities and friendships that have developed in the boarding house and classrooms. I find the teachers friendly, dedicated and very experienced. I am taking English Literature, Business Studies and Mathematics for my A-Levels courses. There are also so many international students for me to have the cross-cultural experience here, which is good for my exposure because I intend to study International Relations when I go to the university.

Hiroko Wakabayashi, Japan

Form One

I am in Form One and also a student at the English Language Unit (ELU). I heard about KTJ from my cousin, who is an ex-student. Even after my cousin has left and is now studying in another country, and my family is in Japan, I don’t feel lonely and I am happy to be here. Right now, I can see myself studying at KTJ until Form 6. It is actually cheaper to study here and I can learn English in a short period of time. At the boarding house, we have students from other countries – we live, talk and attend classes together. I also enjoy games and sports that the school offers.

Raline Rahmat, Indonesia

Raline arrived in KTJ from Medan, Indonesia in August 2000. Having been here for four years, she said, “ There is no other place to grow mentally and spiritually than be in the boarding environment.” She said that KTJ gives her the opportunity to build character and communication skills. “In the boarding house, we live with people from different parts of the worlds at a very young age and we learn how to deal with them. At KTJ, we are also allowed to organize events and managed them,” added Raline, who wants to study International Relations after KTJ.

Andrew Stirling Foyston, America

4th Year

“I am very happy and I have no regret coming to KTJ” said Andrew Stirling Foyston, an American, who is presently in his fourth year. His father decided to send him to KTJ after looking at other options available in Malaysia. Andrew, who plays golf and squash, also enjoys his roles in some of the school plays and house singing events. Andrew, who comes from Vancouver, Canada, wishes to continue studying in Canada after his sixth Form at KTJ.

Kim Dong Wook, Korea

2nd Year

Kim Dong Wook, a Korean who is also known as Edward, is presently in his second year at KTJ. His younger sister, Alice, is also studying at KTJ. A keen basketball player, Kim also enjoys golf and other team games like soccer. He finds living in the boarding house and away from parents had taught him to be more independent, but responsible, self-confident, as well as having increased his level of tolerance towards others. He feels that KTJ offers more than his academic needs but more importantly, his personal and mental development.

Ms. Carina Isabella Cerosio, 18 years old, Italy

‘A’ Levels

I like it here. My sister was here, too. My friends are from Malaysia and as well as from other countries. There are a lot of activities here and there is no time to feel bored or homesick. As Sixth Formers, we get to go out on weekends too, so we do get to go to the malls and eat out as well.

Arshad Chowdhury, 15 years old, Form 4, Bangladesh

I heard about KTJ from a friend who has studied here before and my father decided to send me here without even having to see the Kolej first. I am glad that he has made the right decision. I like it here. I play cricket for the school and enjoy the wide range of sporting facilities available at the school. I want to be a computer engineer and I hope to do well in my ‘O’ Levels. The teachers are experienced and I get good support from the tutors, too.

Jonathan Frank Lawn, 13 years old, Form 2, England

I have been at KTJ for almost a year, but home is Malacca where my parents have been since I was one year old. Actually, we are from England. I like being at KTJ because I have a lot of friends from different parts of the world and I can learn so much from them and also from my tutors and houseparents who live in the same house. It is good to know that boarding school is actually quite fun and we have no time to be bored because there are so many activities and so many things to do, even on weekends. I am taking up golf now.