Kristina Cordero

Keynote Speaker

Kristina Cordero is Deputy Director of Research and Consultancy at Educate Ventures Research (EVR), where she leads and contributes to projects that seek to understand how edtech (including AI) can support, improve and transform teaching and learning. Her project portfolio includes edtech impact studies; AI training programmes for teachers and school leaders; AI-focused action research programmes; conferences and workshops relating to edtech.

With a BA in Romance Languages from Harvard College and a PhD in Computer Science from Universidad Católica de Chile, she enjoys exploring and building bridges between the humanities and the sciences, and across geographies – her work has taken her to the Americas, the UK, Europe, MENA countries, Australia and Asia. Outside of EVR she has taught literature and technology at the university level; mentored edtech startups; and led research and literary projects in libraries and other cultural spaces. She is an enthusiastic communicator in English and Spanish.

Teresa Foard

Keynote Speaker

Teresa Foard is the Principal of the Australia International School, Malaysia. She holds a Master of Education (University of Melbourne) and Bachelor of Education - Arts (University of Melbourne). 

Teresa has extensive leadership experience in schools in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Germany, the UK and Australia. She is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive and multicultural school environment where all students achieve greatness and shine.

Teresa is dedicated to delivering high-quality teaching that has resulted in outstanding results, including above-world-average IB scores and multiple perfect marks. Her leadership has enabled students to gain admission to prestigious universities worldwide, and to thrive in a dynamic world. Teresa is currently pursuing her PhD in educational leadership in the International School space.

Peter Wells

Panel Forum Discussant

From England, Peter started as a Physics teacher, and has worked overseas in Hong Kong and Malaysia since 1992. Moving into school leadership and gaining the NPQH in 2007, he became the Principal at Sri Garden in 2009, transforming it into Taylor’s International School Kuala Lumpur in 2011.

He is very proud of this change from a Malaysian curriculum school into an international one while keeping a mainly Malaysian faculty and cultural base. He promotes a broad and balanced approach to education, with essential skills as the foundation of a great education. He supports the increasingly important aspects of social and emotional development in children whilst promoting the positive aspects of technology use in schools and educating young adults about the negative 'side effects'.

He works with Taylor’s University School of Education, and is on their industry advisory panel.

Jane Kuok

Panel Forum Discussant

Jane Kuok is a distinguished educational leader with over 30 years of experience in the UK and international education. Currently serving as Principal at Taylor’s International School Puchong, she began her career in the UK before joining Garden International School in 1997, where she held senior leadership roles including Deputy Head, Head of Primary and whole school Teaching and Learning Advisor.

In 2008, as Campus Principal, she founded Tenby International School Setia Eco Park, establishing it as a flagship campus and leading it to achieve both CIS and WASC accreditation across national and international streams, a first in Malaysia.

A recognised CIS accreditation leader, she has played a pivotal role in shaping high quality, future focused learning environments across multiple school communities.

Jane is recognised for her commitment to excellence, inclusive leadership and innovation in teaching and learning, with a clear focus on developing confident, capable and globally minded learners.

Peter J. Derby-Crook MBE

Panel Forum Discussant

Peter J. Derby-Crook MBE is an accomplished international educator and the current Principal of Garden International School in Kuala Lumpur. With over 30 years of experience in UK and international headship roles, he has established a world-class reputation for leadership, managing schools with up to 3,000 students across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. 

His distinguished career includes serving as CEO and Principal at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore and The British International School Jakarta, as well as holding executive leadership positions with GEMS Education and Dipont Education China. A passionate advocate for child-centered learning, Peter was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his services to British education abroad. 

He holds a Master of Education from the University of New England and has contributed to the global academic community through the IBO World Heads’ Council. Beyond his professional life, Peter is a dedicated musician and an active sportsman.

Ruby Zabihzadeh

Panel Forum Discussant

Ruby is a distinguished academic leader with over 17 years of experience in educational leadership and school management. She holds a Master of Arts in English Literature from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), complemented by dual bachelor’s degrees in English Language and Literature, and Teaching English Language. In her continued pursuit of professional growth, she is currently undertaking a second master’s degree in educational administration and management, demonstrating her strong commitment to lifelong learning and leadership excellence.

Throughout her career, Ruby has excelled in diverse leadership roles, including teacher trainer, Head of School, Principal, and Campus Principal, each marked by a forward-thinking approach and a passion for transformational education. She is recognised for her strategic vision, innovative curriculum development, and strong focus on academic excellence.

A staunch advocate of student-centered learning, Ruby is dedicated to creating inclusive and empowering environments where both students and educators thrive. Her leadership emphasises personalised learning, professional development, and a culture of continuous improvement.

With a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education, she has made a profound impact on the communities she serves, shaping futures, inspiring educators, and elevating educational standards wherever she leads.