Behind the scenes: Events and Projects

One of the many things that we enjoy doing at FrogAsia is meeting parents, teachers and students across Malaysia. These opportunities to meet meet people often happen at our Statewide events, Roadshows, ChromeLab Training sessions and Leaps of Knowledge events. All these events are possible thanks to our amazing Events and Projects Team!

A lot of their work requires them to travel to scout out event locations, set up the day before, prepare devices, and organise enough Frog merchandise and goodie bags so that there’s something for everyone on the day of the event.

From left: Denise, Adi, Victor, Nadiah, Yusri and Adrian

“Challenging situations sometimes arise when we’re preparing for an event, but I believe what makes a successful event is the teamwork that we have among us,” shared Adi Farhan Ghazali who has been with us for almost a year now.

“What started out as a one-man show in the earlier days of Frog events has now become a team of six passionate people who really give 110% effort to their work,” says Events and Projects Manager, Adrian Loh.

Adrian goes on to share his vision for his team members, saying, “It’s about empowering each of them to be leaders in their own way, whether its carrying out small or big tasks. I believe in giving my team autonomy to take lead and find ways for FrogAsia to truly engage with teachers, parents and students in person.”

A huge shout out to the Events and Projects team for making the Frog experience larger than life! 

Adrian and his team are currently making preparations for the much-anticipated Word Mania Grand Finals on 27 March 2014 where 20 individual student finalists from all over Malaysia will bring out their best speed spelling skills to battle for the winning title of the Word Mania Challenge - Malaysia’s biggest nationwide online spelling competition.

If you are a parent with a 1BestariNet ID, you and your children stand a chance to come and witness this exciting showdown with us! Click here for more details. 

Support at your service!

When you’ve got questions about Frog and you don’t know what to do, who do you call? The Support Team of course! 

Our Support Team at FrogAsia is a group of helpful and friendly staff who work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that there’s always someone at the other end of your phone call.

FrogAsia's Support Manager Helen Rudd, assisting a school teacher on the Support line

If there’s an issue you’re facing with the VLE, your Chromebook, the FrogStore, or any other concerns, our Support team will guide you through every step of the process to ensure that your requests are answered.

“It’s a continuous learning process for us too as the Frog platform is constantly being updated. We also learn more about teacher’s main concerns with Frog and have found that the questions we get are now moving towards how teachers can use Frog in a variety of ways rather than just the basics,” says Izuddin, who joined the team last October.

Another Support team member, Vaishnavi adds, “We get calls from teachers and parents all over the country and it’s great that we’re able to help them out in the smallest or biggest ways…”

From left: Zam, Vaishnavi, Izzati, Helen, Is, Shu, Odelli, and Faiz

You can contact them at 018-7998787 or bestari@yes.my from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Friday.

A huge shout out to the ladies and gentlemen in our Support Team for being fantastic!

Exciting School Visits with Creative Students

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Student Engagement Consultant, Shalini Maheswaran, about her most exciting school visit so far. Here's what she has to say: 

Shalini, Alumni of  SMK Convent Sentul, KL

“My most exciting school visit is the training session I had  with the students in Jasin, Melaka

The students were friendly, respectful and they were bursting with creative ideas. Another favorite school visit was to a school in Kuantan, the students stunned me with their amazing class sites and Frog Gang!"

Looking Forward to Meeting Teachers!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Implementation Consultant, Usha Sundarajoo, what are the three things she looks forward to on school visits. Here's what she has to say: 

Usha, Alumni of SMK Convent Butterworth

“I look forward to seeing all my teachers again after last meeting them during training last year in October 2012. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like to.

I also look forward to seeing the progress that schools have achieved after using the Frog VLE.

Finally, I look forward to seeing the looks on their faces when they're excited about the Frog VLE! 

Best High School Memories Learning Science!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 


We asked FrogAsia's Community Site Manager, Arafeh Karimi, about one of her best high school memories. Here's what she has to say: 

Arafeh, Alumni of Saberin High School, Iran

“One of my best memories in high school is my Chemistry Lab
class. Our final project was coming up with a new invention using laws of Science.

At the end, we invented a new device to produce oxygen for
Submarines and won several science award. I miss late night work.”

Team Thoughts: FrogAsia Conquers Mountains

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Product Development and Software Release Manager, Askhar Ali,  about his thoughts on the progress of company so far.  Here's what he has to say:  

Askhar, Alumni of Nab Wood Grammar School, UK.

“When we first started FrogAsia we had a mammoth of a task to do and a mountain to climb.

Since then, people have jumped on board and every single department has just simply adapted and learnt to climb this mountain of tasks required to ensure that we give the very best to the children of tomorrow - not just with the Frog VLE but with everything from support to training, and even to our very own Frog song!”

Team Thoughts: Unwinding with Good Friends and Coffee

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more.


We asked FrogAsia's Media and Communications Executive, Abelene Phua, about how she relaxes and unwinds after a long day at work.  Here's what she has to say:

Abelene, Alumni of SMK Sultan Abu Bakar, Pahang.  

“Having to spend my most of my work hours facing a pc, I unwind by spending time with people I love.

I enjoy catching up with friends and family over coffee, even if it means just listening to them talk about their day. 

Some days, I relax by spending time on a good read with coffee too, of course. Many things go with coffee.”

Team Thoughts: Learning New Things with Friends!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Student Engagement Team Leader, Aizat Izyani, what she looked forward to most when going Back2School. Here's what she has to say: 

Aizat, alumni of Garden International School, KL

“I looked forward to seeing all my friends! Trading pictures and stories on what we did during the holidays was great!

Recess on those first few days back are filled with hugs and

friendly hellos. Oddly enough, I also missed sitting in class - I loved learning new things, and my homework during the first few weeks of school were top-notch!”

Team Thoughts: New Things for a New Year!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Design Executive, Vinnie Chan, what she looked forward to most when going Back2School. Here's what she has to say: 

Vinnie, Alumni of SMK Convent Sentul

“When I was a highschooler, the thing I looked forward to most when going Back2School was all the new stuff!

New bag, new pencil case, new uniform, new EVERYTHING! I just loved new stationery and new things for a new school year! 

That was really the best thing about going Back2School. :)”

Team Thoughts: Back2School with Friends!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we also want to tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Student Engagement Executive, Jade Tan, what she looked forward to the most as a high schooler going Back2School. Here's what she has to say: 

Jade, Alumni of SMK Subang Utama, Selangor. 

"As a highschooler, one of the things that I looked forward to most when going Back2School was being reunited with my friends after the holidays. Being able to talk to them about our holiday experiences and everything! That always made me happy! :) 

I also looked forward to my English classes. It was always the highlight of my week because it was fun and educational. Never once was there an actual boring English class!

To all you highschoolers going back to school, have fun! And dont forget to always enjoy yourself!"

Team Thoughts: Technology Engages Students

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Head of Transformation Management, Elizabeth Lopez, what are a few simple things teachers can do with technology to make their classroom lessons more engaging.

Here's what she has to say: 

Liz, Alumni of Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, Malacca.

"There are three great tools which I find helpful for teachers to create engaging lessons:

1. Animoto. It's a super simple way to create video-based lessons or any presentation needed for a classroom lesson. 

2. Prezi. It's another great tool that allows teachers to build great presentations that will WOW students.

3. Google Docs. It allows teachers to create and share documents, presentations or spreadsheets with students and colleagues. It’s a great way to give feedback on student-creation projects too!

Team Thoughts: An interview with FrogTrade co-founder, Gareth Davies

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we also want to tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

Gareth Davies, MD and co-founder at FrogTrade Ltd (UK) shares his insights and success stories of implementing Frog in schools. For more information on Frog, go to http://frogtrade.com/ 

How did Frog start out? 

When we started Frog, it wasn’t in education at all. We were building websites for small businesses through contact management software and we met a headteacher of a school through one of our resellers. They said, “If you made that work for schools, that would be very exciting.” So we spent the next 6 months modifying the software so it worked as a school Intranet, and it went on to about 5 to 6 years. We were building that up gradually, until about 2006 in the UK, people caught on to the things that we were doing.

What are the differences between the schools in the UK and in Malaysia? 

The differences between the schools in England and in Malaysia are a lot less than I thought it was going to be. It’s actually very similar. There are more devices and understanding of technology in England, but as human beings, we’ve got exactly the same opportunities and challenges. 

So in every school in England, there are a few champions that are really excited about technology and are pushing it, and then, there are some teachers who are frightened to death by the thought of getting involved in technology and are quite negative about it, and most people are in the middle. 

In Malaysia, is exactly the same. There are people who are really excited about the things that they can do in technology and there are people who are frightened of it. So is exactly the same. The 13 years we spend in England learning about this is very applicable to Malaysia because we’re all human and we’re all the same, aren’t we?

Describe an example of how Frog has made a difference in school. 

It’s been about 3 years ago now, when there was a teacher who found it really difficult to engage a class mainly of boys that were at the bottom set in science and he found out that a lot of them had an interest in rap music. So in his next lesson, he went onto Frog and he got some pictures of Eminem [and managed to tie it back to what they were learning]. 

About 4 weeks later, these guys were found in the library doing independent study because the teacher engaged them and had given them a lesson that had some kind of emotional connection to them as opposed to a sterile lesson. 

And I think that perfectly illustrates Frog. It allowed that teacher to do something creative and innovative without having to ask a technical person to do it for them. They had an idea, and the following morning, those children were in a completely different, more engaging experience.

What will Frog be focusing on moving forward? 

I guess the key thing is assessment. It’s about understanding where the children are. I spoke to headteachers in the UK and asked them, “If I could give you anything in the world, what would it be?” And they answered, “Well, I want to understand my children better.” 

There are a lot of things we’re doing in that direction; one is assessment, which is about understanding where they are academically, whether they are strong or weak and where they need help.

Describe Frog in 6 words. 

Creative control in the teacher’s hands.

Team Thoughts: New Things for 2013!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked Frog’s Business & Development Manager, Kate Wallace, what she thinks are some of the most exciting things ahead for FrogAsia in the year 2013. Here's what she has to say: 

Kate, Alumni of West Kirby Grammar School for Girls, UK.

“From the top of my head, I think that one of the most exciting events drawing nearer for FrogAsia would be the launch of the FrogStore, a collection of teaching and learning resources, carefully handpicked by FrogAsia staff for teachers, students, and parents.

The FrogStore is populated with various digital content, from media channels to digital tools to assist students in customising their very own learning journey. There's something for everyone in the FrogStore.

Another big event on the FrogAsia calendar for this year is the nationwide live launch of the Frog VLE. Coupled with high-speed 4G access, the technology of the Frog VLE will be able to connect many more schools in Malaysia, fulfilling our vision as a connected nation on a single platform. 

Finally, the users of the Frog VLE will be constantly presented with new functions on the Frog VLE as the staff at FrogAsia are continually improving the Frog experience to solve problems for teachers, students, and parents alike.

Check out our new version of the Frog VLE this January 2013!”  

Team Thoughts: Best Memories of High School

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Marketing Manager, Adrian Loh, what his best high school memories were. Here's what he has to say:  

Adrian, Alumni of SMK Seri Hartamas, KL.

"Being a person that enjoys being around other people, my best memories of high school were those involving interaction with friends and other students. 

Although there are many fond memories of time spent outside of classroom, within the classroom setting I thrived on projects and looked forward to brainstorming for new and creative ideas with my teammates."

Team Thoughts: Going Back2School!

What is FrogAsia all about? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d rather tell you in our own words so you can get to know us just a little more. 

We asked FrogAsia's Executive Director, Lou Yeoh, what she looks forward to the most when she was going Back2School. Here's what she has to say: 

Lou, Alumni of SMK Assunta, PJ.

“The thing I looked forward to most when going Back2School (especially in high school) was seeing my friends! 

This was especially so during my Form 4 and Form 5 years, because going Back2School meant that I was finally able to really be a DO-er.

I really wanted to leave something behind for the students younger than me, and being with the other friends that also shared the passion was just great!

Being part of clubs and societies really gave me a way to help shape and influence the school that I would leave behind me.”

Team Thoughts: Looking Forward and Looking Ahead!

What is the Frog VLE? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d much rather tell you in our own words why we think Frog is amazing. 

We asked FrogAsia's Implementation Consultant, Puvan Segharan, what she looks forward to the most when training teachers in our Champion Schools. Here's what she has to say: 

Puvan, Alumni of SM Sultan Ibrahim, Johor. 

"I always look forward to training teachers who are excited about learning how to use the Frog VLE. As an Implementation Consultant, it makes me really happy to see teachers participating in our training activities with full enthusiasm. 

It is especially encouraging when they are able to complete their tasks during the training. It means I have delivered a good session. I also appreciate teachers who give us feedback, it helps us improve the training for them too. 

I'm looking forward to what we have in store for 2013, the Empower stage. My team and I have been preparing for this and it's going to be amazing. I'm hoping that all the schools I have visited and trained this year would have completed their checklists for the Inspire and Enable stage so that they will be prepared to continue on to the Empower stage.

Now that they know what the Frog VLE is and how to make their own school dashboard, the Empower stage involves implementing the Frog VLE in their classroom for real. We will focus on guiding the teachers on how to make the Frog VLE relevant to their different teaching tasks by creating actual sites for their lessons. 

So get ready for a fresh new learning chapter that's about to come real soon!"

Team Thoughts: Why I Love the Frog VLE.

What is the Frog VLE? And why should you care? While we could point you to our website, we’d much rather tell you in our own words why we think Frog is amazing. 

We asked FrogAsia's Platform Advisor, Adam Chua, what his favorite thing about the Frog VLE was. Here's what he has to say:

Adam, Alumni of SMK Batu Lapan, Puchong Jaya 

"My favorite thing about the Frog VLE is the Frog VLE itself! I’m intrigued by the idea that you can go beyond the classroom and textbooks. The knowledge you gain from textbooks is limited, but with the Frog VLE, you can draw in content from anywhere on the Internet! Your typical school syllabus can be enhanced by current and exciting content found on the World Wide Web.

Also the drag and drop widgets make it easy and simple for anyone to use when building a website. This means you don’t have to know coding and other complicated techy stuff in order to build your very own website.

The Frog VLE itself is exclusive to individual schools making it easy for students, teachers, and parents within the school to share stuff with each other without public view. If teachers from different schools want to communicate with one another, they can do it through the interest group forums within the Frog Community Site."