Australian International School celebrates 30+ years of global impact

Graduates of the Australian International School (AIS) in Singapore are making their mark around the world, but what they often talk about first isn’t their success. It’s the fond memories: the school musicals, sports teams, lunchtime clubs, and the teachers who believed in them. AIS gave them more than just academics; it gave them confidence, direction, and a global perspective. With personalised pathways and the support to chase their passions, AIS students go on to top universities and thrive in all kinds of careers. We caught up with a few alumni to hear where they are now and how their time at AIS helped shape their journey.

TROY HUNT (Founding Graduate, Class of 1994)Founder of “Have I Been Pwned”, Micosoft Reginal Director MVP

“Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures in one of the most dynamic and exciting parts of the world. The experiences you gain simply by living in the city and engaging with those around you will stay with you – and benefit you – for life.”

What teachers at AIS impacted you most?
The teacher I remember most was Wendy Lindeman, my homeroom teacher. It wasn’t about a particular subject, but her being firm yet fair is what I needed at the time. What brought us together was being part of a shared expat experience, which I think created a stronger bond than I might’ve had at school in Australia.

Any advice for future graduates?
For future graduates, here are two pieces of advice: Firstly, Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures in one of the most dynamic and exciting parts of the world. The experiences you gain simply by living in the city and engaging with those around you will stay with you and benefit you for life. And secondly, pursue a career in something you’re passionate enough about that you’d do it even if you weren’t paid for it. Identify what “success” means to you, whether it’s enjoyment or purpose or money, and be the absolute best at the thing you love doing.

AIS DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD

Want to be the next trailblazing AIS Alumni?Join a proud legacy of over 30 years of graduates fulfilling their dreams at top universities worldwide, including the University of Melbourne, Stanford University, the University of Cambridge, and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Discover the AIS Distinguished Scholar Award, which offers students in Years 9 to 12 the opportunity to study at AIS with up to a 50% reduction in course fees. With IGCSE leading to three distinct university pathways: the HSC, IBDP, and the AIS-designed IBDP Courses+, you can set your course for global success.

YURIKO (IBDP, Class of 2022)
Imperial College London, Civil Engineering

“Reflecting on my time at AIS, the fact that I can effortlessly name over ten teachers who played a role in my journey speaks volumes about fond memories at AIS”

What teachers at AIS impacted you most?
Among my mentors, Mr. Murray Higgs stands out as my first basketball coach, PE teacher, and ADP mentor. When I joined AIS unable to speak English, I was so frustrated at my first basketball training that I teared up. Mr. Higgs used gestures to reassure me, showing me the power of community and belonging through sport. This sparked my passion for athletics and helped me become the confident, determined, and outgoing person I am today.

What is your favourite AIS memory?
One of my best memories was giving back to the AIS community as a Sports Prefect. Reviving the Shark spirit after COVID — the same energy that once embraced me — was incredibly fulfilling, and it’s inspiring to witness the continued growth of that culture beyond my graduation.

AMELIA (IBDP, Class of 2017)
Stanford University Gradute, Vooma (AI Startup Silicon Valley)

“There’s no more powerful lesson than feeling empoweredby your teachers.”

What teachers at AIS impacted you most?
Choosing one teacher is impossible – Ms Dethlefs, Mr Buckley, Ms Aitken, Dr Gravina, and Ms Siew all come to mind as teachers who met me where I was during different points in my teenage years, building my confidence when I needed it most (whether academically or more broadly).

What is your favourite AIS memory?
My time as part of AIS’s National Youth Achievement Award program stands out – hiking Hong Kong’s mountains, crossing New Zealand’s volcanic terrain, and raising funds to build houses in Cambodia. Through NYAA, I forged lifelong friendships while developing soft skills like resilience and servant leadership that have proven invaluable in every role I’ve had to date (including in the tech world!).

EMMA (IBDP, Class of 2022)
University of Sydney, Bachelor of Science(Veterinary & Animal Bioscience)

“Mr Gardner, my chemistry teacher, played a huge role in zzshaping my journey—while I already loved science, it was his enthusiasm that really ignited my passion for a subject I did not love at the beginning.”

What teachers at AIS impacted you most?
Mr Gardner made even the most complex concepts feel exciting and approachable, and I hope to pass on that same passion to the people I interact with and work with in the future.

What is your favourite AIS memory?
Some of my favourite memories at AIS were being involved in school productions. I got to connect with people I might not have crossed paths with otherwise, it’s a hobby I continue to pursue at university, too.

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Australian International School Pte Ltd | CPE Registration Number: 199204405HPeriod of registration of PEI: 6 July 2023 to 5 July 2027