Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Soka Insternational School Malaysia’s campus by chairman and chief executive officer Michael Kok Fook On (second from left) and principal Dr Wendy Yee Mei Tien (second from right) in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Negri Sembilan.
It has been just over six months since Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) opened its campus in Bandar Sri Sendayan, near Seremban in Negri Sembilan,
The first secondary school following the Soka education system offers the UK Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
SISM focuses on humanistic and student-centred education – two beliefs held by the school’s founder and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) president, the late Daisaku Ikeda.
SISM is the world’s first secondary school based on SGI philosophy, providing a nurturing and holistic learning environment as well as fostering respect for cultural diversity, and independence.
The campus named “Friendship House” enjoyed a grand opening with guests including Soka University of America president and SISM board member Prof Dr Edward M. Feasel, and Sethu Bhasakara Group of Institutions chairman Sethu Kumanan.
The event brought together 800 attendees, including family members of the school’s students, from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, China and India.
Every aspect of the eco-friendly 20ha campus was designed to foster a sense of belonging and the school’s “GReAt” culture, where students are encouraged to show grit, respect and appreciation for one another.
The “home away from home” concept is also present in the cafeteria named “Happiness Square”.
Located next to boarding facilities, it offers well-balanced and nutritious international cuisine prepared by in-house chefs and certified dietitians.
Friendship House also offers dorms, common study areas, student social lounges, pantry, laundry areas, infirmary staffed by a trained nurse, fitness zone featuring a gym and 50m swimming pool.
Security cards limit access to the facility while round-the-clock security measures ensure boarders’ safety.
It is also Wi-Fi-enabled, making communication and learning convenient even after school and over weekends.
There is an option of full boarding or weekday boarding, with Friendship House capable of accommodating up to 360 students.
It currently hosts approximately 80% of its student capacity, with 50% of residents hailing from overseas.
Dialogue, play, shared activities as well as study and revision led by resident teachers create teamwork in this unique school.
For details, go to sism.edu.my
