“Life’s path isn’t always straightforward, and it may not always unfold exactly as you envision.” That reminder, shared by Garden International School (GIS) alumnus Cho-Nan Michael Tsai (Class of 1995), frames the journeys of four alumni whose careers show that success is rarely linear. In a world where business and corporate narratives often prioritise wealth, titles, and speed of advancement, their stories offer a powerful counterpoint: success is subjective, deeply personal, and often defined in unexpected ways.

That reminder, shared by Garden International School (GIS) alumnus Cho-Nan Michael Tsai (Class of 1995), frames the journeys of four alumni whose careers show that success is rarely linear. In a world where business and corporate narratives often prioritise wealth, titles, and speed of advancement, their stories offer a powerful counterpoint: success is subjective, deeply personal, and often defined in unexpected ways.

For Joshua Heihre (Class of 2020), born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, success has been defined through intellectual pursuit and mission-driven research. Today, Joshua is studying medicine at King’s College London and pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge as a prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholar.

His work focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly the molecular processes of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Beyond the science, his mission is clear: to bridge the gap between innovative research and compassionate patient care.

“Find something that really resonates with you personally,” he advises students considering their next steps. He adds that “[GIS] provided such an amazing environment to intellectually mature.”

For Joshua, success lies not in accolades alone but in the possibility that his work could one day improve countless lives.

For Farah Jabir (Class of 2016), success meant stepping away from the security of traditional careers to chase a dream in the highly competitive creative industry. A former head student, she studied film at NYU and is now a director, producer, and writer based in New York.

Her decision was never about prestige but about fulfillment.

“If you’re passionate about something, you owe it to yourself to at least try it out,” she says. “I get to wake up every day and do what I love — and I can make a living doing it. You don’t have to ask for permission to do the things you want to do.”

Farah’s story reminds us that in industries where only a handful make it, perseverance, authenticity, and passion are equally valid measures of success.

When Nalin Mittal (Class of 2008) set out to study accounting, he expected a stable career path in finance. But instead of climbing corporate ladders, he found himself drawn to a different challenge — the restaurant business.

Armed with his training and business acumen, he opened Muska, a café tucked just behind his former school in Mont Kiara.

“I felt there was a gap in the market for a café that resonated with my tastes and dining experiences,” he explains. “After gaining exposure and suitable training in becoming an accountant, there was a certain level of business acumen that I developed. This provided me with a reasonable platform to start a business.”

Muska has since become a local favourite, showing that sometimes the best opportunities come not from following a set plan, but from spotting a gap and having the courage to fill it.

For Edmund Lim (Class of 1989), the meaning of success transformed with life’s circumstances. His early career took him from consulting to senior corporate leadership, and by conventional standards, he had “made it.” Yet, when his son Branden was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), everything shifted.

“Gone are the days where success meant titles and bottom lines,” Edmund reflects. “As a parent of a child with a fatal condition, all that felt irrelevant if I couldn’t do anything for my son.”

Today, as Managing Partner of FriendenArt, Edmund channels his corporate expertise into empowering youth with disabilities, inspired by his journey as a parent. The social enterprise enables young people with disabilities to express themselves through art, build confidence, gain financial independence, and contribute meaningfully to society. In many ways, his path reflects a growing global emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles — proving that impact and inclusion are as vital as profit in defining sustainable success.

His advocacy has already helped drive tangible progress. With the upcoming Budget 2026, there is strong optimism that reforms in the health sector will promise access for families once left without hope.

“Every win, big or small, has a gigantic impact on families like mine,” he says.

“It may not be the kind of success I once chased in the corporate world, but it’s the kind of success that truly matters.”

“I’m deeply grateful to the families who shared their journeys, the healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate partners, donors, and policymakers — including Minister of Health YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad — whose efforts are creating real lifelines for these youths.”

From laboratories to film sets, cafés to advocacy platforms, these stories highlight the evolving face of achievement. Success is no longer confined to titles or salaries; it is measured in impact, passion, adaptability, and purpose.

In each case, success is not a straight road but a journey shaped by values, circumstances, and choices.

Find out more at www.gardenschool.edu.my