Aleksandra Troyan
Education as the Foundation of Public Diplomacy and a Bridge Between the Cultures of Southeast Asia and Russia
In today's multipolar world, an institutional presence abroad requires more than just formal adherence to protocols; it demands the creation of dynamic, trust-based spaces for dialogue. Aleksandra Viktorovna Troyan, Director of the "Diplomat" Russian School (LLC "Akara Pattaya") in Thailand, successfully implements this exact model. Under her leadership, the educational institution has transformed into a recognized institutional partner of Russia and a key hub of Russian cultural presence in Southeast Asia, operating at the intersection of state initiatives and public diplomacy.
From a Local School to a Federal Partnership
The "Diplomat" School became one of the 28 foreign venues of the pilot federal project "Friendship Point," which brought together more than 1,000 participants in 15 countries around the world. The strategic focus of the activity was the coordination of an international mentoring network based on the "peer-to-peer" principle. The "Diplomat" School has been designated as the key face-to-face venue and organizational center for the grant project of the same name for more than 550 young compatriots (aged 13–18) in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
The project is structurally divided into three professional tracks:
Engineering: Utilizing the "Ladder to Success" methodology with the support of PJSC NK Rosneft.
Financial: Based on the "Yandex.Uchebnik" (Yandex.Textbook) platform.
Creative: Featuring programs by Rossotrudnichestvo and "ArtMasters".
The expected measurable outcome is an increase in the number of applicants consciously aiming for Russian universities, alongside the creation of an open library of best practices to scale this model to new countries in Asia and Africa.
A Systemic Hub for Preserving Identity and Culture
In recent years, the organization has consistently and methodically integrated federal initiatives into the local context, establishing a strong reputation as a cultural outpost. For seven consecutive years, the school has served as an official venue for the "Total Dictation" (Totalny Diktant) campaign, and in 2025, it pioneered a new format: "Non-Dictation. Children" (Nediktant. Deti).
Special emphasis is placed on patriotic education, including hosting the "Victory Dictation" with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo leadership, organizing festive concerts, and screening documentary films. A unique achievement was the opening of the first Sergey Karjakin Chess Club in Southeast Asia at the school, operating under the "Chess Diplomacy in Russian Houses" project. This has given children access to online classes with top-tier coaches, participation in international tournaments, and the opportunity for winners to visit renowned Russian children's centers such as "Artek," "Orlyonok," and "Smena."
Philosophy of Leadership
For Aleksandra Troyan, leadership in public diplomacy is not defined by a formal title or hierarchical subordination. First and foremost, it is about taking meaningful and organizational responsibility for fostering human interaction in spaces where direct state mechanisms are limited.
Looking to the Future
Aleksandra Viktorovna views education as a fundamental tool for preserving cultural identity and building bridges between nations. Her strategic goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where young compatriots living abroad can fully realize their potential, maintain a deep connection with their historical homeland, and make a conscious contribution to the development of a multipolar world through culture and enlightenment.
Organization Information and Recognition
Organization: LLC "Akara Pattaya" (The "Diplomat" Russian School).
Status: Member of the Association of Russian Schools Abroad; institutional partner of projects by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the Russian Historical Society, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Embassy of Russia in Thailand.
Recognition: Commemorative medals from the Russian Orthodox Church Foundation in the Kingdom of Thailand, honoring the 10th, 15th, and 25th anniversaries of Orthodoxy in Thailand, awarded for her contribution to preserving the spiritual and cultural traditions of compatriots.
Contact Information
Telegram: t.me/diplomatplus
Instagram: @russkayashkoladiplomat (РусскаяшколаДипломат)
Email: ptt_school@mail.ru