Written by Alvin Hew
SIS Group of Schools, Board Director

With the end of the 2022-23 school year, I feel particularly grateful and glad. It was a year that was finally “normal” after two pandemic-interrupted years. Classes resumed on campus. Teachers, students and parents met and interacted face to face. Extracurricular activities began in earnest again. Holiday travel resumed for many families. For all of this, we must be thankful.

And I am proud of all of you for completing this academic year successfully!

Sincere appreciation goes out to our SIS teachers, coaches, and most of all, parents and families who have guided you along the way. And special thoughts go out to all the students who graduate from SIS and will commence an exciting new journey whether in Indonesia or abroad.

Let me take this opportunity to leave you with my thoughts that I hope will serve and inspire you as you prepare for your future whether this is with SIS or at a university.

Someone once said to me: “Try if you fail but never fail to try.” This, I believe, is the difference between a dreamer and a doer. To do means not just dreaming, but trying to find ways to make your dreams happen. Never be discouraged if things do not work out the way you planned. You need to pick yourself up and try a different approach.

US President John F. Kennedy said: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” And in his 2019 Tulane University commencement speech Apple CEO Tim Cook told graduates: “Call upon your grit and try something.”

We are often weighed down by pre-existing beliefs, and we gravitate toward the safety of doing things the same way so as not to risk failing. We often stick with things we know, believe or like. But, if you don’t try, you will never know if you can achieve a better outcome or result. After all, one of SIS’ missions is for you all to “make for a better world”. We can do this only if we try.

Congratulations to you for all that you have achieved this year. I look forward to hearing about your continued success.

With very best and sincere wishes,

Alvin Hew,
Board Director, SIS