In 2013 the Australian International School celebrated 20 years of educating international students in Singapore. From humble beginnings in 1993, with a cohort of 32 students and 7 teachers, to the current purpose-built campus in Lorong Chuan with 2600 students and over 300 staff, AIS has developed into a centre for education excellence, innovation in professional learning and a thriving international community.
Here, three of AIS’ founding students reflect on their time at AIS and how the experience of living and studying in Singapore has shaped their lives.
Sidonie Forrest-Brown, Age: 37, Nationality: Australian
Why were you and your family in Singapore?
We lived in Singapore for 10 years as my father was working there. I was at boarding school in Sydney prior to starting at AIS however I wasn’t happy with the commute to Singapore every school holidays. So when my mum heard that a new Australian school was opening I leapt at the chance to enrol.
What do you remember most about your time at AIS?
I remember the friendships the most. I came from a large girls’ school in Sydney with over 2000 students and on my first day at AIS I looked around at my handful of classmates and thought I had made a huge mistake. We didn’t have any uniforms, or rules or anything really! It felt really strange for a while. However we all went on to become really good friends which is great considering there weren’t many of us.
Where are you now?
I have lived in London for the past 13 years since finishing uni and work as a transport planner. I got married in Sydney a couple of years ago and have recently bought a house here [England} with my husband. We also have a lovely cat called Pepper.
Troy Hunt, Age: 37, Nationality: Australian
Why were you and your family in Singapore?
My father was a pilot for a Japanese airline so the family ended up in Singapore!
What do you remember most about your time at AIS?
I was going through a general culture shock having just spent a couple of years in the Netherlands which is very liberal in lifestyle and education style (more university than high school) so the biggest thing I remember was the difficulty in adapting to uniforms, teacher formality and particularly having to wear a hat!
Where are you now?
I’m very involved in the internet and software development, I’ve been working at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals since 2001 and lead our software architecture across “Emerging Markets” so basically decide how we’re going to build software products for a large chunk of the world’s largest healthcare company.
Anthony Carpenter, Age: 36, Nationality: Australian
Why were you and your family in Singapore?
My Dad worked as a senior simulator instructor for C-130 Hercules Aircraft for the SE Asia region.
What do you remember most about your time at AIS?
I remember meeting interesting people from many different countries and backgrounds, and also giving the staff a good challenge every now and then.
Where are you now?
I joined the Royal Australian Navy in mid 1996 as a combat systems operator, and after leaving the navy I worked at Thredbo as a lift attendant, then received a diploma in Graphic Design. After this I worked for various companies as a graphic artist, before joining the Australian Army and being deployed to Iraq. I now live in Brisbane Australia and I am a Multimedia Technician in the Australian Army.
Australian International School
1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818
Tel: (+65) 6883 5155
www.ais.com.sg
This article was originally published in October 2013.
