For most of his school years, SISB alumnus Maytas (Jimmy) Teeravechyan had a clear path in mind. With a strong interest in biology, he had set his sights on biotechnology, a path that felt logical, familiar, and certain.
Until one SISB moment changed everything.
Encouraged to take part in an arts competition to design the SISB sports shirt, Jimmy entered without much expectation. What began as a simple participation soon became a turning point. Through that experience and the encouragement of teachers who recognised his natural creative instincts, he began to see a different future for himself.
Today, as a graphic designer at Atlantis Dubai, a hospitality brand behind the world’s most iconic resorts and the world’s largest waterpark, Jimmy reflects on how that single moment at SISB reshaped his path, setting him on a journey he never imagined.
The Q&A
Q: Looking back, what do you remember most about that arts competition?
A: What stood out to me most was how unexpected the whole experience was. The competition was initially about designing a school uniform, but I decided to go a step further and create a concept for a new PE and sports team kit, something that I felt better captured the spirit of the Merlions.
After submitting my work, I didn’t hear anything for a while and assumed the competition had ended. But a few weeks later, my PE teacher and swim coach, Ms. Liz, approached me and told me she really liked my sports kit design. She then asked me to refine it in Adobe Illustrator so it could be properly presented to suppliers for sampling.
Not long after that, she came back with actual sample kits based on my design. That was the moment it really clicked for me to see something I created turn into a real, physical product. It made the experience much more meaningful, and I was also honored to receive the award for the competition.
Q: At what point did you realise that your interest in art could become something more than just a hobby?
A: I think the turning point came shortly after the uniform design competition. One of my teachers, Ms. Priscilla, who taught biology, approached me and asked if I could design a T-shirt for the school’s science fair.
That was the first time someone trusted me with a real design brief outside of a competition. From there, things started to build organically and I began receiving requests from friends and family, and over time, I developed a small portfolio.
As my work improved, I started getting inquiries from companies overseas, including in the US, Singapore, and Bangkok. That was when I realized that what started as a hobby had real potential to grow into something much bigger and more professional.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the creative and marketing field?
A: What I enjoy most is being able to shape the guest experience before they even arrive. My work sits at the intersection of creativity and hospitality, where every visual, from digital campaigns to on-property touchpoints plays a role in setting expectations and building anticipation.
Being part of a marketing and creative team allows me to contribute to that full journey, from the moment a guest discovers a brand online to the moment they check in and experience it in person.
What excites me the most, though, is working on pre-opening projects. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in Dubai’s biggest restaurant launches like Carbone Dubai, Casablanca Beach Club, and Nobu One Za’abeel. Being part of shaping a brand from the ground up, whether through visual identity, patterns, or photography direction and then seeing it come to life is an incredibly rewarding process.
That moment when everything transitions from concept to reality is something I find really energising, and it’s what keeps me passionate about this field.
Q: Looking back, how important was that one moment at SISB in shaping where you are today?
A: Looking back, that moment played a significant role in shaping my career. Although I spent much of my academic journey focused on science and technology, that experience gave me the confidence to explore creativity more seriously.
It was the first time I realised that something I genuinely enjoyed could also be developed into a real skill and, eventually, a career. From that point on, I began to see creative work not just as a hobby, but as something I could pursue professionally.
I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity early on, as it allowed me to pivot into a field that I’m truly passionate about and continue to grow in today.
Q: What advice would you give to current SISB students who are still discovering their passions?
A: My advice would be to try as many things as possible and really pay attention to what you enjoy doing the most. At this stage, you have the freedom to explore, and those experiences can end up shaping the next 20 to 30 years of your life. It’s important to ask yourself whether you can see yourself doing something consistently, not just occasionally, but every day. Because in the long run, passion and interest are what sustain you. For me, I’ve learned that obsession often beats talent. When you genuinely care about something, you naturally put in more time, more effort, and you keep improving. That’s what eventually turns something you love into something you can excel at.
