3 international schools in Southeast Asia providing an exceptional learning experience

As children, most of us grew up in traditional classrooms, listening to our teachers, reading textbooks and taking notes. Classes would be based on standardised curricula and hard-copy exams were required to gauge how well students memorised what they learned. There was little time for personal interests like art and sports – and they’re usually reserved for clubs or classes outside and after school.

In the 21st century, it’s become increasingly clear that schools play a bigger and more holistic  role in child development. There are more care and opportunities to nurture passions and talents, using tools such as digital technology to enhance the classroom experience. The best schools have algorithm-based personalised learning plans, hackathons, makerspaces, recording and drama studios, and more. They use screens, smartphones and devices strategically — in classes that are always led by trained, dedicated teachers.

Nexus International School (Singapore)

Nexus International School (Singapore)  is where authentic learning takes centre stage within an international setting. The latest technology in stimulating classrooms, customised activities, and flexible curricula support learners at this Apple Distinguished School. This personalised approach to teaching and purpose-designed learning environment allows learners to build their independence, self-confidence, and agency by personally choosing how and where they learn.

Emphasising digital learning, Nexus weaves new technologies and knowledge acquisition through digital coaches introducing more learner-centric technology that aids teaching and learning. A brain fitness programme – the first to be conducted in an Asian school that combines fitness and cognitive development in young children – results from Nexus’s drive to innovate new ways to educate with modern technology.

Nexus is home to 60 nationalities, where no single nationality exceeds 15%. Within and outside the curriculum the faculty, parents, and learners celebrate cultural diversity to its fullest and every culture is respected and appreciated.

Learners also build a sense of care for their overall well-being (Care:Self), their community (Care:Others), and the world they live in (Care:World) through the curriculum, and learning outcomes are categorised as Relevant, Responsible, and Resilient. This truly diverse environment shapes learners to become relevant to the evolving world, responsible global citizens, and resilient individuals ready to face life’s challenges.

“Nexus is a learning community that will prepare your child for the demands of the ever-changing environments they will face in the days and years ahead,” says BK Gan, President of Taylor’s and part of the Board of Directors that oversee governance of Nexus.

Jerudong International School

Not many schools can boast about being surrounded by nature’s beauty – Jerudong International School (JIS), which sits against the idyllic coastline of Brunei, a small nation in Southeast Asia, can. The 120-acre campus is nestled between the beach and rainforest, home to over 1,600 students from over 45 countries with almost 200 highly qualified teachers from the UK.

The British international boarding school holds the prestigious Patron’s Accredited Member status by the Council for British International Schools (COBIS) and was given “Beacon Status” for “Outstanding Practice in Boarding.” Their facilities are exceptional – 27 state-of-the-art science laboratories, extensive sports facilities, a performing arts centre, four boarding houses and an award-winning Outdoor Discovery Centre. 

JIS offers high-quality education for students aged two to 18 years, from nursery to college preparation. Senior students can opt for IGCSEs, A Levels, or the IB Diploma. Results are outstanding – in 2023, 95 IGCSE and A Level students achieved 115 awards from Pearson Education. Graduates go on to enrol in world-class universities such as Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge and more. 

Marlborough College Malaysia has been shortlisted as a finalist for two awards in the first-ever Tes Awards for International Schools 2024, an award highlighting the most outstanding schools and teachers the global education community has to offer. Source: Marlborough College Malaysia.

Marlborough College Malaysia

Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) sits on a beautiful 90-acre estate, providing a safe, spacious and inspirational environment for students to explore their passions and develop their skills.

A leading British international and boarding school with a global outlook, education here is not solely about academic success. Here, MCM values and instils a holistic educational experience through the breadth of opportunities, intellectual rigour, creative joy, and sporting excellence. Students are bright and relish a challenge, nurtured into being socially conscious individuals keen to make their mark on the world. 

Aside from offering IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme, MCM’s extensive co-curricular opportunities help broaden pupils’ minds. Here, sports, music, art, and drama are important lessons that enhance students’ individuality and provide them the time and space to strengthen their bonds with each other further. Outreaches and educational trips also form the grounds to expand their worldviews, complying with MCM’s goal of helping students discover and develop their abilities and talents in the broadest sense.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International