Michael Kehoe – Director Global English Centre

A message from Global English Centre’s Director:

Over my years in the Education industry and being able to remember what it felt like being a student, now as Director of
Global English Centre I know what is most important in running a successful language school as I understand what the students want and need.  More than anything else it is about having friendly, experienced, professional teachers that consistently provide interesting and motivating lessons for their students.  Thus, at GEC we are committed to excellence in teaching and what makes us really special is the caring and personalised attention teachers give students, both in and out of the classroom.

Our teachers are all university qualified, professional and experienced and take part in an ongoing professional development program and we are proud of the fact that GEC students consistently gain very good results in General English, IELTS, and TOEFL exams.

Our students tell us again and again how much they enjoy their GEC experience because they make new friends, develop their English skills with great teachers and get to experience the Malaysian way of life in beautiful Kota Kinabalu.
I know that when our students are happy our teachers are happy and vice versa.  This is what we strive for and this is what GEC continues to build its success on……a unique, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that balances serious study with a memorable experience.

David Holm – Director of Studies

Hi, my name is David and I am the Director of Studies here at Global English Centre (GEC). My hometown is Tampa, Florida in the United States. In Florida I was a chemistry instructor at a local college where I had the pleasure of educating students of all ages and I also handled IELTS and TOEFL classes for international students who needed good scores to attend college and obtain student visas while in America.

I moved to Kota Kinabalu in 2013 with my wife who is Kadazan; one of the many ethnic groups that calls Sabah home. Sabah is an amazing place! The people here are friendly, the food is delicious and the weather is always warm so that one can take advantage of the numerous beaches and water sports year round.

I have been teaching English at GEC since 2014 and I teach all levels of General English courses, beginner level through advanced, IELTS Preparation, both General and Academic as well as TOEFL.  I also administer testing and plan special programs to meet student needs.  I work with our dedicated staff to update the material we cover and use to keep up with our changing world. From my experience at GEC and in Florida, I also understand what it is like for students learning a foreign language away from your home and family as well as experiencing different cultures. I have come across many student problems first-hand and can make suggestions to overcome these to make sure that the student has the best experience possible while they are at GEC.  I and the rest of the staff at GEC sincerely try to keep everyone happy.

I enjoy teaching at GEC because it gives me the opportunity to meet students from all over the world. I take great satisfaction when a dedicated English student achieves his goals. The GEC teachers are very helpful, friendly and provide their students the tools to learn English in a diverse, multicultural setting. If you want to learn English in a fun environment and meet people from all parts of the world then GEC is the place to be!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… I’d be a professional tourist, travelling throughout Sabah and the rest of Malaysia as well as other parts of Southeast Asia.  I would also be studying the Kadazan language and culture.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… miss the amazing places such as Mount Kinabalu, our wonderful islands with their water activities and the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park with its botanical trails and incredible assortment of animals from all over Borneo and around the world.  Don’t miss the orangutans!   Additionally, the sunsets here in Kota Kinabalu are fabulous, especially when you watch the sun set at one of the spectacular beaches.
My English learning tip is… practice makes perfect so use English whenever possible.  You’d be surprised at how much you can learn by simply trying!   Do not be afraid to make mistakes.  We often learn the most after making mistakes!  The more you use English in and out of the classroom, the better your English skills will become!

Nick Smith – Teacher

Hi, I’m Nick from England and I love teaching at Global English Centre! I have lived and worked in Sabah for more than 8 years. Working in Malaysia has given me the opportunity to teach people from all over the world to SCUBA Dive. Now I am able to bring the fun and enthusiasm to those learning English. The communication and teaching skills I developed through tourism have been a great asset for me. From the highest point of Mount Kinabalu to the deepest depths of Sipadan Island, Sabah has the best of everything and living here is awesome. Come and join us!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… Bear Grylls!!! Nick Vs Wild sounds good to me.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Kaamatan (Harvest Festival).
My English learning tip is… communicate about things that you have a passion for.

Richard Bowers – Teacher

I’m Richard from Australia. I love living in Kota Kinabalu because of the green hills everywhere. It has a natural feel to it, even though it is a city. And the sight of Mount Kinabalu in the distance reminds me there are places to visit here where the weather is cool. I enjoy teaching English because I can see the results. I have lived here for around 20 years, and have seen many of my past students do very well, with most studying overseas and returning as lawyers, doctors or business graduates. Their futures are rosy due, in part, to the assistance I have given them with their English.

Some Fun Facts:

At 8am on a Sunday, you’ll find me… going out to the Gaya Street Markets, there are always many interesting items to be found there!
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… swimming in the rivers around Penampang.
My English learning tip is… don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it is all part of the learning process.

Stephen Foster – Teacher

Hi, I’m Stephen from England and I love teaching at Global English Centre! I have lived and worked in Sabah  for 10 years, growing up I also travelled and lived all over the world with my parents and spent the most part of my school days in boarding school in the UK . In several countries I have taught and managed various kinds of English courses at private language schools, universities and colleges but I must say nothing compares to GEC. Because of my love for wildlife and the rainforest, living in Kota Kinabalu is a perfect match! I spend my free time landscaping and trying to discover the different bird species here in Sabah, Malaysia! If you love nature and appreciate the outdoors, Kota Kinabalu is a great place to come. I hope to see you here one day soon!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… Batman !!! The students say that I look like Bruce Wayne !! What do you think?
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Mount Kinabalu National Park
My English learning tip is… don’t be afraid to make mistakes and speak English ALL the time

James Moloney – Teacher

Hi, I’m James from England. I’ve been living in Sabah for nearly 10 years and I am working hard to try and conquer Bahasa Malaysia. This has given me a real insight into learning a new language which I hope to bring to teaching English. In GEC I’ve found a place that lets me put all my enthusiasm towards teaching English not just in a classroom but also in practice during lots of fun activities the school organises around Kota Kinabalu. We work hard during the week and have fun on the weekends as well. I’m a very active person and this style of teaching fits me well, I hope to meet you soon in one of our classes or a tour.

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a Photographer. I love taking pictures, especially underwater.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Rafting, Padas river is awesome.
My English learning tip is… Don’t be shy, just try.

Daniel Broadhurst – Teacher

Hi, I’m Dan from Australia, I Grew up in Sydney, Australia surrounded by bush land. I was a keen boyscout who regularly camped, bushwalked and canoed around Sydneys beautiful waterways and national parks. I still very much enjoy the outdoor life today and that is what makes Sabah a perfect location because it offers all this and more. Sabah is now my second home, as I have been paying annual visits to friends and family in Sabah since 1994 and I have now permanently resided in Kota Kinabalu for the past 6 years. An experience that has helped shape the profession I have now chosen, teaching English, stems back to a memorable experience when I was part of a Japan exchange student programme at Takeda High School, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. For me the rewarding part about teaching is to inspire learning and breed success in the students.  I get motivated from developing learning skills of the students and from encouraging the understanding of multicultural environment.

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a Wildlife Rescue Worker. Being outside in the rainforests with the animals it is very relaxing.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Diving, the islands and marine life around Sabah is fantastic.
My English learning tip is… Immerse yourself in the English Language, Practice makes Perfect !!

Sean Burton – Teacher

My name is Sean Burton and I am from London in the United Kingdom. My background was in the Telecommunications industry where I worked as a corporate trainer. I have a passion for making music and have a modest recording studio where I spend my spare time. I love Malaysia especially the people, food, weather and various activities on offer. So I decided to come and work as a teacher here in Global English Centre. Where better to work than GEC? The environment here is very friendly. We have amazing facilities for both students and teachers. I consider myself lucky to be part of the GEC family. I get to work every day as part of a fun team. I really enjoy meeting different students from all over the world and helping them achieve their goals. So look no further and I will meet you all soon!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a music producer, I have a strong passion for producing music!
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… The Klias River Cruise, the fireflies glowing during the night is really something special.
My English learning tip is… use English as much as possible and join our GEC Activities, it’s a great opportunity to practice what you have learnt in a FUN environment.

Phoebe – Teacher

Hello I am Phoebe, an Australian from the Gold Coast for the last few years I have enjoyed living here in Kota Kinabalu and intend to stay on enjoying life here in beautiful Sabah!My background in Australia includes a variety of teaching positions and training in various fields and I love to experience new cultures and experiences through travel and living abroad.  So far whilst living here I have conquered the epic climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu and experienced the wonders of scuba diving at Sipadan.I thoroughly enjoy teaching and especially teaching English here in Global English Centreto the great mix of International Students. It is my goal to have each student not just benefit from each lesson but enjoy the entire course from start to finish!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… master Chef! I love cooking!!!!
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… climbing mount Kinabalu! But make sure you train hard!
My English learning tip is… enjoy, relax and have lots of fun !

Matt Labunda – Teacher

Hi, I’m Matt from England. I grew up in Yorkshire, UK, and because my mother is an English teacher I’ve always been good with grammar and spelling! I have a lot of family in Sabah and have been coming here for many years, so I understand how Malaysians speak English and what their problems are. I love working at GEC because of the environment that we have here, with friendly and motivated teachers and a fantastic mix of students from various countries. At GEC I mostly have been teaching grammar which is my favourite subject to teach. In fact, one of my passions is languages and especially the grammar of other languages, compared to English. In my spare time I also like to read and to travel. I hope to see you all here soon!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a lawyer, I have a strong interest in the law field and find it all very fascinating.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Paintball, this is one of my favourite GEC Activities.
My English learning tip is… Learning grammar and understanding it will provide a basis for learning the English language.

Vit Koudelka – Teacher

Hello, my name is Vit and I have been living and teaching in Malaysia for about 1 year. I came to Malaysia from New Zealand as a traveller to explore this amazing country and after very short time I realized this is the right place for me to stay. Sabah is very exciting place with it’s deep forests, rich culture, traditions and many hidden gems waiting to be found. Here at GEC we all have a great opportunity to study and in professional environment, meet new people and make lasting memories.

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a tour guide or working in a museum.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Sapi Island
My English learning tip is… listen to everyday English on TV. Find yourself a funny show you like and try it with subtitles….or without 😉

Shalini Moses – Teacher

Hi my name is Shalini from Canada, and I have been teaching English for nearly 9 years now. I have had the opportunity to meet and teach students from different countries with diverse talents and capabilities. Helping each student progress is a challenge I am honored to accept daily and I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a fun and positive environment. I came to Sabah 2 years ago and fell in love with the people and the beautiful beaches at Kota Kinabalu. I personally enjoy reading, singing, dancing and playing with my 3 year old son. I am so excited to be here and i look forward to meeting you soon!

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a tour guide or working in a museum.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… D’place ,to enjoy local Sabahan delicacies with a view and entertainment.
My English learning tip is… Read newspapers,books,labels, cereal boxes, read everything and carry a tiny note book to write down new vocabularies you learn with its meaning.

Magdy Rafla – Teacher

Hi, I’m Magdy from Canada! I have lived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for more than 5 years. It’s a great City to live in, there is so much to do and many places to visit and not to mention, the weather is great! I love teaching at Global English Centre, I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with the students. Working at GEC has given me the opportunity to meet students from all over the world. My background previously was providing training in the Hotel Management and Hospitality sector, I love being able to extend my teaching skills now with English here at GEC.

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… a Hotel Manager.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… Kaamatan (Harvest Festival in May), Mount Kinabalu and you must eat the delicious local food and fruits available around KK.
My English learning tip is… don’t be shy to make mistakes, you can’t speak if you don’t try.

Terry Dakin – Teacher

Hi, I’m Terry from England, I am a construction Project Manager by profession, but due to travel restrictions because of COVID I pretty much stopped work in 2021. That was until a good friend of mine suggested to work at GEC. In my line of work as a Project Manager, I was doing a lot of training so teaching was a natural step over. Ive been working at GEC for almost one year now and I love it. We get students from all over Asia, including countries I’ve worked in such as Saudi Arabia, Japan and Korea, so its easy start on the front foot. Teaching is, in many ways, like construction, you see students progress and develop a new language the same way you would see a building take roots and grow. One of the great things about being in Malaysia is that there is just so much to see! The main native species here are the oriental pied hornbills, hawksbill sea turtle, proboscis monkey, and Malayan tiger. The country is mega diverse, it is estimated to contain 20 per cent of the world’s animal species, with about 150 types of snakes and 80 types of lizards and about 150 species of frogs. The waters around Sipadan island are the most biodiverse in the world, with around 600 coral reefs and 1,200 type of fish.

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… I’d be a sports journalist, I love sport particularly rugby, cricket and of course football.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… There are so many local dishes here plus food from all over Asia, as well as the local cuisine you can find many authentic Thai, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese restaurants here.
My English learning tip is… don’t be shy, if you’re not sure, ask! read English Books and English newspapers, It’s a tricky language but at GEC you’re in good hands.

May Lim – Teacher

Hello, I’m May, a Malaysian who takes pride in its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. I have been teaching in GEC for two years now, and I absolutely enjoy every part of it. Witnessing students derive joy from the learning process brings me immense satisfaction.
With my love for languages, I know learning a foreign language can be tough without the right guidance and I know that sometimes learning can be rather dull. In GEC, we work hard, and we play hard. What’s better than making learning fun and enjoyable? You can explore this part of the world, meet new people and put your language skills into practice while studying English here. So, search no more! I hope to see you soon.

Some Fun Facts:

If I wasn’t an English teacher, I’d be… an interpreter. I love languages. I think being able to switch from one to another is pretty cool.
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, don’t miss… the rainforest of Sabah.
My English learning tip is… to think in English, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Also, make it enjoyable, you’ll be surprised how fast you learn when your brain enjoys it.

Nadiah Karim – Administration Executive Manager

Hi, I’m Nadiah from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, known as the “Land Below the Wind.” Growing up in this diverse and multicultural place sparked my interest in learning about people and places through English. Working at Global English Centre, I enjoy meeting students from around the world and helping them learn English effectively. I’m always happy to assist and believe our unique backgrounds can enrich each other’s knowledge.

Join us at GEC to learn English and connect with students from various countries. We’re excited to welcome you!

Vieyonna Daupin – Administrative Staff

Hi there! I’m Vieyonna from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Working here at GEC, I truly enjoy helping others and would be delighted to support you with anything you need during your study time with us. I believe that our diverse backgrounds enrich our experiences and knowledge. By joining our English program, you’ll have the chance to connect with people from all over the world and learn from each other. I’m here with an open heart, ready to assist you every step of the way. I believe with our English learning programs you can maximize mutual knowledge by communicating with each other. Thus, you are making the right decision by studying with us at GEC!

Come join us to study English and make new friends from around the world! GEC staff and team are excited to welcome your arrival here. I can’t wait to meet you and be part of your journey. Hope to see you soon!

Hani Zulaikha – Administrative Staff

Hello! My name is Hani. I originally hail from the historic city of Malacca, but for the past 17 years, I’ve called the beautiful region of Sabah my home. I am delighted to be a part of the dynamic administration team at the Global English Centre (GEC).

In my role, I contribute to ensuring the seamless operation of our daily activities and administrative functions. My mission is to provide exceptional service and unwavering support to both our students and staff. From managing schedules and coordinating events to handling various administrative tasks, I am dedicated to making sure that every facet of our processes runs smoothly and efficiently.

I am here to assist with any inquiries or needs you might have, and I am committed to fostering a positive and productive environment for everyone at GEC. Whether you’re navigating the initial enrollment process or need support throughout your studies, my goal is to make your experience with us as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Feel free to reach out if you need assistance or have any questions. I look forward to contributing to your success and helping you make the most of your time at Global English Centre!

Lisa Kong – China & Taiwan Region Manager

Hello, I’m Lisa from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Growing up in this culturally rich environment inspired my passion for learning about people and cultures through English. At Global English Centre, I have the privilege of working with students from around the world, helping them achieve English proficiency. At GEC I am responsible for the China and Taiwan region, but I am more than happy to assist students from all countries. I’m committed to providing support and believe that our diverse backgrounds offer valuable learning opportunities for everyone.

We look forward to welcoming you to GEC, where you can enhance your English skills and connect with students from across the globe

Ben Sitem – Operations Manager

My name is Ben from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. I am the Operations Manager here at GEC, that means my job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly both in and outside of GEC. For all GEC Students, together with Sam I will be coordinating the organised tour activities that we conduct for the students. So if there is something you want to try or do in Sabah, be sure to let me know and I will try my best to make it a reality! I believe there needs to be a balance between studying hard and having a good time, if you enjoy what you are doing then you will be able to do it well so be sure to give yourself enough time to relax and enjoy during your time here at Kota Kinabalu. We have a really fun working and studying environment here and it really does feels like a home away from home for the staff and the students. I really enjoy going scuba diving with our International Students, its always guaranteed fun and a great way to spend the weekend.

I can’t wait to meet you at GEC on your first day, so come join us here at GEC and I will see you all soon !

Ikhwan Adib – Operations Coordinator

Greetings! I am Ikhwan, I came from small village at Sepanggar known as Kebagu. As a member of the operations team at GEC, my primary responsibility revolves around ensuring the seamless orchestration of various crucial elements – from facilitating students’ airport pickups to ensuring smooth accommodation check-ins and everything in between. At GEC, we firmly believe that learning should be as enjoyable as it is educational. This philosophy guides me as I assist in organizing captivating GEC tour activities for students. By partaking in these activities, you not only get to explore the captivating sights of Kota Kinabalu but also create cherished memories that will endure a lifetime.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you to GEC and be a part of your learning journey. Whether it’s providing solutions to challenges or infusing a sense of excitement into your learning, I’m here to make your experience truly exceptional. Thank you for considering GEC as your learning hub, and I can’t wait to meet you in person! If there’s anything else you’d like to discuss or inquire about, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Adeel bin Iqbal – International Student Coordinator

Hi, my name is Adeel and I live in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.  My role involves ensuring the seamless functioning of both internal and external operations. Teaming up with Ben and Adib, I will oversee the coordination of organized tour activities for GEC students. If there’s somethings you like to explore or experience in Sabah, feel free to reach out, and I’ll do my utmost to turn it into a reality. When you find joy in what you do, excellence follows. I have lived in Kota Kinabalu all my life and I will assure you that this place is a very wonderful place to visit. Therefore, make sure to allocate ample time for relaxation and enjoyment during your stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Global English Centre is a great place to study English and to meet new friends from around the world.  I can’t wait to meet you in person! If there’s anything else you’d like to discuss or inquire about, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Rod Blasius – Accommodation Officer

Hi! I am Rod from Keningau, Sabah, Malaysia. I work at GEC as a member of the operations team. One of my main jobs is handling the GEC accommodation, which is Global Residency (GR). It is an honour for me to serve you to the best of my ability throughout your stay here. Tell me about any issues that you might face, and I’ll do everything I can to help! I enjoy working at GEC because I get to meet and serve many international students from a variety of countries, including Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, Gabon, Taiwan, and others. This has allowed me to learn about a range of cultures and viewpoints from various angles. To put it another way, GEC provides me with an atmosphere in which I can grow and progress both as an employee and as a person. I believe my experience at GEC thus far has been fairly similar to that of our students, as GEC offers a world-class teaching and learning atmosphere as well as high-quality facilities. The GEC staff is ready to assist you in realising your full potential and achieving your goals.

Waste your time no more, come and join us!