Today I attended the wedding of En. Faidzul’s daughter after the Stellar International School Open Day. This invitation was more than just a ceremony to attend; it was a reminder of a journey deeply tied to the history of Stellar Education Group. En. Faidzul is not only someone I respect immensely but also a key figure in our story—a man who embodies integrity, kindness, and a genuine heart for supporting education.
Our journey together started in 2016 when we were applying for a license for Stellar Preschool. Back then, we faced a challenge: a policy required kindergartens to use Malay names. I had chosen the name “Stellar” because it represented the high standard and international vision we wanted to bring to Malaysia. However, our application was rejected as “Stellar” wasn’t considered a local name. Despite several appeals, the officers insisted on adhering to policy, and multiple inspection appointments were canceled, which kept delaying our plans.
Finally, on the inspection day, the officers arrived two hours late. It was sunny when they arrived, but as soon as they entered, a sudden heavy rain poured down. None of us had umbrellas, so we ended up staying indoors together. It was an unexpected moment that allowed for a rare opportunity to talk. That’s when I met En. Faidzul. Newly transferred to Johor, he took an interest in my background, and we connected over our shared experience as educators. I shared my story with him, my studies in Australia, and my vision to bring high-quality education back to Malaysia.
I told him the reason I insisted on the name “Stellar”—I wanted a name that could represent Malaysia globally, something that could transcend borders and be recognized internationally. To my surprise, he resonated with this vision. He saw beyond the technicalities and recognized the deeper purpose behind what we were trying to build. He promised to advocate for our case, and true to his word, he got back to me the next evening. “Stellar” was approved, making our preschool the first with an English name under this policy. This was a pivotal moment, and from then on, Stellar Preschool was born.
The journey didn’t stop there. Securing a permanent license took another year, and I refused to take shortcuts. I was made fun of for being “the longest in JB” to get a full license, but to me, it was a matter of principle. I didn’t want to compromise. Then in 2018, when we aimed to establish Stellar International School, En. Faidzul informed us of a new policy reducing the land requirement for international schools—a change that opened a door we hadn’t even considered.
Throughout this journey, En. Faidzul’s support was genuine. He wasn’t just following protocol; he truly believed in what we were trying to accomplish. At one point, we faced a complaint from other schools about our promotional efforts before our license was fully approved. They argued that it was premature, and I was called in and told to halt all advertising or risk our license.
After the meeting, I asked for a moment alone with En. Faidzul. I explained our situation—that, as a new school without big financial backing, we needed to build anticipation to meet our enrollment targets. I apologized for putting him in a difficult spot but assured him that we were committed to following the right path. He understood my perspective and offered a middle ground. He advised us to maintain a lower profile rather than penalize us outright. It was a gracious, empathetic response that reflected his commitment to support, rather than obstruct, genuine education.
At that point, I shared something with him that I believed from the heart: “I believe Malaysia is as clean as we are.” I don’t believe in blaming the situation or pointing fingers at others. It’s about what we can do for the country, not just what we expect from it. For us, upholding integrity is our way of contributing to a Malaysia that we can all be proud of. If we want a brighter Malaysia, we have to be the ones to make it brighter, one step at a time.
En. Faidzul’s belief in our vision made a huge difference. He began recommending our school to parents who face challenges with other schools, sharing our commitment to quality education. Even our teachers and leaders felt his support. At training sessions, when he’d call out Stellar’s representatives, congratulating them, it reinforced their pride in being part of our mission.
Attending his daughter’s wedding today felt like more than just an invitation; it was a reminder of how far we’d come together. I was one of the very few non-Malay guests, which was humbling. I no longer saw him as just a government officer. He had become a friend, a mentor, someone who guided us through challenging times with a heart for education.
Reflecting on our journey, it’s clear that Stellar’s growth is built on relationships with great leaders like En. Faidzul, who stand for integrity, empathy, and purpose. His support reminds us that real change doesn’t come from taking shortcuts but from holding fast to our values, even when it’s tough.
To the Stellar community—our team, students, and parents—I hope this story inspires you. Our journey reflects a belief that there’s always hope in Malaysia if we’re willing to hold ourselves to high standards. As we continue to stand by our principles, we’re creating a legacy that goes beyond success. It’s about building trust, creating hope, and showing that we can make a difference here in Malaysia.
As long as we believe in what we’re doing, as long as we carry integrity in our actions, we can contribute to a future that’s brighter, not just for us but for generations to come. This is what true fulfillment looks like: knowing we stood by our principles and showed that there’s always a way forward when we believe in doing the right thing.
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