In September, a group of Epsom students had the privilege of travelling to Dubai to represent our school and Malaysia at the Round Square International Conference 2025, themed Beyond the Dunes. The week-long event brought together delegates from across the globe to explore the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Arrival and Dinner in the Dunes
Our adventure began with an unforgettable evening in the Arabian desert. As the sun set, we gathered for a traditional dinner beneath the stars, surrounded by the golden dunes. The evening was alive with activities – camel rides, henna painting, and a breathtaking fire performance.
Kafuka described the experience as both surreal and vivid, “like a lucid dream.” Although nervous at first, the shared activities helped break the ice, and friendships quickly formed across nationalities. The camel ride, in particular, left a strong impression: “The thrill of the experience was unlike any other. The camels were so much taller than I expected, I honestly thought I was going to fall! I’m glad I could tick this off my bucket list.”
It was, in Kafuka’s words, a “10/10 night” – the perfect start to a week of adventure.
Opening Ceremony and Marina Cruise
The following day, we attended the Opening Ceremony at the Indian High School. Coco recalled it as “one of the most inspiring and eye-opening moments of the trip.” The keynote speaker, Owen Ng, founder of Game-On, shared how he transformed a simple idea into a movement that now supports thousands of underprivileged children through sport. His story – beginning with just six volunteers – was a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with small, determined steps.
Coco reflected: “What struck me most was how ambition, even when it begins small, can snowball into something that impacts thousands of lives. It reminded me that we, too, have the power to create change.”
That evening, delegates boarded a dhow cruise around Dubai Marina. The glittering skyline, with its futuristic skyscrapers reflected on the water, left us in awe. “It was the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable first day,” Coco wrote. “We saw the city in its best light, while also building bonds with new friends.”
Spirit of Service Day
Day 3 was dedicated to service and giving back. For Sawa, this was the highlight of the entire conference. Our group visited a Sikh Gurdwara, where philanthropist Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari spoke about Seva – service carried out with humility, without expectation of reward.
We then experienced Seva first-hand by joining the Langar Sewa, helping prepare and serve food in the community kitchen. Sawa admitted with humour: “I was scolded a few times for putting the spoons too close to the plates, but I loved every moment. It taught me teamwork, respect, and that service doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful.”
In the afternoon, we joined the Hello Zindagi Carnival at GEMS Modern Academy, supporting activities that simulated the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. Blindfolded obstacle courses and lip-reading games gave us a glimpse of the frustrations that many people live with every day. The day concluded with a lively Souk, where delegates sold and bought small cultural items to raise funds for Dubai Cares.
Sawa summed up the day beautifully: “What tied it all together was the spirit of kindness, generosity, and community. It was not just about learning, but about giving and doing.”
Spirit of Adventure and Wadi Walk
Day 4 was all about adventure and balance. Back at the Indian High School, Thomas was struck by the keynote speaker, Mr. Sanjeev Krishna, founder of the first ISO-certified yoga centre in the Middle East. He spoke passionately about physical and mental well-being, and how yoga and meditation can restore harmony in our lives.
Thomas reflected: “It reminded me that unlike animals, who stretch instinctively, we humans have to be intentional about maintaining our vitality. His talk left me thinking about how I could bring more balance into my own life.”
After lunch, we set off on a 90-minute bus ride to Wadi Tayyib, and, as Vyenn wrote, “we never got hungry because they kept giving us snack boxes!” Initially, she imagined the trek would be long and exhausting, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise: “It was quite short, and I didn’t even run out of breath. The view was breathtaking – tall, rugged mountains in shades of brown and grey that changed with the sun. The whole place felt open and dry, almost empty but in a beautiful way. You could spot little plants and palm trees here and there.”
Throughout the trek, students completed mini-challenges such as stacking rocks, finding a water source, and taking a group photo with a red flag to mark the end of their walk. The experience was a reminder that adventure can come not only from pushing physical limits, but also from appreciating the beauty and stillness of nature.
Spirit of Environmentalism and Cultural Performance
On Day 5, delegates turned to environmental responsibility. Yi Ro wrote passionately about the Climate Fresk workshop, which traced the links between human activity, climate change and even armed conflict. “At first, I couldn’t understand how these issues were linked,” she admitted. “But once it was explained, it all made sense. It all starts from human activity.”
The facilitator used a clever exercise to show how one person can inspire change. Without saying a word, she clapped, and soon everyone else followed. For Yi Ro, the message was clear: “Although small decisions might not seem like much at first, collectively they might be able to save the planet.”
The evening was reserved for the much-anticipated Cultural Performance. With more than 150 schools represented, the variety was staggering – opera singers, energetic dances, dramatic theatre pieces and more. As Melvern reflected: “One moment you’d be listening to an opera singer, then stomping your feet, and the next you’d be pretending to fly like an aeroplane. A lot of stuff happened!”
For Epsom, the challenge was daunting. Mr Crann had encouraged Melvern, Yi Ro and Kafuka to perform as a trio, representing Malaysia. Backstage, they felt nervous – their instrumental piece (One Summer’s Day from Spirited Away) seemed quieter compared to the upbeat singing and dancing from other schools. But when they played piano, violin and clarinet together, the audience erupted in cheers.
Melvern reflected on that moment: “It showed how supportive and engaging the RSIC community really is. I thank Mr Crann for encouraging us to perform and Mr and Mrs Crann for bringing us to Dubai. This trip made me realise that teachers also have fun, emotions and lives beyond school. I will always remember it.”
Closing Ceremony
All too soon, the final day arrived. The Closing Ceremony was both celebratory and bittersweet. Annabel described it as a time to reflect on “the wondrous week that has passed, the lessons learnt, and the friendships formed.”
Waving our Malaysian flags proudly, we joined in with the music and performances organised by the host schools. Annabel summed it up: “It was bittersweet to say farewell, but the bonds we formed – whether while serving food at the Gurdwara, trekking in the desert, or even just playing cards – will stay with us long after Dubai.”
Reflections
The RSIC 2025 was as educational as it was inspiring. From camel rides and dhow cruises to community service, climate workshops and cultural exchanges, each day offered new perspectives.
As Yi Ro wrote, “Although these small decisions might not seem much at first, collectively they might be able to save the planet.” As Sawa reminded us, “Service is about giving and doing.” As Kafuka said, it was a “10/10” experience.
We return to Epsom with a deeper understanding of the Round Square IDEALS, gratitude for the friendships made, and motivation to bring the spirit of Beyond the Dunes into our daily lives.
Kafuka K. , Coco W., Sawa Y., Thomas D., Vyenn L. , Yi Ro L. , Melvern W. & Annabel R.
Student Delegates