PEOPLE OF KINGSGATE
LEADERSHIP TEAM AND HOMEROOM TEACHERS
Sally Chong
Interim Principal and Head of Academics
Sally Chong is a seasoned educator and has been in the education industry for 15 years. She joined Kingsgate from ELC International School and is the Interim Principal and Head of Academics of Kingsgate International School. She holds a master’s degree in education from Veritas University College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Victoria University, Melbourne and a Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching and Learning (CIDTL).
Her academic experience also includes having served as a Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator and Exams Officer where she oversaw the alignment of curriculum and assessments as well as managed school examination processes. She has also supported teachers as a Cambridge Coordinator and has mentored students through entrepreneurship competitions and co-curricular programmes.
She has a strong commitment to academic excellence, collaborative leadership, student growth and is excited to be bringing these values to Kingsgate.
Neoh Soon Ken
Chief Marketing Officer
A true blue Penangite and foodie, Ken dabbled in the film and broadcasting industry before finding his passion in education many years ago and has not look back ever since, spending more than one third of his life in the industry in a variety of leadership and management roles ranging from academia to corporate training, business development, branding, communications and marketing.
His vast and progressive experience in cradle to grave education ranges across various education entities such as KDU Penang University College, Epsom College in Malaysia and St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia before his present role with Kingsgate as Chief Marketing Officer and leads the business development, marketing, communications and admissions function of the school.
Ken is also a Marketing and Management Consultant and has his own advisory and investment business that specializes in education advisory and investments. He is a seasoned panel Judge as well for Advertising and Marketing Campaign Awards in Malaysia and in his free time, enjoys traveling, sports and is a big fan of the game of mahjong.
Jacintha
Early Years Teacher
She is a strong believer that the first few years of a child’s life are highly formative and influential and therefore, adopts a nurturing and encouraging approach to child guidance with a penchant for hands-on learning with the children in school.
Jessica
Early Years Teacher
Jessica graduated from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Years Education. She has been involved with Early Years education for the past 9 years.
She has a true passion for working with our youngest learners and thrives on helping each child progress in all areas of their development — academic, social, language, arts, crafts, and motor skills. She strives to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive and fun environment. A proponent of growth mindset, Jessica hopes to be a positive influence for young minds so that they grow to become respectful, selfless, kind, and successful people.
On the personal side, she has a keen interest in traveling, reading books and listening to music.
Jesslyn Mah
Early Years Teacher
Emma Louise di Salvo
Primary Teacher
Emma is from the UK and has been living and teaching in Malaysia since 2013. Her speciality lies within the Primary Years and she has a PGCE, is TEFL Certified and has a Degree in Sociology. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, travelling and being at home with my two cats (Samuel and Miss Lady) and rabbit (Bundles). I’m very excited to be joining the Kingsgate family and look forward to meeting you soon!
Tanisha Rao
Primary Teacher
Tanisha has a rich background that seamlessly blends her passion for performance and education. While studying part-time during her university days, she was actively involved in the performance department which helped shape her innovative and dynamic teaching style.
She is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at MSU soon and teaches a variety of subjects, including phonics, science, history/geography and maths to primary students in Kingsgate.
Her career began as a teaching assistant at Kingsgate, where she supported and nurtured young learners with care and commitment. Outside of teaching, Tanisha loves cooking and traveling which fuels her creativity and sense of adventure. She loves children and believes that every child needs to be heard.
Sabtish s/o Noval
Primary Teacher
With a solid experience in the education field, Sabtish has taught Mathematics, Science, English, and Bahasa Melayu across various levels and schools. His vast experience has allowed him to sharpen his teaching strategies, classroom management and curriculum delivery while also catering to both conventional and special need students in inclusive classroom settings.
He is known to be a team player who thrives in collaborative environments but is equally capable of handling tasks independently. Besides teaching, he is also involved in administrative duties and is actively involved in sports, particularly football and badminton.
Known for his approachable nature, Sabitsh is committed to making a positive impact in his students’ lives.
Andrew B. Smith
Primary Teacher
A known educator & youth mentor, Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities—a degree that offers a broad understanding of human culture, history, and values through interdisciplinary studies in literature, philosophy, religion and more.
He has spent his career working with youth in non-profit organizations, missions, and camps, and also coached high school girls’ soccer for five years. His passion for people and strong belief in the power of connection guide his approach to education.
With a deep empathy for students who feel alone or disconnected, Andrew strives to make every child feel valued hence his favourite quote, “Every child deserves love, education, and opportunity,”. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to building community, inspired by his father—a dedicated teacher and mentor to student-athletes.
Nurul Hamizah binti Ahmad Daman Huri
Primary Teacher
A passionate and dedicated educator, Nurul holds a Bachelor of Fine Art (Hons) from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sri Iskandar, Perak, and brings over five years of experience in the art and design industry. Her professional journey reflects a strong foundation in both creative practice and academic instruction, with a particular focus on the IGCSE Art and Design syllabus.
Throughout her career, she has seamlessly combined artistic exploration with structured teaching methodologies. Previously, she served as a qualified invigilator and OET interlocutor under the language department at her former workplace, an experience that enhanced her communication, assessment, and student engagement skills.
Nurul’s passion for the arts extends beyond the classroom, having participated in various exhibitions across Malaysia and conducting international research on art and culture in Jogjakarta through a cross-cultural academic programme. These experiences have enriched her artistic insights and continue to inform her teaching philosophy. She is committed to instilling a deep understanding of the elements and principles of art and design while fostering critical thinking and creative expression among her students. She believes in nurturing both technical proficiency and artistic confidence, empowering students to develop a meaningful connection with their creative work.
Beyond her teaching role, she is an avid traveller who enjoys biking, hiking, and spending weekends exploring libraries — activities that continuously inspire her both personally and professionally.
Matthew James
Primary Teacher
Mr Matthew studied psychology at the University of Chester in England, afterwards he worked with high-risk adults with severe learning disabilities and the tendency to commit crimes.
His primary background is in Special Educational Needs and has been teaching in Malaysia for a long time where he has worked as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator for numerous international schools in Malaysia.
Matthew has also worked in English Language centres during the school holidays and completed his TEFL years ago to further enhance his ability to communicate and plan effective lessons for students who are not proficient with the English Language.
Due to his background in special needs education he specialises in creating interactive lessons, promoting independence and has a multi-tailored approach to students who may not access the lessons in a traditional manner.
Terry Barrett
Secondary School Teacher
Terry studied at the University of Essex, University of Keele and University of Reading in the UK. He is an extremely qualified teacher in Mathematics with a BA Degree in mathematics, Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology and PGCE in secondary mathematics. His extensive teaching experience in various parts of the world includes working with all Cambridge secondary maths courses and other widely recognised international programmes.
In his teaching, Terry endeavours to instill an in-depth understanding of mathematical principles and develop higher-order problem solving skills. Meanwhile, outside of school, he likes hiking and travelling.
Terry is enthusiastic to be part of a growing and evolving school like Kingsgate.
Laurence Frank Harriman
Secondary Teacher
United Kingdom
Laurence has been teaching English for many years and has worked with students across the globe. He holds a degree from the University of Exeter and is also a certified ESL teacher, bringing a strong academic foundation and a wealth of international experience to the classroom.
A passionate lover of literature and history, he enjoys exploring rich texts and thought-provoking topics with his students, helping them connect language learning with the wider world.
Laurence is dedicated to creating immersive, engaging lessons and fostering a positive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to participate and grow. He finds great joy in seeing his students express themselves creatively, whether through writing, discussion, or project work. His classes are designed to build confidence, spark imagination, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Diana Shafiqa
Secondary Teacher
Noordiana holds a Bachelor of Education from Asiae University and a Diploma in Computer Networking, blending technical IT expertise with a passion for education. She specializes in Malay language instruction, moral education and early childhood development and guides students across primary and secondary levels at Kingsgate International School.
Committed to fostering language proficiency and ethical reasoning, Noordiana designs engaging lessons that integrate interactive methods, from play-based learning for young students to case studies for moral development. Her adaptability shines in her ability to teach Malay, Mandarin (beginner), and Moral Studies, ensuring holistic student growth.
Outside the classroom, Noordiana enjoys CSR projects and staying active in community initiatives, reflecting her belief in education’s power to transform lives. She is thrilled to contribute to Kingsgate’s vibrant and evolving academic environment.
Keshashni Earichappan
Secondary Teacher
Kesha is a passionate and experienced educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering Science.
She currently teaches IGCSE Physics and Science, delivering concept-driven, engaging lessons that help students connect theory with real-world applications.
With a strong interdisciplinary background, Kesha brings depth and innovation into the classroom and inspiring curiosity and critical thinking amongst her students. Beyond teaching, she served as a trainer and question setter for the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2023 and contributes to the development of young scientific minds at the national level.
Her commitment to education goes beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in academic initiatives and student enrichment programs across the board.
Risalaichiee Damodavam
Secondary Teacher
Risa is a dedicated and accomplished IGCSE ICT and Computer Science educator with over a decade of experience in prestigious international schools across Malaysia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership which equips her with a strong blend of technical proficiency and leadership capability.
She specializes in delivering engaging and impactful lessons in ICT and Computer Science to students from Year 7 to Cambridge A-Levels. She is passionate about fostering innovation, critical thinking and academic excellence through a student-centered learning approach.
Beyond classroom instruction, Risa has successfully guided students in coding competitions, robotics programs, and digital literacy initiatives. She is adept at integrating a wide range of educational technologies—including Google Workspace, Python, Scratch, and various online platforms—to enrich the learning experience and boost student engagement. As a committed advocate of digital citizenship and cyber safety, Risa consistently emphasizes the ethical and responsible use of technology in her teaching.
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