First Chinese international school launches in Malaysia

First Chinese international school launches in Malaysia

Malaysia Shanghai International School (MSIS), offered a glimpse of its innovative programme and top-notch facilities to potential parents at its inaugural open house early this month.

The school opens its doors in January 2019. This premier bilingual boarding school is already making waves, particularly as it is the only one in the world to supplement the Cambridge IGCSE with the Chinese International Examination curriculum (CIE).

The 141,640 sqm campus is situated within the tranquil surroundings of the Enstek Technology Park and is strategically located just 10 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Xiemen University's Malaysian Campus. It will include essential living amenities, such as hospitals, malls, and others close by.

"We strive to provide a quality learning experience for all of our students via the various curricular and extracurricular opportunities,” said Dr Bryan Tin, executive principal at MSIS.

“At MSIS, our focus as educators is to prepare students for college and careers by working relentlessly to aid them in developing essential skills and behaviours in a safe and supportive environment.”

The academic set-up at MSIS offers students with multiple tracks to suit their respective future ambitions. Besides the simultaneous undertaking of the UK-based IGCSE and China International Examination curriculum (CIE), the school also offers programs such as the Ontario Secondary School Diploma for those looking at tertiary education in the USA, Canada and other Commonwealth countries.

On top of that, students who are weighing between studying in the USA or Malaysia can opt for the University Foundation Course, a program that is supported by Taylor's University. Students looking at Chinese universities can go with the China International Examination (CIE).

“We believe that MSIS is a place for students to learn, grow, and explore,” Tin said. “With that in mind, both Cempaka Schools and the Shanghai Rainbow Tree Education Group have drawn from their rich pedigree in education to create an unmatched experience that goes beyond academic achievement.”

At MSIS, students can experience a breadth of co-curricular activities, ranging from swimming, basketball, soccer, badminton to the fine arts, music and dance. It houses the widest array of sports facilities among all international schools in Malaysia, including a theatre and performing centre, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and one of the biggest rock and bouldering walls in the country.

MSIS will benefit both Malaysian and foreign students particularly from the Chinese community. With the advent of China's One-belt, One Road initiative, and Malaysia's growing expat community, the school aims to house a diverse and multi-national student body which will further enhance students’ learning experience.

The application window is open from 1 July till December 2018, and MSIS's admissions team is keeping a close eye on the overall quality of its student body. Its stringent application process includes submission of an online application, assessments and interviews, ending with an application review.

While the original entity of Malaysia Shanghai International School (MSIS) is accredited by Malaysia's Ministry of Education, the school is awaiting approval on its name from MOE.