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Tradition meets innovation in Seremban, Malaysia, which is approximately 60 kilometres south of bustling Kuala Lumpur. The city is home to Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), a brand new institution that draws from decades of academic excellence and a visionary foundation laid by Dr Daisaku Ikeda, Founder of Soka School System.
He envisioned a schooling system that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates character and empowers students to become agents of positive change in society. SISM was designed to remain faithful to his vision, offering a rigorous curriculum based on the renowned Cambridge Curriculum for both lower and upper secondary students. However, the school also vows to roll with the times.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed so many things, and it taught us what education should be,” explains principal Dr Wendy Yee. “As teachers, we might have 30 to 40 years of experience that doesn’t necessarily make us fit to teach the next generation. Here, it’s all about unlearning, relearning and adapting.”
This process led to the development of SISM’s signature Humanistic Learning Model, which is centred on addressing the shortcomings of traditional education systems and fostering holistic student development. Dr Yee, who was part of the committee that designed this framework, saw the opportunity as a chance to redesign the future. For her, addressing the alarming rise of emotional challenges faced by young people was a crucial starting point. Hence, the model places a strong emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning, helping students navigate the tumultuous journey of adolescence, fostering resilience and nurturing positive peer relationships.
And since emotional well-being can fuel academic growth, the model also incorporates the benefits of Mastery-Based Learning, where students are empowered to progress at their own pace, ensuring a thorough understanding of each concept before advancing. This encourages students to move beyond rote memorisation towards deep understanding and critical thinking.
Students of SISM are nurtured to become global citizens of wisdom, courage and compassion. Source: Soka International School Malaysia
Dialogic Learning is another cornerstone of SISM’s model, where students are encouraged to actively engage with and discover knowledge, rather than passively receiving information. “We feel it is very important for teachers to listen to students because there’s a lot we can learn from them,” explains Dr Yee.
Through Purpose-Based Learning, students are encouraged to understand the real-world significance of their studies. They tackle real-world issues and apply their academic knowledge in science, mathematics and history to identify solutions. This approach aims to instil a sense of purpose in students and empower them to create positive change in the world.
A great place to live and learn
24/7 immersion offers a unique opportunity for students to not only excel academically but also to grow emotionally, socially, and culturally. At the heart of SISM’s boarding philosophy is the principle of building happiness without causing suffering to others. Dr Yee highlights the challenges inherent in communal living, particularly in a diverse international environment. Still, through daily interactions and shared experiences, students learn invaluable lessons in empathy, respect and negotiation.
SISM encourages personalised learning experiences through its small class sizes. Source: Soka International School Malaysia
The school’s boarding house serves as a laboratory for non-formal education, where students acquire essential life skills beyond the confines of the classroom. From learning to take care of each other to managing household chores like laundry, students develop practical skills and independence. Of course, house parents supervise their growth, playing dual roles as caregivers and educators.
“Most importantly, we ensure every boarder has access to adults who speak their language,” says Dr Yee. “This is to ensure those who may not be so fluent in English can always express themselves. It’s helpful on Mondays and Thursdays when we have designated dialogue nights. This is a chance for students to express what’s on their mind.”
A culture that inspires wisdom, courage and compassion
The school’s motto, “Be Genuine Learners, Be Global Citizens,” reiterates its commitment to guaranteeing students are not just intellectually curious but also morally upright and socially responsible. “We want our students to know that learning never stops and that being dedicated to expanding their learning will bring them a long, long way — even up to tertiary education,” explains Dr Yee.
“And to us, this goes hand in hand with global citizenship, which revolves around embracing diversity and empathising with people different from you. We take every opportunity to discuss our timeless founding principles with our students — both within and beyond classrooms, as they apply in sports and co-curricular activities. We teach them that they won’t win if they’re trying to achieve something unethically.”
Ultimately, SISM’s holistic approach to learning ensures its graduates step into the world carrying with them not only academic achievements but also the invaluable qualities of genuine human beings, poised to make meaningful contributions to society and lead lives guided by compassion and integrity. To learn more about how Malaysia’s most pioneering school is shaping tomorrow’s leaders, click here.
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