Tech Pioneers Programme

Jiro Takahashi is the Group Chief Financial Officer at XCL Education, having joined in April 2024. He oversees the Group’s financial strategy, including the development of financial and tax strategies, directing strategic business plans, and enhancing financial and management reporting systems. He is also responsible for maintaining key relationships and leading the finance team to support business growth and operational excellence across all markets.

Jiro brings substantial financial leadership experience across the Asia Pacific region, specialising in corporate finance. Before joining XCL Education, he was the Chief Financial Officer for OCS Group UK, a global facility services provider, where he led the finance function across Asia Pacific, initiating strategies that significantly enhanced the region’s profitability and strategic positioning. Prior to this, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for Thailand and corporate development for Asia Pacific at Laureate International Universities, overseeing the company’s financial strategy and contributing to the financial success of Laureate and its institutions. Earlier in his career, Jiro held multiple finance roles of increasing responsibilities with Yum Brands in the US and Asia Pacific.

With over 20 years of experience in financial management, Jiro holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Texas at Austin. He has a proven track record of leading financial transformations, implementing robust financial controls, and aligning financial practices with organisational goals.

QUALIFICATION

• • • BA Hons – University of the West of England – Cultural and Media Studies
    • PGCE – Bath Spa University – ICT
    • NPQH – University College, London

My name is Rhys Thomas, and I am honoured to serve the Sri KDU, Klang community as Campus Principal.

I come to Sri KDU with over 15 years of experience in education and more than a decade spent in senior educational leadership roles. I began as a UK-qualified teacher before spending eight years in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where I worked as Head of Secondary at Haileybury School. I have worked for the last six years in Malaysia. At BXCL, Penang I served as Vice Principal and then Head of Campus and recently I fulfilled the role of Campus Principal with XCL Education at REAL Schools, Johor Bahru. My academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and the National Professional Qualification in Headship.

I believe that the insight and perspective of the entire school community are integral and invaluable to the development of the school. I am committed to fostering open communication with all and developing a collaborative and inclusive approach, as we work together to provide the best possible educational experience for the children.

My educational philosophy stems from a belief that all children deserve the opportunity to explore their unique potential. Through giving our children a wide range of opportunities and experiences, they can find their place in the world and discover the areas where they truly excel.

I am excited about the great things we will achieve together.

QUALIFICATION

• • • BA Hons – University of Winchester – English Literature
    • PGCE – Southampton University – Education
    • NPQH – University College, London

Graham is an experienced senior leader who has served in outstanding international schools for nearly twenty years. He is a qualified British Headteacher, having completed the UK’s National Professional Qualification for Headship at University College, London. Being a Head of Primary since 2017, Graham offers a wealth of in role knowledge and experience on how to develop safe and stimulating learning environments where all students can unlock their potential.

Graham is a teacher in his own right, graduating in the year 2000 with the Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Southampton University, England; he holds an initial degree in English Literature from the University of Winchester. Graham served as a primary school teacher in the UK for five years, before moving into the field of international education in 2005. Graham is a qualified leader in child protection and obtained the Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership (Driving Change) from Harvard University in 2022.

Having worked in British schools in Malaysia, Vietnam, Morocco and Azerbaijan, Graham has an extensive background in working in partnership with families to build successful learning communities within diverse, multilingual, international settings. Graham has taught in and led schools offering the National Curriculum of England, Cambridge, the International Primary Curriculum and local programmes of study.

QUALIFICATION

• • • BBA Hons – Universiti Putra Malaysia – Human Resources
    • MA – International Islamic University Malaysia – Business Management

Chang Tack Keong’s professional journey at SriKDU School is impressive and clearly driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for the institution. His track record showcases a diverse skill set and a strong dedication to various aspects of school administration and leadership.

With a focus on seamless internal processes and excellent customer service, Chang has been able to build robust relationships both within and outside the school community. His problem-solving abilities, coupled with innovative approaches, have enabled him to efficiently address challenges as they arise.

Leadership and effective communication stand out as core strengths in Chang’s skill set. Whether leading teams or engaging stakeholders, his clear and concise communication style drives success. Moreover, his background in process development underscores his ability to enhance organizational efficiency through streamlined workflows.

Chang’s educational journey, from Teacher’s Training College Sri Kota to earning degrees in Bachelor Business Administration and Master of Management, has equipped him with a solid foundation that complements his professional experience. This diverse background aligns seamlessly with the demands of his role at SriKDU School.

His personal attributes, such as being an articulate communicator, committed to honesty and reliability, and flexible in dynamic environments, further contribute to his effectiveness as a professional.

In his role as Director of Student Affairs, Chang’s passion for student success and well-being shines through. His dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment empowers students to thrive academically and personally under his leadership.

Marcel Van Miert is a Senior Advisor to TPG in Southeast Asia. Marcel has almost 3 decades of extensive experience working exclusively in the education sector.

Prior to TPG, Marcel served as the Executive Chairman of Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) for ~8 years. Prior to VAS, Marcel spent 4 years as the Group CEO of WCL Group, a PE-backed school chain now part of Nord Anglia, and 3 years as the Managing Director of the Schools Division at Nord Anglia.

Marcel has also served several other education companies in multiple capacities including Sommet Education (a network of hospitality schools), VUS (English Language Training Centers), EBS London (UK’s first private accredited Business School), INK Education, Sri KDU Schools, and Europreneur Consultants.

Marcel received a Bachelor’s in Arts from Regent’s University London and MBA from Henley Business School in the UK.

Gilles Mahe is the Group CEO of XCL Education. Gilles has worked in leadership roles across a multitude of sectors in Asia since 2000 and has spent ~20 years leading organizations and managing operations in Asia Pacific. He brings with him deep experience managing large service-oriented organizations, where he had the privilege of building diverse teams, working with passionate people, and nurturing a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Gilles has ~7 years of extensive experience working in the education sector. Gilles was the Thailand & Myanmar CEO of Laureate International Universities, the world’s leading higher education provider, where he built and expanded Laureate’s activities in Southeast Asia. As the CEO, Gilles was instrumental in expanding Laureate’s presence in new geographies, launching innovative offline and online programs, turning around universities, scaling existing universities, and expanding the reputation and credibility of the overall group in Southeast Asia. As a father of three, he is a firm believer in the transformative power of education and the significant roles that schools play in shaping the lives of students and preparing them for what comes next.

Prior to XCL Education, Gilles was the Asia Pacific CEO for OCS Group, the world’s largest family-owned facilities management services company. At OCS, he played a pivotal role in building out the leadership team, executing the commercial transformation of the business, and acquiring & integrating other facilities management businesses. He has also served as the Managing Director for Asia and Vice President for APAC of Sodexo Group, a Fortune Global 500 company that is the leading provider of Food and Facilities Management services.

Gilles holds dual Post-graduate degrees in Business & Finance and Philosophy from the University of Paris-La Sorbonne in France.

QUALIFICATION

• BSc Hons – University of East London – Computer Software Engineering
• MBA – University of Sunderland – Business Administration and Management
• PhD – Universiti Putra Malaysia – Education Technology

With a strong commitment to educational excellence and a passion for student development, Mr Narish brings a wealth of experience to the role of Head of Secondary at Sri KDU International School, Klang. Currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Technology at Putra University, Malaysia, he has a deep understanding of pedagogical strategies that foster holistic and digital learning. 

As an accomplished educator, Mr Narish has over 15 years of experience in teaching and leadership positions. Prior to joining Sri KDU International School in Klang, he held positions such as head of department, head of student leadership and student affairs and sports coordinator at his previous schools. 

Mr Narish’s innovative approach on digital learning and curriculum implementation aligns perfectly with the ethos of Sri KDU Klang. He believes in nurturing critical thinking, creativity, character development and digital leadership in students to prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving world. He believes in project-based learning experiences that empower students to achieve academically and socially. 

Mr Narish is known for his exceptional leadership skills and works closely with heads of departments, academic staff and parents to ensure a cohesive educational community. As Head of Secondary, he is poised to contribute to the school’s mission of providing an exceptional educational journey. Under his leadership, Sri KDU Klang will continue to thrive as a centre for academic excellence and holistic student development. 

QUALIFICATION

• BSc Hons – Edge Hill University – Primary Education with QTS
• PGDT – University of Helsinki – Early Childhood Care and Education

Mr Anthony Blacklock began teaching more than twenty-five years ago in London UK. He was head of the upper Primary and was a teacher governor when OFSTED in its inspection judged the school outstanding in all areas. Mr Tony first taught overseas at the premium international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as Head of Early Years. Here, he implemented the EYFS curriculum and developed teaching and learning policies that placed the child at the centre of all key agreements. 

Following several years in this role, Mr Tony was then appointed Head of Early Years and Primary at a new school in the same city. As part of the founding senior leadership team, Mr Tony responsible for the introduction and implementation of the Cambridge international curriculum and the development of a rigorous and challenging Cambridge pathway from Primary to pre-University. 

Since then, Mr Tony has been Principal and Head Teacher at schools in Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and the largest group of bilingual schools in Vietnam. During his time as a senior leader, he has successfully supported schools in their IB authorization and CIS accreditation. 

Before joining Sri KDU International School Klang, Mr Tony was Executive Principal for a new group of international preschools in Ho Chi Minh City, where he trained campus principals and teachers using the HEI Schools’ curriculum which was designed by the University of Helsinki and is centred on a playful learning pedagogy. 

Mr Tony is experienced in the specific challenges of creating bespoke policies, practices and procedures for international schools, and establishing an environment of hard work and high expectations. He is a strong advocate for the importance of student well-being and student voice. 

Mr Tony holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with Qualified Teacher Status from Edge Hill University, England. He also holds an Early Years teaching diploma from HEI Schools and the University of Helsinki. He is Category Three level trained for the IB Primary Years Programme. 

QUALIFICATION

• BA Hons – University of Oxford – English Language and Literature
• PGCE – University of Cambridge – Secondary English and Drama
• NPQH – Institute of Education, London – National Professional Qualification for Headship
• MA – University of Oxford
• MA – Institute of Education, London – Media, Culture and Communication

Anthony is the Chief Executive Officer of XCL Education Malaysia. Anthony completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Christ Church, University of Oxford. After leaving Oxford, Anthony worked in the City of London in public, media and analyst relations. A passion for English Literature and life-long learning led him to being asked to work first as a teacher as part of the reforms at a school in Bolton and then to Trinity College, University of Cambridge to train as an English teacher in 2002.

He has worked at a number of schools in Cambridgeshire, England, including pastoral leadership and leading the internationally renowned English and media faculty across the Parkside Federation of academies in Cambridge. Anthony joined the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) in 2010 to support the improvement of Nene Park Academy, where he worked as Assistant Principal leading on the development of the sixth form, literacy, English as an additional language, special needs and latterly as the Vice Principal with responsibility for the curriculum, timetable and student achievement throughout the academy. In July 2014, Anthony was appointed as Principal of Stamford Welland Academy with the brief to deliver the ‘Stamford Free School’ vision. During his time here, the school secured its best examination results and Ofsted inspection judgment in its history. In September 2017, he became CMAT’s Executive Director of Education responsible for the quality assurance of all the academies and teacher professional development from initial teacher training to leadership succession planning and development.

In February 2019, Anthony joined GEMS as the Principal of GEMS International School Tropicana Metropark, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Whilst completing a Masters with UCL Institute of Education, Anthony conducted research into and published on the teaching of literacy. He is a frequent conference speaker, presenting on school leadership and English teaching and editor of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ in the Cambridge University Press Cambridge School Shakespeare series. Anthony believes in a whole education striving for academic excellence and great examination results, whist providing the experiences and building the character skills that student need to thrive in learning, work and life. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys travel, film, theatre, music, singing, running, and exercise.

Ms April Peters has vast teaching experience spanning close to three decades in the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia. She holds a B.Ed. in Physical Education with Computer Studies at the Chelsea School of Human Movement, Brighton, UK.At the start of her career in 1990, Ms Peters taught in Kent, advancing from a classroom teacher to a head of department for several subjects, followed by academic management to pastoral management then moving into senior leadership as an Assistant Head teacher in Medway, UK.

In 2005, Ms Peters attained the National Professional Qualification of Headship – NPQH. Following this, she was appointed Deputy Head teacher in a large secondary school in Yorkshire with a wide portfolio including Teaching and Learning, Assessment and Reporting, Staff Training and Development, Pastoral guidance and Discipline.

Ms April Peters is no stranger to Sri KDU. She was the Founding Vice Principal of Sri KDU International School, Kota Damansara from 2011 – 2014. She supported the Principal in ensuring the school was fully set up, working with both local and expatriate staff to design and implement a British curriculum that offered personalized learning for every child to achieve their potential in and outside of the classroom.

She returned to the UK and started a position with Teach First in 2015, training both primary and secondary teachers towards attaining their UK qualified teacher status (QTS). In 2017, she was promoted into the role of Initial Teacher Training Programme Manager which involved working across the North of England with Manchester University, Newcastle University and Sheffield Hallam ensuring that the Teacher Training Programme was delivered to the government contract criteria. Ms. Peters moved back into a school environment in 2019 as a regional manager for a large Multi Academy Trust.

And now in 2020 Ms April Peters has returned to Malaysia as Founding Principal of Sri KDU International School Klang. She is determined and excited about serving the educational needs of families and young people of Klang by offering an international school that will promote excellence in all areas by fully embracing technology and innovation to ensure students leave the school confident and equipped to be successful in the ever evolving landscape of the 21st century whilst being proud of the Malaysian culture.

Mr Anthony Partington has 20 years’ experience as a teacher and school leader.Anthony originally worked in the City of London in public, media and analyst relations, after studying English Language and Literature at Christ Church, University of Oxford, but a passion for Literature and an interest life-long learning led him to Trinity College, University of Cambridge to train as an English teacher in 2002. He has worked at a number of schools in Cambridgeshire, England, including pastoral leadership and leading the internationally renowned English and media faculty across the Parkside Federation of academies in Cambridge.

Anthony joined Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) in 2010 as an Assistant Principal to support the improvement of one school and left after eight years, ultimately working as CMAT’s Executive Director of Education and an Executive Principal responsible for the quality assurance of all the academies and teacher professional development from initial teacher training to leadership succession planning and development. Along the way, he was a principal of an academy in Lincolnshire, England, securing its best ever examination results and inspection judgement.

Whilst completing a Masters with UCL Institute of Education, Anthony conducted research into and published on the teaching of literacy. He is a frequent conference speaker, presenting on school leadership and English teaching and editor of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ in the Cambridge University Press Cambridge School Shakespeare series. He has been a governor and a director of a number of schools and colleges and chaired the school-improvement board in the largest county authority in England. He is a qualified leadership coach.

Anthony believes in a whole education striving for academic excellence and great examination results, whist providing the experiences and building the character skills that student need to thrive in life afterwards.

QUALIFICATION

• BSc Hons – University of Warwick – Economics

En. Hafiz Hussien is a Senior Advisor to TPG Capital. He started his career with CIMB Investment Bank in 2004 where he experienced roles in the Group CEO’s Office, Investment Banking and a stint in Indonesia with CIMB Niaga. Hafiz subsequently joined Khazanah Nasional’s strategy team in 2016 where he worked on projects involving Khazanah’s investment portfolio and overall corporate strategy.

En. Hafiz holds a degree in Economics from the University of Warwick.

QUALIFICATION

• BH-COM – University of Melbourne – Finance
• LLB – University of Melbourne

Mr Dominic Picone is a Partner and Managing Director at TPG, based in Singapore. He has lived and worked in Asia since joining the firm in 2005 and, in that time, has been engaged with investments throughout the Asia Pacific region that represent more than $1.5b of committed equity capital.

His involvement with current and past TPG portfolio companies includes Apollo Towers, Vietnam Australia International School (VAS), Myanmar Distillery Company / Grand Royal Group, PropertyGuru, 8990 (Deca Homes), BFI Finance, Masan Group, Fairmont Raffles Hotels, Bank BTPN, United Test & Assembly Center (UTAC), and CIMB.

Prior to TPG, Mr Picone worked in the Investment Banking Division of Credit Suisse First Boston in Melbourne, primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand.

A native of Australia, he received a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours – Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne.

QUALIFICATION

• LLB – University College London

Datuk Ganen Sarvananthan, is a Managing Partner at TPG Capital Asia and its Head of South East Asia. A distinguished scholar, he was an ASEAN Scholar, a Sultan Azlan Shah Scholar; and a recipient of the British Chevening Scholarship.

A law graduate of University College London (UCL), he was the Head of Investments at Khazanah Nasional for a decade before he joined TPG in 2014. More importantly, Datuk Ganen has played a key role in TPG Capital Asia’s investment in Vietnam Australian International School (VAS) which is one of the fastest growing school groups in Vietnam.

QUALIFICATION

• BA Hons – University of Cambridge – History and Social & Political Sciences
• MPA – John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University – Public Administration
• EMBA – Tsinghua University

Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, a graduate of both the University of Cambridge and Harvard University, is Chairman of Marlborough College, Malaysia; founding trustee and Chairman of Teach for Malaysia; and Pro-Chancellor at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

In 2013, he was recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Previously, he worked at both McKinsey & Company and Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and he currently holds other board and advisory roles at several corporations and non-profit entities including TPG Capital Asia.

QUALIFICATION

• LLB – University College London

Datuk Ganendran Sarvananthan, is a Managing Partner at TPG Capital Asia and its Head of South East Asia. A distinguished scholar, he was an ASEAN Scholar, a Sultan Azlan Shah Scholar; and a recipient of the British Chevening Scholarship.

A law graduate of University College London (UCL), he was the Head of Investments at Khazanah Nasional for a decade before he joined TPG in 2014. More importantly, Datuk Ganen has played a key role in TPG Capital Asia’s investment in Vietnam Australian International School (VAS) which is one of the fastest growing school groups in Vietnam.

QUALIFICATION

• BH-COM – University of Melbourne – Finance
• LLB – University of Melbourne

Mr Dominic John Picone is a Partner and Managing Director at TPG, based in Singapore. He has lived and worked in Asia since joining the firm in 2005 and, in that time, has been engaged with investments throughout the Asia Pacific region that represent more than $1.5b of committed equity capital.

His involvement with current and past TPG portfolio companies includes Apollo Towers, Vietnam Australia International School (VAS), Myanmar Distillery Company / Grand Royal Group, PropertyGuru, 8990 (Deca Homes), BFI Finance, Masan Group, Fairmont Raffles Hotels, Bank BTPN, United Test & Assembly Center (UTAC), and CIMB.

Prior to TPG, Mr Picone worked in the Investment Banking Division of Credit Suisse First Boston in Melbourne, primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand.

QUALIFICATION

• BS – Northern Illinois University – Economics
• MBA – University of Chicago Booth School of Business – Finance

Experienced CEO with a demonstrated track record of creating shareholder value in the education management industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Business Planning, Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, Management, Mergers & Acquisitions.

QUALIFICATION

• BA Hons – University of Cambridge – History and Social & Political Sciences
• MPA – John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University – Public Administration
• EMBA – Tsinghua University

Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, a graduate of both the University of Cambridge and Harvard University, is Chairman of Marlborough College, Malaysia; founding trustee and Chairman of Teach for Malaysia; and Pro-Chancellor at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

In 2013, he was recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Previously, he worked at both McKinsey & Company and Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and he currently holds other board and advisory roles at several corporations and non-profit entities including TPG Capital Asia.

QUALIFICATION

• BSc Hons – University of Warwick – Economics

En. Wan Hafiz Hamzah Bin Wan Hussien is a Senior Advisor to TPG Capital. He started his career with CIMB Investment Bank in 2004 where he experienced roles in the Group CEO’s Office, Investment Banking and a stint in Indonesia with CIMB Niaga. He subsequently joined Khazanah Nasional’s strategy team in 2016 where he worked on projects involving Khazanah’s investment portfolio and overall corporate strategy.

En. Wan Hafiz Hamzah holds a degree in Economics from the University of Warwick.