British edge for Malaysian students

The Star

06-07-2025

All smiles: (From left) Pike and Prof Lee inking the partnership.
ENTRY into Oxbridge and the Ivy League is often competitive.
But with the right platform and preparation, the opportunity to receive an education at these prestigious institutions is within grasp.
Thanks to the latest partnership between Sunway International Schools (SIS) and Magdalen College School (MCS) Oxford, students in Malaysia are set to benefit from Cambridge International Programmes that open doors to leading universities.
Through this partnership, MCS - a premier British school with a distinguished heritage spanning over five centuries and ranked within the top 1% of over 2,400 independent schools in the United Kingdom - will introduce the Waynflete Programme, an extended research initiative that helps prepare students for entry into top-tier universities in the UK.
SIS students will also have the opportunity to attend a summer camp at MCS, offering first-hand exposure to British academic culture.
To further enhance the British learning experience, bespoke spaces within the SIS campus will be purposefully designed to reflect the traditions and academic rigour of a premier British school.
The partnership also represents a major opportunity for academic development and knowledge-sharing between the two schools, benefiting both students and educators.
Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee said the collaboration heralds a transformative chapter in the pursuit of providing world-class education.
'This significant milestone not only enhances our educational offerings, but also paves the way for innovative approaches that will benefit students in both nations.
'We eagerly anticipate welcoming the first cohort of the A-Level programme at SIS, ­prestigiously endorsed and academically led by MCS, this August,' she said in a recent press release.
MCS master Helen Pike emphasised the importance of a shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation, while also embracing a holistic approach to nurturing creativity and leadership among students.
She said the partnership - MCS' first in Malaysia - is a pivotal opportunity to broaden educational horizons.
'It will allow students to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, opening doors to a rich tapestry of cultural exchange for an enriched educational experience,' she said.
Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur David Wallace said the partnership marks an exciting chapter in the UK-Malaysia transnational education journey.
'It reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation and cultural exchange – enriching the learning journey while nurturing our next generation of leaders,' he said.
According to the press release, MCS consistently delivers exceptional academic outcomes, as proven by the 2024 A-Level results, where 95% of grades were awarded at A*-B, with 81% at A*-A and 42% at A*.
In addition, 47 students – more than a quarter of the year group – attained 3A*s or more, while 19 pupils achieved 4A*s or more.
The school's academic excellence is complemented by outstanding pastoral care and celebrated achievements across sports, music, art and drama, it added.