Alumni Takeover: From KTJ to Bristol

Alumni, Arasan Mark, gaves us an update on his first month at the University of Bristol, UK via LinkedIn: 

Reflecting on My Journey from KTJ to Bristol:

After spending my first month in Bristol, I often found myself reflecting on the two years I spent at Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar (KTJ) and how it’s shaped me. Here are some key highlights from my time at KTJ:

Captain of Imran House 

Leading Imran House as Captain was the most fulfilling role I’ve ever taken on. This was especially evident when the sense of House spirit and community (or "Ubuntu," as our House Parent, Mr. Catto, called it) was so strong that daily X-Country training was attended by, and looked forward to, by the majority of the boys. Seeing the genuine joy on the faces of my juniors, Upper 6 teammates, and House staff when we tied for 1st in X-Country will be a forever-memory for me. Though Imran House placed 3rd in the House Cup overall, it will always be 1st in my heart and will hold a special place in my life.

Organising the inaugural Alumni Return Day 

Believing KTJ needed more engagement with its alumni, I proposed an event to the school administrators to bring them back to campus. Although we worked on it during our A-Levels, my amazing team and I managed to attract 131 alumni from the three year groups before us. Lucky for us, we were allocated a generous budget which allowed us to host a special dinner with a delicious spread. Thanks Ms. Emma Davidson!

Moot Champion 

Participating in the KTJ Oxbridge Moot as a barrister was insightful to the skills demanded of a lawyer. My team and I argued a cross-border contract dispute, with the legal concepts simplified to not intimidate budding lawyers. After a tense final, we were crowned champions, and Nuan Ning Teioh and I were both named the best advocates.

I can say without a doubt, KTJ has played a big role shaping me. But I’m excited what the next few years have in store!