In an age where national conversations often unfold through social media posts, comment sections, and online debates, INTI International College Penang alumnus Kishan Deepak Buxani chose a different path.
Rather than observing from the sidelines, he chose to work inside one of Malaysia’s most important democratic institutions.
INTI alumnus Kishan Deepak Buxani (right) with Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, at the Ceremonial Opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament of Malaysia.
Today, Kishan serves as Special Functions Officer to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Johari Abdul, supporting initiatives that promote youth engagement, governance awareness, leadership development, and civic participation.
For Kishan, the decision to work within Malaysia’s parliamentary ecosystem came from a simple but important realisation.
“For a long time, I was like many young Malaysians. I would look at issues affecting the country and think things could be improved,” he said.
“Then I asked myself a simple question: if we believe things can be better, how many of us are actually willing to step forward and do something about it? Everyone wants the outcome, but very few want the process that creates it.”
Kishan Deepak Buxani (right) with Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the conclusion of his internship with the then Leader of the Opposition, an experience that gave him early exposure to public policy and governance.
That question led him towards public service and governance, where he now works behind the scenes within Parliament.
“When the opportunity arose to serve within Parliament Malaysia, I saw it as a chance to contribute in a meaningful way. If I wanted to help create positive change, I needed to be willing to understand how decisions are made and how institutions work,” he said.
Working within Parliament has also changed how Kishan views governance.
“Many people only see the outcome of decisions. What they don’t always see is the amount of discussion, engagement, consultation, and consideration that takes place behind the scenes,” he said.
“Governance is complex, and meaningful progress requires people who are willing to engage with issues thoughtfully and responsibly.”
Kishan believes civic participation should go beyond expressing opinions online. He encourages young Malaysians to understand issues more deeply, engage with their communities, and take part in platforms such as Parlimen Belia Malaysia, which gives youth exposure to policymaking and civic responsibility.
“Many young people have strong opinions about how issues should be addressed. Parlimen Belia Malaysia allows them not only to voice those opinions but also to experience the responsibility that comes with leadership and decision-making,” he said.
He added that young people must also learn to navigate an information landscape often shaped by fear, controversy, and negativity.
“It is easy to criticise from the sidelines. Meaningful change begins when we choose to engage, understand, and contribute.”
That willingness to move from opinion to action did not happen overnight. After completing his Diploma in Business at INTI International College Penang, Kishan pursued a Degree in Political Science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak while also pursuing a Law Degree through the University of London.
Before joining Parliament Malaysia, he built experience through internships, professional engagements, community initiatives, work with political leaders, a political consulting firm, and later the United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei, where he contributed to sustainability, governance, stakeholder engagement, and leadership development initiatives.
Some of those lessons began during his time at INTI, where Kishan took on responsibilities that tested his confidence early. One of the most impactful was serving as Chairperson of the International Student Business Conference, where he led a committee that included students senior to him.
“That experience taught me that leadership is not about seniority or position. It is about taking ownership, earning trust, and bringing people together around a common goal,” he said.
He also participated in Toastmasters, debate competitions, and Model United Nations conferences. In 2018, while serving as Secretary-General of the Penang Model United Nations, he helped transform the conference into an international event hosted at INTI Penang.
“Everything is a win when the goal is experience. Every project, internship, challenge, and opportunity contributes to your growth. The leaders of tomorrow are built through the experiences they embrace today,” he said.
That belief continues to shape how Kishan speaks about youth and nation-building today.
His commitment to youth development continues beyond his role in Parliament Malaysia. In May this year, Kishan returned to INTI International College Subang to conduct a sharing session on Parlimen Belia Malaysia, highlighting the platform’s role in nurturing civic responsibility, leadership capabilities, and policymaking awareness among young Malaysians. Drawing on his experiences within the nation’s legislative institution, he encouraged students to move beyond expressing opinions and become active participants in shaping Malaysia’s future through informed engagement and meaningful action.
“The future of any nation is shaped not only by its leaders, but also by citizens who are informed, engaged, and willing to take responsibility for the society they live in,” he said.
The organising committee of the 9th International Student Business Conference following the successful delivery of the event at INTI International College Penang.
“Don’t let others think for you. Learn, question, observe, and form your own views. The future of Malaysia will be shaped by the choices young people make today.”