The Future is Now

Liam King, principal of the Australian International School Malaysia, tells us what it means to have had a hand in the growth of a future generation

- Koyyi Chin

Many of us have spent our lives in school, and while the experience may differ for each individual, have we ever asked ourselves about who our educators were beyond their roles and what motivated them to take up teaching in the first place? For the principal of the Australian International School Malaysia, Liam King, who first began his stint as a teacher in 1989, he has never once looked back and is a man who is as earnest as he is dedicated to making a difference for each child, as well as the world at large via education.

You’ve been doing this for 31 years. What’s the biggest takeaway you’ve had from watching over countless students?

King: I think it’s important for children to have significant adults in their lives who know them well and can understand them. We should never underestimate the connection we have with our students and the opportunity we’ve been given to make a difference in their lives. As educators, I believe that we hold a very privileged and trusted position in society, which means that with every day and every minute, we have the chance to create various futures. And while we may not know it at the time, a conversation had or a chance interaction can make a significant difference.