The Headmaster of the Malaysian School
An international school in malaysia offers students the opportunity to learn in an environment that is different from what they are used to. The school offers a British style education that uses English as the main language, and it is located on a tropical island, so lessons are conducted in a climate that is both hot and humid.
The British education at the International School Sunway is world-class, with some of the best teachers in the country. Students can expect an excellent level of education, with an emphasis on both academic and personal development. The school prides itself on its multicultural community, with students coming from over 20 different countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, and Ecuador. Many of the Asian countries that are popular with students want their kids to have a Western education. The increasing demand for foreign exchange students is clear evidence of the benefits of an education abroad.
The climate in Malaysia is also ideal for students who are prone to illness, as few cases of malaria or dengue fever are reported. The school provides free education for all its students, and the University of Nottingham has even ranked it as one of the top 500 universities in the world. As a globally-ranked institution, the University of Nottingham actively encourages students to study and undertake research at the school. All of this makes Sunway perfect for the best international school in Malaysia.
Top-Notch Teachers
The teaching staff at the International School Sunway are experienced and highly-qualified. Many of them have been selected for their expertise in their fields. Some of the teachers have even been involved in research, and several fellowships and grants have been secured by the university in the name of these esteemed educators.
Sunway is home to renowned British architect, Sir Norman Foster, who was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2016 for his ‘lifeswork'. He is an alumnus of the University of Nottingham, and the school continues to benefit from his expertise. Not only does Sir Foster regularly visit the school to give masterclasses, but he also offers advice on educational policy, and has lent his support to the school's international dimension. He travels quite extensively, speaking at events across the world. On one of these travels, he gave a speech at the United Nations, discussing the importance of the relationship between architecture and education.
Experienced Principals
The headteachers at this renowned school are also experienced and highly-qualified. The deputy head, Chris McWilliam, also has a proven record as a headmaster, having spent the previous 15 years at a British boarding school, where he led the establishment of the International Baccalaureate (IB).
McWilliam was formerly the head of the Malaysian school, Sekolah Menengah Ikon Sultan Haji Abdul Aziz, and he oversaw a significant expansion of the school's facilities and curriculum. When he arrived at the school, there were just under 300 students, but he led an expansion that saw the school house over 700 students. This growing number of pupils resulted in the school hosting over 200 foreign students a year, with many more studying abroad through partnerships with well-known universities.
Another internationally-acclaimed headmaster is Dr. Liew Chin Tse, who founded the school in conjunction with the Malaysian government. The school has been named after him, and he continues to lead the school as its Director. Chin Tse is a world-class educationalist and former head of the Australian National University. He is passionate about global education, having been a regular participant in educational missions to developing countries.
First-Class Facilities
The British education provided by the International School Sunway is delivered in a number of first-class facilities. The campus is a 30-minute drive from the city centre, and is easily accessible by public transportation. Bikes are provided for students to use on the campus. Several international schools in Malaysia hold their classes in air-conditioned comfort, and the school's sports facilities are available for use by students. The campus also houses a library, art and music rooms, and fully equipped fitness centre. Additionally, the school's student-to-staff ration is 1:1, with each adult supported by a student assistant.
Tropical Location
Located on the island of Borneo, the school has a tropical climate that is warm and humid. The weather stays consistent all year round, so there is never any need for ‘winter' or ‘summer' breaks. Students are able to enjoy the beaches on the island, and there are regular boat trips available to teach the students about the region's flora and fauna. A visit to a tropical jungle not only provides the students with an educational experience that they will value for the rest of their lives, but it also affords staff and parents a break from the heat that is often associated with the Indian subcontinent. The location is also ideal for a number of winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding. The climate is just right for tennis and cricket, and the island is also home to an active volcano, which provides endless opportunities for geology exploration. During the rainy season, some of the regions rivers swell to such a degree that they overflow their banks and flood the surrounding areas. It is during these times that boat operators offer boat rides for students and teachers to see the spectacular water display. When the weather improves, the students are able to continue their studies and participate in athletic activities. The island of Borneo is one of the world's most biologically diverse places. It is a hotspot for plant and animal life, with around a quarter of the world's species being found there. This verdant environment affords the students many opportunities for scientific discovery, while also providing them with an insight into the world of nature. It is likely that the area will soon be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The location of the International School Sunway is idyllic, and the school's founders chose the island because of its beautiful weather and climate. The island's geography is interesting, with its jagged mountains and deep rivers providing a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It also has a thriving economy, with many businesses and shops available for teachers and students to browse through. The island's infrastructure also receives investments from Japan, which are then used to improve living conditions for the entire population. This investment in education is not surprising, as Malaysia is home to the world's third-largest economy, and it is expected that over a million tourists will visit the country each year. The infrastructure for an international school in Malaysia is already in place, with all of the necessary teaching and residential facilities in-sourced from the United Kingdom. The island's location, which is surrounded by water, provides the school with an opportunity to learn in a self-sufficient environment. The location of the school is also ideal for family outings, with beaches and holiday parks available nearby. Boat trips are also a regular occurrence, with families and friends sharing the experience and educating the kids about the region and its wildlife. The school is easily accessible by air, with Kuala Lumpur's international airport lying only 12 miles from the school's gates. The journey from the airport to the school takes approximately 30 minutes. Visitors and residents can also reach the school by boat from the port in Kuala Lumpur.
Unique Identity
To further embed itself into the community, the International School Sunway has established itself as a ‘third culture' institution. The school adheres to a distinct identity that is inspired by Asian values and the British tradition of education. The school allows its students to celebrate their many cultures, with students studying in the UK being able to take part in school festivals and events, and those from other continents able to learn about other cultures, with the school hosting delegations from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The school also collaborates with the local community, regularly contributing to charitable fundraising efforts and supporting numerous local social justice movements. Most importantly, the school promotes tolerance and respect, having been founded by expatriates who desired to live in a multicultural society. Today, the school is a symbol of unity and tolerance in the region.
Not only does the school teach and research at an international level, but it also provides local communities with a high-quality educational facility. The expansion of educational opportunities for young people in the country is vital in ensuring that future generations contribute to the development of the country and its diverse communities.