International Schools - Malaysia's Invitation to Tender

The government of Malaysia's decision to issue an invitation to tender for an  international school in malaysia  in Kuala Lumpur has generated considerable excitement amongst families in the UK looking for a new challenge for their children. Established reputable schools such as Harrow, Malvern and Stanmore will be keen to attract international students to their establishments, and a number of private schools have expressed an interest in bidding for the contract.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and the largest city in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the most populous cities in the world with an estimated population of over 1.7 million people. Situated on the banks of the beautiful and crystal-clear Lake Titicaca, the city is warm and lush throughout the year. In fact, temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, making it one of the most comfortable places for families with children. There are also a number of reputable international schools in the area, making it an ideal place for expats to send their children to school.

why an international school?

It is well recognized that Malaysia is an expensive place to live, with accommodation, food and transport prices all on the increase. It is also a place that values education and sees a high priority placed on providing English-taught schools for international students. The government has also taken steps to increase the number of English speaking teachers in the country, so prospective parents needn't fear that their child will be left behind due to a lack of English skills.

when can i register my children?

The government expects that offers will be accepted until the end of June 2018 and that the contract will be signed in November 2018. It is unlikely that the school will start teaching in the next academic year, so 2018/2019 is potentially a gap year for your student.

what will my children learn?

The government-appointed Board of Governors for the school will determine the curriculum that should be followed, however, it is commonly accepted that the International Baccalaureate (IBO) will be offered as a standard course for all students. The IBO is a global curriculum that encompasses a variety of subjects, preparing students for the modern world. The IBO is also a course that is mapped towards the IB Diploma, which is recognized globally as a standard for all secondary schools. The IBO also offers an opportunity for students to study a foreign language, allowing them to gain international experience while also improving their spoken English.

Kuala Lumpur is a busy city, with opportunities for expats to contribute to the local economy. The government is supportive of educational opportunities for its citizens, and sees the international school as a chance to attract more top students to the city.

where will my children attend?

The government will not reveal the identity of the successful bidder until the end of the month, however, it is likely that the school will be granted access to several prestigious locations in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur international airport and the seaport. The location of the school will have a significant impact on its overall feel and atmosphere, and parents are likely to be concerned about their children being in close proximity to a seaport, given the amount of terrorist activity in the region. Although the location of the school is not made public, it is known that the Government has chosen a site in the prestigious Kuala Lumpur suburb of Petaling Jaya. The new school is expected to open in 2022/2023.

what other amenities can i expect?

The successful bidder will be expected to provide a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, cafeteria, internet access, and a full-time English-teaching staff. Given the generally warm climate in the country, the school is likely to expect its students to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities, including sport, art, music and culture. This is a significant opportunity for your child to learn a new language and experience a new country.

If you are considering applying for a school placement in Malaysia, take the time to visit the country and see it for yourself. There is a lot to offer for anyone who decides to make the move abroad, and a lot to offer for anyone who decides to send their child to a British school. The decision to apply for a visa for Malaysia will be a significant one, as the country highly encourages English speaking and education opportunities for its citizens. The British Council has issued a useful guide to help prospective students navigate the process of applying for a visa to study in Malaysia.

For more information, contact the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or visit their website at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/malaysia