Meet the team
We are a team of developers, creatives and strategists who solve problems. We’re all here to empower rural communities through education and create a more equitable world.
Janan Loh
Chief Operating Officer
Janan is an advocate for social justice who stands for the rights and education of children. He holds a degree in English literature and communication studies from the University of Western Australia and uses his apt skills to develop and improve organisational systems, solve problems, and lead the team. When he’s not at work, you can find him running around the neighbourhood in his army boots.
Norani Abu Bakar
Consultant
Dr Norani Abu Bakar is a social entrepreneur, educator, and sustainability practitioner with over two decades of experience in community development, education, and environmental stewardship. She is the Founder of The Blue Ribbon Global, where she leads initiatives in community-based learning, forest restoration, and providing training in Education for Sustainable Development and permaculture. Holding a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of Malaya and a Master's degree from Yale University, she combines academic expertise with practical field experience. As a consultant at The Patatas, she supports in expanding quality education and learning opportunities to vulnerable and remote communities.
Michel Ong
Programme and Partnership Lead
Michel is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that connect people, communities, and cultures. With over a decade of experience in education, she has taught in private schools and served as a principal of a homeschool learning centre, where she developed expertise in leadership, teaching, curriculum development, and learner-centred approaches. She holds a Master’s in Education specialising in Curriculum of the Future. Drawing on her background in education, programme development, partnership building, and community engagement, she creates impactful experiential learning initiatives that foster connection, understanding, and meaningful exchanges. Outside of work, Michel enjoys spending time with her family and seeing the world through the curiosity and wonder of her child’s eyes.
Hambali Hanafiah
Creative Lead
Hambali is a storyteller at heart. With a bachelor’s degree in communication design from the Glasgow School of Art, he enjoys using his creative side to communicate The Patatas’ work through graphic work, illustrations, films, and his favorite – photography. While not at work, you can find Bali playing the guitar for his audience of one – his beloved cat.
Christal Tan
Full Stack Developer
Christal believes that the little details matter. An Interaction Design diploma holder turned Full Stack Developer with a passion for blending aesthetics and functionality seamlessly. When she is not crafting digital experiences, you can find her trying out food places or immersing herself in the world of games.
Arjun
Full Stack Developer
Arjun believes in using tech for good. A former Air Force engineer, he left the military service to explore the world of tech and web development. Through his transformative journey, he discovered his passion for creating a positive impact with technology. He now lends his technical expertise to bridging the digital divide to foster more equity in education.
Nashita
Software & Systems Engineer
Nashita is a passionate tech enthusiast who believes in the power of technology to create meaningful change in the world. A recent Engineering graduate from the National University of Singapore, she is dedicated to using innovation to craft solutions that uplift rural communities. When she's not immersed in tech projects, you'll find her reading, journaling or volunteering, constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and self-improvement.