KLIS - A Holistic Education

The education sector in Malaysia is experiencing a period of significant transformation, and international schools are amongst the key groups who are responding to the need to provide students with an international experience in a Malaysian setting.

Since its establishment in 1982, the Kuala Lumpur International School (KLIS) has gone from strength to strength, with its current student body of more than 1,600 spanning across its two sites: a primary school in Kuala Lumpur and an upper school in Labuan. The primary school has a special subject focusing on the English language – English as a Second Language – taught by highly qualified, native English teachers. Students are also offered the European Union's General Certificate of Secondary Education (commonly known as the "A Levels"), with English made an option in all subjects. This provides a challenging curriculum combining traditional and modern teaching methods, promoting student engagement and encouraging critical thinking.

Top-Notch Facilities

KLIS provides its students with an environment that is conducive to learning and growth, and the school's expansion plans are focused on the development of its infrastructure. Two of the school's three schools are located in newly built buildings, and plans include the construction of a third school within the next five years.

KLIS is also in the process of expanding its facilities, with new classrooms having been purpose-built to accommodate the growing number of students who want to learn English, as well as those taking the more traditional route and learning Arabic or French. To maintain high academic standards, KLIS has established strong links with international schools and shares its resources and expertise, helping to develop a culturally diverse base of skilled professionals.

A Global Community

The Malaysian government is committed to providing its citizens with world-class education, and the country has made great strides in developing an international school system that promotes cross-cultural learning and understanding. KLIS offers students from over 80 countries the chance to study in Malaysia, and the sheer volume of global students on campus at any given time testament to the diverse global community that is embraced at the school.

With an increasing emphasis on global citizenship in today's society, the opportunities for students at an international school like KLIS to develop an international perspective and become contributing members of society are endless.

Unique Student Body

KLIS provides a home to students from over 80 countries, and more than 300 student clubs and organizations ensure there is always something for everyone to get involved in. Extracurricular activities available to students include sports and arts, as well as leadership and community service opportunities that promote social integration and global awareness.

KLIS also has a very active Parent-Teacher Association, working with the principal and teachers to support and enhance the students' experience. In the last year alone, the PTA has raised over £20,000 ($40,100) for charity, with money raised going to support the work of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and Save the Children.

English-Language Options

One of the reasons why KLIS has been able to grow so successfully in the last three decades is that it provides a holistic education that appeals to students from all over the world. Since its establishment, the school has always offered a choice of two languages to student – either English or Mandarin Chinese. Today, with a strong emphasis on English for international students, the school offers three English-taught Bachelors and two Diplomas, as well as five A Levels.

More Than Just A Campus Site

KLIS has two distinct locations, one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Labuan, offering students a more urban and rural experience respectively. The school maintains a strong partnership with the local community in Kuala Lumpur, sponsoring cultural events and getting involved in local NGOs, while Labuan is home to a diverse group of orangutans that the students get the chance to visit and learn more about.

The Malaysian education system is highly regarded globally, with the country recently ranked 22nd in the world for student engagement, according to the 2016 Global Student Survey. Students at an international school in malaysia clearly see the benefits of studying in such an environment, with 99% saying that their education has benefited them in a global sense, compared to 91% for those who study in traditional schools.