Meet The Team
Alina Amir
Co-founder, Business Development
Alina is one of the four co-founders at Arus, as she helps strategise to ensure the long term sustainability of Arus. Before Arus, Alina graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was also an analyst at Accenture before teaching History as a Teach For Malaysia Fellow for four years in a public school. Alina loves hiking and is currently trying to be fitter than her dad in cycling.
Felicia Yoon
Co-founder, Financial Controller
David Chak
Co-founder, Curriculum Director
David is responsible for ideating and designing the academy curriculum. He completed his degree in Psychology, minoring in Computer Science from McGill University. Before co-founding Arus, David was a Teach For Malaysia Fellow where he initiated Project, After school Coding Enterprise (ACE), a precursor to Arus. David loves Sid Meierâs Civilization so much that he vows to visit all the wonders featured in the game within his lifetime.
Daniel Russel
Co-founder, Academy Director
Daniel, a co-founder of Arus, co-designs the Arus curriculum and ensures our classes are run smoothly. He makes sure Arus is well-equipped for making and learning. Before co-founding Arus, Daniel studied Mechanical Engineering at Multimedia University and was a Teach For Malaysia Fellow who taught for 2 years. Daniel loves History. He sees historical information as little jigsaw pieces that make a big puzzle.
Yi Thing
Manager, Human Resource
Yi Thing is an innovator who advocates for lifelong learning. She graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Sciences. Having extensive experience in developing curricula and strategizing project design, creative ideas flow in her mind and transform into thoughtful, empathetic and practical projects that impact lives. Yi Thing is a Rising Star at Wedu Global and an alumna of YSEALI PFP. She loves sunsets and will watch sunrise in every new city she goes to.
Era Natasha
Manager, Communications
Natasha executes the overall strategy, research, content development, coordination and implementation of financial literacy programmes at Arus. With a Bachelorâs Degree in Communications majoring in Public Relations, she started her career in Public Relations consultancy firms before joining an ASEAN-entity and an education-focused social enterprise working with international volunteers. Being a small island girl herself, she has an interest in working with the Orang Asli communities. Natasha loves adventures like bungee jumping as much as she enjoys staying home doing nothing.
Nabihah Hashim
Specialist, Teacher Training
Nabihah champions Girls in Tech programmes and develops modules to ensure digital learning is accessible to all children and youth. She is an alumna of US-ASEAN for YSEALI Womenâs Leadership Academy and a fellow at Teach For All Global Girlsâ Education. Nabihah prefers a laid-back beach holiday and she wishes to go skiing again.
Nalissa Asri
Specialist, Youth Engagement
Nalissa helps bring projects to life by churning out new ideas and works passionately on curating online learning content for both teachers and students. She graduated from the University of New South Wales, Australia but unfortunately did not get to attend her graduation due to COVID19. Nalissa keeps herself in a good mood by curating her playlist on Spotify with funky R&B music.
Charlotte Nathan
Associate, Administration
A mother of two and previously an alternative school’s English teacher,Â
Charlotte loves working with kids, gardening, cooking and learning new things.Â
Among her signature dishes are sugee cake and Eurasian’s Debal curry. She is currently learning how to crochet.
Joshua Jerome Robert
Senior Academy Teacher
Joshua Jerome Robert is a Senior Academy Teacher who supports education programmes for students along with co-creating innovative approaches in learning and classroom experience.
Before joining Arus, he served under the Ministry of Education as an academic teacher for seven years through Teach for Malaysia after graduating as Cognitive Science graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
Joshua loves music and is passionate about music performance as he believes music is the gateway to unify, bridge through differences and express one’s true authentic self.
Hafizah Ramdan
Associate, Creative Content
Hafizah is passionate about producing significant creative contents to support projects in Arus.
After finishing her master’s degree in Built Environment, she used to teach design to business and start-up owners, besides getting involved in HRDF’s community development programmes.Â
Hafizah keeps herself active and fit by hiking and roller skating.
Hanum Fauzi
Associate, Creative Content
Hanum is an absolute social media junkie therefore, she belongs to our Social Media and Creative Content department. She’ll surely record everything #demicontent.
Hanum graduated from UiTM Shah Alam with a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons.) Advertising with tons of campaign projects from her previous clients.
Hanum has many preferences, but her main desire is to be in her own sustainable and timeless house with lots of indoor plants. Just throw a clean and minimal Hygge style, she’ll be a happy girl scrolling through her personal Instagram’s insight while Netflix bingeing.
Farhana Adam
Assoc. Manager, Government Relations
Farhanah helps to curate and design programmes for students and teachers, empowering them to learn and teach effectively. Having graduated with a Bachelors in Social Sciences (Psychology), Farhanah’s intrigued by the human mind and is passionate about bringing social-emotional learning into the classroom! She’s always up for spontaneous adventures, and can’t choose between stargazing and hiking as her all-time favourite activities.
KhengTat Mar
Specialist, STEAM Education
KhengTat (or simply KT) is leading STEAM related outreach program in ARUS. He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate and has an MBA to balance up. He worked in semiconductor industry prior to Arus but has always stay close to education field through university program and advisory panel. He is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and love to share what he has read to anyone bored enough to listen.
Hana Farina
Associate, Youth Engagement
Hana helps in designing fun and impactful programmes for youth to learn about financial skills!
She holds a double degree in Mathematics and Economic from The University of Iowa, USA and MBA from Coventry University but her passion lies within the world of education. She inspires to help learning becomes more meaningful.
She loves traveling, but she would prefer city over nature. She also loves beach holidays even tough she cannot snorkel for more than 1 minute as she is a Thalassophobic.
Said Farid Zainudin
Associate, Outreach
Said Farid is a passionate and accomplished individual who holds a law degree. He possesses a strong passion for teaching and an abiding love for music. With a unique blend of legal expertise, teaching skills, and musical talents, Said brings a diverse range of talents and experiences to any endeavour.
Said embraces new challenges and opportunities with an open mind, continuously seeking ways to grow both personally, and professionally. His commitment to lifelong learning and ability to bring together different areas of expertise make him a valuable asset in any setting.
Noor Elliesya
Associate, Creative Content
Elliesya creates videos for Arus and maintains the contents for social media Future Skills for All and Media Education for All.
Elliesya is currently taking Bachelors Degree in Public Relations.
Elliesya enjoys going on an impromptu adventure but not as much as she likes to hibernate at home.
Raxell Neoman Nosliu
Prog. Associate, MIL
Raxell is a program associate of Arus and he assists in developing learning content and execute various programs to benefits students, teachers and local community.
He is a Corporate Masters in Business Administration graduate from UNIMAS and also one of the Artspire Young Artiste coordinator.
Raxell loves to create music because it helps him to express his feelings through composition and being in a creative mode helps him to escape reality.
Joanna Peh
Teacher, ArusxBJCK School
Joanna strives to make students’ learning experiences a meaningful, fun, safe, and engaging one through the after-school program and school.
She graduated from HELP University with a degree in Psychology. Nope, she can’t read minds but she is intrigued by the workings and connection of the human brain to our bodies and emotions.
Chasing cotton candy sunsets, delving into the realm of crime and mystery novels & TV series, and listening to jazzy Christmas tunes all year round. These are a few of her favorite things.
Aina Sahira
Teacher, ArusxBJCK School
Aina is a teacher at Sekolah Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (in case you miss it, it’s a collaboration project between Buku Jalanan Chow Kit and Arus) who ensures the kids explore the lessons through experiential learning.
She studied language and communication at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and she has a big heart for education.
She is a K-drama lover who can watch ongoing series and wait patiently every week for new episodes even when her heart might explode because of ‘aaaaa what’s next?’ question.
Siti Nurhajar
Associate, Creative Content
Nurhajar found her calling when she had the opportunity to join Arus Academy as one of the Creative Content Associate. Her current role requires her to create contents for the main social media and to assist Production Team in making videos.
She is a law graduate from Universiti Utara Malaysia. Aspiring to become a Syariah Lawyer if she is still in the legal path after her undergraduate study, she also pursued Postgraduate Diploma In Syariah Law (DLSA) at UiTM. However, as designing posters has always been her cope mechanism in Law School, she also hope she can give impact to the society through her designs.
Nurhajar loves coffee. If there’s one thing that she would like to master at the moment, is her ‘barista’ skill. She hikes and play tennis during free time too.
Lee Jie Yee
Associate, Creative Content
Jie Yee, Creative Content Associate with expertise in Graphic Design. Graduated from The One Academy Penang, passionate about exploring the unexpected.
Jie Yee enjoys diving into memes and creating random things.
Hazwany Jamaluddin
Specialist, MIL
Hazwany advocates for media and information literacy (MIL). She strategies and implements strategies that make Arus and Media Education For All the pioneer and trailblazer for MIL in Malaysia and beyond.
Hazwany is taking Certificate in Cybersecurity at International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)Âē. Hazwany is the co-founder of Choices I Make an online game, co-founder of Hack/Hackers Kuala Lumpur, and a licensed unit trust consultant for Public Mutual Berhad. She is part of the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy network and the Asia Young Leaders for Democracy network.
Hazwany wants a Sims-inspired game in virtual reality where she can create her civilization.
Nabiha Mazlan
Teacher, ArusxBJCK School
Nabiha is a mathematician who teaches Mathematics and Science subjects in primary school who is also known as a “Cikgu Sifir” among students.
She graduated from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) with a First Class Degree in Mathematical Sciences, at the same time received the Vice Chancellor’s Award and was awarded as The Best Graduate of The Program.
Nabiha loves to bake and play music instruments. She has her own small business where she sells all kinds of desserts. She has also participated in many competitions in the Marching Band as a part of the percussionist.
Siti Puteri
Teacher, Maker Academy
Puteri is an academy teacher in Arus and she supports the implementation of innovative approaches to learning and classroom experience.
Siti Puteri achieved her Master’s degree in Mathematics from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Siti Puteri loves to watch vlogs on YouTube and murder documentaries on Netflix.
Jayamuniswari Mogan
Teacher, Maker Academy
Jaya is a strong believer that no child should ever be robbed of his or her right to education. She is currently a teacher for Maker Academy at Arus Penang and is teaching students how to do coding and programming.
Jaya is a graduate with a degree in social science majoring in Anthropology and Sociology from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
She loves taking herself on solo dates at the island during the weekends and is always quick to pull out her phone to take a picture of the sky whenever she sees a pretty one! (She secretly thinks Sarawak has the best sky ever.)
Pavee
Associate, MIL
Pavee is a highly driven polyglot who believes the importance of holistic knowledge for education. Pavee is currently a media and information literacy associate with the goal of making the online world a much safer space for everyone. Fake news will not come close to her.
In her free time, Pavee loves to do gardening as nature is the best therapy for all the problems in the world. Not only that, Pavee will be the first to say yes to a movie date. Because what’s life without entertainment?
Tsara Tadza
Mental Health Coordinator, BJCK
Nik Nur Tsara or better known as Teacher Tsara is a Counseling Teacher at Sekolah Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (SBJCK). She graduated in Child and Family Psychology.Â
Tsara likes to read about human development and mental health. Before serving at SBJCK, she had ventured into a career as a Special Education Teacher, Intervention Teacher at a rehabilitation centre and was active as a volunteer in Sabah in providing support in social and education.Â
Being a teacher actually opens a window for her to explore every challenge, possibility and always learn something new.
Nurul Nadiah
Teacher, BJCK
Nadiah, a primary homeroom teacher, teaches Bahasa Melayu, English, and History. She immensely enjoys teaching, which has granted her substantial experience in the field. ArusxBJCK marks the fifth school where she has pursued her teaching career.
She believes that as a teacher, her role extends beyond academic instruction to educating students as a whole.
In her leisure time, she loves watching Asian dramas, particularly period dramas, appreciating the beauty portrayed in scenes, including fashion, food, and diverse cultures.
Amir Zakwan
Training Associate
Amir completed his counselling studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia and is strongly interested in sharing knowledge and advocating for emotional management, life planning, and individual development, particularly among youth.
Amir has been involved in educating people from diverse backgrounds to enhance their skills in many areas, and making a difference in someone’s life seems like a wonderful experience to me. He enjoys pushing himself to adapt to various environments and learning more about human behaviours and the mind.
Khor Wei Chuan
Teacher, STEAM
WeiChuan, a Steam Teacher driven by a passion for coding and problem-solving, graduated in Software Engineering.
In his free time, he explores new places or shoots hoops on the basketball court. Feel free to challenge him on the courtâhe’s always up for some friendly competition!
Nirmaladevi Aravinthan
Associate, STEAM
Nirmaladevi, a STEAM Associate, organizes STEAM programs and events with Arus.Â
Armed with a B.Sc in Agrotechnology from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, she’s ventured across diverse sectors like banking and education. Her journey showcases a keen curiosity, embracing continuous learning, and occasional melodies through singing.Â
Beyond this, she finds solace in the world of books, relishing intellectual dialogues as they stimulate her mind and enrich her perspectives.
Siranjeev Ram
Associate, STEAM
Siranjeev is a passionate International Affairs grad from UUM, now driving STEAM outreach in Arus.Â
He is committed to empowering youth & educators through diverse programs. He is actively engaged in Malaysian Youth Parliament, Malaysian Indian Youth Council, as well as a MyDiplomacy alumni.Â
Siranjeev advocates for politics, education, and youth causes. His love towards Anime and movies add vibrancy to his life’s pursuits.
Muhammad Afiq
Associate, IT Developer
Muhammad Afiq is an IT Associate Developer in Arus, graduated in Bachelor of Information Systems (HONS.) Intelligent System Engineering. He is an adventurous learner, he like to explore and learn something new.
In his leisure, he enjoys both listening to music and playing games. His versatility extends not only to his professional endeavors but also to his proficiency in gaming.
He lives by a guiding principle that resonates within him: “The minute you think of giving up, think of the reason why you held on for so long.” This quote serves as a constant reminder to persevere and find strength in the reasons that have kept him resilient.
Akif Irfan
Associate, Creative Content
Akif takes pleasure in exploring new genres of music and occasionally enjoys in singing, despite being aware of his lack of singing ability.
He has a passion for literature, immersing himself in reading, capturing moments through photography, and occasionally writing for fun. His artistic inclinations run deep, as he enjoys infusing his personal touch into everything he creates
Han
Associate, Creative Content
An unconventional visual artist, Han is a disruptor of the status quo; as nothing is permanent except change.
Raised in a multicultural environment, he can allegedly speak 5 broken languages fluently.
Ultimately, he believes that learning happens most effectively when we are having fun.
So, have fun by rereading this but only the first letter of each sentence!
Banu Chandran
Teacher, BJCK
Banu enjoys teaching Science and English at the BJCK Secondary School. She hopes to one-day influence education policies in Malaysia.
Before Arus, she studied psychology at the Queen’s University of Belfast, graduating with an honors degree in 2022.
Banu enjoys traveling and challenges herself to try new things. Her current goal is to convince her father to let her adopt an old shelter cat so it can live its last days in comfort and peace.
Mulqis Abdullah
Teacher, BJCK
High-energy teacher at ARUSXBJCK with a passion for history and curiosity for knowledge. My background in History and Civilization (IIUM) fuels my love for the past, while my current interests lie in programming.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, playing badminton, exercising, swimming, or exploring nature.
Aqilah Huzairi
Teacher, BJCK
Aqilah, a dedicated Year 1 homeroom teacher with a deep love for children and a strong passion for education. She holds a degree in Education (Biology) from UiTM and aspire to establish my own educational institution in the future.
She thoroughly enjoys organizing events and creating a dynamic, nurturing learning environment that inspires young minds to achieve their fullest potential.
Aqilah has a love for singing and regularly visited a karaoke center every three months.
Ling
Teacher, BJCK
“As a part-time poet and full-time teacher, she delve into books to uncover life’s hidden meanings and embody these insights in my daily life.
She constantly seeking valuable experiences, growing, learning, and aspiring to serve everyone and anyone she can reach.”
Afiq Iskandar
Training Associate
Afiq Iskandar, born and raised in Selangor, is passionate about community development and education. With a background in computer science and interests in finance, psychology, and education, he has impacted thousands through self and community initiatives.
Co-founding an organization to foster collaboration, Afiq believes in perseverance and the value of hard work. Inspired by his parents, he aims to build an academy that nurtures childrenâs education, creating stronger families and communities.