Core Team
Afiah Bahtiar, Teacher
Afiah’s favourite tools of child psychology are firm boundaries, loving presence, and lots of laughter. In addition to her classroom teaching, she currently runs the Literacy programme at Anyaman, introducing formal phonics instruction in a fun, age-appropriate way that honours the early years of childhood. Afiah studied Law and Postmodern Fictions at Aberystwyth University, and holds an MA in Philosophy of Language & Linguistics from the University of Birmingham. She is also a certified children’s yoga instructor and Philosophy for Children (P4C) facilitator. At the weekend, you can find her playing flag football or sport climbing at Batu Caves.
Fiza Halim, Teacher
Fiza is a passionate activist for children’s rights and believes firmly that children are capable individuals who can participate in and facilitate their own learning and growth. Prior to joining Anyaman, she worked as a facilitator at a non-profit to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and its prevention through workshops, talks and personal safety programmes for children. Fiza graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Psychology. She adores cats and in an alternate universe, would probably be running a cat hotel.
Foo Hooi Ting, Shadow Aide
Ting is a clinical psychologist who began her career as a teacher at Anyaman Preschool. She divides her time between offering support as a shadow aide and working with individual clients outside the school setting. She holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from HELP University, and is committed to empowering both children and their families to navigate challenges and foster resilience for a more fulfilling life. With a focus on cultivating safe and supportive spaces, she tailors evidence-based approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual. Ting is the owner of a pink sewing machine that fuels a secret passion for tailoring, and if she had the time, would love to design her entire wardrobe from scratch.
Frank Hansen, Partner
Frank has been an early childhood educator for over a decade, and at present, divides his time between overseeing operations at Anyaman and classroom teaching. Previously, he taught in a range of play-based and Reggio Emilia inspired centres in Norway and Australia. Frank believes that for children to feel competent they need to be seen as competent, and be given time and space to explore. He is passionate about storytelling in his work with children, and believes it is an important aspect of expressing creativity. Frank holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Bergen in Norway, and a Master of Early Childhood Education from the Institute of Early Childhood at Macquarie University.
Jasmine Khor, Casual Teacher
Jasmine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, bringing creativity and detail-oriented thinking to the classroom. Her previous career as a cabin crew member at Singapore Airlines has honed her communication skills, patience and ability to connect with diverse individuals. The transition from the world of aviation to education reflects her belief in lifelong learning. She encourages a growth mindset, instilling in children the belief that they can achieve anything they set their hearts on. Jasmine finds joy being around children as their genuine curiosity, boundless energy, and enthusiasm for the little things remind her to appreciate the magic in everyday moments. In her free time, she enjoys a game of tennis and yoga.
Joanna Lim-Hansen, Partner
Joanna Lim-Hansen leads professional development at Anyaman that is uniquely tailored to the needs of the team, guiding teachers on a day to day basis towards reflection and intentional practice. Previously, she taught at a range of Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood centres in Australia. Her love for the arts and education began an ongoing journey to discover how these fields are intricately connected. She believes that the integration of the arts in education not only enhances children’s knowledge and understanding of their world, but also enables educators to reach children on a deeper level that creates meaning and value. She holds a Masters of Teaching (birth to 5 years old) from Macquarie University, Sydney, as well as a degree in Visual Arts from Excelsia College, Australia.
Joanna Lim, Founder and Partner
Joanna Lim holds a Master of Education in Learning and Teaching from Harvard University. She began her career as an A Levels lecturer, and also served as founding Director of Training at Teach For Malaysia, where she built the professional development for the pioneering cohort of teachers. She believes that if we have the courage to reimagine the education system, a new Malaysia is within reach.
Kayley Ong, Teacher
Upon graduation during the pandemic, Kayley started a homebake business. Subsequently, she worked at Dignity for Children Foundation as a Lead Baker supplying to Eat-X Café, fulfilling festivity orders and provide baking lessons to the students. Kayley graduated from Taylor’s University with an Advanced Diploma in Patisserie and Gastronomic Cuisine with a high distinction. She is excited to begin her journey at Anyaman, as she is passionate about instilling curiosity and confidence in young children. In her free time, she enjoys doing oil painting using a paint by numbers kit, and also loves hiking and running.
Kristina Lazarus, School Administrator
Kristina Lazarus holds a Master's degree in Business Administration specializing in Entrepreneurial Management from the Australian Institute of Business (AIB) in Adelaide, Australia. Her experience includes a broad range of areas, spanning corporate business administration, education administration, customer management systems and business communications. She enjoys spending time with children, as well as being able to motivate and encourage them. In her free time, she enjoys a good game of badminton and spending time with friends.
Lucille Li, Teacher
In her work with children, Lucille encourages exploration using a diverse range of materials, from man-made to natural, expanding the possibilities for expression and connection with the world around them. She appreciates how children slow down her pace, enabling her to uncover the beauty and wonder in her surroundings. Lucille holds a Diploma in Fine Arts from The One Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) majoring in special needs education and minoring in early childhood education from SEGi University and the University of Central Lancashire. She enjoys painting and gardening and hopes that one day, her fingers will be green enough to cultivate a thriving vegetable patch.
Nida Zaidi, Founder
Nida is a certified teacher from the Ontario College of Teachers in Canada and previously taught early years at international schools in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. She holds a Master of Education from Harvard University. Nida is a mother of two young boys who continually remind her to slow down, wonder, and see the world in new ways.
Nur Munirah, Teacher
Munirah began her teaching career at a Montessori school. She is a passionate advocate for children engaging with their natural environment, believing that the opportunities this provides for risk taking and self-exploration play a crucial role in helping them to face real life challenges. Munirah is also interested in early education policy, and her dream is to one day play a part in redefining our early years education system. Munirah holds a Bachelor's degree of Early Childhood from HELP University. In her free time, she enjoys watching crime movies and is also currently learning Korean.
Quek Sue Yian, Founder & Partner
Sue is a passionate advocate for quality education and inclusive learning, believing that children need to be given time to unfurl and explore their curiosity. She is part of the management team at Hong Leong Group and the Founder and Director of Surin International School, which pioneers an inclusive education model in Malaysia. Sue is also a trained play therapist and conducts therapeutic play sessions through her center, Pop! (Power of Play). She holds a Diploma in Child Psychology and Learning Disorders and a Master of Science in Poverty Alleviation and Development from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a proud mother of two and an accomplished equestrian, having won the gold medal for Malaysia in the 2017 SEA Games.
Sandra Leong, Teacher
Sandra is an early childhood educator who believes in the importance of inspiring and empowering children to be and become the best versions of themselves, and finds much excitement and joy in being part of a child's journey. In addition to her teaching experience, Sandra has worked in customer relations, as well as in a children’s hospital, where she advocated healthy lifestyle changes for children with health challenges such as obesity and diabetes. Sandra is a Health and Wellness Promotion (Health Education) graduate from Texas State University with a minor in Psychology. In her free time, she spends time with her young daughter, is actively involved in church and enjoys baking.
Valerie Nathan, Teacher
Valerie believes in the importance of connection, and that positive relationships are fundamental for a child's learning and development. She is passionate about understanding human behaviours and emotions, and using this knowledge to improve communication and relationship building. She also believes in the importance of a good support system, and spends most of her free time working and journeying with teenagers from her church. Valerie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from HELP University. She is a huge fan of the visual and performing arts, and is always on the lookout for art exhibitions and theatre performances she can indulge in.