KTJ: Where humanities and sciences shape future leaders

KTJ Board of Governor Richard Small explains how humanities and sciences collide to shape future-ready leaders for a complex world.

Nestled in the serene greenery of Negeri Sembilan, Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) is no ordinary school. Founded by the Royal Family of Negeri Sembilan, KTJ has established itself as an elite institution, nurturing some of Malaysia’s brightest talents. 

Its approach to education goes beyond academic excellence, combining the strengths of humanities and sciences to produce well-rounded, future-ready leaders.

“KTJ is a wonderful place,” says Richard Small, a member of the Board of Governors and a Cambridge linguistics alumnus specialising in French and Italian. Small’s passion for blending the analytical with the creative mirrors KTJ’s own philosophy. 

“A lot of your education is what you do beyond the classroom,” he remarks, emphasising that true learning comes from exploring connections between disciplines and building character alongside knowledge.

A school rooted in tradition, growing towards innovation

KTJ’s foundation is steeped in tradition, established by Tunku Naquiyuddin, Tunku Imran and Tunku Dara, three trustees who had deep ties to British education. 

Tunku Dara, also is a Kolej Tunku Kurshiah alumna, an elite boarding school for girls which has produced exceptional women leaders such as Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and former Deputy Prime Minister, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

“They founded a wonderful school with a fantastic student atmosphere, liberal education, and cross-cultural education, where, by and large, students are really happy,” Small reflects. 

The school was modelled after the best aspects of UK education, focusing on nurturing students in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and emotional growth.

Symbolising its rich legacy is the iconic tree planted by Denis Thatcher, husband of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. “Denis Thatcher planted a tree there, and the Royal Family remember that very well,” Small notes. Like the tree, KTJ has grown tall and strong, deeply rooted in its history but always reaching for the future.

Diversity as a cornerstone

KTJ stands out for its diversity, attracting students from around the world. “KTJ is a genuinely international school,” Small says, describing the rich mix of cultures. “There are many Korean students, Indonesians, white Europeans, British, Dutch, German, French, Thai, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi.” 

This cultural melting pot creates an environment where students are exposed to multiple perspectives, preparing them for the global challenges they will face as leaders.

This diversity is celebrated in KTJ’s wide array of activities. “The events at KTJ are extraordinary,” Small shares. “Sporting events, cultural events, charitable initiatives, lots of visiting speakers.”

These activities go beyond entertainment; they provide opportunities for students to explore how different fields intersect, encouraging them to think critically and act compassionately.

The power of combining humanities and sciences

KTJ embraces the idea that innovation arises when analytical precision meets creative thinking. This philosophy is evident in its curriculum, which encourages students to excel in STEM subjects like physics and chemistry while also engaging deeply with humanities like literature, social policy, and the arts.

“A lot of very gifted students come to KTJ,” Small explains. “Some have been here since form one, while others join as sponsored students at sixth form. That mix of students creates a good bank of talent able to get places at top universities,” he says. 

This holistic approach equips students with the adaptability and problem-solving skills required in careers that increasingly demand interdisciplinary expertise.

Small, who has spent much of his life studying linguistics, speaks from experience about the importance of combining the humanities with sciences. 

“When you study languages, you’re not just learning grammar—you’re diving into culture, history, and how people think,” he explains. 

“Imagine applying that understanding to engineering or technology. It’s transformative.”

Beyond academics: shaping character

At KTJ, learning extends far beyond textbooks. “It’s the variety of things—excellent academic teaching, but a very wide spectrum of activities outside that,” says Small. 

Students engage in leadership workshops, debates, community outreach, and student-led projects, developing skills that are as essential as academic achievement.

These activities build character and cultivate empathy. KTJ’s charitable programmes, for instance, encourage students to use their knowledge and skills for the greater good. 

Whether they are organising fundraising events or volunteering in local communities, students learn the value of giving back, preparing them to lead with integrity.

KTJ’s cultural and creative opportunities further enrich this experience. The school’s theatre productions, music programmes, and visual arts initiatives allow students to explore their creative sides, complementing their academic pursuits in science and mathematics. 

This balance helps students see the world from multiple perspectives, an essential skill in solving real-world problems.

A legacy of leadership

KTJ’s alumni are a testament to its success. Graduates have gone on to study at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, The London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), pursuing degrees that often bridge disciplines. 

“The mixture of KTJ’s own bright students and the sponsored students gives them a good bank of students who are able to get places at top universities,” Small notes.

These graduates are not only academically accomplished but also socially and culturally attuned. 

Many have chosen careers that require an understanding of both technical expertise and human values, excelling in fields as diverse as artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and public health.

Preparing for a complex future

As the world grapples with challenges like artificial intelligence, ethics, climate change, and global inequality, the ability to draw from both the humanities and sciences is becoming increasingly essential. 

KTJ’s approach to education ensures that its students are prepared to meet these challenges head-on.

Small believes that KTJ’s strength lies in its ability to nurture this balance. “KTJ does that—through its spectrum of activities, its mix of students, its openness to new ideas—it shapes the character of young people,” he says. 

This openness to innovation and collaboration ensures that KTJ students are not only prepared for university but also for life.

KTJ exemplifies the power of combining the humanities with sciences, proving that the two are not separate entities but complementary forces. 

Its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals ensures that its graduates are equipped to think critically, act ethically, and lead confidently.

“KTJ is a wonderful school,” Small concludes. “It’s a happy place, run by very dedicated people.” With its unique approach to education, KTJ is more than a school—it is a place where ideas flourish, character is built, and the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.