Building More Than a Program

Enjoy this Q&A with Dean McLachlan, our Primary School Activities & Athletics Coordinator leader who has spent 27 exciting years at HKIS. Originally arriving in Hong Kong to pursue sports management and rugby, Dean's journey evolved into a deep commitment to education and community building. 

Dean joined HKIS 27 years ago and helped grow the
Activities & Athletics Program into what it is today.

What inspired you to join HKIS 27 years ago, and what made you stay so long?
I arrived in Hong Kong shortly after the handover to play rugby and run my sports management company, never imagining I'd spend 27 years in Hong Kong, let alone this long in HKIS. What kept me here was watching those fledgling community programs blossom into something extraordinary – and the people who made it happen. At my first longevity awards ceremony, I marveled at colleagues celebrating 20+ years, thinking "Who stays that long?" Now I understand: when your work feels like family and every day brings new challenges and growth, the years fly by.

What's one of your most memorable HKIS moments?
Two bookend moments stand out. My very first HKIS experience – stepping in last-minute to lead a Habitat for Humanity trip to the Philippines – showed me the incredible character of our students. Fast forward to last summer, when one of those former students returned as a parent, with her daughter working as a student helper in our summer program. That full-circle moment, spanning generations, captures the enduring spirit of this community.

How has HKIS changed since you first started?
When I began as Community Sports Coordinator, we were building the plane while flying it. Through financial crises and SARS, we transformed those early programs into what's now arguably the region's best. During my time, we have served over 20,000 students in summer programs alone. The facilities and scale have grown exponentially, but what hasn't changed is the commitment to community that makes HKIS special.

"To all the students, parents, and colleagues – especially my team and those who took the time to help me grow as a person and a leader – thank you for making HKIS more than a workplace. As I pass the baton, I do so knowing our programs are in a great place, and that this special community will continue to thrive by staying true to the values that made it extraordinary all those years ago."
Dean McLachlan

The Activities and Athletics offerings have grown under the
leadership of Dean McLachlan.

What will you miss most about working at this school?
Without question, the people. My rockstar team – Flossie, John, Geeta and so many others – who turned challenges into opportunities. The leadership mentors in my early years like Jim Handrich, Bruce Kelsh and Linda Anderson who shaped my growth. The parents and Board members who believed in our vision. HKIS isn't bricks and programs; it's the extraordinary humans who bring it all to life.

What will you miss most about living in Hong Kong?
The unbeatable energy of this city that's been my home for nearly three decades. I'll miss the hikes, the harbor lights, food, smells and most of all the busy hum of this city.

How do you hope your time here will be remembered?
As someone who cared deeply about building more than just programs, but a community where every student could discover their potential. If our work helped even one child find their confidence on the field or in the classroom, that's the legacy that matters most.

Celebrating with the team at the annual staff party!

What are your plans for the next chapter?
After leading through so many of Hong Kong's transitions, I'm ready for my own. While I'll take time to reflect and recharge, I know the leadership lessons from HKIS – adaptability, stakeholder management, and most importantly, putting people first – will guide whatever comes next.

How would you sum up the last 27 years at HKIS in one sentence?
An unforgettable journey of building community through every challenge and celebration, surrounded by people who showed me the true meaning of "home."