By Dr Victor S. L. Tan
On 19 July 2026, I attended the grand opening of the Istevin Champions Eco Cascadia branch in Johor Bahru. Yet this occasion left a special impression on me. It was more than another learning centre. It was the opening of new possibilities—a place where hesitant voices can grow in confidence, hidden talents can be discovered and tomorrow’s leaders can find the courage to be heard.
The event attracted 150 participants, including parents, students, teachers, coaches and business partners. The atmosphere was warm, energetic and filled with hope. I saw proud parents, enthusiastic children and committed educators united by one belief: every young person has potential that must be nurtured and given opportunities to grow.
The most memorable part was the public-speaking demonstration by students from 8 years old to 17 years old. One after another, they addressed the audience with clarity and confidence. Their command of English was impressive, but their achievement went beyond grammar. They knew how to organise their thoughts, hold attention and communicate with conviction. As I listened, I thought, “These are not merely children giving speeches. These are future professionals, entrepreneurs, community builders and leaders learning to find their voices. Their performances reminded me that confidence is not reserved for a fortunate few. It can be developed through encouragement, practice, coaching and repeated opportunities to try, learn and improve. This is where Istevin Champions truly excels.
The academy’s mission is to nurture young minds to be the best they can be by improving their confidence and maturity. Its vision is to empower individuals to communicate confidently, think critically and thrive personally and professionally. At Eco Cascadia, these words came alive in the students. Their courage reflected the mission, while their ability to communicate reflected the vision. The strongest evidence of an institution’s effectiveness is seen in the transformation of the people it serves.
Behind that transformation is a purposeful leadership team. Sheena, Founder and Principal, provides the academy’s direction. Stanley, Co-Founder and Master Life Skills Trainer, develops leadership, confidence and critical thinking. Shaun, Co-Founder and Head of the English Language Department, leads the language programmes and strengthens students’ English proficiency. Together, they combine educational leadership, language mastery and practical life-skills development—one of Istevin Champions’ greatest strengths.
Academic knowledge remains important, but knowledge alone is no longer enough. A student may know the correct answer but be unable to explain it. A graduate may have excellent qualifications but lack the courage to present an idea, persuade a team or manage a difficult conversation. Istevin Champions closes this gap by teaching young people to think, express themselves and connect.
This is especially important in the age of artificial intelligence. AI can search, analyse, write and generate ideas at extraordinary speed. Many routine tasks will be automated, and some skills may become outdated. Yet the rise of AI does not make human skills less important. It makes them more valuable. Technology can produce words, but it cannot replace authenticity or the trust built face to face. Public speaking, persuasion, critical thinking, attentive listening, emotional maturity and leadership remain deeply human capabilities. These skills turn knowledge into influence and ideas into action.
This is where Istevin Champions shines. Its students do not merely learn to speak English correctly; they learn to use the language confidently and purposefully. Good English provides a foundation. Public-speaking training teaches them to organise ideas and communicate with impact. Life-skills education develops discipline, resilience, responsibility and respect. Public speaking is also a powerful character-building experience. Each time a child stands before an audience, manages nervousness and completes a presentation, a personal victory takes place. That victory becomes evidence: “I was afraid, but I did it.” With every success, self-belief grows. The quiet student contributes, the hesitant student participates and the fearful student discovers courage.
Young people need more than intelligence to succeed. They must learn to make responsible choices, work with others, manage setbacks and think critically. They must understand that leadership is not about title, power or popularity. Leadership begins with self-leadership—the discipline to manage one’s attitude, behaviour and choices.
Istevin Champions now has three centres in Johor: its headquarters in Taman Gaya, Ulu Tiram; the Eco Cascadia branch in Johor Bahru; and the Taman Sutera Utama branch serving the Skudai and Johor Bahru community. Its growth shows that communication and life skills are essential investments in a child’s future. The opening of Eco Cascadia represents more than organisational expansion. It is an expansion of opportunity. More children and teenagers can discover their voices, overcome their fears and develop abilities that will serve them throughout education, employment, business and public life.
As I left the event, I felt deeply encouraged. I had witnessed more than polished speeches; I had seen young lives being shaped. Istevin Champions is not simply teaching students to speak. It is teaching them to be heard and preparing them to express ideas, influence others, solve problems and lead with confidence.
Every great leader was once a young person searching for confidence. At Istevin Champions, that journey may begin with a child standing before a classroom and discovering a voice. With the right guidance, that voice may inspire a team, lead an organisation, serve a community or help shape a nation. Istevin Chanpions is indeed building the future leaders for the marketplace, the nation and the world.
Dr Victor S. L. Tan is the Chief Executive Officer of KL Strategic Change Consulting Group. He is the author of 21 books, including Changing Mindsets, Releasing Trapped Minds, Changing Your Corporate Culture, and Lessons of Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow. KL Strategic Change Consulting Group is the winner of The BrandLaureate Award for making one of the most positive and profitable impacts on organisations through corporate training. He can be contacted at victorsltan@klscc.com For more information about Istevin Champions contact: 011-11483800
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