THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018
PRIVATE & INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL GUIDE
VALUES, a moral compass and character are
formed the more a child interacts with her
environments, one of which is school where
she will spend most of her first 18 years of
life. Therefore, it can be overwhelming for
her parents to choose the right school for
her.
However, the decision-making process can
be simplified when parents have a few
thoughts about what they want for their
child.
“There are several factors that parents
should consider when choosing an
international school for their child, such as
location, curriculum offered, history and
accreditation of the school, teachers’
credentials, ethos, and values,” says Nickie
Yew, co-founder and director of Mint
Communications Sdn Bhd, which organises
one of the largest private and international
school fairs in Malaysia.
She adds, “Fees are also an important
consideration when deciding on a school as
it can be a long-term commitment depending
on when the child enters the school. Other
areas to consider are school facilities,
extracurricular activities and student
support services.”
Life skills and social dynamics
Gone are the days when school was
regarded as a place in which one receives
only knowledge.
With the emergence of social media and
change in social dynamics within families
and society, the children of today lead a
different life than that of their parents. For
some, this can include having a harder time
developing life skills such as communicating
effectively and handling difficult situations
responsibly and maturely.
Therefore, the onus is now on teachers
and schools to help parents shape children’s
overall life skills and guide them in forming
a moral compass.
Rajan Kaloo, director of services at elc
International School, says, “All parents need
to examine a potential school and find out
how its students’ life skills are being
developed. For this to happen successfully,
you need a teaching body that is motivated
and prepared to tackle problems head-on,
even if it leads to conflict with the student or
his parents.
“Do not dismiss a school that gives you a
negative report on your child’s
developmental progress, because you need
to know that the school is prepared to have
difficult conversations with you without fear
or favour.”
Moreover, parents need to take note of the
teacher-student dynamic at the school they
are considering. While teachers are
supposed to be providers of knowledge and
guidance, students should be given a chance
A child thrives when he is placed in a supportive, motivating learning environment.
Guide to making a
well-informed decision
to make their own discoveries through
critical thought and discussions.
According to Dr Glenn Moodie, principal
of Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, “The ideal dynamic
is a mixture of teacher- and student-led
learning. Teachers and students are working
in partnership, and part of the learning
process is giving students room to explore
ideas for themselves, make mistakes, fail,
and learn from these experiences.”
Unearth opportunities
for your child
Besides the learning culture and guidance
provided by teachers, parents must ensure
that a school is suitable in relation to their
child’s interests and goals in life.
Students are unique and each one has her
own interests and skills. Therefore, the
school’s offerings must fit into the student’s
scope of interest so that she may grow.
Take, for example, how a child who is
interested in theatre will not thrive or fulfil
his potential if placed in a school that lacks a
performing arts department, even if the
school has state-of-the-art facilities for other
specialisations.
Thus, for children who express talent
and interest in certain pursuits, parents
should look for schools that can cater to
these needs.
Parents should also take note of the
opportunities offered by the school outside
of its setting, such as public-speaking
competitions, leadership camps and field
trips.
A school that has industry connections can
contribute to furthering students’ learning
outside the classroom by involving them in
events that encourage the use of social skills
or activities that help students better
understand industries of the working world.
Discipline and values
Parents and schools are responsible for
raising the next generation. Therefore, both
need to agree on the values and moral
bearings a child should have, and contribute
towards raising a child in a stable, consistent
environment that will help her develop
maturity.
While some students thrive under
strict discipline, others bloom when given
the freedom to explore through trial and
error. Thus, to ensure that children can grow
to their fullest potential, parents should
choose a school that exercises discipline on
students but also grants them some
independence.
Dr Moodie opines, “This balance is best
achieved by setting high expectations and
clear boundaries for students. In my
experience, students rarely misbehave if
they are engaged and kept busy. The ideal
way to manage a classroom is through
exciting, well-paced lessons.”
Secure, comfortable environment
Safety is of utmost importance for
children. However, a school that is overly
concerned with security could impede a
students’ sense of home and comfort.
Parents need to find a school that has
suitable systems in place that ensure the
safety, well-being and happiness of students
while not being overbearing.
Subtle differences between schools can be
seen through the way security breaches or
threats are handled and how students are
trained and prepped for action in cases of
emergency.
Parent participation
While teachers have the final say on
academic material provided in the
classroom, parent involvement is still
important for student morale and
motivation.
Liza Netto, senior manager of corporate
communications at Beaconhouse Malaysia,
says, “Parent involvement is extremely
important because research shows that it
has been linked to improved behaviour and
positive attitudes in children.
“Being involved shows your child that you
care about her life and schooling. It provides
a support network for her, which is
especially important when she faces
academic hurdles or challenges with
friendships or extracurricular activities.”
While older students may be more
independent, parents still need to know
what goes on in school such as if their child
is showing signs of lagging behind in classes.
There are plenty of opportunities available
for parents to be involved in school activities
such as family days, which are beneficial as
parents can interact with the faculty and be
in the know about their child’s satisfaction of
studying at the school.
Ample information at school fairs
While speaking to friends and doing
research is helpful for parents to better
understand a school, it is always best to talk
to school representatives directly. This is to
gauge the commitment and passion of the
staff and get a sense of the overall culture of
the school.
School fairs such as the upcoming Private
and International School Fair are beneficial
for parents as they can not only find out
more about the schools they are familiar
with, but also discover up-and-coming ones
that may be a better fit for their child.
“Parents are more informed about the
options in international schools today, which
is why we see more parents coming to our
events to find out about various schools
before deciding on one,” Yew observes.
“There are more than 140 international
schools in Malaysia today and each school is
unique in its offerings. Therefore, it is
important to do as much research as possible
to find a school that meets your
requirements and those of your child.”
2 Private & International School Guide
Educating the
person as a whole
AFTER working in private
education in the United Kingdom
for 18 years, I have recently
arrived in Malaysia as the new
principal of Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar
(KTJ).
There are clearly some
differences between the two,
beyond the fact that the weather is
significantly hotter at KTJ.
However, what has struck me
more are the similarities, and I
suspect these similarities are found
the world over.
Young people are facing the
same challenges wherever they
live. Social media is telling them
that their lives must be
choreographed and perfect,
universities are saying that they
need fantastic grades, and graduate
employers are asking “what else
can you offer?”
It is tough being a teenager and
we need to recognise this. Author
and motivational speaker Simon
Sinek reminds us that, as adults,
we have an important role to play
in improving the situation for
young people. What we aim to do
at KTJ is follow a mission that has
existed since the school was
founded 27 years ago: to offer a
holistic education.
We believe that it is only by
educating the person as a whole
that students can be fully prepared
for the challenges they will face in
this fast-paced, ever-changing,
global village in which we now
live. I have been staggered by the
huge range of opportunities here,
including more than 100
extracurricular activities as well as
a range of trips, events and
leadership opportunities every
week.
It is the ethos of the school to
build character in a range of ways.
Walk around our campus at 6pm
on a weekday evening and you will
see hundreds of students engaged
in activities that they have
determined themselves.
They are playing football and
basketball and running clubs for
younger students, not tucked away
in their rooms, huddled over
devices.
This is what makes KTJ special,
and I believe it is what all young
people should be offered as they
grapple with the demands of
growing up in the modern world.
– By Dr Glenn Moodie, KTJ
principal
n For more information, call
06-7582561, e-mail registrar@ktj.
edu.my or visit www.ktj.edu.my
Shaping future minds
WITH a presence in eight
countries, Beaconhouse is one of
the largest school networks in the
world. It has been providing
academic excellence for the past 43
years and now has more than
300,000 students around the world.
Parents who want a holistic
quality education for their
children can look no further as
Beaconhouse is committed to
developing students who are
socially responsible, resilient and
active citizens of the world. In
short, it trains students to have an
international outlook with Asian
values.
Beaconhouse makes this possible
by offering the following:
l Education programmes – A
range of approaches and course
offerings is incorporated at
different levels and schools to
enhance the core curriculum. This
enables students to achieve their
intellectual potential and improve
their prospects beyond school.
Beaconhouse’s trained, caring
and highly motivated teachers
provide effective teaching while
giving students the personal
attention, advice and support
needed.
l Enhanced learning
environment – Beaconhouse
offers well-resourced classrooms,
libraries, computer and science
laboratories, art studios and brand-
new sports facilities. It
incorporates the use of technology
to enhance academic delivery.
l Co-curricular and
extracurricular activities –
Beaconhouse aims to provide a
balance between academics and
extracurricular activities to
develop well-rounded individuals.
It offers a variety of activities,
clubs and societies for students,
including football, cricket,
badminton, fencing, athletics,
taekwondo, Chinese calligraphy,
debate, public speaking and others.
l Beaconhouse Learner Profile
– The Beaconhouse Learner Profile
translates its mission of benefiting
students, the community and the
wider world into a set of attributes
essential for holistic development.
The learner profile embodies
values and beliefs that are essential
for students to learn and grow into
responsible world citizens.
l Opportunity to be global
citizens – Leveraging on its
international presence,
Beaconhouse organises events that
offer opportunities for students to
experience different cultures and
interact with peers across its vast
network.
The Beaconhouse International
Student Convention is an annual
platform that hosts a series of
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018
activities and competitions from
various spheres of learning,
including sports and athletics,
science, technology, visual and
performing arts and filmmaking, in
an effort to emphasise 21st century
learning.
Beaconhouse has eight
preschools, two private primary
and secondary schools offering
the national curriculum, and
two international schools offering
Cambridge International General
Certificate of Secondary Education
programmes. All the schools
are located within the Klang
Valley.
Beaconhouse will help open a
world of opportunities for your
child so that he may have an equal
shot at success in life. It is
Beaconhouse’s belief that through
hard work and effort, students can
step confidently into the real
world.
n For more information, call
03-5632 2100 or e-mail marketing@
beaconhouse.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018 Private & International School Guide 3
Emphasis on life
skills and core values
FOR many years, the students of elc
International School have achieved top
results in the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
examinations.
The number of As and A*s elc students
deliver every year is among the highest in
the country and region and goes a long way
towards building the foundations for their
careers.
The elc journey begins by developing not
only academic skills, but also core values. It
takes years to inculcate good values in
students. There are no shortcuts in this
process. So important are values to elc
International School that they form the
school’s name – excellence, loyalty and
commitment.
These values form the nucleus of elc’s
philosophy of education. It is often difficult
to deliver these values, but the school feels
that it is worth the effort as it can see its
students become better individuals and
leave the school with value-driven attitudes
in life.
elc International School strongly
believes that students stand on shaky ground
without sound values, but once their
values are in place, everything else fits in
perfectly.
The school believes that students must
engage in activities that ensure their well-
being. Talks are held on topics such as stress
management, child abuse and online safety.
In addition, sessions on mindfulness are a
regular feature.
elc International School places emphasis
on getting to know students’ needs and
identifying signs of distress. Staff are well
trained to spot students who may need
personal consultations or counselling.
It is about knowing the fine line between
a misbehaving student and one who is
genuinely calling out for help. These methods
help ensure that students are safe and given
strategies to cope with problems.
It is vital for students to develop life skills
that will prepare them for opportunities and
challenges. elc International School manages
students’ development of life skills via its
customised PULSE activities, which
encompass pastoral care, university
readiness, leadership skills, social skills and
employability.
Students not only receive care, but are
encouraged to care for others via community
service projects. They have a well-developed
sense of giving back to the community.
Dedicated, well-trained staff members
ensure that students benefit from the high
standards of the British National Curriculum,
which leads to the IGCSE.
elc International School adopts a holistic approach in helping students develop the right values and
skills.
It is vital for students
to develop life skills
that will prepare them
for opportunities and
challenges. elc International
School manages students’
development of life skills
via its customised PULSE
activities, which encompass
pastoral care, university
readiness, leadership
skills, social skills and
employability.
The school has dedicated days for subjects
such as Languages Day, Maths & Science Day
and Computing Day. Students participate in
various competitions on subject days that
require them to work creatively with the
knowledge they acquire in classes.
The school has an active physical
education programme and strong
commitment to the Federation of British
International Schools in Asia Games.
Furthermore, computing and performing
arts (visual arts, music and drama) are strong
traditions at elc.
elc’s wide range of extracurricular
activities helps students develop skills and
allows their creativity to flourish. The Duke
of Edinburgh’s International Award was
introduced at the school last year and has
grown rapidly, with 60% of elc’s eligible
students having signed up for the
programme.
Clearly, an investment in elc International
School is not only an investment in sound
education and outstanding academic
performance, but also the life skills, values
and wellness that it develops in its students,
which cannot be overlooked.
Hence, elc International School forges on
to its 31st year of creating such people. You
can trust that your child will be safe in elc’s
hands. – By Kumar Nagappan, student
welfare director at elc International
School
n For more information, call 03-6156 5001/
03-6156 5002 or fax 03-6156 5003.
4 Private & International School Guide
Inspiring children
to make a difference
INSPIROS International School (IIS), which is
located at SetiaWalk in Puchong, offers
middle-income families a premier, quality
international British education leading to the
International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGCSE) for students
aged between three and 17, at incredibly
affordable rates.
IIS founder S.L. Ng firmly believes that
quality education should be accessible to all.
She chose the British National Curriculum, as
accredited by Cambridge Assessment
International Education (CAIE), for IIS
because it is recognised by leading
universities and employers as one of the
world’s best qualifications.
The CAIE imparts five Cambridge learner
attributes, which are important in the
delivery of a world-class education for the
21st century student. These learner attributes
are:
l Confident in working with information
and ideas – their own and those of others
l Responsible for themselves and
responsive to and respectful of others
l Reflective as learners, developing their
ability to learn
l Innovative and equipped for new and
future challenges
l Engaged intellectually and socially, ready
to make a difference
Feeling honoured to have the opportunity
to play a role in the school’s leadership,
newly elected principal Ananda Kumaresh
Ratnasingam illustrates how leadership is to
be taught to students at IIS.
“Leadership is usually assumed to be an
individual trait, characteristic, behaviour or
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBEER 2018
practice. I look forward to the entire school
community working together to provide
educational leadership for our students.
“I am confident that the support from the
Inspiros team and my vast experience in
education management, curriculum
planning, development and implementation,
and mentoring of teachers will result in our
students receiving a world-class education”
he says.
Regarding the goals of the school, he
shares how IIS strongly believes that the arts
is essential for the overall development of
every child, especially when they are the
next generation of innovative thinkers,
corporate leaders and nation builders.
IIS pays special attention to its
International Day programme, which aims
to expose students to historical, geographical
and cultural aspects of countries around the
world through artistic displays, cuisine and
performances.
IIS teachers undergo regular in-house and
external training to ensure that they are fully
knowledgeable in current trends in
education.
Ananda opines that the success of a
school is measured by that of its students.
He believes teaching quality to be the
greatest contributor to student success.
He is optimistic and enthusiastic to be part
of IIS, saying, “The Inspiros vision, ‘inspiring
you to make a difference’, could not be more
apt for 21st century learners. I look forward
to working collaboratively with the dynamic
Inspiros team in achieving this vision.”
n For more information, call 03-8600 8600
or visit www.inspiros.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018 Private & International School Guide 5

MATRIX Global Schools (MGS) provides

education for the expatriate and local
community in Malaysia from Early Years to
Secondary Years.
Established in 2014, MGS comprises
Matrix Private School, Matrix International
School and Matrix International Preschool.
All three institutions share the same campus
situated on a spacious and secure 20-acre
(8.1ha) site that can accommodate up to
2,500 students.
Matrix International School follows the
national curriculum for England,
appropriately modified for international
students.
In the Early Years, lessons are guided by
the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
while the International Primary Curriculum
forms the core provision in the Primary
School.
In the Secondary School, the backbone of
the curriculum is the established Cambridge Matrix Global Schools’ Boarding House provides an environment conducive to nurturing individuals who are resilient, responsible and independent.

International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGCSE), leading to the
internationally renowned and recognised
qualification at the end of Year 11.
The school is making good academic
progress with four students achieving
straight A-A*s in the 2018 IGCSE
examination.
Meanwhile, Matrix Private School follows
the Malaysian national curriculum –
Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah for
primary level and Kurikulum Standard
Sekolah Menengah for secondary.
In last year’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
examination, Matrix Private School secured
a 97% pass rate with school average grade
(GPS) of 3.82, with three students achieving
straight 9As. As for the 2017 Ujian
Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah results, the
school achieved a 99% pass rate with school
average grade (GPS) of 2.2.
Nestled in the lush greenery of Bandar Sri
Sendayan in Negri Sembilan, the MGS
campus is a considerable asset that enhances
the overall learning experience.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities on
par with top-tier private and international
schools in the region, MGS provides ample
Top-notch education
opportunities for co-curricular activities that
are designed to provide a holistic education
for students, ensuring that education occurs
both inside and outside the classroom.
Boarding life
At Matrix Global Schools, experiential
learning continues after day school. The
Boarding House provides a 21st century
boarding experience for secondary students
aged 12 to 17.
With staff and students from around the
world, the Boarding House enhances the
school’s multicultural and international
character. Here, boarders are nurtured to
develop self-reliance so that each one will
thrive to be an independent and responsible
young adult.
Securely located within the school
compound, boarding students are housed in
deluxe dorms of four to six students based
on their age and gender. Each room is
furnished to the highest modern
international standard and equipped with
independent air conditioning.
Each floor of the MGS Boarding House is
under the supervision of competent and
dedicated houseparents, who are responsible
for their boarders’ round-the-clock care and
support, while a dedicated medical centre
staffed by trained nurses is easily accessible
in the lobby. The facility comes equipped
with a full-service laundry for students’
convenience.
With more than 30 years of experience in
the education line, the newly appointed head
of MGS Boarding House, Melanie Liu, is
passionate about providing a comfortable,
homelike environment that is academically
and developmentally advantageous for
students.
With her background in English education,
Liu ensures that daily academic revisions go
hand in hand with the wide range of
activities arranged as part of the MGS
Boarding House life.
Experience MGS
Meet the MGS team at the upcoming
Private & International School Fair in Mid
Valley Exhibition Centre this Saturday and
Sunday to enjoy the January 2019 intake
promotions, which include 10% discount on
Boarding House fees for the first year.
Interested students are also welcome to
attend the free, half-day trial classes and
optional one-night boarding offered during
the MGS Open Week from Nov 13 to 16.
n For more information, call 1300 229 888 or
visit www.matrixschools.edu.my
6 Private & International School Guide
Nurturing kids the Lasallian way
IN just two years, St Joseph’s
Institution International School
Malaysia (SJIIM) has exceeded
expectations in academics and
service-based achievements.
SJIIM’s president Dennis Tang
and high school principal Dr Nicola
Brown share their thoughts on the
rapid growth of the school.
Q What is the most significant
sign of progress that you
have seen in the school so far?
Tang: There are many signs
of our continued progress. Our
first batch of International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
(IBDP) students achieved
heartening results, and the school
is committed to its ongoing effort
to provide value-centric education.
In addition, being part of a
Lasallian school, I am uplifted by
the many outreach activities
organised for the Least, the Last
and the Lost.
Dr Brown: A key sign of progress
for SJIIM is that students display
our values in their actions and
behaviour. We can see that they
are able to demonstrate the true
benefits of engaging in service for
the wider community.
Q How did SJIIM students
fare in the recent IBDP
examinations, whose results
were just released?
Dr Brown: Our students’ IBDP
results were excellent. We
achieved an average of 37 out of 45
points, which is among the best in
the world. This is a testament to
our talented, dedicated staff and
hard-working students.
Our first set of International
General Certificate of Secondary
Education (IGCSE) results was also
very encouraging with 93% of the
grades achieved ranging from A* to
C. As universities recognise the
strengths of IBDP students, some of
ours have received offers from
many highly regarded universities
around the world.
Q As guiding beliefs
determine the success of
every organisation, what is
SJIIM’s ethos?
Tang: Our ethos is based on three
Lasallian principles – faith, service
and community. Woven together, it
means that the result of faith in the
Almighty leads to a community
that seeks to serve the less
privileged.
Dr Brown: We are a multifaith
school and respect each
community member equally. We
teach students that service requires
gratitude and compassion and is
different from “charity work”.
Service work does not involve a
power dynamic between those
who have and those who do not.
This is an important principle for
us to impart.
Q What would you say is
an identifier of SJIIM
students and staff? How does
this quality benefit them in the
outside world?
Tang: Our staff and students are
united in a fundamental way
through Lasallian activities and
programmes throughout the year.
The Lasallian way embraces the
concept of servant leadership,
which will endear them to many in
the outside world.
Dr Brown: In addition to our
Lasallian identity, we foster a
culture that places relationships
above organisational processes and
promotes a mindset of growth in
our staff and students.
Q SJIIM has achieved great Huey, who is SJIIM’s top scorer
things in just two years.
What short- and long-term goals
does the school have in place?
Tang: Our immediate goal is to
form a Lasallian community and
environment that everyone is
comfortable and happy to be a part
of, which is made easier thanks
IGCSE top
scorer Shin
Huey (centre)
admiring her
SJIIM IBDP
Scholarship
Award
certificate
with Dr
Brown (left)
and Tang.
to our Lasallian DNA. Our long-
term goal is to anchor SJIIM as
the school of choice for all, a true-
blue Lasallian institution that
imparts the importance of other-
centredness and a school that helps
each student develop a moral
compass.
Private and International School
Guide also interviewed Ter Shin
in the IGCSE examination with
8A*2A.
Q As the top IGCSE student
for the school, how do you
feel? How did SJIIM contribute to
your success?
Shin Huey: I am elated and
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018
grateful to see my hard work
finally bear fruit.
SJIIM provided me with the help
and guidance that I needed
throughout my IGCSE course.
The sacrifices the school and
staff members made in ensuring
my path to academic excellence
will forever be cherished and
remembered.
These results are not only a
toast to my efforts, but also to
SJIIM’s role in guiding students like
me to excel in life, not merely
succeed.
n For more information, call
03-8605 3605, e-mail enquiries@sji-
international.edu.my or visit www.
sji-international.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018 Private & International School Guide 7

Benefits of boarding school

THE decision to send your children
to a boarding school is not an easy
one, but it could be a great
experience for them.
The boarding school tradition is
a long and established one that
conjures many images in people’s
minds, as well as myths. In popular
culture, boarding schools paint
scenes of either mischief and
adventure or misery and solitude.
However, none of these
stereotypes comes close to
representing the actual boarding
school experience.
Epsom College in Malaysia
(ECiM) prides itself on inculcating a
nurturing, supportive boarding
school environment to ensure that
students are supervised and cared
for enough to achieve their
optimum potential in and outside
the classroom.
The highest level of
pastoral care
ECiM’s experienced boarding
staff work to create an engaging
environment that is conducive to
learning and academic
achievement. Its housemasters
and housemistresses, assistant
housemasters and housemistresses,
and resident tutors all live in
accommodation attached to the
boarding houses.
During term, this means that
boarders have 24-hour access to
Boarding students relax and unwind after school at ECiM’s well-equipped boarding houses.
behaviours, abilities and potentials.
It is a round-the-clock support
system that helps students to
flourish in every aspect of their
academic and social lives.
Pastoral care at the school is
enriched with open channels of
communication with students and
their parents.
Whether through informal
conversations at drop-off after the
holidays or regula r e-mails and
understand their children as
individuals.
Emphasis on academics
Every evening (except
Saturdays), boarders have prep
time during which they are to
complete their homework, revision
and extra study.
Prep time is a structured and
formal part of the evening, and
subject areas and provides general
guidance on time management.
These supervised prep sessions
are one of the key benefits of
boarding and crucial in helping
students develop and improve
their independent study skills,
which will be vital for their
progression to university.
Social development in and
adjusted individuals is an integral
part of the boarding school
experience.
At ECiM, boarders are of a mix
of different backgrounds and
cultures. This environment equips
them with critical social and
interpersonal skills for success in
their personal and professional
lives.
Students can aim for leadership
roles, engage with schoolmates
across different ages and extend
their schooling experience beyond
the confines of the classroom.
These opportunities allow ECiM
students to become compassionate
and confident global citizens.
Boarders receive the best of both
worlds – intellectual engagement
even after the school day ends, and
social interaction with their peers
and friends in structured and
relaxed environments.
Boarding school is an experience
unlike any other and will help
shape your children into confident,
responsible and proactive
individuals. If you decide that
boarding school is the right fit for
your children, ECiM will be there
to help them reach their fullest
potential.

pastoral care. ECiM’s boarding staff phone conversations, ECiM behavioural expectations are made outside the classroom n For more information, call
develop firm but nurturing welcomes opportunities to clear by the academic staff on duty. 06-240 4188, e-mail enquiries@
relationships with boarders to establish warm relationships with This academic staff member on Encouraging students to be epsomcollege.edu.my or
understand boarders’ backgrounds, parents to allow it to better duty assists students in specific confident, independent and well- visit www.epsomcollege.edu.my

A range of options
THE demand for an international
school education among local
and expatriate parents in
Malaysia has not wavered in
recent years.
Currently, there are almost 150
international schools located
across Malaysia. More than 80 of
them are located in the Klang
Valley, with seven more slated to
open between this year and 2020.
A number of international
schools can be found in Johor,
Penang, Negri Sembilan and
Perak as well.
Mint Communications has
connected many Malaysian and
expatriate parents with
international schools through the
Private & International School
Fairs since 2012.
It has successfully organised
events in Kuala Lumpur, Penang
and Johor annually. The Private
& International School Fairs have
also been held in Sarawak, Sabah
and Singapore.
The 12th Private &
International School Fair in
Kuala Lumpur will be held from
11am to 7pm this Saturday and
Sunday at the Mid Valley
Exhibition Centre, Kuala
Lumpur. Admission is free.
Mint Communications
co-founder Nickie Yew says,
“Visitors can speak to over 70
exhibitors at the upcoming
fair.
We hope those who attend
the upcoming Private &
International School Fair in
Kuala Lumpur will be able to
find the information they need
to decide on the best education
12th Private & International
School Fair in Kuala Lumpur
Date : Nov 3 and 4
(Saturday and Sunday)
Time : 11am to 7pm
Venue : Mid Valley Exhibition
Centre
option for their children.”
Exhibitors at the upcoming fair
include private and international
schools, preschools, learning
centres and pre-university
providers. Visit www.pisf.asia
for the complete list of exhibitors.
The 2018/2019 edition of the
Education Destination Malaysia
will be on sale at a discounted
price at the upcoming fair. It is
a useful resource for parents
who want a comprehensive
guide to international schools in
Malaysia.
In addition, the upcoming fair
will feature the Learning is Fun
segment dedicated to children
aged 12 and below.
Children can participate in a
number of entertaining and
educational activities such as
magic shows, coding workshops,
performing arts workshops and
musical performances.
They also have the opportunity
to improve their science,
mathematics and English skills.
Admission to the Learning is Fun
segment is free.
n To receive e-mail updates
about the event, register online
at www.pisf.asia
8 Private & International School Guide
Culturally rich
event for students
SRI Bestari Private School organised a
colourful, exciting Pre-Deepavali event by
creating a Little India on its premises, with
sweet aromas from flowers and incense
filling the atmosphere.
The principal of and representatives from
SJK (T) Batu Caves were invited to the event
as guests of honour. These guests gave Sri
Bestari Private School members some
pointers on several cultural practices and
beliefs of the Indian community.
Sri Bestari Private School’s Pre-Deepavali
event saw students, parents and guests
participating in activities such as the
preparation of Indian food like thosai,
murukku, appam and vadai.
A saree-draping activity was organised
by the staff and students. In addition,
garland-making was demonstrated by an
expert practitioner from India who had
taken time off his busy schedule to be part of
Sri Bestari Private School’s Pre-Deepavali
celebration.
A kolam and herbs and spices widely used
in Indian cooking were on display. The
school also offered sweet Indian delicacies
and performances such as bharatanatyam, a
fusion dance incorporating Chinese, Malay
and Indian dances, and a Bollywood dance
by a multiracial troupe of teachers.
The lighting of a kuthu villakku (oil lamp)
was carried out by a student’s parent,
signifying the auspicious launch of the event.
Sri Bestari Private School members
received a few tips on the significance of a
banana leaf meal and the cultural practices
to adhere to when enjoying one.
The banana leaf meal which was a
highlight of the event, included servings
of tairu (yoghurt), rasam (Indian soup),
mooru (yoghurt drink) and payasam (a
savoury-sweet dish) as well as masala tea.
The school received tremendous support
from its students’ parents. It has vowed to
make this event an annual one and ensure
that this rich Indian cultural celebration
continues to grow in stature over the years.
Visit Sri Bestari Private School’s booths at
the 12th Private & International School Fair
at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre this Saturday
and Sunday (booths No.130, 131, 139 and
140) or Sri Bestari Info Day on Dec 1 from
9am to 1pm to enjoy special discounts (terms
and conditions apply).
n For more information, call 03-6275 5888,
e-mail marketing@bestari.edu.my or visit
www.sribestari.edu.my
Cultivating all-rounders
IGB International School (IGBIS) provides a
dynamic, innovative and inclusive learning
environment where Early Years to Grade 12
students are challenged to excel in learning
and personal growth.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB)
World School, IGBIS is the only school in
Malaysia authorised to offer the full
continuum of IB programmes, which are
the Primary Years Programme, Middle
Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and
Career-related Programme (CP).
The school offers two streams through
the CP, where students can study
accountancy under the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales or
undertake college-level art and design
subjects under Savannah College of Art and
Design. IGBIS is a member of the Association
of International Malaysian Schools and
accredited by the Council of International
Schools and New England Association of
Schools and Colleges.
The IB aims to develop inquiring,
knowledgeable and caring young people
who help to create a better, more peaceful
world through intercultural understanding
THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2018
and respect. This philosophy underpins the
curricular, co-curricular and after-school
programmes at IGBIS with an aim of
inspiring students to become principled
global citizens.
A focus on sports, visual and performing
arts, languages, outdoor education and
community service complements the
school’s commitment to providing students
with a 21st century learning environment
by incorporating the latest information
technology in classrooms, including an
established digital platform, one-to-one
laptop programme in the secondary school
and the latest touch-enabled devices
throughout the school.
Graduating students have consistently
achieved outstanding results, scoring well
above the IBDP assessment world average
and gaining acceptance to prestigious
institutions such as University of Cambridge,
University College London, National
University of Singapore and University of
Edinburgh.
IGBIS provides students with opportunities
to explore their talents and interests through
outstanding facilities such as a 50-metre
Olympic-length swimming pool, 25-metre
beginners’ pool, 400-metre, eight-
lane running track surrounding
a FIFA-standard, artificial-turf
football pitch, five visual
arts studios, multimedia
art studio, purpose-built
music and drama
rooms, and 520-seat,
state-of-the-art
theatre.
n For more
information, call
03-6145 4688,
e-mail enquiries@
igbis.edu.my or
visit www.igbis.
edu.my