The most coveted companies today are fiercely competing for top tech talent across industries. The best schools are aware of this, revamping their curricula to include evidence-based approaches to embed technology as a tool to enhance learning, not as an end in itself. These forward-thinking schools teach coding basics as early as elementary school, helping students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills from a young age. They get students to apply these skills by analysing sports statistics or using VR for immersive history lessons.
Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School (KTJ) is that kind of school. Set in the picturesque Malaysian countryside, about an hour’s drive from the capital Kuala Lumpur, KTJ is one of the region’s premier international schools for students aged three to 19 years. In its 30-year history, it has stayed in step with the changing nature of education.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in its new Curiosity Lab, a dedicated space where students explore technology and develop their creativity.
Here, students can use 3D printers and other advanced tech to bring their ideas to life. The lab has become a hub for creativity, with students designing and building everything from robotic cars to functioning prosthetic devices. One team even created a prosthetic-like robotic hand by 3D printing its components and programming it with an Arduino board to grasp objects. Designed to aid individuals with limited mobility, this project lets users control their hands by activating sensors.
“We’ve seen some unique individual projects,” says Ian Chesworth, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, who draws from his past experiences as an engineer to assist students applying for engineering and computer science programmes.
“One student built a remote-controlled car, while another student created an automatic pet feeder for her dog. She even made an automated waste bin that opens as you approach it, similar to the ones you might see in a smart home store. Another student is ambitiously working on a hovercraft, and there’s one more planning to make a remote-controlled plane.”
KTJ Sixth Form has invested in a 3D printer and is developing two new spaces: The Curiosity Lab and The Exchange. Source: Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School
The lab’s offerings go beyond robotics. Students experiment with Arduino boards and Raspberry Pis, tools widely used in industries, allowing them to explore programming and electronics. Those taking subjects like maths, physics, or Computer Science — and especially those applying to mechanical engineering programmes at university — also gain hands-on experience. Working with these technologies helps them build and bolster projects, deepening their understanding of classroom concepts.
“Before, our electronics kits were stored away, with limited access for students,” Chesworth says. “Now, we’ve improved that accessibility, providing a space where students with similar interests can come together, talk about challenges, and share ideas.”
These designated spaces will allow students to explore and enhance their skills in various co-curricular activities, including Computer Science, Robotics, Economics, and Finance. The Robotics Club, for instance, operates on the principle of accessibility. The lab is open for students to drop in anytime, encouraging experimentation beyond club meetings.
Such innovative approaches are evident in other subjects, like law and medicine, at KTJ. Aspiring lawyers can engage in the Law Society’s activities, including mock trials, symposiums, and the Law Journal and podcast – all hosted in the Morris Room. Just ask student Milla, who is the President of the Law Society.
“The moot competition is a remarkable experience that simulates a mock trial, providing us with invaluable insights into the life of a lawyer,” she says. “It familiarises students with the legal process and the extensive workload associated with studying law, giving us a glimpse into the realities of a legal career.”
KTJ nurtures well-rounded students like Milla by promoting sports and cocurriculars alongside academic excellence. Source: Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School
Inspired by her time at a law summit hosted by the country’s flagship university and law school, Milla envisioned creating a symposium to provide A-Level and secondary school students with accessible exposure to legal concepts. Her efforts paid off when professionals, including a High Court judge, agreed to serve as panel speakers and provide insights into diverse aspects of the legal profession.
Such experiences showed Milla how far KTJ’s sixth form teachers will go to help students reach their goals. “I’m often reaching out to Ms Emma [Head of Sixth Form] for feedback on the Law Journal or to discuss my progress with the symposium,” she says. “The unwavering support of teachers for our passions is vital; without it, students might hesitate to pursue what truly interests them.”
For students interested in healthcare, KTJ exclusively hosts the Medics Conference, an event dedicated to understanding diagnoses, treatment planning, and medical ethics. This initiative is bolstered by the expertise of KTJ faculty like Stephanie Davis, Senior Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Chemistry Teacher. Like Chesworth, and other KTJ faculty, Davis uses her professional background to help students navigate applications within specific fields. As a former pharmacist, medical school applications are her forte. “Becoming a doctor isn’t easy — it requires strong commitment, and our guest speakers help our students grasp the realities of the role,” Davis says.
Guest speakers are also invited to help students understand the medical profession better before committing to a career in healthcare. The school maintains valuable connections with various universities, including their Southeast Asian representatives and local representatives in the UK. “These relationships are highly beneficial, as we often invite university speakers to KTJ to talk to our students about specific courses and the universities themselves,” Davis says.
One example is KTJ’s partnership with the University of Leeds, which will soon visit with heart equipment to educate students about the role of medical technology in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Attending these sessions allows students to make informed choices, especially when considering universities abroad. Increasingly, these sessions include workshops covering university information and insights into specific professions and courses. For instance, students participate in debates on ethical issues in medicine and healthcare or engage in clinical case studies, which are key to understanding the field they aspire to enter.
Learn more about Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School.
Follow Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
