Cover Sunway International Schools (SIS) core values are teamwork, kindness, honesty, respect, empathy and caring (Photo: Sunway International School)
Sunway International Schools (SIS) core values are teamwork, kindness, honesty, respect, empathy and caring (Photo: Sunway International School)
1 / 1
Sunway International Schools (SIS) combines academic excellence with a values-driven education—fostering intellectual growth, emotional resilience and ethical leadership through a holistic approach that prepares students to excel in life, school and society
Sunway International Schools (SIS) recognises that equipping students for future challenges requires an education beyond conventional academics. Grounded in core values of teamwork, kindness, honesty, respect, empathy, and a deep commitment to caring, SIS remains dedicated to shaping a generation of responsible global citizens.
SIS’ mission emphasises cultivating awareness of societal challenges, environmental sustainability and the well-being of diverse communities. Through a thoughtfully curated curriculum, SIS nurtures intellect and character, preparing its graduates to navigate a world where emotional resilience is as vital as intellectual prowess.
Read more: Sunway International Schools shape the future through core values for life and learning
When values and academic excellence harmonise, students have the tools to succeed scholastically and in the journey of self-actualisation amid an ever-changing world. The story of Lim Rui Hao exemplifies how SIS values create exceptional achievers who make a difference. Securing an outstanding score of 44/45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and earning admission to Cambridge University’s Christ’s College, Rui Hao demonstrates that when bright young minds have a nurturing environment, their potential is ostensibly limitless.
As the founding president of the IBDP Student Association, Rui Hao also created a platform that strengthened the student support system while pursuing his passion for photography, occasionally serving as the School’s photographer during school events. His impressive achievements embody SIS’s commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals.
Above When values and academic excellence harmonise, students have the tools to succeed
When values and academic excellence harmonise, students have the tools to succeed
1 / 1
What truly sets SIS apart is its commitment to the collective well-being of students, teachers and staff. The leadership team models the values they seek to instil, fostering an environment where empathy, respect and integrity aren’t just ideals—they’re daily practices. This approach creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture of care that positively extends to impact the wider community, just as Rui Hao saw fit to raise awareness on the effective use of online academic resources to help his fellow cohorts. At SIS, students discover the framework to lead with a strong sense of ethics.
Proud SIS Alumni like Lim Han Jun also testify to the lasting impact of a SIS education. Having completed International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) programmes, Han Jun credits the Schools’ “knowledgeable and caring teaching staff” for providing invaluable insights that prepared him for success at the Australian National University (ANU). “The OSSD programme is flexible and oriented towards preparing students for college and university environments,” he reflects, “while the IBDP programme equips students to study a wide variety of fields through its rigorous, academically-focused curriculum.”
Above Sunway International Schools: Values For Life
At SIS, values aren’t just taught—they’re lived. The Schools’ comprehensive sports programme incorporates core values throughout each club and team. With 52 competitive teams across primary and secondary levels, SIS understands extracurricular avenues help maintain physical wellness, foster invaluable friendships and help students relieve stress.
See also: Discover the benefits of the IB Programme and why it’s a great fit for your kids
Through athletics, students also develop the crucial 6Cs (care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment). These global competencies shape temperament and leadership abilities. The Schools’ affiliations with prestigious organisations like the Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS), KL Sports League (KLSL) and Majlis Sukan Sekolah Daerah (MSSD) provide students with regular opportunities to compete in well-chaperoned environments that celebrate diversity.
From football to swimming, basketball to golf, these sporting activities serve as practical laboratories for character development. Students learn resilience through competition, empathy through teamwork and leadership through strategy.
SIS’s holistic approach extends beyond physical well-being to mental health awareness. The student-led Mental Health Committee’s “RU OK?” campaign at the campus demonstrates how empathy and support are woven into the fabric of school life, creating a culture where every student feels valued and heard. Through initiatives like the “graffiti wall” of positive messages and targeted classroom activities, students learn to support one another and develop emotional intelligence that serves them well beyond their school years.
The ripple effect of focusing on values is that SIS is shaping students who care about the communities and world around them. With numerous student-led campaigns, SIS has seen many students actively participate in outreach programmes, charity work and aid environmental initiatives.
Above Studies indicate that integrating values into education can boost academic performance by 11 per cent
Studies indicate that integrating values into education can boost academic performance by 11 per cent
1 / 1
SIS’s radical approach to nurturing values alongside academic skills is supported by science. Research by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that integrating values into education can boost academic performance by 11 per cent. Moreover, the OECD reports that students who develop strong social and emotional skills through value-based education are better equipped for adult life, particularly in teamwork, responsibility and empathy—skills that are increasingly valued in today’s workplace.
Don’t miss: 3 Ways Sunway Education Group is Offering a Holistic Education Programme
Meanwhile, another study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology indicated that students who engage in character education programmes experience higher levels of personal well-being and life satisfaction. SIS’s approach to embedding values like kindness and empathy into the curriculum builds emotional resilience, contributing to long-term success and happiness.
Above Dedicated teachers incorporate values like respect and kindness into everyday lessons
Dedicated teachers incorporate values like respect and kindness into everyday lessons
1 / 1
The Schools’ unique position within the larger Sunway Education ecosystem offers students a clear pathway from kindergarten to university education, ensuring consistent value-based development at every stage. This continuity allows students to build upon their foundational values year after year.
At Sunway International Schools, the progressive environment not only ensures students develop with qualifications for the future, but more importantly, they are instilled with values that they will take with them for life.
As applications for the January 2025 intake are open, prospective students are encouraged to explore available scholarships and bursaries. SIS believes in rewarding students’ academic accomplishment and extracurricular excellence.
For more information, kindly reach out to the Sunway International Schools admissions office at admissions@sunway.edu.my or visit sunwayschools.edu.my.
Credits
Photography: Sunway International Schools
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
