Meet Jo Takayanagi: Japanese in Malaysia

Jo Takayanagi, originally from Shizuoka, Japan, is one of REAL Schools Johor Bahru’s proud alumni. His story is one of growth, perseverance, and adapting to life in a new country, all while thriving in an international academic environment.

A New Start in Malaysia

Jo moved to Malaysia seven years ago to join his mother, who was working in the country, while his father worked abroad. “We’ve enjoyed our time here,” Jo says. “Though we don’t speak the local languages, most people understand English, so it was easy for us to live. I love the food in Malaysia. I often visited kopitiams for breakfast, and Nasi Lemak is one of the best foods I’ve had so far.”

Initially, Jo attended another school before joining REAL Schools in Year 7. The decision to move was life-changing, as it allowed him to immerse himself in a more supportive, inclusive, and enriching learning environment.

Embracing Challenges and Growing Academically

When Jo first joined REAL Schools, he struggled with English, but with the school's support, he improved his language skills, which he described as “a vital part of my academic progress.” His time as head prefect also helped him develop leadership skills. “Becoming Head Prefect made me realize the importance of responsibility,” Jo reflects.

Jo fondly remembers events like Sports Day and Halloween, highlighting that “working in teams made them extra special for me.” He appreciated the diverse school community, which made it easy to form strong friendships.

Mathematics had the most significant impact on Jo. “Math was the turning point for me,” he says. “It made me seek out fun in studying and motivated me to push myself further.” Despite academic challenges, his solution was straightforward: “The best way to overcome struggles is by studying harder and staying persistent.”

REAL Schools nurtured his critical thinking, which Jo believes is “essential not only for college but also for life.” Beyond academics, his proudest moment came in Track and Field when he finished second in the 1500m race, describing it as “a personal victory” that taught him the value of persistence.

Preparing for Higher Education

Jo will soon begin his studies at Sunway College, where he will pursue the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) program. "I’m planning to take Business and Commerce for my university," Jo shares, looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

Jo’s advice for current REAL Schools students preparing for university is simple: stay focused and persistent. “University life will be different, but if you work hard and put in the effort, nothing is too difficult,” he advises. He encourages students to enjoy their time in school but to take their studies seriously when it matters most.

Charting a Promising Future Jo Takayanagi’s journey from REAL Schools to Sunway College example of how REAL nurtures its students for success. Whether through academic rigor, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities, REAL Schools provides the foundation for students to thrive in the future. We are incredibly proud of Jo’s achievements and look forward to seeing him continue to succeed in his future endeavors.

We look forward to celebrating the continued success of our alumni like Jo Takayanagi.