British High Commissioner Inspires Students at Epsom College in Malaysia's Dare to Dream

Epsom College in Malaysia, the prestigious co-educational British day and boarding school for 3-18 year-olds, hosted HE Vicki Treadell CMG MVO as part of the school’s celebrated Dare to Dream program.

Initiated in 2014, Dare to Dream is a unique program aimed at inspiring students to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the world. It encompasses a series of highly engaging and inspirational talks by world-class professionals.

During the hour-long interactive session with students, HE Vicki Treadell CMG VMO took the opportunity to impart some personal life lessons she held dear. Her Excellency recalled how she overcame diversity issues from her multicultural background to persevere and succeed as the first woman of Asian descent to be appointed as a British High Commissioner.

“On my first day, my boss, a senior member in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, asked me how, with my diverse family background, I could have a career as a British diplomat. Despite my young age, an inexperience at that time, I was able to draw courage upon the truth and used it in an objective way to handle the difficult situation.” she reminiscences. She added, “When you have a deep understanding of who you are, and your purpose, no one can umbrage you.”

Leadership qualities were another central focal point of Vicki’s Dare to Dream address. Vicki described how she job shadowed and observed numerous senior members of the FCO office to learn from them. She advised, “Learn from everyone and everything around you and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Ask the people that you admire for advice, and find out how they become successful.”

She concluded, “Part of being a great leader and building successful relationships is having self- awareness and an understanding of the impact you have on other people. Remember, there are no limits except for the limits you place upon yourself.”

Meanwhile, Martin George, Headmaster of Epsom College in Malaysia, shared his enthusiasm for the Dare to Dream program. “We are here to support and encourage our students to innovate, excel and go beyond boundaries. Her Excellency personifies the type of qualities that we would like to nurture and impart on our students. The Dare to Dream program allows us to give our students a deep understanding of their role in society and the world by providing a platform for our students to meet and listen to well-known personalities, innovators and thinkers who excel in their respective fields,” he said.

Since its introduction, Dare to Dream has featured personalities from a diverse range of disciplines, from business to sports and the artistic world. Amongst them, the Caterham F1 team, Jason Lo, CEO of Tune Talk, multi award winning author, Alan Gibbons, UK Rugby legend, Paul Wallace and retired English, British & Irish Lion's rugby player, and first class coach, Nigel Redman.

For more information on Epsom College in Malaysia, visit www.epsomcollege.edu.my