Alia House Welcome Information | 2023-24

Welcome from the Deputy Head of Secondary (overseeing Boarding)

Here at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, the boarders constitute the very heartbeat of our school and indeed, the atmosphere that pervades is richer for the presence of our boarding community. While offering a traditional British boarding school model in a Malaysian setting, we are forward thinking in our approach, and while we could never replace the love and care of a student’s home, our boarding houses offer experiences, memories and friendships that are enhanced by the boarding environment. Dedicated house staff are focused on creating a ‘second home’ for our students, making sure our boarding houses are a place of comfort, support and belonging for all who live there.

Our holistic approach to education is rooted in the belief that we should be developing students beyond the bounds of the classroom, allowing them to grow and to prepare for all the opportunities and challenges of life beyond school.

We believe happy students will be successful ones, and therefore we focus on enriching all aspects of our students’ lives, aiding them in their development into confident and well-rounded young adults and global citizens.

Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar is an amazing school, full of happy students who benefit from our diverse pool of teaching experience and the abundance of facilities that sit within our 80-acre site. We are extremely proud of the international boarding provision we provide and are confident that our students are ready to ‘Make it’ in the ever changing global world that awaits them when they leave.

Mr Gary Slade Deputy Head of Secondary

Welcome & Introduction

from the Houseparent of Alia

I have been the house parent for Alia since August 2012 and before I was a tutor since January 2010, that is since the creation of this boarding house.

A French national, I have enjoyed living and teaching French in Malaysia for many years, and the welcoming warmth of the Malaysians has helped me feel like home; I have enjoyed as well the climate as I can’t stand the cold! I am still struggling with spicy food though…In my free time, I love reading, walking, practising Yoga and I have a weakness for French detective TV shows; I also discovered a recent enjoyment for climbing. I have one child (Darshini who completed her A level course in KTJ).

In the boarding house, students and staff are all proud of the Alia love that can be seen everyday, from minor interactions within the community to major events, where Alians can be seen supporting one another selflessly.

I am known as Ms. E,. and together with the other house staff members and the current students, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you make Alia your new home away from home, build fond memories, and form relationships that will last you a lifetime!

Mrs Esméralda Therese Borges Houseparent of Alia

Welcome from the House Captain

Being part of the KTJ community since 2018 has definitely been and continues to be a prominent part of my life. Little did I know that my world would slowly be turned upside down after I became a Naquiah Prefect in 2019. Alia House welcoming me with open arms the following year. With the help of my friends, I slowly was pushed out of my comfort zone. It’s uncomfortable at first but once you put your mind to it, your world of comfort expands without you realising it. KTJ has taught me more than just independence and resilience.The friends I’ve made along the way are ones I won’t forget easily and I want to be able to create an environment much like a second home for the juniors much like my seniors have for me. Having said that, I am very much thrilled and looking forward to the next year ahead of us. I believe that Alia will triumph and take back our victories this next academic year. So let’s PUMP AND KEEP THAT SPIRIT UP, ALIA!

Jesselynn House Captain of Alia

Alia House Staff

I am excited to embark on a new journey with Alia. It all began in 2012 when I took my first steps into the world of education as a part-time teacher at KTJ. In 2023, nearly a decade later, I had the opportunity to broaden my horizons and take on new responsibilities. I transitioned from being a teacher to assuming the role of Head of Department, where I had the privilege of leading and guiding a team of dedicated educators. My journey continued to unfold as I embraced the role of a resident tutor and eventually took on the position of Assistant Head of Secondary for Key Stage 4. These roles allowed me to work closely with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. I am fortunate to have a beautiful family consisting of my loving spouse and four wonderful children. Beyond my family, I have discovered a deep passion for performing arts, particularly dancing and singing.

I’m Indradewi Sunda Singh, and I am married with one child. My passion is singing and dancing. My KTJ life began some 12 years ago. I started in administration and then moved onto working in the Primary School. I enjoy working with students, and I want to spend time being with them and nurturing them, both inside and outside the classroom. The opportunity to assist as a House Tutor came in September 2021 and I’m very glad to have gotten the position. Living, working, and being a member of the KTJ community, continues to be a privilege. Life here is full of great surprises and is never dull!

Alia Visiting Tutor

I have been a House Tutor in Alia since January 2020 and love being part of the boarding community. I am also Head of Learning Support and an English Teacher. KTJ is my first International School and has been the most wonderful experience. I enjoy travelling around Malaysia and trying all the different cuisines. In my free time I appreciate being able to walk in some great locations and like to swim and read. I have also had golf coaching lessons and enjoy going to the driving range!

Ms Rachel Easaw

Alia Resident Tutor

Ms Indradewi Sunda Singh

Ms Jo Saunders

Alia Visiting Tutor

Alia House Staff

Being part of the KTJ community and working in Alia is a blessing! I have been working in this great boarding house for five years now and I am grateful for the blessings received throughout this time. After 30 years working in various Government hospitals, my role as House Matron has been a complete change. Our new generation of students offer all kinds of new and interesting experiences, and I have discovered that one is definitely never too old to learn new things! In my free time, I love watching and feeding the birds and squirrels outside my window, and I have found a new interest: TIK TOK!

Ms Sumathi a/p Arumugam Alia Resident Matron

Contact Details

Contact person Contact details

Mr Gary Slade Deputy Head of Secondary +60 6-850 5622 garyslade@ktj.edu.my

Ms Esméralda Therese Borges Houseparent of Alia

House phone: 019-241 3362 esmeraldaborges@ktj.edu.my

Ms Rachel Easaw Resident Tutor racheleasaw@ktj.edu.my

Ms Indradewi Sunda Singh

Visiting Tutor indradewi@ktj.edu.my

Ms Jo Saunders Visiting Tutor josaunders@ktj.edu.my

Ms Sumathi a/p Arumugam Resident Matron sumathiarumugam@ktj.edu.my