One World International School (OWIS) Nanyang Campus had the honour of hosting legendary cricketer and humanitarian Mr. Steve Waugh as part of the GSG Leadership Lecture Series. The Leadership Lecture Series, an initiative by Global Schools Group, brings accomplished leaders from various fields to share insights that inspire and empower students.
As captain, Mr. Waugh led Australia through a golden era of cricket, including a 1999 World Cup win and 41 Test victories. During the session, Mr. Waugh shared powerful personal stories of setbacks, perseverance, and the importance of resilience. Responding to questions from IBDP Grade 11 student panelists Bruce, Yungwon and Antoine, he spoke about dealing with failure, the impact of global experiences, and advice for young athletes. He reflected on times he felt like giving up but chose to keep going, driven by a belief that growth comes through challenge.
Mr. Waugh also spoke about the Steve Waugh Foundation, which supports children with rare diseases. He shared how the foundation began from a desire to bring hope to families often overlooked. Its motto, ‘Strength of Character,’ aligns closely with OWIS’s values of kindness, compassion and service. At OWIS, we aim to develop not just academic achievers, but also thoughtful, empathetic leaders.
After the discussion, Mr. Waugh joined students on the field, demonstrating batting techniques and connecting with them informally.
The event also featured a musical performance by Grade 11 student Ahaana and a short video highlighting cricket’s cultural significance. It set the tone for Mr. Waugh’s message on leadership, character, and resilience.
Following the session, he warmly interacted with students: signing jerseys and cricket balls, and answering questions.
Mr. Waugh’s visit was not just a celebration of sporting excellence. It was a powerful reminder of the values we practice and embed in our students at OWIS.
