ISS Alumni

Our alumni are an integral part of our community and are a testament of ISS International School’s success in its vision and mission.

Regardless of when our alumni left our school, they are still very much part of our wide network around the world. We hope to keep them informed of the latest happenings in the school and provide opportunities for them to connect. This is done through our ISS International School Facebook page, ISS International School Alumni Facebook group, our Instagram account, YouTube channel, and our once-per-semester e-newsletter; ISS Roar, as well as reunion events.

We hope that more of our alumni will continue to connect with us, especially on our social media platforms and keep the conversation alive.

To stay updated on what’s going on at ISS, like our Facebook page.

Connect with us and other ISS alumni on Facebook or email us at marketing@iss.edu.sg.

Alumni Contact Update

We’d love to stay in contact with you!

Our hope for the future is to have get-togethers, class reunions, and career talks featuring, and for, our alumni. We want to create a resourceful network for all our alumni – present and future.

We’d love to be able to contact you when we are holding these events. Send your contact details (name, location, email address) and the years you attended ISS Singapore (ex. 1988-1994) to us by email at engagement@iss.edu.sg.

Thank you!

Upcoming events

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Timeline

Are you curious to find out who graduated from ISS?  Please browse the timeline and click on the Year that you are most interested in.

Neil CUMMING

Karin VAN EYGEN

Michael Anthony (Tony) HARLICH

Selwyn JAQUIERY

Ellen PRINS

After ISS, I attended the International Baccalaureate in Oegstgeest (Netherlands), I ended up working in tourism for a number of years and then switched to IT. I worked as a network specialist for a few years at the Technical University in Delft when I got ill.

In 2002, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I had a number of very rough years (dealing with paralysis, double vision and a severe balance disorder) and intitially I was told to prepare to die or be in care within 10 years. Somehow my luck changed and I am able to move around again. You would not know by looking at me that I am ill.

What I took away from ISS, not just in a corperate setting, is how to connect with people from all walks of life, how to find common ground and work from there, and that there are numerous ways to approach any issue life might throw at you. It broadened my mind and my outlook on life.

Karianne ELLENKRANS (Ronning)

Jon Poblador

I was at ISS from 1985 to 1989.

Currently, I am residing in Guangzhou, China.

What I remembered the most about ISS was the community — not just the relationships that made with my friends, but also the connection I made with the teachers. Being an international student really made me understand the variety of ways people have in common regardless of the country or culture they are from. The experience made me more open-minded, sympathetic, flexible in my thinking, and be a global citizen.

I finished high school in the U.S. since I left ISS at Grade 11. I went to Northern Illinois University to study fine arts and went to the University of Pennsylvania to get my Master of Fine Arts — in painting. I have been working as a professional artist since 1999 and I’m also certified as a K-12 art teacher. I was teaching Elementary and High School in the U.S. for a few years and then in 2014, I started teaching at an international school here in China. In 2021, I’ll be going to a school in Hong Kong.

Gerald ANDERSEN

Tim Yong

I studied at ISS from 1988 to 1991.

I am currently residing in Melbourne, Australia. My time in ISS has provided me with the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and make lifelong friendships. I would say that some of the best takeaways from my education at ISS would be to have some amazing teachers that taught us to broaden our horizons and to reach our potential.

I pursued a degree in Business (Marketing) at RMIT, Melbourne. After university, I worked in the gift-ware industry, then in the Manchester industry.  I have been in the Motorcycle industry for the past 16 years and I am currently the Customer Service and Operations Manager for a Motorcycle clothing company. I also volunteer with our local community soccer club and I assist with some coaching, mentoring and photography.

Paul LEMON

I am now a Graphic Designer, and in my line of work, exposure to the arts helped. When I was a student at ISS, Mrs. Roudnew’s (my teacher at the time) passion and knowledge of the subject allowed me to explore all facets of design. Painting, Art History, Ceramics, Jewellery and still life drawing. Her cool calm manner in the classroom was the sanctuary I needed during the hectic final graduating years. I have become personal friends with my former geography teacher, Simon Scoones, and we still keep in contact now.

I initially chose a degree course in Hospitality Management because of my love for travel. But then I soon realised my talents were better suited to the arts. Suggestions from my sister, who is an award-winning illustrator, convinced me that graphic design may be a better career choice. Since leaving college I have been in Design and Marketing my entire working life. I have worked on some major musical and sports projects too, which included designing the logos, crest and badge for English Football Clubs.

The most memorable thing about ISS, no doubt, is the international harmony of the place. For instance, in my Grade 8 class, 14 out of the 18 pupils were of different nationalities. Exposure to different cultural backgrounds gives appreciation and understanding of different creeds and beliefs. Additionally, I was able to get to know these schoolmates on social and personal levels, enabling me to have friends in every corner of the globe now. I was also lucky to experience multiple international Activity Week (now known as Week Without Walls) trips, which definitely gave me the urge to travel.

I was also lucky enough to meet my wife, Jade McEune, at ISS in Grade 9 and we have just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. My son’s godfather is also a former ISS student, now Pilot in a Singapore airline, Captain David Hawkes.

Evelyn WONG

Some of the memorable moments as a student in ISS were the wonderful activities, education and diverse community of friends. There were always elements of fun and creative learning injected in the rigorous education. My friends were of different nationalities but we bonded incredibly and love our moments hanging out at the gazebo! I also appreciate that I was able to approach any teacher and counsellor if I have any concerns. It helped me to feel the warm support.

I entered ISS specifically for the cosy but diverse environment, and high quality education. The education honed my skill sets and I received an International Student Leadership Scholarship and other scholarships to study in Manhattanville College in New York. This has in turn benefited my learning, as I studied with remarkable alumni from Harvard, Julliard, Smith College, Oxford etc, and met Senator Hillary Clinton while I was still in university.

I have always loved dance as a child, influenced by my mom who grew up in dance too. It is very fulfilling to see others thrive and their mental and emotional wellness improved vastly through dance. I left my research job and embarked on my performance and dance coaching career.

In my dance career, I have worked with corporate clients in the embassy, legal and medical sectors. I run my ballet and wellness business educating children in performance and mindset improvement skills, preparing international students for vocational education. Our students are from 22 countries. Each private student has received admissions and dance scholarships to leading high schools and universities in the US, Europe, Australia, South Africa and Russia. It cannot be more rewarding!

Richard AVERY

Being in an international environment, I had the opportunity to be acquainted with students who came from different countries and backgrounds, many of whom I hold dear through the years. During Activity Week (now known as Week Without Walls), I had the chance to travel to Eastern Europe and around Asia, and these opportunities were not available to me until I joined ISS.

One of the biggest takeaways from my education at ISS was that I learnt to treat everyone with respect. I am now working at a digital marketing company, Nugit, doing Enterprise Sales. Being in this position means that I have to interact with many people on a day to day basis, and being able to speak to everyone with respect, while making the effort to close business deals, is the attitude that I have learnt to take on.

I had the opportunity to pursue multiple career paths, such as being a teacher, running boxing clubs, and now I am in the line of technology sales. It was a constant need to be better than I was the year before, and therefore I will continue to investigate something that aids my journey every 5 years.

David HAWKES

What do I remember the most about ISS? Music, Music, and more Music. I met some of the most talented people from all over the world in ISS and when we didn’t have to go to school, we spent most of our time jamming. I’m sure we were terrible but it holds some really good memories for me. Most of us are still involved some way or another in a music scene, somewhere. Also, playing football took up a large amount of our spare time too.

Honestly though, the most memorable part of ISS were the people. I’m happy that many of them are still my close friends now. In fact I’m married to a girl I met in ISS so it was a rather influential part of my life!

I moved to Singapore at 14 having spent my childhood in a small town in the UK. To have the opportunity to meet and understand people from all over the world has benefited me enormously. I didn’t go to university as all I wanted to do was fly aeroplanes or become a rock star, whichever happened first, so having that multicultural background really helped in giving me the confidence in getting myself into the market and finding a sponsorship for my flight training and that important first job. Now that I’m older, I wish I had gone to university, but I’m not complaining! The teachers we had in ISS really engaged with us and treated us like adults, so that helped in giving me the people skills to succeed.

I am now a Pilot in a Singapore airline. My grandfather was a Pilot, my father was a Pilot and so it was something that was in my bones. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a Pilot, so I’m lucky to have achieved that. Having a clear goal in mind and ready-made mentors really helped.

Veronica Iacomucci

I studied at ISS from 1997 to 2000.

I have lots of memories in ISS. I remember all the amazing activities organised by the school like sports events, art works, music activities, shows at the end of every academic year, class trips, and the interaction with children from all over the world. One of my favourite events was the free dress day, where everyone was free to express himself/herself by wearing clothes that represent his/her identity. During my time in ISS, I have built lasting friendships with friends from all over the world, of whom I am still in contact with.

I feel that my education in ISS had an important impact in my life. ISS gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and experience collaboration, peace and diversity. I believe that in this world, walls and boundaries should not exist and that learning different cultures and languages is an enrichment for every person. I am sure that these values that I have originated from my international education. Furthermore, thanks to ISS, I am able to adapt in every situation and all the activities that I’ve done at school allowed me to be a very practical person.

I’m currently living in Pesaro, Italy. After graduation, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Languages and Cultures for Economics (English, Russian and Spanish languages). During my studies I went to Ireland for an Erasmus project (which is a European programme for the mobility of university students). After graduating from university I’ve worked for a start-up in the foreign sales department. But it wasn’t really an enthusiastic experience because I felt I wasn’t growing professionally. So after one year I’ve decided to change to a different sector and started to volunteer a lot in some NGOs that worked for immigrant’s rights, inclusion and education. Last year I took part in a project promoted by an Italian university to teach and promote the Italian language and culture, but also to help local realities in Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Mako OYA

Masaaki Takahashi

1 I didn’t graduate from ISS but I attended ISS during the period of 2007 August to 2007 December. I was in grade 5.

2 Ever since I left ISS I transferred schools a couple of times.

3 Currently I am studying for entrance exams for universities in Japan. I graduated from high school this March.

4 I live in Tokyo Japan now

5 I’m not married

6 I remember participating in a Christmas play

7 The time I was there was too short but it’s definitely helped me inprove on my English skills

8 I really enjoyed the fact that the number of students in each grade were limited and it made the school community feel close together as a unit.

9 I currently don’t have anything with me in digital format now. But I can try looking for some.

Geneva DEMAYANTI

There are too many fond memories in ISS as I have spent five and a half year in this school. Some of them include being in the basketball team, jazz band, dance group, activity week in New Zealand, and MUN (Model United Nations). But the most memorable ones are the small moments of interaction with my classmates in and out of class.

The IB curriculum that ISS offers definitely prepared me for my university life. My analytical and critical thinking skills were well-developed after undertaking a wide range of IB assessments. Being in a small yet diverse community like ISS made me appreciate unity in spite of difference. By having common goals and aspirations, such as to win the basketball championship, or to graduate, we were able to enjoy the process of learning together.

Erika ZIMMERMAN

I am an Economics major with a minor in Global Affairs. My teachers at ISS had a huge impact on me, in terms of enlightening me to the importance of current affairs and community service.

My favourite aspects of my education at ISS was the tight knit community. With lots of support from teachers and fellow students, I was never afraid to pick up a new skill or join a new student group. After my time at ISS, I have learnt to never be afraid of trying new things. None of this would have been possible without ISS’ focus on nurturing well-rounded, life-long learners.

Charmaine YONG

Carl BRUNAES

Ginevra SPONZILLI

The warmest memories from my time at ISS involve predominantly my history class, as I found the teacher and the content so compelling. I  also have very fond memories (and frequent flashbacks) of our Student Council meetings, as well as the basketball and volleyball matches. Each of these moments was spent with peers that became, and continue to be, dear friends. The valuable lessons learnt in managing student council and the varsity teams of both basketball and volleyball remain with me to this day.

ISS remains one of the most beautiful environments I have ever had the pleasure to join and be a part of. Its international community makes for a micro-world climate, allowing young students to grasp early on what awaits them from the world at large.  The generosity, the respect and the affection felt at ISS has been unlike any other and these elements have helped build the friend, the student (because one never stops learning), and the professional I am today.

Through my experiences at ISS, as a student, as student council president and as an athlete, I learnt much of what it takes to be a good communicator, a team member, and a manager. The years at ISS were absolutely fundamental to my upbringing and to the building of my character, I am confident of the profound ways in which this school has helped shape my person for the better.

Currently, I work at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) in Brussels. Courtesy of the wise and patient College Counsellor from ISS, I decided to pursue my university degree in the US in International Relations and Political Science: subjects that particularly drive interest and passion for me. Majoring in this topic, I was able to grow even more fond of history, current events and the global political climate. Following my time in Boston, I decided to return to Europe where I interned for the European Union in Brussels. That was the start of my career as I dove head first into one of the world’s most intriguing political scenes. It did not take long for me to fall very much in love with Brussels, and after temporarily leaving the city to pursue a Master’s Degree in European Administrative and Political Studies from the College of Europe (Bruges), I returned to Brussels to join the NATO PA.

Panchaya PIMRAPOAT

Mirea KIM

Jing Ying CHEAH

Gerald ONG

Vishruta KULKARNI

Sophie CLARK

(Edward) In Kwon CHUNG

Nuanza Cinta ADITA

Laura VUORIO

Mao Takazawa Oita, Japan
Class of 2010-11
Education at University of Tsukuba
Be an MS then HS teacher

Through the IB programme at ISS, I have become more patient and confident. The IB was really tough and sometimes I felt like giving up, but with the nurturing help of my teachers and encouragement of my fellow classmates, I persevered. I gained confidence in myself that I can overcome difficulties that come my way.

Another valuable skill I gained while at ISS was learning how to balance multiple tasks, assignments and goals. This skill has been very useful in my university life, and I’m sure in my future job, too!

One of the experiences at ISS that really impacted me was volunteering to teach swimming to children. It was the Service component of CAS, a requirement of the IB. I enjoyed this experience so much that I thought I might like being a teacher. That’s why, right now, I’m studying education in university so I can become a teacher!

The small school structure at ISS promotes a close-knit community that has taught us to help each other overcome the stress of the IB programme. With the small number of students in each class, our teacher is able to help us, one by one, so that we could understand at our own pace.

Teachers at ISS are all funny and kind. Sometimes they have to be strict, but they always give me good advice. Whenever I didn’t understand something in class, they would take time to teach me again after school hours. I could see they really enjoyed teaching, and always helped students in a nurturing way. This also influenced my decision to become a teacher.

The best thing from my time at ISS are my friends. They made studying at ISS more enjoyable. Even though we are now all over the world in different countries, we stay in contact.

One of the things I really enjoyed about studying at ISS is the natural environment we are in. At the high school, we are surrounded by lush greenery and all kinds of flora and fauna. I don’t think you will have the chance to see monkeys, squirrels or snakes at other schools!

Bilguun MUNKHBAYAR

Jakeb STUNZ

Vanessa YEOH

Jacob S. EDWARDS

Shannon BERKETT

Monika Zimmerman Class of 2012
Stephen F. Austin State University

I studied at ISS 2008-2012 (9th grade-12th grade). It was the first time in my expat life I stayed at a school for the duration of ’the school’.

My fondest memories and takeaways of my time at ISS are the people — students, teachers, and admins. I think ISS had adapted and mastered the ever-changing fluctuation of expats and students and knows how to support everyone in the stage of life that brings them to ISS. Coupled with the desire to educate the future minds of the world, there was never a day I did not feel supported in my choices and education. That, and the stairs!  Probably my fondest memory is all 4 years, my homerooms were on the top floor of the building at the top of the hill (building 1). And that ISS was small but the community was powerful.

I’m currently in the DFW Metroplex in Texas. I moved here after completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Stage Management from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Post-graduation, I moved to Nacogdoches, Texas to pursue a theatre Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Stage Management. Part of my degree plan was to do an apprenticeship, which I completed at Theatre Three in Dallas, Texas. After completing my degree, I moved to the metroplex to continue my theatre career, joining Actors Equity Association as a Stage Manager. Honestly, this was all due to the support of Mr. Allen, my IB Theatre teacher.

Partially due to the pandemic but also coupled with my day job, I have not been stage managing as of late. Currently, I am an Administrative Associate at THEO Executive Group, a professional services firm inspiring leader in the healthcare community to strive for transformational change.

 

Mhairie Claire Alvarez Singapore
Class of 2015
Osaka University

My name is Mhairie Claire Alvarez Miller and I am a 2015 graduate of ISS. I am currently studying at Osaka University in Japan. My program is part of the Global 30 progam in Japan where the courses are taught in English. I study science in the Chemistry-Biology combined major program (CBCMP),one of the two Global 30 programs in Osaka University.

I was in ISS from preschool until I graduated from the IB Diploma program, however I was away in India for a year in grade 1. I had the opportunity to meet many people from around the world, be it peers, teachers, or staff. With these opportunities I was able to learn about other cultures that contributed to my open mindedness. Due to ISS being a small school, I feel as though people were able to bond better with each other and have more support from the teachers.

I value every moment I had in ISS, even the sad and stressful ones I had during the Diploma program. Without having met international people and carrying on through the struggles, I would not be prepared for the difficulties in my university courses and in everyday independent life.

Aniruddh

Alexandre DARBELLAY

Masaki TAKEHARA

Kaoru MORITA

Tsubasa WAKEBE

Erdal BARKAY

I hold many fond memories of the time when I was a student in ISS, such as the trip to Tioman in Grade 11 with my Biology class, winning the Athlete of the Year in 2014, and my Graduation Ceremony.

At ISS, I learned that success can and should not be measured solely by grades. It is important to find and chase your passion, and ISS’s caring environment helped me to find mine. With the exposure to an international environment at ISS, I learned to communicate and connect with people from all cultures, which allowed me to make a very smooth transition to the culture as a Freshman in college. These life lessons will continue to serve me well as I continue to pursue my passion.

At ISS, our nurturing teachers have genuine care and concern for all the students. We are not just a ‘number’ in the student community. Therefore we must be appreciative for this. I am truly grateful as this is not something that you can find in other schools.

Surabhi Nagar India
Class of 2016
University of Warwick

I recently graduated from ISS after attending the school for 6 years. Today, as I wait to start my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Warwick, I can confidently say that a large part of my knowledge and character has stemmed from my time at ISS.

Belonging from India, the International setting was new and overwhelming to me. But from my very first day in grade 7 I have felt at home amongst nurturing community of ISS. The school has provided me with numerous opportunities in both academic and non-academic areas. I was able to opt for a variety of subjects that prepared well me for my chosen course at University. Outside the classroom, I had the chance of serving as the Student Council’s Vice President and explore my passion for community and service. At ISS, the teachers looked beyond the basic educational requirements of the IB program, to ensure the values are instilled in each and every student. Not only did the school guide me through my CAS projects but also constantly recognized my work, and recently nominated me for the International Diana Award.

Looking back at my ISS journey, I can say without a doubt that I have made memories and friends that will stay close to my heart forever. ISS has given me a high school experience that I will never forget.

Aaron Chen

National Service

Alfian Jaleel

National Service

Ashmitha Nair

Athalia Gisella

Bethany D'Silva

Camden Lindsay Walker

National Service

Daniel Sanderson

National Service (SCDF)

Dhruv Anant Wadker

Northeastern University

Duodan Chen

Gabby Lorenz

Les Roches

Guo Li

University of British Columbia

Huang Hao Chen

King’s College

Insung Park

Jamie Oebeles

I studied in ISS from 2007 till 2016, when I was in Grade 10. I am currently studying at LASELLE College of the Arts.

I was part of the first batch of students to go to Sok Sabay, Cambodia for Week Without Walls. Performing for the children at Sok Sabay was what started my journey in Theatre. The children’s reaction to our performances touched me in a way that they made me feel that, ‘I did something for them. I made them happy.’ The reason why I do what I do today, as a technician in theatre who builds sets for the audience and being able touch people’s hearts, making them think that, ‘oh wow, that’s a great show!’, was because of my experience at Sok Sabay. I still keep in close contact with my teacher Mr Lebon and I help him out with his annual ISS theatre productions as a backstage crew and for venue recces.

The close-knit community was what left a deep impression in me during my time in ISS. Even when I visit the school nowadays, the teachers can still remember my time in school and recall specific memories that we share together. The teachers have met our parents and know who we are personally, and the fact that they know when we need help and the areas in which we struggle in without even asking about it – that was pretty amazing.

Keisuke Nanjo

Kinari Adiarni

Cardiff University

Konan Watanabe

Lena Blattman

Lu YongJian

Muhammad Bilal Saiful

Nathalia Kelana

Savannah College of Art and Design, Hong Kong

Nathan Brown

Peeranut Songprai

Piyaporn Phusakaew (Mind)

Pritesh Kathuria

Riho Taguchi

Rin Wada

Imperial College London

Ruben Anderson

Samuel Price

Sebastian Alveflo

Sharaf Momen

University of Warwick

Shuntaro Kojima

Su Min Park

Syed Saadman

Vera Lynn Van Kesel

Victor Raeymakers

Wang Keshi (Thea)

Xiaolin Shu

Yaodan Qi

Leiden University

Yige Pang (Sarah)

Yige Sima

Ying Lin

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Yuri Igarashi

University of Melbourne

Alda Fawina

Angus Rhys Turnbull

Apoorva Chugh

Camille Ellen Darbellay

Chao Yuan-Chun

Chen Hung-Hsi

Chen Hung-Yuan

National Service

Cheng Yu Hin

Choi Youngjin

Chun Soo Yun

Du Yuan Yuan

Erik Viktor Barkman Qvars

Evelyne Anne Jungo

Halima Musfirah Ansar Zaman

Hasegawa Mai

Isetani Saki

Itokawa Yuya

Jason Tangjaya

National Service

Jordan Ng Wen Kai

National Service

Kagami Mon

Karina Chenu

Kate Judith Reidinger

Kawada Yumi

Kim Donghyun

Kishimoto Satoru

Kohno Enjiera

Kojima Keijiro

Kojima Moe

Kojima Naoki

Kristina Safonova

Kyaw Min Thu

Liu Shuaizheng

Mhairie Flor Alvarez-Miller

Park Hyun Soo

Park Suyeon

Qian Jing

Rocio Peralta Ramos

Shu Siyan

Suzuki Uta

Tarish Avinash Kadam

National Service

Theodor Starke

National Service

Tristan Eng En-Xin

Um Tae-Min

Xie Fujin

Yamaguchi Keita

Yang Yiting

Yoon Joo Ho

Yoshikuni Mariko

Yuval Kehila