School Advisor Articles

How Nexus International School Malaysia Empowered James Low’s Future

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jan 03, 2025

Nexus International School Malaysia continues to shine on the global stage, proudly ranked among the Top 2% of IB Schools worldwide and within the Top 50 in Asia, as recognised by Education Advisers Ltd. These impressive accolades reaffirm Nexus’s status as Malaysia's leading International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) school.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is globally recognised for nurturing academic excellence, critical thinking and holistic development. Nexus has wholeheartedly embraced this vision, empowering students to succeed in their IB journeys. One such student is James Low, who completed his IGCSE and IB there.

The Early Years: Finding the Right Environment

Born in Banting, James moved to Kajang for primary school, where he completed his UPSR. However, it was his time at Nexus International School that genuinely shaped the path he would take. Nexus, with its modern approach to learning and emphasis on integrating IT into its curriculum, drew James in. For a student who came from a more traditional schooling background, this approach was refreshing and exciting. The school's location, close to Kajang, was also convenient for his family.

James quickly noticed that Nexus wasn’t just about academic excellence—it was about fostering an environment where students could thrive in all aspects of life. The teachers at Nexus, who came from diverse international backgrounds, brought a global perspective to their teaching.

"The supportive learning environment helped me transition from being a relatively shy and reserved student — partly due to language barriers — to someone more confident and open," he says.

While James admits that many of the teachers who had the most significant impact on him have since moved on from Nexus, he doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge the lasting influence they had on his education. He credits the teachers for their commitment to helping students achieve their potential and for providing a world-class education that continues to serve the school’s students today.

“The quality of education at Nexus remains high, as evidenced by the school’s consistently strong results.”

This transformation wasn’t limited to academics, as James experienced significant personal growth. He learned to interact more freely with others and overcome initial language barriers. "I made lifelong friendships there, some of which continue to enrich my life in London, including one friend who is now my housemate."

James describes his time at Nexus as a pivotal chapter that significantly shaped who he is today.

Participating in Extracurricular Activities

James’ time at Nexus wasn’t just about academics; he was also actively involved in co-curricular activities (CCAs), especially during his IB years. Looking back, he admits that he may have overcommitted at times, but it was this involvement that helped him grow as a person. "Nexus provided many opportunities that allowed me to explore diverse interests and grow holistically."

One of his most impactful experiences was volunteering with the Nexus Community programme, which supported young Myanmar refugees. This experience was not just about giving back; it taught James invaluable lessons in empathy, communication, and navigating cross-cultural interactions. It also gave him a deeper appreciation for the global issues many face, which influenced his decision to study Economics later on.

In addition to his volunteering efforts, James immersed himself in the performing arts at Nexus. He participated in theatre productions and bands, which allowed him to develop confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills. These experiences were crucial in shaping his character and leadership abilities, which later helped him take on leadership roles such as leading the Yearbook team and serving on the Student Council.

"The skills I gained at Nexus continue to serve me today, both professionally and personally, as I tackle challenges in the workplace and beyond."

During his time at Nexus, James was highly engaged in extracurricular activities, especially during his IB years, often to the point of over-commitment.

The IB Programme: A Natural Progression

After completing IGCSEs at Nexus, James continued with the IB programme rather than switching to A Levels. His decision was driven by his familiarity with the school’s culture, teachers, and classmates, which made the transition smooth.

"Additionally, the IB’s strong global reputation as a rigorous and well-rounded programme further solidified my decision."

James took six subjects in the IB programme: Higher Level Mathematics, Economics, and Physics, along with Standard Level Chemistry, English Language & Literature, and Mandarin.

His hard work paid off when he scored 41/45 points, with his highest marks in Economics and Physics. While he missed out on a perfect score, James views this as a valuable learning experience.

"While it felt like a setback at the time, I now view it as a valuable learning experience rather than a regret, as it still enabled me to pursue my goals and shaped my journey forward."

James earned his degree from the University of Warwick before completing an MSc in Economics and Strategy for Business at Imperial College Business School.

Gaining Admission to Warwick and Choosing Economics

The support James received from the Nexus Higher Education (HE) team was crucial in his university application process. While he admits that he wasn’t always as proactive as he should have been, the HE coordinator’s guidance helped him meet important deadlines and submit a successful application to the University of Warwick.

James chose to pursue a degree in Economics because he saw it as a way to understand human behaviour through a structured, analytical lens. At the time, he was particularly intrigued by the emerging field of behavioural economics, which blends quantitative analysis with insights into human psychology.

“Economics gave me the framework I was looking for to understand how we make decisions."

After completing his degree in Economics at the University of Warwick, he did his master’s in Economics and Strategy at Imperial College London. Today, he works at Strategy&, the strategy consulting arm of PwC, where he helps companies of varying sizes tackle complex challenges.

Outside of academics and work, James is passionate about music — listening, writing, and producing.

Advice for Aspiring Students

James has valuable advice for current and prospective students at Nexus on making the most of their time there.

“Get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible, but find a balance that works for you."

James also recommends looking beyond the school and seeking opportunities to broaden one's network, whether through inter-school activities or external competitions. "I wish I had done more of this, especially as it can be valuable for those planning to study abroad."

He also stresses the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Nexus is a safe space for students to try new things, take risks, and learn from successes and setbacks. It’s a place where they can embrace their potential and grow into well-rounded individuals.