Alumni Spotlight: Sri Hollema and Mat Zero

Bangkok Patana School welcomed back Sri Hollema, Grad ’18 for a day filled with insightful conversations and inspiring sessions. As the founder of Mat Zero, a startup committed to sustainable design solutions, Sri shared her journey from a Design and Technology (D+T) classroom at Patana to launching a business that tackles real-world environmental challenges.

Speaking to (I)GCSE Year 10 and IBCP students, Sri emphasised how the D+T curriculum at Bangkok Patana laid the foundation for her career. She shared that transitioning to Loughborough University felt seamless, as the D+T facilities there mirrored what she had already experienced in school. During the university drop-in chat with Year 11 and 12 students, Sri addressed the value of staying curious and adaptable. When asked about the most important skills she took from the (I)GCSE and IB years, she was clear: “…critical thinking and the ability to analyse a product’s impact on the end user.” Sri also met with Primary’s Eco Innovators, encouraging young students to think about sustainability not just as a concept, but as a responsibility. She praised their creative projects and passion for the planet.

At the Tennis Academy, where she had spent many hours as a Patana student, Sri connected with student-athletes about managing time and staying resilient, drawing parallels to her own journey as a young entrepreneur.

The day concluded with Sri as Guest of Honour at the Senior Sports Awards. In her speech, she touched on the importance of pushing boundaries, especially as a woman in a male-dominated design and tech field. “Changing the norm wasn’t easy—but it was necessary,” she said.

Sri’s visit served as a powerful reminder that the seeds of innovation are planted early—and with the right mindset, can grow into real change.