Marsha Tan: “The future of education will be flexible, inclusive and human-first.”

Marsha Tan began her career as a journalist before transitioning into PR and Communications. She recently joined the 42 family as Head of Campus at 42 Iskandar Puteri, where she is driven by a vision to transform the campus into a space where individuals can unlock and achieve their full potential.

Can you please talk to us about your background? What is your education and what were you doing before 42?

Academically, I have a Bachelor’s degree in TESL with a minor in computers. My journey, however, began in journalism. As a journalist, I was always drawn to stories about real people — how development, policies, or industries affected everyday lives. That focus on human impact stayed with me as I transitioned into PR and Communications, where I led campaigns that spotlighted social change, education, and community development. That’s what ultimately led me here.

What do you like about your position at your campus?

I love that I am part of making a difference in someone’s life. It warms my heart when people realize that they have what it takes if they would just give themselves a chance. There’s something truly special about watching people come alive when they realize they can learn, create, and solve problems on their own. I get to help create that spark through a new kind of learning space — one which trusts learners, values collaboration, never judgemental, and shows how tech can be a force for good.

What is your vision for the future of education?

I believe the future of education is flexible, inclusive, and human-first. It should make people feel seen and supported, while also challenging them to grow. I think learning should be lifelong, accessible to all, and rooted in real-world needs — like creativity, empathy, and adaptability.

What is your management style, how do you make your team work together?

I believe in leading with empathy, building trust and listening openly. Every team member brings something unique to the table, and I believe in creating space for that value to shine. I also believe in being real — about what’s working, what’s not, and what we’re learning along the way. At 42IP, we’ve built a team culture that’s collaborative, grounded, and full of heart. We make time to listen, support one another, and celebrate the wins, both big and small. When challenges come up, we tackle them head-on — together.

42 has 4 pillar values: openness, excellence, tech, and ethics. Which one is the most important to you and why?

Openness. Without it, the rest can’t flourish. To me, openness means welcoming different ideas, voices, and experiences — especially those that challenge us to think differently. It means being transparent about what we don’t know, willing to listen, and committed to growing. That kind of culture creates safety, trust, and real learning. When we build openness into everything we do — from team dynamics to the way we support our students — the other values naturally follow.

Is there any topic we haven’t gone through that you’d like to talk about?

I’d love to shine a light on the power of storytelling in tech education. When students share their journeys — the struggles, breakthroughs, and growth — it inspires others to believe they can do it too. So many of our learners come in thinking they’re not smart enough, tech-savvy enough, or just enough. But when they start sharing their own stories — the doubts, the breakthroughs, the lessons — they inspire others to try too. At 42IP, we encourage learners to own their stories, not just their code. Because one person’s journey might be the spark that lights someone else’s path. And that’s powerful.