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CONTENTS
36
EDUCATION
26
28
31
36
Help your child get the
best out of school
The many benefits of
boarding schools
Why International Schools
are gaining interest
among Malaysians
Choosing the ideal curriculum
for your child
10
Early Education Programs
— A trend or necessity?
13 Pre-school
readiness checklist
Technology and the way kids
learn today
16
18
21
24
Easing the first-day-ofkindergarten
syndromes
Ways to get your child
to love reading
What is
Montessori Education?
43 Best apps for kids
How music benefits a
child’s development
52
55
Motivate your child to
love learning
58 Teaching
— A noble occupation
10
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS,
PRIVATE SCHOOLS &
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
73 International
Schools Profiles
96
Child Enrichment Centres &
Preschool Profiles
106
124
International Schools
Listing By Region
Private Schools
Listing By Region

152
131
135
141
142
145
152
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
155
Nutritional needs of
growing bodies
Getting kids to eat
more vegetables
Kids’ immunity
— Boost ‘em up!
Ensuring good bowel
health in children
Homemade snacks for
growing appetites
Kids’ oral hygiene
and care
159
161
167
171
174
167
The roles of fatty acids and
probiotics in a child’s diet
by Verona Lee
FAQs: Atopic Eczema by
Dr. Khairul Zaman Omar
Are your kids getting the
eye care they need?
First aid and
home safety tips
Defend your family
against dengue!
Fire safety @ home by
Briand Greer, President,
Honeywell ASEAN
186
LIFESTYLE
180 To the beach, kids!
Furnishing and decorating
kids’ rooms
182
186
177
189
Are vacations good
for children?
7 discipline tricks
that work
Protect children from
2nd-hand smoke

Advertorial
Abacus:
Taking Learning to the Next Level
What is 2347 + 7895? Could you by any chance be looking up the answer in your
smartphone or calculator? Did you know that a six-year-old kid can figure out an answer
within seconds without using a calculating tool? That’s the power of abacus training!
Abacus is said to be the oldest known calculating
device. It was used to perform arithmetic
calculations before the adoption of the written
numerical system. The first Chinese abacus was
invented way back in 500 B.C. Abacus, as we
know it today, has gained popularity as a complete
brain development tool for the last two decades,
especially for young children.
Abacus has also been called the ‘first computer’.
It consists of a frame, rods, and beads, with each
rod representing a different place value. Each of
the beads represents a number, and can be moved
along the rods. Abacus techniques are among the
fastest ways of doing calculations, especially those
involving large numbers. It can be used to add,
subtract, multiply and divide, to calculate fractions
and square roots.
UCMAS promotes whole brain development using
an abacus as a tool. UCMAS students are first
trained in performing on the abacus, and once
they become adapted, they would be trained to
visualize the beads of the abacus (virtual abacus)
and ‘picture’ the beads moving as they swiftly
solve problems in their mind. This is called mental
arithmetic which children learn to calculate
mathematical problems using the principles of
the abacus, without using the physical tool.
Learning abacus helps sharpen memory while
adding speed and accuracy to children’s
mathematical skills. Hence, a student who
has already demonstrated advanced ability in
mathematics will still benefit greatly from learning
abacus mental arithmetic. UCMAS students learn
new techniques which help them better understand
how the calculations work, enabling them to do
their work faster and more accurate.
Over the last 25 years, many researchers have
explored the secondary benefits of abacus learning
for children. These benefits include enhancements
in their mental capacity, intuitive thinking, problemsolving
and mental endurance. UCMAS students
have fun using the world’s oldest calculator and see
their numeracy skill and overall confidence grow!
Scan me!
Video: 10 questions of square root
completed by UCMAS trainer in
just 28 seconds!

EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome back
to Smart Kids World!
From the time of our forefathers, education has been one
of the most valuable gifts in life parents can provide to their
children. People have always known that it’s an investment
that reaps lifelong benefits for them. The world has changed
though, by leaps and bounds, for times and changed and
are still changing — so much so that securing a good
education is no longer a simple, straightforward affair.
Early education, for one, has branched out so vastly that
parents have to give very careful consideration as to which,
where and why when it comes to an early start for their
precious child. Having said that, most parents would not
want their child to be left out in this element of their lives,
for the earlier they start to learn, the better it is for them.
It should be no surprise too, that after their children have
gone through the first few years of early education and
enrichment programs, parents are bent on securing a spot
in a good school for their children’s primary and secondary
education too.
In this issue of Smart Kids World, we’ve got a whole lot of
ground covered to help you along as you wonder and
ponder on your child’s education. I’ve also included some
of my top picks in enrichments and preschools that might
interest you.
Don’t forget to check out our Health & Wellbeing as well
as Lifestyle sections for more interesting and relevant stuff
that we hope will be of use to you. After all, our aim is to
keep these info accessible to you whenever you need them.
Have a great parenting journey!
Cindy
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Editor
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Disclaimer
Editorial material herein is provided for
information only. Reader are cautioned
not to use this information as a substitute
for regular professional health care and
consultation. Although great care has
been taken in compiling and checking the
information given in this publication, the
publisher, authors, advisors and agents
shall not be responsible or in any way liable
for continued currency of the information
or for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies
in this publication whether arising from
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Advertisements are subject to editorial
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editorial content or presentation. the
publishers, authors, advisors and agents
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SmartKids World is published bi-annually
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please contact our Director John Lim at
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Copyright © 2017. AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd.

Advertorial
Berjaya Times Square
Theme Park
The Largest Indoor Theme Park in Malaysia
There is a gigantic indoor theme park,
measuring 133,000 square feet, which
offers thrilling rides and activities for
your family and friends. It is located
at level 5 & 7, Berjaya Times Square
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s largest
inner-city shopping-cum leisure mall.
It’s none other than Berjaya Times
Square Theme Park.
Inspired by the fictitious
mad scientist Professor
Cosmo and his robot
assistant, Oorts, you
will find yourself
transported to another
galaxy far, far away as
you explore 133,000
square feet of fun
and exhilaration.
Galaxy Station greets
you with five rides
that will have your
heart thumping with
excitement. Blanketed by stars, hop on
the DNA Mixer or Ooort’s Express and feel
your adrenaline spike like never before.
Take a break with classic carnival games
that are peppered across the floor and
catch your breath before entering the
spine-chilling Haunted Journey that is
every paranormal enthusiast’s dream come
true. The attraction will elicit goose bumps
long after you have made your escape.
Young visitors can have their share of fun
amidst the beautiful landscape at Fantasy
Garden on the 7th floor with 8 fun rides
such as Fantasy Trail, Botanic Drive, Buddy-
Go-Round, Flying Bumble Bee, Crazy Bus,
Molly-Cool’s Swing, Honey Bump and
Robo Crash. For the
true daredevils at
heart, a visit to the
theme park is only
complete with a ride
on the hair-raising
Supersonic Odyssey
that travels through
space as it brings
you spiraling along
a series of loops
churning you inside
out. Don’t forget
to pick up a picture
of you tossing and
turning, hanging on
for dear life as you
exit the ride!
For more information, log on to www.berjayatimessquarethemeparkkl.com
or visit our Facebook page at BerjayaTimesSquareThemePark.

EDUCATION
Enrichment
Classes
A Trend Or Necessity?
Children are naturally inquisitive about everything they see. When
provided with the opportunity to learn, coupled with some teaching
skills on the part of well-trained teachers who know how to make use
of young kids’ easily teachable minds, wonders take place!
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EDUCATION
Little ones have brains that naturally
absorb information much faster than older
kids and adults. This is one of the reasons
why it’s highly encouraged that parents
enroll their little ones in preschool from a
very young age. However, apart from preschool,
there are also various enrichment
centres that cater to young children’s early
development. Get to know their benefits
to your little one!
Why should you?
On one hand, parents are making the
right decision to send their children to
preschool from a very young age because
they are aware of the fact that a child’s
brain is going through rapid growth at that
point in time and can absorb loads of new
information. Still, education is not the only
thing you should focus on. Now would
also be the perfect time to bring out
the best in your child — a talent or skill
that will enrich their lives and bring new
meaning to their world.
Think enrichment centres, the new frontier
in early childhood development! They offer
informal learning through fun activities
such as storytelling, arts & crafts, singing
and dancing alongside other activities that
help in the development of a child’s mind.
Which one should
you choose?
There are many types of classes to choose
from, so your job as a parent is to choose
something you believe would help in the
development of your child.
Enrichment programmes are divided
into two categories; academic and
additional curricular. Academic enrichment
programs offer classes for English as
well as other languages such as Arabic,
French, Japanese and Mandarin, as well
as Mathematics and Science classes. The
additional curricular programme consists
of classes such as music, arts & crafts,
theatre, culinary, public speaking, yoga,
swimming, etc. There are even enrichment
classes that are offered to babies as
young as six months! In any case, involve
your child in your decision — Choose a
programme that would suit your child’s
personality and natural talents.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 11

EDUCATION
Benefits of enrolling your child in an enrichment
class include:
• Enhances communication skills —
Children as young as the age of two
are able to speak faster as enrichment
classes allow them to interact with other
kids as well as adults.
• Enhances language skills —
Enrichment classes enable young
children to pick up a new language early
in life. Children absorb new words faster
at a young age so do not be surprised
if your child starts speaking a third
language fluently in no time.
• Won’t clash with academic classes —
Parents who have already enrolled their
children in a preschool need not worry
about enrichment classes interrupting
their little one’s study time for there are
weekly/weekend classes available.
• Explore their talents — Does your
child take to scribbling all over the walls
in your house? Enrichment programmes
such as art classes will help such children
dig deeper into their talent and execute
them in ways that would help them
grow. This would encourage them to
pursue their talents in a positive and
proactive manner.
• Keep track on your child’s
development — Educators at
enrichment centres note the progresses
that children make and parents will be
updated on their child’s development all
the way.
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
Pre-school Readiness
Checklist
So, you have your sights (and heart) on the ideal preschool for
your child and all looks well… Chances are though, you might be a
tad concerned if junior is ready to spend a few hours of the day in
a classroom full of other kids and a teacher or two. If you’re
wondering if your child is ready for preschool, and what are the
steps you need to take to prep up for it, this article is for you.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 13

EDUCATION
Going potty
A child who is not properly potty-trained
might run into problems when he or
she attends preschool. Well, at least, the
teachers might. Potty training your child
will help put your mind at ease and not
trouble preschool teachers too much. So,
before junior begins preschool, it’ll be a
good idea to see to this first.
At home, place the potty in the toilet
and encourage your child to use it, as
preschoolers will have to use toilets and
the setting will be familiar to your child.
Putting stuff back in
their places
In a preschool setting, there are bound to
be situations when little ones are expected
to put away things after using them. Don’t
take it for granted that these are things
that can be learned when they’re already
attending the school, for your child may
not take too easily to this new habit if
he or she is not accustomed to it at all at
home. So, start teaching your child to put
stuff away until it become second-nature
for them.
Building confidence
Not all kids are going to skip happily into
a classroom and start making friends. A
good many may be shy, insecure or may
even feel intimidated by the number of
other children present. If you know that
you child is naturally shy, it might be a
good idea to utilise your home and family
or friends as training ground to develop
those communication skills and boost
confidence in speaking to others apart
from you and your partner.
Although they will sooner or later develop
those skills at the preschool itself, there’s
no harm in getting a head start at home.
Social skills and
good manners
Where does your child stand so far when it
comes to saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’?
Does junior have a problem apologising
for any misdeed? Social readiness plays
a pivotal role in how well a child adapts
in preschool. Similarly, attributes such as
sharing, taking turns, playing with peers,
and participating in pretend play will be
needed if a preschool education is just
around the corner. The most natural way
for your little one to learn these skills
is during peer play, so have your child
participate in plenty of playdates prior to
being enrolled in a preschool.
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EDUCATION
Tempers and tantrums
Being told that your child had a tantrum
when asked to come inside after playing
while every other student was alright
with it can be embarrassing, especially if
it happens often. Worst still, if a tantrum
leads to a student or any other individual
getting hurt.
As parents we know our kids the best, and
if junior happens to be easily agitated or is
prone to acting up, it’s best to address the
situation earlier on. Keep reminding and
affirming to them that such behaviours
are unacceptable. One way to teach your
child to convey their frustration is through
expressing themselves, so that they will
be able to effectively communicate their
feelings or frustrations to their teachers
instead of acting upon them.
In similar ways, it is also important to have
the child become independent in certain
self-care skills such as hand washing, nose
wiping, opening lunch containers, zipping
a backpack, and covering his or her mouth
when coughing or sneezing. It is also
beneficial to teach your little one how to
dress and undress.
Motor skills
Perhaps it never occurred to you that
you’d have to teach your child to grasp a
pencil correctly or throw a ball, but good
motor skills will serve your child well in
preschool too.
Developing fine and gross motor skills
will come in handy in the classroom as
well as at play, like when a child wants to
maneuver through a play tunnel or climb a
playground ladder.
Independence brings
confidence
If a child falls, the instant reaction is to
immediately help him or her back on their
feet. However, allowing the child to fall, at
times, is in itself a learning process which
builds self confidence in a child, who will
eventually learn to get up without help.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 15

EDUCATION
Technology
And The Way Kids Learn Today
Technology is ever evolving and is a part of our everyday lives now. It is
naturally also a key aspect to education, both in the execution of lessons
and also as preparation for students to take on the real world and future
careers. Here’s how technology is changing the way children learn.
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EDUCATION
Anywhere is
a good place
to learn
With devices like tablets
and iPads, students
can now learn, do
homework and look up
stuff practically anywhere
and not just in their
classrooms or home
studies. As soon as an
assignment is available,
students are free to work on it between
classes, while waiting on the bus, etc. In
regards to this, technology has bridged
the gap between classroom and out of
school learning.
Better collaborations
One of the characteristics of the modern
classroom is the ability to collaborate
effectively. Technology plays its part
in empowering this. With classroom
technology students can collaborate with
other students and their teachers in and
outside of the classroom quickly and easily.
Roles change in teachers
and students
Following the rise of technology in the
classroom, the typical roles of students and
teachers have changed. The student has
become a lot more active and engaged.
Rather than just the teacher relaying
information while the student absorbs for
future use, the teacher has become more
of a facilitator than just a dispenser of
information.
Better outreach
and attention
Through technology, lessons can be
customized to fit each student’s progress
and learning style and educators can
provide opportunities for students to be
able to work and excel at their own level
and pace.
The textbook is
becoming extinct
Remember wrapping our textbooks in
brown paper or plastic book wraps?
This fun, crafty back-to-school ritual will
soon be unheard of with the impending
extinction of the textbook as they’re taken
over by eBooks.
The pros and cons of technology in the classrooms
The effects of technology on children are complicated, with both benefits and costs. Whether
technology helps or hurts in the development of your children’s thinking depends on what kind of
technology is used and how frequently it is used. If reading encouraged children’s brains to be focused
and imaginative, the rise of the Internet has strengthened their ability to scan information rapidly and
efficiently. So, there are pros and cons of technology when it comes to education.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 17

EDUCATION
Easing The First-Day-Of
Kindergarten
Syndromes
Kindergarten can be overwhelming for some children,
regardless if they’ve been exposed to other forms of classes
such as play centers, enrichment classes, playschool, etc.
For one, the sheer volume of other kids who are attending
kindergarten may make a little one nervous, if not anxious.
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EDUCATION
Here are some ways to ease the transition
so that both your child and you can sail
through the very first day of kindergarten.
Talk about it beforehand
At least a month before your child is due
to attend his or her first kindergarten class,
discuss the matter together. It will help if
you express enthusiasm and excitement
about all there is to learn in kindergarten.
You may try to evoke responses from your
child to see how he or she feels about
the whole thing, but if your child seems
not interested in the idea of kindergarten,
remember that you can cross that bridge
when you get there, so don’t lose it.
Forcing the topic does little to help and
the objective is to make kindergarten
something exciting to look forward to,
rather than something to fear or loathe.
family friend (at their home), or suggest
a sleepover at an aunt or grandparent’s
house. Seeing how your child reacts to
being without you might help you factor
out ways to ensure him
or her that everything
is going to be alright
when you’re not
around for a few
hours. It will be even
better if the person
you leave your child
with can help to
replicate a class
session, with
fun lessons,
games, etc.
Meet up with
future classmates
If you happen to know who your child’s
future classmates are, try calling up their
parents and setting up playdates so that
they can familiarise with each other.
Parents will rarely mind, for the benefits
are mutual. That way, when your little one
and theirs go to kindergarten for the first
time, they would already be familiar with
one another, and that may help to ease
any separation anxiety.
Have trial runs away from
each other
This is especially important if you and
your child have barely been apart before
for more than a few hours. Having a trial
run of being away from each other will
help you gauge how junior will deal with
separation anxiety or if there will be any at
all. Try leaving him with a relative or close
SmartKids World Vol. 09 19

EDUCATION
On the First Day
When the day has finally come to go to
kindergarten for the first time, be prepared
for anything and let the morning run its
course as calmly as possible. Depending on
your child’s eagerness, you can either liven
up the conversation about kindie or you
could go about the morning like it’s just
another day. Subsequently, you can also try
the following:
• Bring along a comforting item
If there is something particularly
comforting from home that your child
may like to bring along to class, like a
doll, teddy bear or blanket, let him or
her take it. The presence of a familiar
object can give your child a sense of
security in a new environment.
• Help junior get oriented
The first few days at kindergarten will
probably be filled with other parents
who are also trying to comfort and
pacify their kids. It would be a good
idea to take a few days leave for this till
orientation period is over. Spend some
time in your child’s classroom on the
first day and introduce your child to the
teacher and the other kindergartners.
You can show junior where the
bathroom is, and other key areas of
the kindergarten. If there is a particular
corner that you know your child fancies,
such as an arts and crafts area or a
reading corner with lots of story books,
spend some time with your child there
to ease his or her anxiety.
• Respond to distress
If your child appears anxious and
overwhelmed, do not scold or
belittle this shortcoming for it’s never
intentional. Just remain cheerful and
reiterate that you will be back at the end
of the school day and remind junior to
have fun learning exciting new things.
At this point, many parents resort to
bribing with new toys, candy and even
money, which is not a good idea at all.
It may get your child used to the idea
of bribery, which can quickly become a
hard habit to break.
• The art of leaving
Establish cheerful but brief goodbyes
that don’t drag or worse, indicate that
you really don’t want to leave, for your
child will sense it and will not want you
to go! Some children may take to a
loving goodbye ritual, such as a playful
tickle, a super-tight hug or a secret
handshake, etc. Again, remind your child
when you will return to pick him or her
up, and make sure you are not late in
doing so.
After you’ve left the classroom, don’t
come back till the class is over. Rest
assured that in case of an emergency,
you will be notified by the teachers. No
matter what, don’t slip out of the room
unnoticed, for it may jeopardize your
child’s trust in you and your return.
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
A Dozen Ways To
Get Your Child To
Love Reading
SmartKids World Vol. 09 21

EDUCATION
It’s hardly surprising that many kids don’t fancy reading. If your child is one of them here
are some ideas that you can instantly implement around the home to encourage budding
bookworms and turn reluctant readers into enthusiastic book lovers:
1.
Invest in books based on their
interests. Drop by your local
bookstore or library and look for
books relating to the interests and
hobbies of your children. They are more
likely to pick up a book that is relatable
to their favourite things compared to
random topics or titles.
3.
Make it a habit of
reading while you’re at
home and ensure that your
child notices you reading in
your spare time.
2.
Leave all kinds of interesting
books and magazines lying
around the house and allow
your child to “discover” them.
4.
Explore the children’s section of
your local library or bookstore
together with your child. This is also
a great time to get your child his or
her very own library card, too!
5.
If your child has a younger
sibling, encourage them to read
out loud to their younger brother
or sister. Older children typically
enjoy showing off their skills to
an admiring audience.
6.
Invite your kids to play
word games such as
Scrabble, Boggle or Typo.
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
7.
During dinner, encourage your
children to share what he or she
has been reading. This encourages
healthy discussions and encourages
your children to read more
stories to talk about.
8.
Set a regular reading time in your
family’s day-to-day routine. It could
be 20 minutes before bedtime or just
after dinner, as long as the time slot does
not interfere with any other homework
your child may have. Reading for as little
as 10 minutes a day can drastically
improve your child’s reading skills and
habits in just a couple of months.
9.
Present your child
with books or magazine
subscriptions during special
occasions like birthdays
and on Christmas.
10.
Set up a mini library at
home to display your
child’s collection of books.
11.
Spend an evening with
your children and a hearty
joke book. Take turns
reading the jokes to each
other for a fun-filled time.
12.
Keep TV time and book reading
time separate in your child’s daily
schedule. Remember too, that TV
should not be a reward or punishment
for reading/not reading a book.
Can enrichment centres help build better literacy skills?
At enrichment centers, children not only learn to read and write better but also develop
extended literacy skills such as comprehension, grammar, spelling, drama, public speaking
and creative writing. Programs like these are especially recommended for busy and
first-time parents as it allows them and their children to participate in small groups and
learn about literacy materials together. These enrichment programmes reinforces literacy
skills and guide parents on how they can help their child develop language, reading and
writing skills at home in an effective manner.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 23

EDUCATION
What Is
Montessori
Education?
by Loh Lin Khuan, Senior Principal, Tree Top House
It is an education that makes a child independent, gain concentration,
coordination and sets order. It is also inclusive. This means no child is left
behind be it whether they have learning disabilities or otherwise. To
deny a child an education is against the very tenet of the Montessori
philosophy that is respect for the child, following the child through
individualised instruction and fostering independence.
Children with learning disabilities are
often unable to go to school due to
unacceptance. In addition, there is limited
understanding within the communities
and amongst teachers about their
learning needs, which is often fuelled
by prejudices and fear. The Montessori
teacher understands each child’s strengths
and weaknesses and prepares the
learning environment with the help of
the Montessori materials to maximize
the child’s potential through thorough
observation and careful planning. All
children can benefit from the structure,
order, and curriculum found in the
Montessori environment. In Montessori, it
is believed that we must discover the key
to unlocking the child’s interest in order to
develop and increase their concentration.
The focus is to serve the individual child
and society, their innate characteristics
and tendencies, and their developmental
planes — rather than demanding he or she
to “fit in”.
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
Why is Montessori
different from
other education?
The Montessori method views each
child as unique individuals, each with an
absorbent mind and a sensitive period. In
The Absorbent Mind, Maria Montessori
wrote, “The most important period of life
is not the age of university studies, but the
period from birth to the age of six.” To
have an absorbent mind means the child
will absorb everything that they see or
hear in the environment without putting
in any effort. Every child goes through a
sensitive period and a Montessori directress
must ‘maximise’ this ability to help the
child learn and absorb at his or her best
potential. For example, if the child is at the
stage of sensitive period for language, the
directress must ensure an environment rich
in language so that the child can absorb it.
Montessori prepares
the environment for
optimal learning
Montessori classrooms are child-centred!
This means all the materials are placed
within the reach of the children. Classroom
furniture are child sized and pictures
are at a child’s eye-level. Everything has
a specific place and they are placed in
sequence from left to right, from simple
to complex. This environment provides
a simple discipline to the child. When a
child walks into an environment that is
prepared, the tendency is that the child
will observe and follow through the
order once the directress guides them.
Respect for themselves, for others and
for the environment forms the basis for
all classroom rules. Montessori classroom
environments are well organised and are
known as the prepared environment.
Children are given the freedom of choice
to work with material of their choice and
interest. Research has shown that freedom
of choice within a prepared environment
or structured environment leads to better
learning outcomes. Children thrive on
order and routine and learn best when
they have a sense of control and are
interested in what they are learning.
Montessori teaches
children through multi
aged group
In a multi aged group environment, the
children have a tendency to imitate each
other. The younger will observe the older
children and the older children tend to
play the role of a ‘protector’ or leader. In
a multi aged group environment, children
form friendships based on common
interest and not just age.
Montessori‘s approach to
learning is different
Montessori learning is not just based on
visual but in all its senses. In Montessori
education, there is the visual (sight),
auditory (hear), olfactory (smell), tactile
(touch), gustatory (taste), baric (weight),
chromatic (sense of colour), stereognostic
(tactile and muscular), and thermic
(temperature) sense. In Montessori, the
emphasis is on concrete rather than abstract
learning which is why we believe children
must experience ‘hands-on’ learning.
A Montessori directress acts as a guide to
children in the environment. The children
work independently and not with the
teacher ‘teaching’ them all the time. They
are motivated by the innate feeling of
wanting to do things for themselves. The
role of the teacher is to observe and guide
the children and to keep a proper record
so that the teacher can strategise the best
learning outcomes.
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EDUCATION
Help Your Child Get The
Best Out Of School
When it comes to education, not all kids enjoy their school
life. Some may find it bothersome, while others may have
difficulty coping in class. As parents, there are many ways you
can help kids get the best out of their schooling years.
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Children are heavily influenced by their
parents’ attitudes and beliefs. hence, if
parents have a positive approach towards
education and take an active interest in
their children’s schooling life, their children
will be more likely to thrive in school.
School Involvement
Children benefit if their parents involve
themselves in their school life in positive
ways. When parents are involved in school
work, even if it’s just by reading together
at home, their children will reap the
benefits in many ways. They will be more
likely to achieve greater academic success,
have higher school attendance and have
higher self-esteem too.
For many parents, making time for these
kind of involvements will take considerable
effort, but at the end of the day, the
benefits will be well worth the trouble.
these expectations and encouraging your
child to succeed will help said child to
appreciate his or her education. On the
other hand these expectations should be
achievable and reasonable too.
While sharing your child’s successes with
friends and family members will help
boost self-esteem, take care though so
that you don’t place unnecessary pressure
on your child’s shoulder which in turn
might compromise on his attitude towards
learning and school.
Attitude to Homework
The more time children spend on
homework the greater their schooling
success. It would help if children enjoyed
doing their homework. When parents have
a positive attitude towards homework and
are at hand to help them understand the
assignment for instance, their children
will benefit.
Pay attention to your child’s study area
and ensure that it has a pleasant ambiance
that it is conducive for studying and
completing homework.
Encourage reading
Parents should encourage regular reading
at home. It matters not nowadays if it’s a
physical book or an e-book. In a household
where parents read regularly, children are
more likely to take an interest in reading
and learning new things.
Be careful of
your expectations
It’s always been a belief that the higher
the expectations of parents, the better
the outcome of children’s performances in
school. Having a positive attitude towards
SmartKids World Vol. 09 27

EDUCATION
The Many Benefits Of
Boarding School
It’s no secret that attending boarding school presents a huge
opportunity for students to learn a number of life skills while having
access to a high-quality education. Whether it’s a necessity or an
option, a boarding school offers the kind of benefits and survival
skills that one can hardly find whilst studying anywhere else.
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If you are contemplating on sending
your child to a boarding school, it can
be considered the first step in securing
an exceptional educational experience
for your child. Boarding schools are after
all where learning, personal growth and
exploration are top priority and where
enriching programs and activities are
abundant. Meaningful, lifelong friendships
are also made and nurtured while spending
time together in boarding schools.
Most boarding school students will vouch
for the fact that the experiences and
lessons learned benefit them throughout
their lives.
Better academic
opportunities
Smaller class sizes together with the
proximity and closer attention of teachers
give boarding school students better
chances of academic progress compared to
any other schooling environment.
Teachers in the campus play an important
role model in their students’ lives. They
work with students, share meals and
often live on campus, making it a difficult
environment to duplicate anywhere else,
where capable adults are always at hand
for a constant push into the right direction.
More focused
Boarding school students can focus
better on their studies because television,
video games, phones and other
distractors are limited. They are also
known to perform better academically
because they live in an environment that
is conducive to learning.
Independence
A boarding school could be the perfect
solution for parents who would like to give
their children some sense of independence
yet find it so difficult to do so. At boarding
schools, children are required to navigate
through their days under situations of
controlled freedom. They are required
to get up at a certain time, get certain
chores done, manage their time between
classes and so on and so forth. They learn
to do all these without being constantly
prompted by their parents. It’s one of
the best places on earth to learn to be
disciplined, organised and independent.
By the time boarding school graduates
enter college, they’re prepared to succeed,
with the ability to manage their own
lives. These are students who are bound
to become strong individuals capable of
leadership for they posses self-initiative.
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Self reliancy
They become experts at managing
their time, money and resources.
Students mature quickly and
tend to be very independent and
successful in college and life.
Builds memorable
moments
One of the things boarding school students
recall with appreciation about boarding
school was the community atmosphere
created within the schooling dynamics.
The dorm life with all its adventures bonds
students of different ages and cultures.
While academics are important, when
ex-students get together as adults later
on in life, it’s not the classroom life they
remember with great fondness, but the
dorm life and all its memorable moments.
Helps to build
character
Boarding school students are
known to graduate with exceptional
character and demeanor. They
reside in a community where traits
such as honesty, respect and hard
work are valued and emphasized,
giving them a moral advantage of
sorts over the rest.
Preparation for the
working life
Life in a boarding school acts as a
precursor to life after school. The move to
post-secondary education or even work
can be a difficult transition for many,
especially when it takes them away from
home for the first time. Being away from
the support system of family and long-time
friends and the challenges of becoming
acquainted with a new place and style
of learning can bear a heavy burden. In
comparison, boarding school students are
already by default, better prepared for
college, university or work.
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Why International Schools
Are Gaining Interest Among Malaysians
A good life begins with a good education. It’s one of the most
important elements when raising a child, other than providing
them with safety and nourishment. These days especially, parents
are starting to prioritize the kind of education that should be
given to their children, where international schools seem to be
garnering a growing interests among families who can afford it.
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EDUCATION
The 2012 decision by the Malaysian government to eliminate the quota for Malaysian
enrollment at international schools has opened the floodgates and Malaysian students have
been pouring into these schools since. In fact, to date, the number of Malaysian students
attending international schools actually exceeds the number of expatriate students!
Why Enrol Your Child in an International School?
There are several factors as to why parents
are steadily taking to the idea of sending
their children to international schools.
Some of them include:
• A better command of English
English is a necessity if one intends
to go far in life. It is the international
language of the entire world. The
majority of international schools use
the English language for their daily
conversations, therefore making it the
main language used on campus. Most
International schools strive to ensure
that their students’ command of English
is acceptably good, giving them a
better chance of acquiring proficiency
in the language.
Students in international schools are
exposed to the proper uses of the
English language. Communicating in
English as the main language does not
only benefit a child in school, but will
also help him or her go further in college
and working life too.
• Recognised by the world
All of the globally predominant
curricula and programs such as the UK
National Curriculum, IGCSE, A Levels,
the American Curriculum and the
International Baccalaureate (IB) – are
offered widely in Malaysia, while other
curricula – such as the New South Wales
Board of Studies Syllabus, the Ontario
Curriculum and the Central Board of
Secondary Education, New Delhi – are
also available. By choosing any one of
these international curriculums, your
child would be easily accepted into
universities anywhere in the world.
• Communication skills and
cultural understanding
International schools are filled with
students from all parts of the world. This
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way, children are given the opportunity
to communicate with others who speak
different languages. Hence, children get
to learn different languages, and also
get to learn about different cultures –
something unobtainable at local schools.
These are priceless opportunities that
will reap great results for a child’s
future, such as attending a university
abroad or when a future job requires
communication with clients from
other countries.
• Beneficial additional curriculum
Besides a great academic system,
international schools also provide all
sorts of additional curriculum, such as
indoor and outdoor sports, music classes,
dance classes, acting classes and much
more to ensure their students enjoy a
well-rounded educational experience.
Participation in extracurricular activities
can boost a student’s confidence
and further enhance his or her social
skills, qualities that are essential for
landing well-paying jobs in the future.
It’s a known fact by now that besides
looking at academic qualifications,
most companies do also take note
of a potential employee’s curriculum
background to gauge their interests and
personalities as well.
Some differences between public, private and
international schools
International Private Public
Parents have to pay a
registration fee, extra
curriculum fee and
tuition fee
Offers international
curriculums which include
UK, United States of
America, Baccalaureate,
Ontario and Islamic to
name a few
School fee is more
expensive compared to
public and private school
fees combined
Syllabus offered according
to the curriculum
offered by the school
(international syllabus)
Parents have to pay a
registration fee, extra
curriculum fee and
tuition fee
Been operating for over
40 years, but there are
new schools around
School fee is more
expensive compared to
public school fees
Syllabus offered is
similar to the syllabus at
government schools
Sponsored by the
government
Inclusive of primary and
secondary education
Minimum school fee
Syllabus determined by
the Education Ministry
of Malaysia
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EDUCATION
Facilities provided
include swimming pools,
gymnasiums, libraries,
computer labs, science
labs, badminton/tennis
courts, performing arts
theatres and more
Most international
schools use English as the
official language
Small classes with an
average of two teachers
to 20 students
Facilities such as swimming
pools, music rooms,
science labs and computer
labs are provided, and are
generally more than what’s
offered at public schools.
Focuses on the English
language, Malay
language, Mandarin
and Tamil
Smaller class sizes
compared to public
schools
Basic facilities provided
include science labs,
libraries, computer labs
and outdoor school fields
Focuses on the national
language which is Bahasa
Malaysia, as well as
Mandarin and Tamil for
SRJK and SMJK
Big classes with an
average of 30 to 40
students in each class
Choosing the right international school
• How are new students treated in class?
Are they welcomed by other students?
• Is there counselling provided
for students?
• Are parents notified on their child’s
progress? If so, how often?
• Does the school provide
special learning?
You’ll have to take a few things into
consideration before choosing an
international school to enrol your child in.
Know the school and see to
the following
• Size of the classes. How many students
are in each class?
• What are the yearly activities held at that
school? Do they have activities in the
first week of school?
Curriculum
• What educational approach is practised
by the school?
• Are the courses offered sufficient for
your child’s development?
• What are some after school
activities offered? Are they of
your child’s interest?
• How does the school evaluate their
students? Through exams? If through
exams, how often and what exams?
• How many school graduates have
landed spots in well known universities?
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The teachers
• What are the teachers’ backgrounds?
• Are they fully qualified?
• What are the teaching methods used by
the teachers to encourage and help their
students do their best at school?
• Are the teachers loving, caring and
open-minded?
• Do the teachers willingly provide extra
classes for students?
School recognition
• Is the school well recognized overseas?
• When was the school founded? Since
then, how much has it achieved in the
academic sector?
• What are the facilities provided for
students and are they well maintained?
• What is the school’s policy when it
comes to extra classes?
• What are the safety features provided in
the school? Are there CCTVs installed in
the school compound?
• Does the school vow to bear all
responsibilities once your child sets foot
inside every day?
• Does the school welcome parents to
watch and support their child at
certain activities?
• Are parents’ allowed to provide
feedback on their educational approach?
• Are parents notified when exam results
are out? If so, how is it done?
All these questions would help in deciding
which school to enrol your child in.
However, don’t rush when making this
decision. Take your time and observe the
schools that are on your list. List down the
pros and cons of each school so that you
can make your choice, but remember that
it’s your child who is going to be spending
the most time there, so, do include him or
her when making that decision.
Include your child
As a parents, you’d probably know some
of your child’s interests. The best way to
confirm this is by asking your child what he
or she hopes to learn in school. Generally,
children get more excited to know they
are attending a school they genuinely like,
instead of being told they are going to a
certain school merely because their parents
have decided that it’s the best.
Remember, while you might think you’ve
made the right choice, if your child
absolutely detests the school, there will be
little or no genuine interest to learn and
participate in school activities.
How can you, the parent, be involved?
• What are parents’ roles in the school?
Are parents notified when there is
an activity?
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EDUCATION
Choosing The Ideal Curriculum
For Your Child
While we are fully aware of the growing presence of
international schools in Malaysia, choosing the right schools may
correlate closely with which curriculum is best for your child.
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There are several choices available. These include the International Baccalaureate (IB),
British, American, Australian and Canadian curriculum.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme
It’s a programme
which focuses on
letting students
take the lead. The
programme, created
in Switzerland in
1968, is currently
being offered in over 3,000 schools across
the globe with a growing number of
students worldwide.
The programme emphasises on creative
and critical thinking to which students
choose topics and projects while teachers
act as supervisors rather than the usual
points of information.
IB emphasises research and encourages
students to learn from their peers,
with students actively critiquing one
another’s work.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency
(HESA) revealed that IB Diploma
Programme (DP) students have a 57%
greater likelihood of attending one of the
top 20 universities in the UK than students
who study traditional A Levels. IB students
also have greater post-education prospects
and on average earn more than their A
Level counterparts.
Through the programme, students are
expected to:
• think independently and drive their
own learning
• take part in programmes of education
that can lead them to some of the
highest ranking universities around
the world
• become more culturally aware, through
the development of a second language
• engage with people in an increasingly
globalised, rapidly changing world
Apart from the DP programme, there are
three others offered. These include the
Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle
Years Programme (MYP) and the Career-
Related Programme (CRP).
All four in combination develop the
intellectual, personal, emotional and social
skills students need to live, learn and work
in a rapidly globalizing world.
However, at press time, the CRP
programme is not available in Malaysia.
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EDUCATION
Primary Years
Programme
(PYP)
Middle Years
Programme
(MYP)
Diploma
Programme
(DP)
• For students aged
between 3 and 12
• Covers language
studies, social
studies, Science and
Mathematics, arts
and sports
• Prepares students
to become active,
caring, lifelong
learners who
demonstrate respect
for themselves and
others and have
the capacity to
participate in modern
society
• For students aged
between 11 and 16
• Covers a second
language apart from
their mother tongue,
humanities, Science
and Mathematics,
arts and technology
• Focuses on empathy
and inquiring issues
both locally and
globally
• For students aged
between 16 and 19
• Students
choose courses
from language
and literature
studies, Sciences,
Mathematics,
Arts, Individuals
and societies and
Language acquisition
• Students may
also opt to study
additional subjects
• Compulsory to take
three subjects at
higher level
• Must complete core
requirements which
include:
33theory of
knowledge
33an extended essay
33a project
The IB Curriculum is offered at:
• Fairview International School
• Mont’ Kiara International School
• International School of Kuala Lumpur
• Nexus International School, Putrajaya
• The Malay College Kuala Kangsar
• UCSI International School
• Cempaka International Ladies’ College
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British Curriculum
This curriculum is followed in primary and
secondary schools in the UK and ensures
that all students receive the same high
standard of education. It is divided into
‘Early Years’ and five ‘Key Stages’. At the
end of each Key Stage, students are tested
on their progress.
Core subjects that the curriculum
emphasises upon include English, Math
and Science. The testing after each
stage allows teachers to gauge student
development and addresses any gaps in
their knowledge.
Upon reaching the last stage which
students will be studying for AS or A
Levels, courses are made available which
allows the choosing of in-depth subjects
which ultimately leads to the knowledge
required in their chosen career.
Early Years
Primary
Education
Secondary
Education
AS and A
Levels
• For children
between 3 and 5
years old
• Core subjects
include literacy,
Mathematics,
physical and social
development
• For ages between
5 and 11
• Core subjects
include language
studies, Science
and Mathematics,
geography, arts,
history, crafts and
ICT
• For ages between
12 and 18
• There is an
examination to be
taken:
33Cambridge
International
Examination
Board or Edexcel
Examinations
Board exam
33Core subjects
include
Science and
Mathematics,
language and
literature and
modern foreign
language
• For ages between
19 and 20
• Students take the
GCE Advanced
Subsidiary Levels
examination and
also sit for the A2
Level examinations
• Both the GCE
Advanced Level
Qualification (AS
and A2 Level
combined) will be
offered at the end
of this stage: this
exam is also known
as the A Level
examination
The British Curriculum is offered at:
• The Alice Smith School Association
• Garden International School
• elc International School
• The British School of Kuala Lumpur
(BSKL)
• Cempaka International School
• Sayfol International School
• MAZ International School
• Malacca Expatriate School
• St. Christopher’s International Primary
School of Penang
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EDUCATION
American Curriculum
As each state within America is responsible
for its curriculum and educational needs,
there is no central American curriculum.
However, the common themes under
this includes enquiry-based learning and
student-centred planning.
This means that the curriculum offered will
vary from one American overseas school
to the next. The curriculum continually
evolves and it is based on learning
standards and benchmarks.
The American curriculum is based on high
standards of achievement in all subject
areas. This broad and balanced approach is
supported by a wide range of co-curricular
activities which equip all students with the
skills they need for the 21st century.
Students could choose to start with
Kindergarten and study till the final Grade
12 whereupon they will be awarded with
the American High School Diploma. The
diploma is accepted by all US universities
and colleges including a leading number of
universities throughout the world.
Elementary
School
Middle School
High School
• For ages between 6
and 11
• (Grade 1 till 6)
• For ages between 12
and 13
• (Grade 7 and 8)
• For ages between 14
and 17
• (Grade 9 till 12)
• Core subjects include
language, Science and
Mathematics, arts, ICT
and environmental
education
• Performances are
evaluated through
assessment tasks, unit
projects and class work
• Elective subjects are
added on top of
core subjects which
includes foreign
languages and music
• Performances
are evaluated
through effort and
participation
The American Curriculum is offered at:
• Raffles American School, Johor Bahru
• Mont’ Kiara International School
• Dalat International School, Penang
• International School of Kuala Lumpur
• International School of Kuantan, Pahang
• Major subjects are
English, Science and
Mathematics, social
studies and foreign
language alongside
elective courses
• Students are required
to earn credits
towards graduation
by completing four
years of English, three
years of Mathematics,
Science and social
studies, two years of a
foreign language and
physical education
and one year of arts
as well as six electives
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Australian Curriculum
This curriculum focuses on instilling
learning skills, critical thinking, problemsolving
and general life skills that are
required of an individual in today’s society.
The curriculum also sets the expectations
for what all Australian students are taught,
regardless of where they live or their
background. This means that students
now have access to the same content,
and their achievements can be judged
against consistent national standards.
Schools and teachers are responsible for
the organisation of learning and they will
choose the contexts and plan learning in
ways that best meet their student’s needs
and interests.
Junior School Middle School Senior School
• For ages between 7
and 11
• For ages between 12
and 14
• For ages between 15
and 18
• Core subjects include
reading, writing,
numbers, shapes
and measurements
apart from problemsolving
skills
• Core subjects include
self-reliance, creativity
and personal integrity
The Australian Curriculum is offered at:
• Australian International School Malaysia (AISM)
• The end of this stage
prepares students
to sit for the Higher
School Certificate
(HSC) examination
• Subjects to be
tested upon include
English, Science
and Mathematics,
visual arts, physical
education and
business modules
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EDUCATION
Canadian Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on students’
continuous development, with the vital
parts of a student’s assessment and
evaluation based on coursework throughout
the semester. Final grades reflect a 70-30
distribution which states that 70% of the
grade is determined by work completed
during the course and the remaining 30%
derived from final evaluation.
This method allows for the learning
development of each student to be
formative while assessment is cumulative,
current and consistent. This also ensures
that students, parents and teachers can
review ongoing strategies to meet a
particular student’s learning needs, and
adapt different methods as and when the
student’s needs evolve.
Junior High till Senior High School (SIS Bandar Sunway)
Grade 7 to 11
• The programme runs on a semester system with emphasises on project-based
learning, assignments, field trips, independent research and group work.
• At Grade 11, students select more specialised subjects where advanced concepts
are covered in detail.
• On completion of Grade 11, students are assured of their pathway to a myriad
of options for post-secondary studies which includes a Cambridge GCE A Level,
Australian Matriculation or a Canadian Grade 12 (CIMP).
The Canadian Curriculum is offered at:
• Sunway International School
SIS Bandar Sunway (Grade 7–11)
• Sunway International School
SIS Iskandar, Medini, Johor
(Pre-school – University)
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Best Apps
For Kids
Not all parents take to the idea of their kids spending time
with phone apps. This is due to the notion that playing with
them is a waste of time and adds no value to their kids’ lives.
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EDUCATION
Apps have actually come a long way and today, there are countless apps that are created
specially for kids for educational purposes and of course, some safe fun.
While spending too much time on one’s phone is not advisable, there are a good many
apps available that may provide beneficial past-time or break-time activities for developing
minds. Here are a number of apps that parents might want to check out for themselves.
Phonics
Learning about sound has never been easier or more enjoyable! Here are just
a number of apps that can help teach beginners to read and pronounce words
by learning the phonetic value of letters, letter groups, and syllables.
ABC PocketPhonics
Pocket Phonics provides focused practice with
letter sounds and tracing, as well as segmenting
and blending skills necessary for applying
phonics skills in early reading. The app emails a
printable certificate each time the child masters
a set of tasks.
Mr Thorne Does Phonics: Letters
and Sounds for iPad
A comprehensive collection of over 70 literacy
videos for children, parents, teachers, students
and anyone learning to read English, using
the synthetic phonics approach for mastery
over reading.
Simplex Spelling Phonics 1
The app aims to improve English spelling and
reading skills by using a combination of phonics
lessons, spelling and word patterns. Utilises
a unique “reverse phonics” approach and
contextually relevant spelling rules.
Phonics Abaca
Aimed at children starting out with phonics,
there are four main sections and introduction
of new areas of learning through song, which
is for most children, a familiar and fun way
to learn.
Word Wizard
The app comes with three spelling activities that increase in
difficulty and it boasts a vocabulary list of almost 2,000 words.
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EDUCATION
Hairy Letters
Among the activities lined up in this app include
tracing the letter shape on screen with one’s
finger, playing games to build letters into simple
words and learning to blend sounds into words.
AlphaTots Alphabet
An engaging ABC sing-along song that helps
kids learn and recite their ABCs and commit
them to memory using large and colourful
letter visuals in games and song that they can
easily read.
Hooked on Phonics
Songs, games, and interactive entertainment is a common
feature in such an app but here’s an interesting feature: at the
end of every lesson there is a story that kids will be able to
read to their parents!
Math
Children who love math will surely appreciate some of the following apps
that can help challenge their mind and math prowess.
Zap Zap Math
Offers games that focus on counting, addition,
subtraction, fractions, ratios, geometry and
more to help build a strong math foundation
while training critical thinking, logic, and
problem solving.
Calculords
With the clever use of numbers, players get
to deploy starships, soldiers, tanks and aliens
while using survival tactics. It is an innovative
combination of collectible card games and
number puzzles together with turn-based
tactical combat.
Sushi Monster
One does not have to love sushi to love this app! It offers
useful and fun-filled math challenges that a kid can pass some
time with.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 45

EDUCATION
Math Monsters – Bingo
Math skills can be sharpened using this fun app.
The objective is to solve each problem and then
find the answer on the bingo board.
Preschool Math Games for Kids
Exposes young kids to the challenges of
counting, tracing and reading numbers in a fun,
interactive way.
My Math Flash Cards*
Yes, the asterisk is part of the title! This useful
training app helps children practice their times
tables. It customises the number and difficulty
level of each question too.
Numbees & The World of Math
This arcade-style format app is available in six
game modes and offers addition, subtraction
multiplication and division math problems to
be solved.
Let’s Do the Math
This app comes with 15 different types of
exercises in three categories and 30 word
problems that focus on addition and subtraction
which can be used either as flashcards or as a
series of puzzles.
Mathletics Student
A subscription-based online system of maths
learning – The Mathletics curriculum of activities
includes arithmetic battles, teacher-assigned
task alerts and even a glossary of mathematical
terms and expressions!
Math Vs Zombies
Players are a part of a squad of highly trained scientists who
can save the earth by using their math skills to gain power to
contain the threat. Kids get to practice math skills from basic
operations through multi-digit multiplication and division
while having fun!
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
Music
Kids who just can’t get enough of music lessons can now keep that interest
flowing out of classes as well, with some of the following apps.
DoReMi 1-2-3
Provides fun, ear-training games that teach
pitch recognition and scale placement apart
from recording and playing back one’s creations
in four musical modes.
Piano Dust Buster
The app doesn’t teach kids to read actual music
but it is a super-fun introduction to playing the
piano and gives a familiarity with following the
music as one plays.
Blob Chorus Ear Training
It’s actually fun, this one! Kids will have to listen
to all the blobs sing their pitches, and then King
Blob sings his pitch. The aim of the game is to
identify the blob that sang the same note as
King Blob.
TuneTrain
This is a music creation app – a great way to
introduce melodic contour to young children.
Players get to draw a train line to connect the
colourful buildings, after which they’ll get to
play the tune that they’ve created.
Flashnote Derby
A horse race and music drill in one, where
players identify different notes as they appear on
each flashcard. Answering quickly and correctly
will cause your horse to gain ground, while
incorrect answers will cause you to fall behind.
At the end of each race, you can review the
notes you missed and see the correct answers.
Animal sound box
Toddlers can scroll through animals to learn
about different instruments. The bird produces
the sound of a flute while the elephant, a
double bass. The lion emits the sounds of a
guitar and marimba while the fish produces
xylophone sounds.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 47

EDUCATION
Boogie Bopper
– The Toddler Music Game
A musical app for preschoolers that focuses on
teaching coordination and listening skills.
Crayola DJ
It’s time for a dance party with Crayola DJ
where kids put their DJ skills to the test as
they mix tracks and sound effects to create
sweet beats.
Magic Belles: Magic Music
This app is a delightful selection of musical
games for toddlers and young children. Musical
Fairies have your child planting, painting,
playing, composing, dancing and more.
Musical Me! – by Duck Duck Moose
The app teaches notes, rhythm and pitch
through five activities that teach the
fundamental components of music which are
memory, rhythm, dance, instruments and notes.
Science
Young science enthusiasts will never run out of interesting things to do on a
phone, for there are plenty of science apps available to pick and choose from.
Rocket Science 101
This app allows users to choose a NASA mission
and build a rocket to send the spacecraft into
orbit! One can also undertake interesting
missions and learn more about various
components of the launch vehicles, how they
are configured and how they work together to
successfully launch a NASA spacecraft.
Alchemy – Genetics
It’s all about genetics, genes, and inherited
traits. Find out what happens when different
animal traits are combined to create new breeds
and species. Children receive four animals at
the beginning and end up with 500 new and
unusual species.
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
3D Brain
Discover how each brain region functions, what
happens during an injury, and how it is involved
in mental illness. The app comes packed with
information on functions, disorders, brain
damage, case studies, and links to modern
researches too.
SkySafari
Akin to a planetarium in your pocket, this
app puts thousands of stars and planets at
your fingertips and comes with hundreds of
astronomical images. Contains encyclopaedic
descriptions of the constellations, stars
and planets.
Sea Life
The app introduces you to 12 marine animals,
including seals, seahorses, crabs, whales,
dolphins, and turtles. Featuring images and
sounds, it has photos that kids can touch to
hear a recording of the animal.
Happy Little Farmer
This one, as the name suggests, is all about the
life cycle of plants. Children learn how plants
are grown in vegetable patches, pots and wheat
fields. They will also learn about fertilisation and
type of care for fruits and vegetables.
Geography
Can children pick up geography from apps?
We think so, and here are a few interesting ones to check out.
Barefoot World Atlas
An interactive 3D globe that invites children to
explore the regions and countries of the world,
discover hundreds of fascinating features and
immerse themselves in the rich wonders of
our planet.
Google Earth
Satellite imagery of pretty much the garden
party at a neighbour’s house to splendour of
Niagara Falls and the Amazon. Allows users
to, quite simply, zoom across cities just by the
swipe of a finger.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 49

EDUCATION
National Geographic
Ultimate Dinopedia
Kids get to learn up on dinosaurs through fact
boxes and fun facts with size comparisons and
more. It also features a list of every dinosaur
ever known listed from A to Z.
National Geographic
Weird But True
This app will keep your child hooked with
quirky and interesting facts, 625 of them
altogether, which are given in a fun, colourful,
and interactive format.
Apps for those with Special Needs
Children with special needs need not be left out when it comes to learning
with apps. Here are some interesting ones to consider.
Rhyming Words
Rhyming allows children to identify different
sounds that make up a word and as such
this app paves the way towards that path of
becoming a good reader and confident speaker.
First Phrases HD
This interactive app is perfect for toddlers or
speech-delayed children who are learning how
to put two or three words together or any child
who is learning basic English phrases.
iWrite Words
Children get to help a Mr. Crab collect
numbered balls by dragging him with a finger –
and drawing the letter at the same time. Once
all the letters in the word are drawn properly, a
cute drawing appears, to which the letters are
slid into the spinning hole to move onto the
next level.
See.Touch.Learn
Picture cards are an integral part of this
program and are used to help teach new words
and concepts and foster self-expression. The
app combines the effectiveness of picture cards
with the power and interactivity of a tablet.
Custom exercises and lessons can be created
and performances can be automatically tracked.
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SmartKids World Vol. 09

EDUCATION
Listening Power Preschool HD
Since listening skills can be a tad difficult for
some, this app comes packed with stories,
questions and options to tweak those skills and
build better listeners.
Touch Chat Apps
There are three Touch Chat apps that focus on
a child’s ability to use natural speech. The apps
are designed for those with Autism, Down
syndrome, ALS, apraxia and other conditions.
Dragon Dictation
Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice
recognition application that allows users to
speak and instantly see their text or email
messages. It also allows notes and reminders, all
using one’s own voice.
Story Wheel
The idea behind this app is to build on a child’s
cognitive abilities. The app allows the child to
record voices as the story develops and once
images and audios have been applied, the story
can be shared and viewed by others via email
or online.
Story Builder
The app encourages children to improve paragraph formation,
integration of ideas; and higher level abstractions by inference.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 51

EDUCATION
How Music Benefits
A Child’s Development
Whether your little one is playing a musical instrument at a
school concert or singing a beautiful tune at a family gathering,
there’s something endearing about watching your child show-off
a skill or creative talent and it makes for a great tale to tell over
and over again in the future. Music however, is not something
many parents place as a priority when it comes to their children’s
development, but perhaps it should be and here’s why.
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EDUCATION
Social aptness
No orchestra is complete without an
ensemble of musicians who work well
together as a team. Children who learn
music in a group learn very quickly to rely,
relate, respect and appreciate other peers.
These children will also learn leadership
traits as well as build (perhaps lifelong)
relationships with other kids with similar
interests in music.
A brainy advantage
Plenty of studies show that children who
are exposed to music at an early age tend
to achieve better academic performance.
Music has the ability to stimulate parts
of the brain that are related to reading,
counting and emotional development so
they learn faster and easier.
Strengthens memory
Does your child tend to be absent-minded
or lose things frequently around the
house? Learning music can help instil
discipline in a child and further strengthen
their memory by stimulating different
patterns of brain development. Children
who undergo musical training rapidly
increase their memory database and are
able to recall and remember more.
Boost of confidence
Some children have astounding skills but
they tend to shy away from attention and
would prefer not to be noticed. More
often than not, lack of confidence hold
them back from showing the world what
they’ve got. Practice is the word!
Having your child perform a musical piece
(even if it is only for the exclusive listening
pleasure of the pet tortoise at home) can
help to boost your child’s confidence little
by little. More importantly, practising music
regularly teaches your child that they have
the ability to master any skill as long as
they keep working at it.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 53

EDUCATION
Music teaches patience
In a world of fast-paced video games, and
dozens of apps at your child’s disposal,
there’s the danger of raising a generation
with a 15-second attention span. Patience
is required to succeed at every level of
life. Music is a good example of how
delayed gratification can be much more
satisfying. For instance, a child playing in
an orchestra must wait for his or her turn
to play their part of the musical piece, and
in doing so, contributes to making the
performance a success.
Encourage
continuous learning
With music, one can never truly master
enough of this art form. Rather than
spend hours looking for the next fun
app or game to play, your child could be
spending that time learning as many new
techniques, instruments and songs that
are equally (if not more!) rewarding in the
long run.
An outlet for
free expression
Like drawing, painting, colouring or writing,
playing a musical instrument is therapeutic
as it is a great outlet for your child to voice
out his or her feelings without having to
worry about the consequences.
Builds discipline
To master a musical instrument, one needs
to practice frequently while constantly
learning new techniques or theories.
This learning regime is often prolonged
for several years for a child to achieve
admirable competency levels – and that
requires discipline as well as dedication.
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EDUCATION
Motivate Your Child To
Love Learning
There is more to schooling and learning that meets the eye and parents
can help renew the joy of learning in their kids. How? Read on…
SmartKids World Vol. 09 55

EDUCATION
Up play your child’s
interests with enthusiasm
Every child has a natural subject that
he or she finds fascinating. It could
be plants, cars, dinosaurs… anything.
Show enthusiasm for what your child
likes and encourage exploration of that
subject through research, documentaries,
discussions and looking for books about
the subject at the library or bookshop.
Tip: If your child is interested in lions, for
instance, challenge him or her to find a
dozen facts about the big cat, after which
the both of you can sit down and evaluate
them together.
Always ask about what
was learned in school for
the day
Although it may be more tempting to
inquire on the results for the latest test,
try instead to ask, with as much interest
as you would when inquiring about test
scores, what your kid learned in school
today. Putting the lessons in his or her own
words helps a child retain it better and if
they know that you’ll always be asking,
they may even start paying better attention
in class!
Focus on strengths to
encourage developing
talents
It’s easy for a parent to feel downhearted
(and perhaps angry) when their child
brings back a ‘C’ instead of an ‘A’ for
Maths. Instead of adding salt to their
injury, look for what he or she did do well
in, like a well-written essay, for instance,
and apart from a Math workbook to work
on, present your child with an attractive
journal too, in recognition of that good job
in writing.
Share your own favourite
learning methods
When kids realise that even their parents
are constantly learning new things, they
relate to them better when it comes to
learning and are open to suggestions and
new ideas. So, if you’re into gardening, for
instance, share with your kid the research
methods you use and also, the success rate
of learning anything new through that
method, e.g. learning the latest way to
grow potatoes in a pot from Youtube and
its results.
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EDUCATION
Fill your child’s world
with reading
Take turns reading with your child,
or establish a family reading time
when everyone reads their own book.
Demonstrate how important reading is
to you by filling your home with printed
materials: novels, newspapers, even posters
and placemats with words on them.
Celebrate all
achievements, not just
academic ones
Children are naturally eager to please their
parents, but the danger in this is, they
may also end up feeling like they have to
prove their worth before they can expect
their parents’ approval, or worse, love.
Avoid going down that dreadful road
by giving due attention to even the little
achievements, such as completing a book
report, or non-academic ones, such as
making it into the football team.
Positive reinforcements in all areas of
their development will let kids know
that their parent really do care, which in
turn will prompt them to do better, even
academically.
Help your child
get organised
Loads of school papers and assignments
can prove daunting to some kids, but
they generally do not show it, probably
because other kids seem to cope fine. If
you think your child may be struggling
to get organised, reach out and help!
Suggestions on time management may
come in handy too, especially if there is a
lot on his or her plate. As a parent, make
it a point to check with your child regularly
to ensure that he or she is not feeling
overloaded with school work, for you
don’t want your child to be spending more
time stressing out than studying.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 57

EDUCATION
Teaching
A Noble Occupation
School teachers play a pivotal role in shaping and molding
future generations. Teaching is more than just a job. It’s a calling
— a noble occupation that is simply not for everyone. It’s
actually no point trying to comprehend the amount of work
that is constantly being done by good teachers, for it will pale
in comparison to what they actually give to society.
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EDUCATION
evolve. Good teachers always understand
the importance of upgrading with the
times and are open to learn newer,
more relevant methods to improve their
teaching abilities. They wish to grow and
continue to make teaching meaningful
and engaging. As American philosopher
and psychologist John Dewey stated, “If
we teach today’s students as we taught
yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.”
Committed teachers strive to keep their
enthusiasm going because they are fully
aware of their calling and the joy they
get from the success of their students are
worth all the trouble they go through.
To make a difference
The greatest gift a teacher gives to his or
her students is the inspiration to bring
out the best in themselves. A good
teacher finds amazement in the innocent
enthusiasm of their students and that’s
what keeps them going even through the
most frustrating or tiring of times. Teachers
do whatever it takes to lead, inspire and
motivate their students and make lasting
impressions on them. They enter the
education profession because they want
to make a difference in the world and
their communities.
Teachers leave an impact on students,
their families, and their future. Henry
Adams has rightly said, “A teacher affects
eternity; he can never tell where his
influence stops.”
Having to evolve with
the times
Teaching is usually a long-term occupation
and teachers have to be lifelong learners
who relish the chance to grow and
Innumerable rewards
Teachers have the opportunity to be
amidst the most impressionable lives,
touching their hearts and minds. For many,
their work has no end but the rewards
are great.
In teaching, one can experience the joy
of making a difference in young lives.
Senior teachers have seen the challenges
and joys of teaching with generations
passing through them. They have all loved
knowing their students, helping discover
their talents, celebrating their successes
and watching them become successful
individuals who serve the community well.
These are the kinds of satisfaction that go
beyond paychecks. While teachers spend
time in nurturing children, they also find
personal fulfillment doing something they
truly love and are passionate about.
A gratifying and a
humbling experience
Teaching gives an opportunity
to transform the future
generations into intellectually,
socially and environmentally
engaged citizens.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 59

Advertorial
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Preschools & Enrichment Centres
D Swim Academy
Gymboree Play & Music
The Montessori Place
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Tree Top House
Here they are...
Success is something all parents hope for their children’s
future, and a good early foundation is ultimately the best
way to achieve this. Giving them a good start, at the right
time (which mean as early as possible) is one factor. Which
programs or classes to choose is another. Oh, and then
there is the matter of where to send them!
The following pages are my findings and unbiased
opinions as a result of my recent visits and interviews with
a few top preschools and enrichment centers.
I must say that these establishments have everything
going for them and they have what it takes to enrich
a young child’s life with learning experiences as well as
cognitive and physical skills-acquirement. Most of them
have been around for a quite a while and all of them have
earned their reputation as some of our country’s best
schools and centers.
Find out why!
San Lorenzo
Mathnasium
Cherie Hearts
Yamaha Music School
Kids Academy

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Making milestones count at
Gymboree Play & Music
Established in the USA in 1976,
Gymboree Play & Music provides
the ideal venue for parents’
involvement with their little ones
to engage in specific lesson plans
designed by child experts, namely
Play & Learn classes as well as
Music, Art, Sports and School
Skills classes. Ms Liza Low, Franchise & Marketing Manager
of Gymboree Play & Music recently took some time out to
explain to us after we witnessed a Playclass first hand, how
purposeful playing and spending time with one’s children can
help develop confidence, provide deep comfort and build
strong bonds between a child and the parent.
Beginning from birth to the age of five, classes are ageappropriate
and designed for little ones to stimulate and enhance
their expected milestones. Parental participation is advocated for
its obvious benefits in a developing child’s overall development.
One can tell a lot about a play school by observing the
children’s demeanor as well as the teachers’ attitude and
we’ve found them to be keen and supportive respectively.
Another winning point of Gymboree Play and Music is the fact
that the top-notch equipment in the centres are designed by
world-renown expert Jay Beckwith, who is dubbed one of the
‘fathers of modern playground’. This further ensures children
can play, learn and explore in a fun and safe environment.
Kids’ birthdays and themed parties held here will surely be
turned into memorable experiences filled with fun activities
and with new friendships forged. It’s no wonder Gymboree
holds a special place in the hearts of parents and children alike
who have gone through the Gymboree programme not only in
Malaysia but over 48 countries worldwide.
Parents like Nurul Hisham, whose two-year old son Alfie
attends Gymboree finds that it oozes with positive vibes and
sincerity while another parent, Nas, shared that her son Aidan
who was initially shy and introverted is no longer so, and has
become a competent communicator, happy, energetic and well
adjusted. They are among many mothers who attest to the
benefits Gymboree programme offers.
Gymboree Play and Music turns out to be a one-stop center
for parents and little ones to spend meaningful time together.
Located at Publika Dutamas, Bangsar Village 2, Empire
Shopping Gallery (Subang), IOI City Mall (Putrajaya), and
Gurney Plaza (Penang). For more info, please go to:
www.gymboreeclasses.com.my

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
The Montessori Place:
Award-winning holistic program
Situated inside the huge serene-looking Calvary Convention
Center is a delightful and spacious set-up called The
Montessori Place, founded by Ms Sheena Ignatius, a
mother of one. While the competition among montessori
establishments in the country seems to be stiff, the place is
doing exceptionally well with a waiting list to boot!
The Montessori Place has been lauded as one of the finest
child care set-ups in every aspect and has come a long way
since it first started operating way back 2008. It’s quality
kindergarten, preschool and daycare services has led to it
emerging as the winner of the BabyTalk Readers’ Choice
Awards 2015 and 2016 in the Best Montessori Program and
the Best Montessori Preschool categories respectively.
Here, one will find that it’s as down-to-earth as it gets
when it comes to loving and caring interactions between
teachers/caregivers and their little charges. That comes as
no surprise and it was established with the noble intention
to provide not only a holistic early education but also a safe,
developmentally appropriate environment for toddlers and
children to spend quality time in.
The well-managed programs aim to help little ones between
the ages of 6 months to six years to thrive and flourish
during their critical growing years. It is understood too, that
Ms Sheena has just completed her Post Grad Certificate in
Therapeutic Play Skills awarded by APAC, PTI & PTUK. She
hopes to help children benefit from Play Therapy, especially
children with issues in areas of hyperactivity, school readiness,
shyness, selective mutism, special needs, social issues as well
as behaviour issues of children going through transitions be it
a move from overseas or separation from parents, etc.
The Montessori Place is a safe, fully-CCTV monitored
environment. Every aspect of the children’s well-being is well
taken care of, to the point of them hiring a school nurse
to attend to any kind of medical emergencies. It has to be
mentioned here too, that little ones have their temperatures
taken every morning upon arrival, so as to avoid the spread
of common viral illnesses and also curb the possible spread of
HFMD, Chicken Pox, etc.
While a typical schedule is from 8am till noon, working
parents have the option to let their kids stay on till
5.30pm under a longer program where meals,
a shower and a nap will be provided together
with enriching activities such as art, music,
etc. For further information, please check out:
www.themontessoriplace.com.my

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Now, anyone can swim with
D Swim Academy
D Swim Academy (DSA) is no ordinary swimming program.
Countless families have been benefitting from the variety
of aquatic programs offered at this swim center, which
happens to be a member of ASUM (Amateur Swimming
Union of Malaysia).
D Swim is also the country’s largest swim centre recognised
by AUSTSWIM, Australia’s national organisation for the
Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety recognised in
every state and territory of Australia and other countries.
Instructors at DSA are certified (license holders) under
AUSTSWIM, having the highest accreditation benchmark in
aquatics and the industry standard for swimming and water
safety around the world. AUSTSWIM assessors check on the
quality of teaching, ensuring all are in accordance to their
standard and requirements.
Smart Kids World talked to Ms Macho Cheung and Ms Hailey
Tan, the Quality Control Manager and the Marketing Executive
respectively at the Kampung Pandan facility to obtain a firsthand
account of what makes this center stand out.
The age-appropriate programmes offered by D Swim span
from 6 month right up to adults and their programs for
children include Lil Swimmers, Kiddie Swimmers, Learn To
Swim, Squad Program and even Special Care Swimmers
(for special needs children).
With the use of high tech equipment and teaching aids
D Swim Academy has been assisting in building outspoken
swimming skills in children, which ultimately results in
competence and confidence in the water.
While students here acquire the skills needed to partake in all
kinds of watersports, they’ll ultimately be equipped with the
water safety and survival skills to save themselves and others.
Having received the best in swimming lessons and
proper skills training, students can also look forward to
opportunities for participation in Inter-Club, State-level and
National-level competition.
Parents who wish to enrol their children in D Swim Academy
can do so at any of their premises located at Shah Alam,
Subang Jaya, Setiawangsa, Bandar Sri Sedayan, Seri
Kembangan, Setia Alam, Bukit Jalil and Kampung Pandan.
For more info, please go to: www.dswimacademy.com

emotional
Preschools & Enrichment Centres
language
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
social
physical
Cherie Hearts
Go forth, little Cherians!
In this modern era of speed and technology. children have
a lot to learn and they have to begin their journey much
earlier than before too. Cherie Hearts, a multi award-winning
brand of preschool centers hold firmly to the belief that early
education plays an important role in children’s development,
providing valuable support to families with young children.
The emotional, social and physical development of young
children has a direct effect on their overall development.
With an age appropriate curriculum involving play as part
of their learning, Cherie Hearts ensures that little ones
enjoy a carefree childhood to maximize their learning and
developmental well being.
The enrichment play provides an additional supportive element
for children, who have brains like sponges that absorb more
than adults can expect. Here, it is believed that children
learn best with additional programmes that can maximize
their interests through mental and physical interaction with
the environment, among others ways. Teachers comprise
of a team of dedicated, passionate educators who possess
applaudable attitudes and competencies for handling and
teaching little ones.
The establishment is found to provide the kind of holistic
preparatory and interactive programs for kids that families
appreciate. Here, parents are kept in the loop with total
involvement. They are in constant communication with
teachers and are kept abreast on their children’s progress
and development.
Cherie Hearts is found to provide a solid foundation for school
readiness and academic achievements. Apart from developing
their cognitive and language skills, the learning experiences
in the school gives children a chance to develop democratic
values as well as social skills, which will be invaluable to them
later on in their lives.
All in all, Cherie Hearts is about giving their students, or little
Cherians as they’re called, the best opportunities to learn and
develop in a caring environment, where they will inevitably
also develop the virtues of empathy and love for people
around them. It’s the kind of quality care that children thrive
on, with parents as partners. For more information
and locations, go to: www.cheriehearts.com.my
intellectual

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Tree Top House
Beyond academic excellence
Families living near Desa Park City, Segambut and Jalan
U-Thant areas whose children attend Tree Top House can
attest to the fact that it provides a learning environment
which is safe, inspiring, inviting and interesting.
While the term Montessori is used a little too liberally these
days, Tree Top House however advocates the acclaimed
curriculum in every sense of the word, as Smart Kids World
(SKW) discovered during a recent visit to its Segambut facility
which spanned some 40,000 square feet. The center, to say
the least, was more than adequately equipped with teaching
tools and materials.
Interaction between teachers and student was a joy to
watch and it’s apparent that the students love being there,
a fact that speaks volumes for the center and its educators.
The children here are obviously nurtured with important
values as well, including good manners and courtesy —
impromptu visits to a few classes for closer observation were
greeted by at least one student running up to inquire if we’d
like a glass of water.
Respect for each may be dwindling among students
elsewhere, but not here. It is a virtue which is highly valued
and students who have misunderstandings with one
another have the chance to talk it out among themselves
at a designated ‘Peace table’. They are also taught to
be responsible and accountable for their actions and on
the whole, these values drive them towards better selfmanagement
and excellence.
“Attentiveness and responsibility are among the important
traits that are prioritised at Tree Top House so that children
develop exemplary characters,” explained Senior Principal
Loh Lin Khuan when she received SKW’s visit to their
premise lately. As observed, teachers here tend to respond
to each child’s capabilities and needs as individuals so that
every child can have a chance to excel using his or her
own strength.
It’s clear to see now that children need much more than just
academic excellence to go far in life. They need to explore
their full potential as unique, independent individuals. Tree
Top House may be just the place for children to cultivate a
lifelong love of learning and a penchant for cooperation,
co-existing and problem-solving. For more info and
locations, please go to: www.treetophouse.edu.my

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Kids Academy
Where learning is second nature
Ensuring that their children receive a head start in education
has become a priority among parents who wish to see their
precious offspring go far in life.
A recent visit to a renown early education center in Puchong
uncovered why more and more parents are convinced that
their kids will have a simply better chance of thriving as a
graduate of this establishment. This center is no other than
Kids Academy.
Sitting pretty in a gated and guarded community fringed with
lush greenery, Kids Academy at Bandar Puteri Puchong offers a
host of exciting experiences for little ones. The bright, cheerful
atmosphere, state-of-the art teaching tools and sincerely caring
teachers are testaments of the efforts put in by the founders in
creating a center for children to thrive as they prepare for the
challenges of schooling life.
Early birds start their day at Kids Academy with a unique
exercise called Morning Circle Time at the charming common
area before they proceed with the serious business of
discovering and acquiring knowledge while having loads of
fun, the way kids should.
Kids here are between 2 to 6 years of age and are grouped
into Playschool, Nursery and Kindergarten where they are
systematically introduced to phonics, math and reading skills,
which will be of immense value to them when they enter
school. Day care service is also provided and it seems to be
quite a hit with both parents and kids alike. Interestingly
enough, Kids Academy does not turn away little ones who
aren’t yet potty trained.
As a franchise owner of FasTracKids, a superior program
that stimulates critical thinking, creativity and confidence in
preschool kids, the center utilises state-of-the art teaching
materials and tools which include interactive Smart Boards and
a Smart Table, as well as a host of other unique and interesting
apparatus to help little ones thrive and develop. Another
one of its star feature is the specially built science lab, which
happens to be well-equipped, fully functional and operational.
With its low teacher to student ratio and excellent parentteacher
collaboration, Kids Academy offers the best
opportunity for little learners to master each valuable lesson.
Parents can be assured that their kids are well prepared,
especially for enrolment into elite Chinese schools.
Kids Academy is situated at Bandar Puteri Puchong and
Section 17 Petaling Jaya. For more info please go to:
www.kidsacademy.com.my

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Mathnasium:
Learning to love math
Math is not every child’s favourite subject, but enrolling into
any one of the six Mathnasium in the Klang Valley could
set that right, as SmartKids World found out recently. There
to receive us at their IOI Boulevard Puchong outlet was Ms
Chew Yen, the Center Director, who did not mince her words
when she stated: Kids don’t hate math. They just hate the
way math is taught!
While that was certainly something to think about,
Mathnasium, it seems, was established to address that issue
and make every one of its student a math enthusiast. The
unique program teaches kids to take on a more creative
mindset when it comes to Math. They are taught more
efficient ways of solving problems that do not involve stress,
mental strain nor homework. Yes, you read that right —
there is no homework to take home! Mathnasium runs on
the belief that kids should arrive with fresh and pressurefree
minds, ready to lap up new information and hone new
problem-solving skills and methods.
Before anything else, a child will be assessed upon enrolment
to determine his strengths and weaknesses, after which a
customised learning plan will be designed specially for that
child. The visit saw a few students going about their lessons,
and their eagerness was hard to miss. Our conclusion was,
they must love the way it’s taught here!
It’s apparent that when it comes to math at Mathnasium,
times have changed from the old adage that ‘practice makes
perfect’. The main aim here is to equip each child with
number sense, math vocabulary and perception of numbers,
so that he or she will really understand the problem to
be solved before attempting to solve it, instead of merely
memorising the steps on how to arrive at a correct answer.
That, and a list of other creative teaching methods make
Mathnasium stand out as an enrichment center.
The simple, no-frills yet pleasant venue reeked of cheerfulness
amidst the hearty chatter of young math learners and their
educators. At a corner, stood an interesting looking cabinet
stocked up with an array of colorful stationery, toys and
knick-knacks…. It was actually a ‘reward cabinet’, with
attractive goodies to be redeemed by the deserving and
here’s the best part: Everyone is rewarded!
By that, one should be able to conclude that kids here
just love their Math. For more information and locations,
visit: www.mathnasium.edu.my

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
Yamaha Music School
Building great minds with music
Music brings people together, and
this is certainly the case at the
Yamaha Music School at Kelana
Jaya. A recent visit to this acclaimed
center by SKW revealed just how
involved and engaged some of
these young music students are,
so much so that it was hard to say
if they were musically-inclined by
nature or were instead products of
well-taught music lessons.
While we may have known all the
while that music education goes
a long way in developing motor,
cognitive, memorization and social
skills, watching some of the music
classes in action at this music
school makes one also wonder
about the dedication, patience and perseverance that has to
exist among the teachers and their students, not to mention
the time and effort put in by both parties for teaching and
practicing respectively.
Children can begin from as young as two years of age via
the Yamaha Music Fantasy, a relatively new course involving
parental participation. Through engaging and enjoyable musicrelated
activities, little ones get to obtain an early start in
developing their music appreciation. The parental involvement
also provides greater opportunities for family bonding.
From the age of three, kids can begin to get their first taste of
music education when they move on to the center’s acclaimed
Music Wonderland, an enjoyable one-year course which offers
early exposure to rhythm training and listening among other
valuable lessons. The Music Wonderland course utilises ageappropriate
physical and mental activities which will stimulate
their musical senses in preparation for more intricate musical
journey ahead.
At four years old, children’s sense of hearing, finger muscles
and vocal cords develop most rapidly, and they’ll be ready to
level up on developing their music senses and skills through
the Junior Music Course. At this stage, the focus will be
on ear-training among others, en-route to developing a
child’s innate sense of music. Yamaha Music schools offer
stimulating environments for children to sing, play simple

tunes and be creators of
beautiful music! They’ll be
more open to expressing
themselves musically.
As the age-appropriateness
of these courses have
scientific backings on when
cognitive skills and certain
muscles in the body such as
fingers, as well as vocal cords
are at their peak capability for
training, they are therefore
truly worthwhile investments
for a child’s musical future, to
say the least.
Other music courses
available at Yamaha Music
schools for young children,
teens and adults include
the Yamaha Piano Course,
Yamaha Electone Course,
Yamaha Guitar Course and
also the Yamaha Popular
Music Courses.
Music education here is
not confined to classroom
learning only, as the school
believes in encouraging
creativity and getting
their students the relevant
exposure. Hence, they take
great effort to inculcate
interesting initiatives in the
education journey.
For instance, Yamaha Music
School students stand a
chance to participate in the
Junior Original Concert (JOC),
where they’ll get to compose
their own musical piece and
perform it too! This event is
said to be a stepping stone
to a number of international
accolades and awards.
Talented electone performers
will also have their chance to
shine at the annual Yamaha
Electone Festival organised by
Yamaha Music (Malaysia) Sdn
Bhd. This prestigious event
allows for the showcasing
of talent and expressing of
musical abilities and creativity
on the Electone.
As for young piano talents,
they get to look forward to
the Yamaha Piano Course
Concert where they’ll be
able to perform and display
their skills — a definite
gratification of sorts for
themselves as well as their
teachers, for all the effort put
into their music lessons.
For info on all other courses
available as well as locations
of schools, do check out
their website at:
www.my.yamaha.com

Preschools & Enrichment Centres
2017
Editor’s
Pick
SmartKids World
The future is bright for
graduates of San Lorenzo
What do parents look for in a preschool? If it’s the lauded
approach towards early child education, which paves the way
for the “Natural Laws of Psychic” in development and growth
in mind, San Lorenzo Pre School may be just the thing for
them. The well-lit, cheerful environments of their outlets have
a homely, pleasing aura both parents and kids seem to love,
and while it’s merely the first impression, it’s a notable one.
San Lorenzo is a reputable preschool registered with the
Malaysian Ministry of Education and it caters for kids from 18
months to 6 years of age, preparing them with the confidence
and attitude they need to thrive in this competitive modernised
world. They present, in a safe, well-prepared environment,
the tools and materials needed for children to learn, thrive
and develop well under the guidance of appropriately trained,
passionate educators. Hence, the very essence of childhood
— the joys, laughter and bliss — are sustained for the little
ones here at San Lorenzo, which keeps the establishment true
to its belief in celebrating the precious childhood years. While
it’s become somewhat of a norm to bend to the masses when
it comes to education, it’s not the case here at San Lorenzo,
where individuality is preserved and each child’s unique
strength is recognised and acknowledged.
Observations on the little students as they go about their
day brings about a conclusion that they indeed have an
advantageous start in education, something that has stiff
competition in this day and time.
In its true Montessori track and as an advocate of Global
Education, San Lorenzo strives to instill a balance in children’s
lives, where they get to prep themselves up for the rigours of
schooling life ahead, while learning to respect, appreciate and
enjoy the diversity in life. Here, it’s a matter of planting the love
of learning at an early age while instilling precious life values
in anticipation of their respective futures. And if our guess is
correct, what a future these kids have to look forward to!
Preschool programmes offered at San Lorenzo include Toddler
Program ‘Buzy Buddies’ (18 months – 30 months); Nursery 1
& 2 (30 months – 4 years old) and Kindergarten 1 & 2 (5 – 6
years old).
San Lorenzo also offers various highly beneficial and authentic
enrichment programmes for kids between 18 months to 12 years
old. They include “MonteTots” (Parent-Toddler Class); English
Program: Phonics and Reading Class; Young Writers Club; as
well as Playgroup, Bridging Programme for Primary One
& Tutorial for Cambridge check point. To know more
about San Lorenzo, go to: www.sanlorenzoschool.com

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
AIU-Irsyad International School
Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Tel: 017-944 8895 aiis.my Curriculum: iGCSE
Intake: January Fees: --
AIU-Irsyad International School adopts the Cambridge iGCSE international curriculum with subjects
like Enterprise and Global Perspectives to develop world-ready individuals. This global experience
is enriched by a team of professional expatriates from Singapore and other first world countries as
academic mentors to the students. Best practices from Al-Irsyad Singapore and other renown education
institutions form the building blocks of the school. The teaching staff are continuously upgraded with
the latest tried and tested approaches and systems from other high-performing institutions.
Alnoor International School (AIS-KL)
No. 6, Lengkok Bellamy, Jalan Bellamy, Off Jalan Istana,
Bukit Petaling 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2142 4473 www.ais-kl.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM2,000 to RM4,000 per term
Alnoor International School (AIS-KL) is an international school, which provides primary to secondary
courses. The school offers the British curriculum established by the University of Cambridge Local
Examinations Syndicate. During the entire duration of schooling, the curriculum is patterned on
practices in leading British schools; students will undergo regular school-based assessment, preparing
them for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education [IGCSE].
Asia Metropolitan International School
29, Jalan Raja Dihilir, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 3141 cambridge.ametis.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM15,000 to 25,000 per annum
In line with their philosophy of ‘Educating Forward’, ASIA Metropolitan International School (AMETIS)
provides a holistic learning environment with great emphasis on mastering the English Language and one
other foreign language. AMETIS incorporates technology into its daily teaching and learning, which also
goes hand-in-hand with state-of-the-art facilities that are housed within the campus grounds. AMETIS
delivers quality international education based on the Cambridge International programmes of study and
the National Curriculum for England. The teaching force at AMETIS, made up of expatriates and Malaysian
teachers, are a team of highly motivated individuals, who have vast experience in international schools.
Asia Pacific International School (APIS)
No. 1, Persiaran A, Off Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang,
47200 Subang, Selangor
Tel: 03-7847 1000 www.apis.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: August Fees: RM14,250 to RM30,750 per annum
Asia Pacific Schools is well-positioned to tap into the expertise and support of the APIIT Education
Group. A.P.I.S. and allows its students the greatest scope to discover their passion. The school’s
extensive campus and facilities ensure that the students have the greatest number of options and
opportunities in all areas of their academic and personal development.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 73

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Austin Heights Private & International School
No.2, Jalan Austin Heights 3/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07-351 5000 / 07-351 3000 / 07-351 3003 www.austinheights.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: October
Fees: RM8,400 to RM18,000 per annum
Austin Heights Schools is built on a 5-acre site within the prestigious Austin Heights Education
Corridor. The school adopts the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) integrated with the National
Curriculum of England which has been designed to suit the changing trend of learners especially for
those from diversified cultural background. Apart from that, the school also adopts the Cambridge
International Primary Programme Curriculum and The Cambridge Secondary 1 & 2.
Australian International School Malaysia
22, Jalan Anggerik, The Mines Resort City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Tel: 03-8943 0622 www.aism.edu.my Curriculum: Australia
Intake: Available upon request Fees: RM3,936 to RM19,264 per term
AISM was established in 2000, is the first and only International School in Malaysia offering an
Australian curriculum delivered by Australian teachers and following the Australian school year.
The school, located in a secure gated community, overlooks the picturesque South Lake of Mines
Resort City. AISM houses all three of its school; Junior, Middle and Senior on one campus and has
more than 580 students represented by over 30 different nationalities. The school offers a rigorous
academic programme leading to the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Baseerah International School
Lot 1815, Jalan Lintang, Sri Gombak Heights, Taman Sri Gombak,
68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Tel: 03-6185 9560 www.baseerah.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM3,500 to RM7,500 per term
Baseerah International School is an international school which uses English as the medium of
instruction, with intense attention on Arabic language and Islamic studies. Baseerah Academic
syllabus is provided by Cambridge International Privacy Programme (CIPP). Baseerah International
School concentrates on the consolidation of Islamic Values in both curriculum and co curricular. The
focus is on helping the students to correlate learning outcome to the real life.
Beaconhouse Sri Inai International
No 1098, Jalan Jejarum Off Jalan SS 23/6, Taman SEA,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7804 5403 www.beaconhouse.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM7,710 to RM30,000 per annum
Beaconhouse Malaysia was established in 2004 and to date has a total of eleven schools in
Malaysia. Seven out of eleven are preschools, and the others are the primary and secondary schools.
Beaconhouse Sri Inai International is one of the Beaconhouse schools in Kuala Lumpur which follows
the British curriculum. The school is built on 2.5 acres of land nestled in Kuala Lumpur.
74
SmartKids World Vol. 09

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Cempaka International School (Cheras & Damansara Heights)
Charis International School
Dalat International School
Cheras: Persiaran Awana, Taman Cheras Permata 2, 43200 Cheras, Selangor
Damansara Heights: 19 Jalan Setia Bakti 1, Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9076 8400 www.cempaka.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August (Cheras) January (Damansara Heights)
Fees: Available upon request
In 1983, Cempaka Schools was established, by a family for a family. Dato’ Freida Pilus started
Cempaka School in a rented bungalow to provide the best possible education of sorts. It has since
expanded to form the Cempaka Group of Schools.
TB4111, Tmn Setia, Mile 2, Jln Datuk Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Tel: 089-748830 charis.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: August Fees: RM15,000 to 25,000 per annum
Charis International School Tawau is the first Ministry of Education approved international school for
Tawau and the third for the East Malaysian State of Sabah. Charis aims to provide an internationally
recognized education to local and expatriate students in Tawau and the East Coast of Sabah as well
as foreign students from nearby countries. Charis International School will seek for registration with
the Sabah State Education Department and affiliation with Cambridge International Examinations
(CIE) U.K. to become a Cambridge School, offering the Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary and
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) to their students.
Tanjung Bungah 11200 Penang
Tel: 04-899 2105 www.dalat.org Curriculum: American
Intake: October Fees: RM8,640 to RM39,480 per annum
Dalat International School, with its main campus located in Penang, started as a boarding school
for children of missionaries in Southeast Asia and has grown into one of the leaders in international
education. The school offers the American curriculum from elementary to high school. Dalat’s
excellent academic and boarding programs are well-known around the world and fully accredited by
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools
International (ACSI).
Deutsche Schule Kuala Lumpur
Lot 5, Lorong Utara B, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7956 6557 www.dskl.edu.my Curriculum: German
Intake: August Fees: Available upon request
The German School of Kuala Lumpur (DSKL) is a non-profit private institution. It provides education
for students spanning from Kindergarten to Secondary School which leads to the German
University Entrance Qualification “DIAP” (Deutsches Internationales Abitur). The German school
is also supported by the ‘Central Organisation of German Schools Abroad’ (Zentralstelle für
Auslandsschulwesen).
SmartKids World Vol. 09 75

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Dutch International School in Kuala Lumpur
16 Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: -- www.de-bontekoe.com Curriculum: German
Intake: --
Fees: Available upon request
Parents who are living temporarily in Malaysia may have to face issues when it comes to their kids’
education. However, kids who are having a Dutch education will not have such problems, thanks to
The Dutch Cultural Centre The Bontekoe, which started its classes last September at the Gardens
International School, Mt Kiara. Here, teachers and pupils work together to allow enrollment to take
place as smoothly as possible that the children progress well in their Dutch education. This is done
with a curriculum of 120 hours per school and teaching materials as it is used in an ordinary school in
the Netherlands. You can find Bontekoe on Facebook for weekly updates and more info.
DwiEmas International School
Precinct 4.3, PT 45, Jalan Ikhtias 14 / 1, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: 03-7865 5787 www.dwiemas.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January
Fees: RM28,000 to RM45,750
DwiEmas International School, Malaysia’s first entrepreneurial school, goes beyond academic
excellence. Further bolstering our curriculum is our unique Skills Enhancement Programme, aimed
at grooming all-rounded students who will excel in both work and life. Opening on a brand new
sprawling campus in Shah Alam, DwiEmas will boast world-class facilities, providing a conducive
learning environment for its students.
Eaton International School
Persiaran Puncak Utama, Jade Hills, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: 03-8741 4965 www.eaton.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September, January & April Fees: RM20,000 to RM45,000 per annum
Eaton International School aspires to be the international benchmark for schools of the future in
Asia. Founded by a team of passionate educationists with individual track record of over 20 years
in private and international education, the school offers an environment with a school ethos which
is synonymous with creative and personalised learning, solid academic rigour and an inspiring,
stimulating and enjoyable learning experience for our students. Eaton adopts the English National
Curriculum with an awareness of the international and local context, promoting creative learning
spaces with the needs of the future in mind.
Ekhlass International School (E.I.S)
Lot 4779, PT7227, Taman Kijal Meraga, 24100, Kijal, Terengganu
Tel: 09-863 1136 www.ekhlassinternationalschool.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM13,800 (kindergarten), RM19,200 (primary school),
RM21,000 (secondary school)
Ekhlass International School (E.I.S) was established in 1995, offering academic needs to the increasing
numbers of expatriate children in Terengganu. From a modest school housing less than 10 children
in its pioneering days, E.I.S now has over 100 children of diverse ages and background, with over 22
academic staff. E.I.S follows the British Academic Curriculum; catering from pre-school to secondary
level. Located within walking distance from the breathtakingly beautiful natural Awana beaches, E.I.S
promises to provide a high international standard of education within Malaysian shores.
76
SmartKids World Vol. 09

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
elc International School
Epsom College
Lot 3664, Jalan Sierramas Barat, Sungai Buloh, 47000 Selangor
Tel: 03-6156 5001/2(Sg. Buloh), 03-8319 1641/2(Cyberjaya) www.elc.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM10,140 (first year) to RM33,810 (Year 11) per annum
elc International School was established in 1987 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The school offers the
English curriculum of England for its primary and secondary divisions. Being an English medium
International School, elc is open for children of Expatriate parents and to Malaysian families. The
Cyberjaya Campus opened its doors for the first time on September 6th 2010. The Cyberjaya
campus strive to follow their tradition of honest and hard work in order to compete with other big
International Schools in the region.
Persiaran Kolej, 71760 Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-2404 188 www.epsomcollege.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM42,350 to RM82,500 per annum
Epsom College in Malaysia is a boarding and day school on a 50-acre site at Bandar Enstek, south of
Kuala Lumpur. Seen as a major development in the field of education in Malaysia, Epsom College is
co-educational and follows the British National Curriculum with all teaching in English. The Senior
School for pupils aged 11-18 is both a day and boarding school. It opened in September 2014 with a
small Prep School on site for day pupils aged 3-11 years old.
EtonHouse International School Kuala Lumpur
No.9, Persiaran Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 1300-88-3866 / 03-2141 3301 / 03-2141 3302 www.etonhouse.my
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Intake: September
Fees: RM24,000 to RM28,800 per annum
Welcome to EtonHouse Pre-School Malaysia, where your child will be taken on their first educational
journey in life. This school is truly unique as it is the only Pre-School in Kuala Lumpur to use Inquire,
Think, Learn, a Reggio Emilia inspired approach to learning. EtonHouse nurtures and aids natural
curiosity to develop a stronger sense of inquiry. Trained facilitators scaffold this inquiry, foster it, and
plan ahead for further and deeper learning. Children become risk-takers and reflective thinkers.
Excel Vision Education & K12
Wisma Arena@33 No. 33-1, Jalan Cecawi 6/33, Section 6,
Kota Damansara 47810, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-6142 3473 www.xcelvision.com Curriculum: American
Intake: All year Fees: Available upon request
An affordable accredited education program that is ideally customised to suit its students’
needs. Offers the leading online curriculum and programs in the K-12 market. Products are rooted
in decades of educational research and specifically focused on unlocking the innate and unique
potential in each child through individualized learning approaches, exceptional and engaging content
that makes learning come alive, and outstanding engagement and support of teachers.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Excelsior International School
No. 8, Jalan Purnama, Bandar Seri Alam, 81100 Masai, Johor
Tel: 07-3888 999 / 07-3888 800 www.eis.edu.my
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Intake: August
Fees: Available upon request
Excelsior International School is a purpose-built International School campus in the City of
Knowledge in Bandar Seri Alam, part of the Eastern Corridor of Iskandar Malaysia. Excelsior
International School offers international curricula for children from Nursery to High School with age
ranging from 3 to 18 years of age. Established to provide the local and expatriate community with
high standard educational experience, Excelsior International School infuses its curricula offering with
the Singapore Ministry of Education’s curriculum – especially in the area of Mathematics and Science.
Fairview International School - Kuala Lumpur (IB World School)
4178 Jalan 1/27D, Section 6, Wangsa Maju 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4142 0888 www.fairview.edu.my
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Intake: September
Fees: RM9,000 to RM36,000 per annum (vary according to school)
Fairview Kuala Lumpur is the first and only continuum IB World School in Malaysia offering three
challenging IB programmes to pupils from more than 50 countries aged 3 to 19. Since 1978 Fairview
has evolved to create more IB World Schools throughout Malaysia, including Johor and Penang with
Fairview Subang as a candidate IB school. Fairview intends to expand globally as a network of 15 IB
World schools in Asia, Australia and UK within the coming years.
Garden International School
16, Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6209 6888 www.gardenschool.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: August Fees: RM34,260 to RM82,515 per annum
Garden International School (GIS) is the largest private, co-educational, international school in
Malaysia and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Established in 1951, GIS
provides British-style education to the expatriate and local community in Kuala Lumpur. The school
has two campuses in Kuala Lumpur and one on the East Coast of Malaysia in Kuantan. In total, the
school has over 2,000 students representing over 60 nationalities. Teachers are mainly recruited from
the United Kingdom, Australia and Malaysia.
GEMS International School Pearl City
No.2, Persiaran Mutiara 5, Pusat Komersial Bandar Tasek Mutiara,
14120 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-509 7000 www.gemsinternationalschool-pearl.com
Curriculum: British Intake: September
Fees: RM20,000 to RM42,000 per annum
The GEMS International School of Pearl City, Penang, offers the best international education for students
between 3 and 18 from all backgrounds, cultures and educational levels. Teaching a curriculum which is taught
in over 150 countries and can open doors to the most prestigious higher education establishments: the National
Curriculum for England and Wales – also known as the “British Curriculum”, student learning is further enriched
with significant additions of Malaysian subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, History, Moral or Islamic Studies. GEMS
has deep roots in Malaysian values and culture, as exemplified by their motto, “Malaysia first, the world next!”.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Global Indian International School - Global Montessori Plus & Primary Campus
55, Jalan Thamby Abdullah, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2273 7255 www.globalschoolmalaysia.org
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: April
Fees: RM10,360 to RM29,320 per annum
The Global Indian School (GIIS), was established since 2006 in Kuala Lumpur under the guiding
principles of the Global Schools Foundation, comprising of 20 campuses in seven countries. The GIIS
schools offer a well designed pedagogy that will promote a more interactive and experiential learning
for students. The focus of the development is based on the Multiple Intelligences, Emotional Skills
and Life Skills of the students. The primary campus is located at Brickfields, a short walk away from
KL Sentral.
Greenview Islamic School
D’Bayu Business Centre, 14 Jalan Serambi U8/24, Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong,
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: 019-319 2388 / 019-370 2388
www.greenviewislamicschool.com Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM800 to RM1400 per month
Greenview Islamic School lights the flame of learning in students by creating the focus to want to
learn within them. The school stresses on the development of the essential four `C’s in its students:
Critical Thinking; Creative Thinking; Communication Skills; Character Building. Greenview Islamic
School prepares students with the necessary capabilities for the future. The school strives to equip
students with the capacity to solve complex problems; the ability to think out of the box; the
confidence to speak in front of an audience; spiritual strength to move mountains and leadership
qualities that will help them succeed in life as stressed upon by Allaah.
Havil International School
21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2276 3338 www.havilinternational.edu.my
Curriculum: IGCSE Intake: Available upon request
Fees: RM12,340 to RM19,340 per annum
An IGCSE curriculum international school open for 6 to 16 year olds. With class sizes of up to 22 for
effective and more communicative teaching. Its location in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur makes it easily
accessible for students who use KL Sentral to travel around.
HELP International School (HIS)
No 2 Persiaran Cakerawala, Subang Bestari, Seksyen U4,
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Tel: 03-7809 7000 www.his.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM27,000 to RM39,000 per annum
The HELP education group, known for being a leading player in tertiary education, established the
HELP International School (HIS) which begun its first intake of students in September 2013. The
school, run on the platform of the British education curriculum, caters to students from preschool
level all the way up to secondary school level. HIS is housed at a purposed built campus facility in
Subang Bestari which is located next to Kota Damansara and the Subang Airport.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Highlands International Boarding School
Idrissi International Primary School
No.15 Jalan Setia Dagang AK U13/AK, 7th Avenue, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam,
40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: 03-8051 2376
www.idrissischool.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: Available upon request Fees: RM15,000 to RM25,000 per annum
At Idrissi, it is their utmost precedence to ensure outstanding yet affordable international education.
With almost 15 years of experience in the education industry, Idrissi School humbly presents their
brilliantly structured, carefully researched and meticulously selected programmes, which include the
Idrissi British National Curriculum, Idrissi Islamia Curriculum, Idrissi Eco-Muslim Curriculum and Idrissi
Meaningful Foreign Language (Idrissi Zheng He Mandarin TM and Idrissi Bahasa Melayu dan Alam TM ).
Along with state-of-the-art facilities on campus, Idrissi is also the world’s first eco-Islamic school. To
date, Idrissi is backed by many world renowned institutions and Malaysian government bodies.
IGB International School
10KM Genting Highlands, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Tel: 03-6100 1688 www.smsaleha.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM39,000 to RM40,200 per annum
Nestled in the scenic valley at Genting Highlands, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, all year
round cool climate and yet only 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur, the Highlands International
School (HIBS) and Sekolah Menengah (SWASTA) Saleha (SMS Saleha) are two co-educational,
fully residential schools. It offers International and Malaysian students quality secondary education
offering the IGCSE or the KBSM curriculum until ‘A’ level by a team of caring, committed and
competent professional educators.
2 Jalan Sierramas Utama Sierramas, Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Tel: 03-6730 7788 www.igbis.edu.my
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Intake: August
Fees: Available upon request
Scheduled to open its doors in August 2014, IGBIS will be a coeducational, Kindergarten to Grade 12 day
school situated in the north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The school plans to offer, subject to authorisation,
the academically rigorous, highly respected International Baccalaureate Programmes to students at all
grade levels: Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades
6 to 10), Diploma Programme and Career-related Certificate (Grades 11 and 12). It is also set to offer
extensive programmes for the broader community in sports, the arts, and continuing education.
International Islamic School Malaysia
Batu 8, Jalan Sungai Pusu, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6188 4400 www.iis.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM9,000 to RM17,600 per annum
The International Islamic School (IIS) was established in September 1998 and is now located at Batu
8 Gombak. It is the fruit of years of study by Muslim scholars from various parts of the world who
taught in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and yearned for a model integrated
Islamic school that could serve their children and also those of others, especially Muslim expatriates.
The School is a testimony to the university’s continuous effort to provide quality, affordable,
balanced, integrated and holistic education guided by the principles of Islam.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
International Modern Arabic School
Jalan P14k, Presint 14, 62050 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
Tel: 03-8888 5388 www.imas.edu.my Curriculum: UK & IGCSE
Intake: September Fees: RM9,000 to RM14,000 per annum
This school offers the British international curriculum integrated with the Arabic syllabus to 1,700 students
ranging between kindergarten to Grade 12 from more than 50 different countries. At IMAS, diversity in
culture can be seen from the multinational background of its workforce and students. This forms a unique
and powerful ground in leading the school toward success. Teachers are from no less than 18 nationalities
including Malaysia, as they come together to guide and help students to understand the subject matter,
to communicate and to connect with each other.
International School of Kuantan
Jalan IM 7/9, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan 25200, Pahang
Tel: 09-573 6010 www.isk.edu.my Curriculum: American
Intake: Available upon request Fees: RM24,000 to RM26,000 per annum
The International School Of Kuantan (ISK) is a private International School legally registered with
the Registrar Of Schools and Teachers in the Pahang State Department of Education. The purpose
of the school is to provide quality education for expatriate children residing in Kuantan and other
foreign students and also qualified Malaysian students. The school’s programmes are modeled on the
curricula and practices of outstanding public and private schools in the United States of America. The
academic programmes, using English as the medium of instruction, prepare students for admission
to universities.
Kidurong International School
Mile 4, Tanjong Kidurong Road, P.O Box 1084, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak
Tel: 08-6251 491 www.kiduronginternationalschool.net
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September Fees: RM27,000 per annum
Kidurong International School is a school catering for the children of expatriate Shell staff. Upon
availability of space, the school takes in non-Shell expatriate children and local Shell staff’s children.
Kidurong International School is learning focused with the aim to encourage and enhance the
students’ learning while enabling them to become better learners. This includes artistic, musical,
physical, linguistic, mathematical and general academic development with values in personal and
social areas and the development of international mindedness.
Kinabalu International School
P.O Box 12080, 88822 Kota Kinabalu, Off Jalan Khidmat, Bukit Padang
Tel: 088-224526 / 248097 / 245325 www.kis.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August
Fees: RM20,391 to RM31,275 per annum
Kinabalu International School (KIS) is the oldest international school in Sabah, which was established
in 1970. The school offers the British National Curriculum leading IGCSE. In 2000, KIS was one
of the first schools in Malaysia to introduce the International General Certificate of Secondary
Education (IGCSE) for students in Year 10 and Year 11. With its period of academic success, the KIS is
considered one of the most successful British international schools in Sabah.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Kingsley International School
Kolej Tuanku Jaafar
Persiaran Kingsley, Kingsley Hills, Putra Heights, 47650 Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03- 5191 9808 www.kingsley.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM20,580 to RM22,680 per annum
Kingsley International School is currently situated in Putra Heights and will be moving to its main campus
at Kingsley Hills soon. Kingsley International School offers the British National Curriculum spanning from
Nursery to the Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum to both international and local students. The school provides
the early years programme for children aged 3 to 5 years old followed by the primary years (Year 1 to
Year 9) leading to the Cambridge IGCSE for secondary years (Year 10 to Year 11).
71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-758 2561 www.ktj.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: August Fees: RM7,350 to RM25,300 per annum
Kolej Tuanku Jaafar is located in Negeri Sembilan, a 45-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur. The
school was founded in 1991 and aims to create one of the world’s leading British-style boarding
school in Malaysia. Kolej Tuanku Jaafar follows the British Curriculum that caters to students
spanning from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) up to Sixth Form. The school provides
outstanding facilities, dedicated teachers and a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities.
Kuala Lumpur Chinese Taipei School
No.1, Persiaran Sungai Selangor, Bukit Rimau, Seksyen 32,
40460 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: 03-5121 3100 www.cts.edu.my/web2008/ Curriculum: Taiwan
Intake: September Fees: Available upon request
Founded in 1991, the school has well-equipped laboratories, language lab, music room, cooking
room, art and craft classroom, dancing room, and computer rooms. It follows the Taiwan’s
educational schedule, first term starts from September to January, and second term starts from
February to June. The school has many clubs for students to participate in: soccer, table tennis, English
movie, student association, drama performance, and chess. CTSKL has professional and experienced
faculty with teachers who are young, energetic, friendly and caring towards the students.
Labuan International School
No. 5012, Off Jalan Tanjung Batu, P.O Box 82192, 87031, F.T Labuan
Tel: 087-421 059 / 410 484 www.lis.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM13,200 (Year 1) to RM18,000 (Year 11) per annum
Labuan International School is located near the Labuan Financial Park. It is an innovative educational
centre that had achieved significant progress over the years to be on par with other international
institutions within the region. The school offers the British curriculum that serves students from up to
A-levels. All subjects use English as the medium of instructions. As a premier international school, LIS
constantly upgrades its facilities in order to serve the students better in their academic performances
and also offers lots of additional extra-curricular activities.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Lodge International School (Sekolah Antarabangsa Lodge)
Lorong Keranji 4E, Jalan Keranji 4, Tabuan Desa, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: 082-363 554 www.lodgeschool.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM4,840 to RM18,000 per annum
Lodge International School is an integral part of the Lodge Group of Schools. The aim is to
create a positive and stimulating learning environment that enables students to reach their full
potential.Lodge International School has been an accredited centre of the University of Cambridge
International Examinations (CIE) since 2000. Students study and sit for the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) offered by CIE and they have the option of completing
the A-level programme.
Lycee Francais de Kuala Lumpur
34, Jalan Dutamas Raya, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6250 4415 www.lfkl.edu.my
Curriculum: French Intake: March
Fees: Available upon request
Arising from democratic ideals and preparing for a more open, multilingual future of society the
School Development Plan of Lycee Francais de Kuala Lumpur emphasizes the transmission of
references and principles of learning, reflection and action to the students in a multinational society.
It represents and brings universal values to life for the children and adults: equal opportunities and
treatment for girls and boys, tolerance and openness towards others.
Malacca Expatriate School (Primary)
2443-C, Jalan Batang Tiga, 76400 Tanjung Kling, Melaka
Tel: 06-3154 970 www.expatriateschool.com.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM2,500 to RM6,000 (every 4 months)
A fully registered primary school with over 30 years experience in educating expatriate children. The
school offers high quality education with a high level of individual attention due to its low student
to teacher ratio. The school celebrates the fact that learning is an adventure and that every student
counts and gets a chance to be fully involved. Activities such as school excursions, drama productions,
family day and concerts are utilized to foster cooperation and team spirit among the students.
Marlborough College Malaysia
Jalan Malborough, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Tel: 07-560 2200 www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August
Fees: RM20,055 to RM50,000 per term
Marlborough College Malaysia, aims to become one of the world’s leading coeducational boarding
schools in Malaysia. Marlborough believes that true education can be built upon developing student’s
intellectual, personal, and spiritual exploration. Marlborough College Malaysia follows the English
National Curriculum to cater for students spanning from Reception (age 4) to Sixth Form (age 18).
Marlborough College Malaysia provides high quality education for expatriate children residing with
their families in Malaysia.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Matrix International School
MAZ International School
PT 12652, Sendayan Merchant Square Persiaran 1 Sendayan Utama,
Pusat Dagangan Sendayan, 71950 Bandar Sri Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-781 9888 www.matrixschools.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM15,000 to RM27,000 per annum
Adopting a East meets West philosophy; Matrix International School is an approved centre for Cambridge
International Examinations, offering programmes for Years 1 to 11 or Key Stages 1 to 4. Students will
graduate at Year 11 with the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) /
O levels equivalent). We will be introducing A Levels courses in the future. Teachers have been carefully
selected on the basis of their International experience, and the majority are from overseas. The local
teachers are also selected based on their International and/or International School experience.
Lot. 2, Jalan Kristal 7/64, Section 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: 03-5510 1511 / 03-5510 2933 / 03-5510 2934
www.mazinternational.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM9,000 to RM30,000 per annum
MAZ International School provides an excellent education with special and individual attention for
expatriate and Malaysian children. Its new branch, MAZ International School Shah Alam, is a full time
Home-style Boarding and Day School. It is an 8.5 acre campus with state-of-the-art Academic and
Sports facilities complemented by committed and enthusiastic educators.
Melaka International School
Lot 363, Jalan Siantan, Taman Siantan, Kampung Lapan, 75200 Melaka
Tel: 06-3368 781 / 4 / 5 www.mis.edu.myk
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM12,051 per annum
Melaka International School (MIS) was established in 1993 as an international school for expatriate
families as well as local families. MIS provides students with a firm, all-round interactive curriculum.
Students will acquire knowledge, culture, values, and skills. It also encourages a cultural mix that
values unity in diversity among all the members of the community. MIS believes that in order to
sustain in a competitive environment, students are required to possess a diverse cultural perspective.
Mont’ Kiara International School (M’KIS)
22 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2093 8604 www.mkis.edu.my Curriculum: American
Intake: August Fees: RM50,969 to RM98,839 per annum
Mont’ Kiara International School (M’KIS), was established in 1994 in Kuala Lumpur. M’KIS offers
a North American curriculum and it is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges as well as the International Baccalaureate Organization. The elementary school serves
students in Kindergarten Preparatory (KP – 3 & 4 years old) and education spans to grade five (10 to
11 years old). Besides that, M’KIS also offers two distinctive high school programs, the International
Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, and the U.S. high school diploma.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Mutiara International Grammar School
Lot 707, Jalan Kerja Air Lama, Ampang Jaya, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: 03-4252 1452 / 03-4257 8678 www.migs.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM9,533 to RM28,532 per term
Mutiara International Grammar School started in 1997 as a small school but years later the
enrolment rate rose tremendously, hence MIGS started to screen its intake for quality students. The
school offers the British National Curriculum from reception up to secondary level and uses English
as the medium of instructions in and out of the classroom. The school believes in developing
students’ intellectual, artistic, sporting, emotional and socio-cultural well-being in order to bring
out their best academic performances.
Nexus International School, Putrajaya
No.1, Jalan Diplomatik 3/6, Presint 15, 62050 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Tel: 03-8889 3868 / ext 110 www.nexus.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August
Fees: RM10,000 to RM17,667 per term
An internationally minded learning community that nurtures and supports every child’s emotional,
physical, creative and intellectual needs so that they can achieve academic success and become
globally responsible citizens. This is accomplished by promoting diversity and challenging minds. At
Nexus International School, everyone is treated as gifted and talented through careful mentorship
and guidance that is based on respect for all, in an environment that allows these talents to flourish.
Nilai International School
Nobel International School
No. 3, Persiaran Kolej BBN, Putra Nilai, 71800 Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-8502 188 www.nis.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM21,000 to RM35,000 per annum
Nilai International School (NIS) is one of Malaysia’s largest international schools. Situated in the lush
suburb of Putra Nilai, it is superbly constructed and is one of the best purpose-built schools in Malaysia.
Built on 15 acres of prime real estate land of an educational hub, NIS is beautiful, safe and provides a
unique education experience to awaken and develop the learning senses of children. It is adjacent to
the 105 acre Nilai University, a thriving Campus that students can aspire to graduate from.
Lot No 2A & 2B, Jalan SS5D/6, Kelana Jaya, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7880 6325 www.nobel.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: Available upon request
Nobel International School adopts the Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP) for Key Stages
1 and 2. CIPP presents a curriculum framework to develop English, Mathematics and Science skills and
knowledge in young children from age 6 to 11 years old in preparation for secondary education. The
primary programme is based on a set of common principles underpinned by the best educational and
assessment practices. It provides guidance for curriculum development and classroom teaching and learning,
and allows teachers to assess students as they progress. The emphasis at primary school is on Literacy,
Numeracy and Scientific Enquiry.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Pegasus International School
No. 1, Jalan Tasek, Bandar Seri Alam 81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: 07-3878 700 www.pegasus.edu.my Curriculum: Singapore
Intake: January Fees: RM25,000 to RM50,000 per annum
Pegasus International School believes in a holistic approach to education and a learning environment
in which students are nurtured throughout their education. The school provides world class
international learning experiences for Malaysians and international students from Kindergarten to
Senior High School by providing a curriculum that reflects the school’s commitment to ‘Eastern Values
and Western Education’. Programmes offered are largely based on curriculum from Singapore and
Australia and then modified for the local student community.
Prince of Wales Island International School
1 Jalan Sungai Air Putih 6, Bandar Baru Air Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-868 9999 www.powiis.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM36,000 to RM78,000 (vary depending on needs)
Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS), founded on the ethos of top British boarding
schools, offers a complete education with a global outlook. It is the first school in Malaysia to offer large
scale British-style boarding alongside thriving day education. With a projected roll of 800, POWIIS is a
school that puts academic endeavour at the top of its list of priorities ensuring that academic excellence is
respected and recognised. The curriculum is based on British standards, leading to IGCSE and A level.
Raffles American School (RAS)
RAS, Lot No 1, 5 Persiaran Ledang Heights, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Tel: 07-510 2668 / 2888 www.raffles-american-school.edu.my
Curriculum: American Intake: January Fees: RM46,500 per annum
Raffles American School (RAS) is located in the Anjung Neighbourhood Centre, Nusajaya, Johor. The
school believes in creating an innovative educational centre to be at par with other international
institutions within the region, offering the U.S. standards curriculum that serves from elementary up
to high school students. All subjects use the English language as the medium of instructions. RAS
empowers students to unleash their maximum potential in order to develop the critical skills needed
in the 21st century.
Rafflesia International & Private Schools (Puchong)
Persiaran Sierra 2, Bandar 16 Sierra, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: 03-8953 9088 www.rafflesia.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM18,000 to RM41,700 per annum
With over 20 years in the field of education, the school thrives in providing a holistic development
approach to equip students with the best possible educational experience from the pre-school
to the pre-university level. With an approach combining traditional values and modern teaching
philosophies, students would be groomed to become well-rounded and dynamic members of society
with the critical knowledge and soft skills to succeed. Quality education with global vision and
traditional values carried out by qualified, experienced and caring staff.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
R.E.A.L Schools
Lot 5, Jalan Merah Saga U9/5, 40250 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: 03-7846 3985 / 03-7846 4016 www.realschools.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM12,000 to RM28,500 per annum
Since its establishment, R.E.A.L International Schools have been attracting many students; not only
Malaysians but also students of various nationalities from 21 countries. The experienced teachers comprise
of both locals and expatriates. All R.E.A.L students are guided by the ‘Five REAL Pillars of Life’ – which
consist of Character Building, Language Mastery, Effective Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills
and the Science of Multiple Intelligences. These tenets are designed to nurture students to be confident,
globall-minded citizens who possess sound character, intellect and social skills.
Regent International School
Jalan Kopi, 41200 Klang, Selangor
Tel: 03-3373 7771 www.regent.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fee: RM16,500 per annum
Regent International School is the first international school located in the township of Klang. RIS
provides the British curriculum primary and secondary education to students. All subjects use English
as the medium of instructions. The academic and co-curricula contents are specially designed
and monitored to ensure the students develop with well-rounded personalities, succeed in their
examinations and be prepared them for the future.
Sayfol International School
261, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4256 8781 www.sayfol.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM2,500 to RM6,500 per term
Sayfol International School is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre. SIS is an international
school that provides the British curriculum from nursery up to A Levels students. The school uses English
as the medium of instructions in and out of the classroom. The school has taken great lengths to
provide sound education and to emphasize on students’ character building to ensure that they develop
with great personalities, and prepare them for greater achievements in the near future.
Seri Omega International School
Lot 6974, Jalan Beringin 5, Taman Beringin, 81400 Senai, Johor
Tel: 07-599 8998 www.seriomega.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM21,000 per annum
A premier school in Johor Bahru, Seri Omega Private & International School was established in 2002. At
the end of 2013, the school relocated to its brand new purpose-built campus at Senai. Sprawling over
10 acres of lush green surroundings, the garden-concept school is complete with state-of-the-art facilities
including 90 air-conditioned classrooms, six science laboratories, computer labs, library and a modern
air-conditioned multipurpose hall accommodating up to 1,200 seats. Here at Seri Omega, the school
upholds their motto of maintaining “A Tradition of Excellence in Education”. Seri Omega ensures excellent
academic performance – thanks to its unique school system and dedicated teaching staff.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Sri Ara International School
23, Jalan Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07-222 2089 / 07-223 0089 www.internationalschooljohor.com
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: December
Fees: RM15,000 to RM24,000 per annum
Sri Ara International School is a private, co-educational international school in Johor Bahru catering
for students from aged 5 to 16 years. The school follows the British National Curriculum. The British
National Curriculum is one of the fastest growing adoption rates by international schools worldwide.
Emphasis is placed on the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science.
Sri Emas International School
Lot 1214, Seksyen 40, Batu 10, Lebuhraya Persekutuan Off Jalan SS7/2,
47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel: 03-7865 5787 / 3482 / 5563
www.sriemas.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January & August Fees: RM25,000 to RM35,000 per annum
Seri Emas International School provides a rigorous academic programme through which dynamic
educators lead students to become better thinkers and independent lifelong learners. An integral part
of the learning process challenges students to ask questions, solve problems and make thoughtful
decisions. The academic programme currently prepares students to undertake the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). One of the Cambridge International Examinations, ICGSE is
internationally recognized as equivalent to the UK GCSE and the International GCE O-Level examinations.
Sri KDU International School
No.5, Jalan Teknologi 2/1, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling, Selangor
Tel: 03-6145 3888 www.srikdu.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM34,000 to RM50,000 per annum
Sri KDU ® International School (SKIS) offers a platform for holistic education through a personalized
approach to teaching and learning. The school strongly believes in developing the whole child and that
education should be about improving students physically and mentally. While academic success is given
due priority, the school also respects the value of arts and sports in a child’s development.
Sri Kuala Lumpur School
No. 1, Jalan SS 15/7A, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-5634 3491 / 03-5634 3493 www.srikl.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: January
Fees: RM12,200 to RM25,400 per annum
Sri Kuala Lumpur School is located in the Klang Valley. The school provides the British curriculum
spanning from pre-school up to secondary levels. All subjects are taught in English. Sri KL has been
awarded the membership to operate the Cambridge International Primary Programme by the
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Sri KL secondary follows the local KBSM curriculum and
the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), commonly known as O’ levels.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Sri Pelita School
Jalan Cengai, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Tel: 04-8906 277 / 04-8996 277 www.pelitaschool.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM7,800 to RM18,600 per annum
Pelita International School offers the British curriculum that caters to students from age 4 to 16 years
old. Pelita’s strong emphasis on co-curricular activities provides a platform for students to develop
personal character and core values outside the traditional classroom. At Pelita International School,
students develop thinking, reasoning and learning skills which are essential for engaging effectively
in a 21st century life, balancing the acquisition of knowledge for academic glory with character
development, while building a great foundation for future achievements.
Sri Rafelsia Learning Support & Intervention Services
No. 10, Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-371 0372 / 03-2300 3372 www.srirafelsia.com
Curriculum: British (UK) and American Intake: --
Fees: RM36,000 per annum
Sri Rafelsia is a recognised elite avenue for diverse learners in the Asian region to gain access to
effective learning strategies. Established in 2000, programmes at Sri Rafelsia ensure the overall
academic development of students through an emphasis on cognitive and creative skills training in
addition to formal training of intellectual skills. Their cutting-edge programmes are highly successful
because they are grounded on a solid base of brain and education theories and they are also
combined with exceptional quality of structured and sequenced instruction. Programmes are also
specifically tailored to meet the learning needs of individual learners.
Sri Utama Schools Kuala Lumpur
Lot 27, Jalan Usahawan 5, Setapak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4021 2490 www.sriutama.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August
Fees: Available upon request
Sri Utama Schools, incorporating Utama International Schools and Sekolah Sri Utama, are a combined
International and Malaysian National School approved and recognised by the Ministry of Education,
Malaysia, as co-educational institutions. The schools are established to teach children from Kindergarten,
and Primary, right through to Lower and Upper Secondary levels in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.
Students are also encouraged to take part in extensive co-currricular programs providing a well-rounded
education that includes physical exercise, an appreciation of the arts, and other cultural activities.
St Christopher’s International Primary School (SCIPS)
10, Nun Road, 10350 Penang
Tel: 04-226 3589/ 04-228 0752 www.scips.org.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August
Fees: RM2,800 to RM6,200 per term
St. Christopher’s International Primary School of Penang is a non-profit school specializing in Primary/
Elementary Education for expatriate as well as local children from the ages of 3 to 11 years old. It is
managed by a board of Governors who represent both the expatriate and Malaysian communities.
The school offers the British Education System which uses English as the medium of instruction. This
school is a result of the joint planning committee of the Western Road School and the Firrell School
Associate formed in 1963.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
St. John’s International School
Lot 145, Jalan Bukit Nanas, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2034 1288 www.sjis.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM12,000 per annum
St John’s International School ( SJIS) is a private-funded international school that is in collaboration
with the La Salle Brothers Malaysia. The establishment of SJIS prioritizes in catering to the needs of
young Malaysians and also to link the school to a Lasallian organization that has an outstanding and
reputable history of delivering excellent education in Malaysia and 82 other countries worldwide.
The school presents a new environment for students from different cultures and background to be
nurtured in excellence in education, sports and extra-curricular activities.
St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia
No.1, Jalan PJU 3/13, 47100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-8605 3605 www.sji-international.edu.my
Curriculum: British, IBDP Intake: August
Fees: RM36,800 to RM81,900 per annum
SJII Malaysia is a brother school of the esteemed St Joseph’s Institution and SJI International in
Singapore. St Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia provides a Lasallian holistic education
for three to 18 year olds. The institution offers the International Primary Curriculum, Singapore Math
and a strong Mandarin Programme as well as the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programmes. The institution is part of the La Salle Brothers and is founded under the auspices of the
Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD).
Straits International School
No.2, Lilitan Sg Tiram, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 04-643 1815 / 010-771 1515 / 010-787 1515
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: All Year Round
Fees: RM4,500 to RM9,300 per term
Sunway International School
sisgroup.edu.my
This school believes that all students can learn, and every student is a unique individual with an
equal potential to excel. Standards of achievement and performance are high, emphasizing on a
developmental, student-centred approach to teaching. The teachers encourage the development
of independent learning skills and self-reflection in the learning process; at the same time nurture
students’ character of personal integrity and responsibility towards others and the environment.
Physical activity and fine arts studies are available for students.
No 3, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7491 8070 www.sis.sunway.edy.my
Curriculum: Canadian Intake: January
Fees: RM30,000 to RM36,000 per annum
Sunway International School (“SIS”) is the only private co-educational institution in Malaysia offering
Grades 7 to 11 of the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Education Secondary School Curriculum.The
Ontario curriculum focuses on students’ continuous development, with formative assessment that is
current and consistent, enhanced by the pervasive use of technology in students’ learning. SIS is part
of the Sunway Education Group, which is owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Tanarata International School
Planters Ground, 3 1/2 miles Kajang Serdang Road, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: 03-8737 7366 www.tanarata.net Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM3,000 to RM5,000 per term
Tanarata International Schools is nestled in a 5-acre serene green campus bordering the Kajang Tollexit
off the North-South Highway within the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tanarata offers the
British Educational Curriculum to its primary and secondary divisions. The school encourages their
students to earn their passports in order to proceed into all top college-university systems worldwide.
Students are well-prepared to face the demands and challenges that lie ahead in today’s competitive
global environment.
Taylor’s International School (Formerly known as Sri Garden International)
No 9, Jalan 1/75C, Off Jalan Pria Taman Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-8932 5000 / 03-9200 9898 www.kl.tis.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: January
Fees: RM10,000 to RM30,500 per annum
Taylor’s International School character building principles are grounded in the best of Eastern and
Western philosophies. They trained and encourage students to be leaders who are passionate,
caring and also to be positive influencers in a growing global society. With the continuous passion
in educational excellence, Taylor’s International School Kuala Lumpur has been awarded with 5-Star
Quality Standard Award for Private Education Institutions (SKIPS) from the Ministry of Education.
They have raised the bar in educational excellence by being awarded the Reader’s Digest Trusted
Brand Award 2016 under the Private/International School Category.
Tenby International School
Selangor: No. 1, Jalan Setia Tropika U13/18T, Seksyen U13,
40170 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Perak: 16 Persiaran Meru Utama, Bandar Meru Raya, 30020 Ipoh, Perak
Penang: Sekolah Sri Tenby Senior, No. 2, Lintang Lembah Permai 1,
Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Pulau Pinang
Johor: 7, Laman Setia Utama, Taman Laman Setia, 81550 Johor Bahru, Johor
Sarawak: Jalan Pantai, Piasau, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Tel: 03-3342 1535 www.tenby.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM9,000 to RM29,700 per annum
Tenby Schools is a rapidly expanding group of International and Malaysian private schools in
Malaysia with schools in Ipoh, Penang, Setia Eco Park (Shah Alam), Miri and Setia Eco Gardens (Johor
Bahru). Additionally, two new schools in Rawang and Setia Ecohill (Semenyih) will be opened soon.
Since their inception, their schools have received recognitions from such bodies as the Council of
International Schools, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as the Council of
British International Schools. All Tenby campuses are complete with modern, purpose-built, wellmaintained
facilities to help educate students to become compassionate, responsible and proactive
global citizens of the future.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
The Alice Smith School
No. 2, Jalan Bellamy 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2148 3674 www.alice-smith.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM27,840 to RM64,740 per annum
The Alice Smith School, established since 1946 in Kuala Lumpur is one of the oldest and most
prestigious British international schools in Asia. With an established reputation for excellence, and
as a not-profit educational foundation, all the school’s resources are focused on the development
and well-being of the students. The school is also a member of FOBISSEA (Federation of British
International Schools in South East Asia and East Asia) and CIS (Council of International Schools).
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur
No 1, Changkat Bukit Utama Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7727 7775 www.britishschool.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM28,159 to 65,685 per term
At the British International School, the pastoral programme focuses on developing learning skills,
while the House System rewards high achievement. As children progress through the school, teachers
and support assistants provide challenges and support appropriate to each child’s level. Values such
as compassion, respect and friendliness are an integral part of the school ethos. Clear boundaries
and simple rules make the British School a happy and safe place to learn.
The International School @ ParkCity
No.1 Jalan Intisari, Desa ParkCity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6280 8880 www.isp.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: September Fees: RM30,450 to RM54,000 (one-time fee)
The International School @ ParkCity, which is located in the acclaimed Desa ParkCity community
(www.desaparkcity.com), broadly follows the UK National Curriculum whilst incorporating the
flexibility to respond to global change. All ISP teachers are fully qualified and highly experienced
expatriates. The students are encouraged to pursue both academic excellence and personal
development enabling them to take a leading role in an ever-changing global community. ISP
recognises the significant role that technology plays in modern society; the entire school is a WiFi
zone and students in Year 3 and above are provided with their own iPads.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
Jalan Kolam Air, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: 03-4259 5600/ 016-620 1240 www.iskl.edu.my
Curriculum: American Intake: August
Fees: RM38,500 to RM 77,900 per annum
Established in 1965, ISKL is a private, not-profit, parent-governed school accredited in the United
States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and internationally through
the Council of International Schools (CIS). Among the programs offered are Prep Reception (3 years
old) to High School diploma, the International Baccalaureate diploma and Advanced Placement
courses. ISKL provides high quality education for expatriate children residing with their families
in Kuala Lumpur.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
The International School of Penang (Uplands)
The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur
Time International School
Jalan Sungai Satu, Batu Feringgi, 11100 Penang
Tel: 04-881 9777 www.uplands.org
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: August
Fees: RM27,600 to RM41,000 per annum
Students receive a wealth of quality education from an international teaching faculty as well as
a range of sporting and extracurricular activities cultivating teamwork, self confidence and allroundedness.
Year upon year Uplands students have attained academic results that are consistently
higher than global averages, with some achieving perfect scores in the IB Diploma pre-university
course, and receiving prestigious university scholarships.
Saujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: 03-7846 5939 www.jskl.edu.my Curriculum: Japanese
Intake: April
Fees: Available upon request
The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur is the only school in Malaysia offering the Japanese
Curriculum. The school premises are substantial, equivalent to the twofold Tokyo-Dome. It consists of
three school buildings to house the Secondary, Primary and the Kindergarten school, a school yard and
two swimming pools. As one of the unique features, JSKL operates the English education twice a week
for all grades in the Primary and Secondary level. As a part of the international education, JSKL interacts
with other international schools and local schools in Malaysia targeting on widening their views.
No. 2, Jalan Udang Harimau 3, Taman Sri Segambut, 52000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6242 5544 / 03-6243 5544 www.time.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: September
Fees: RM4,500 to RM9,200 per term
With 30 years of International Education experience, Time International School is ready to produce
students with worldwide recognition. Time International School provides education to students from
pre-school to 8th grade. The school introduces science and math education at a younger age to
prepare children to graduate with competitive skills. Besides, a choice of foreign languages is offered
as an extracurricular activity to ensure children keep up with all global changes and developments.
Tunku Putra International School
Jln Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel: 082-313 900 www.tps.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: January Fees: RM6,500 to RM15,500 per annum
Tunku Putra International School is nestled in Kuching, Sarawak. The school provides the British
curriculum spanning from primary up to secondary levels. Students at Tunku Putra enjoy being taught
by dedicated and specialized teachers. The primary school follows the Cambridge International
Primary Programme by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). In years 7 – 9 students will
follow the Cambridge Checkpoint Curriculum, leading them to the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus in
Years 10 and 11.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
UCSI International School
Vikas International School
No.1, Persiaran UCSI, Bandar Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-653 6888 / 06-653 6814 www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Intake: September
Fees: RM10,000 to RM60,000 per annum
UCSI International Schools offer a world-class education that brings out the best in students. With
experienced educators and a global curriculum in place, UCSI International Schools seek to equip
learners not only with the aptitude, but also an intercultural appreciation that is pivotal in today’s
borderless world. UCSI International Schools aim to be hubs where education and aspiration go hand
in hand. The school believes that learning should be fun and if life is likened to a game, everyone can
be a winner.
No. 168, Jalan Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7982 2992/ 03-7982 3992/ 03-7982 5992 www.vikas.edu.my
Curriculum: New Delhi Intake: April Fees: Available upon request
Vikas International School is a co-educational Institution which has classes from Kindergarten to tenth
year. There is a maximum of twenty students per class, allowing for the active participation of each
student. This also allows the teachers to follow each student’s progress closely and provide individual help.
Vikas is staffed by a dedicated team of qualified and experienced professionals. The school’s objectives are
to identify, tap and develop into the potential of its students. The establishment encourages students to
develop a world-view and become universal citizens who are aware of and at ease with, other viewpoints,
lifestyles culture.
Wadi Sofia International School (WASIS)
Binjai, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-764 1724 www.wadisofia.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: January
Fees: RM4,500 to RM9,000 per annum
Wadi Sofia International School (WaSIS) was established in 2002 in Kelantan, Malaysia. WaSIS is a
private international school, which provides primary courses to pre-university courses. The school
offers the British curriculum leading to IGCSE or O-Level and A-Level examinations (Cambridge
International Examinations). During the entire duration of schooling, the curriculum is patterned on
practices in leading British schools; students will undergo regular school-based assessment which
prepares them for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education [IGCSE].
Westlake International School
Lot 18662, Jalan Universiti , Taman Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak
Tel: 05-466 7777 www.westlakeschool.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: January
Fees: RM2,400 to RM5,800 per term
Westlake International School is the first and only international school nestled within the Kinta Valley
mountain range of Kampar, Perak. The school represents a serene and tranquil environment for
students to study. The school offers the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary
Education (IGCSE) curriculum to students. The school believes in offering a well-designed curriculum
to students and they are taught by highly qualified teachers in order to bring out the best in them.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Woodlands International School
No.1, Jalan Teku, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Tel: 084-239 761 / 084-239 762 www.woodlands.edu.my
Curriculum: British (UK) Intake: 4 Terms per year (Jan to Nov)
Fees: RM3,750 to RM15,500 per annum
Woodlands International School, located in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia is accredited by Cambridge (CIE).
The school caters for children from kindergarten to secondary level.
Zenith International School
1388, Jalan RK 3/1, Rasah Kemayan, 73000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 06-601 1388 www.zenith.edu.my Curriculum: British (UK)
Intake: --
Fees: RM6,000 to RM18,000 per annum
Zenith International School is the first international school in Seremban and one of the most
affordable in Malaysia. As a home-grown international school that provides primary and secondary
school education to Malaysian as well as international students, Zenith International School plays a
significant role in realizing Malaysia’s vision to become a regional centre for educational excellence.
Towards this end, the school complements the efforts of tertiary institutions which are already
attracting a large population of international students. Through the school’s accreditation with top
British educational institutions, Zenith guarantees the continuity of their students’ education into
various world-renowned colleges and universities.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 95

CHILD ENRICHMENT & PRESCHOOL
Anyaman Preschool
BeeBop Circus
Level 3, Wisma Guocoland, 6, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara City,
Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-200 9540 www.anyamanpreschools.com
Inspired by the renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, Anyaman Preschool
is a learning space which nurtures children’s natural curiosity and encourages creative exploration
of materials. The space features lots of natural light conducive for art projects, and purpose-built
furniture and fixtures that allow for independence in learning new skills. The routine balances
choice and structure, small and large group time, and outdoor and indoor activities. On a daily basis,
children play outdoors, listen to high quality books, and engage in meaningful conversations to
promote thinking and language skills
Cambridge English For Life
Unit 019 & 021, Upper First Floor, The School, Jaya One,
No.72A Jalan University, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7492 4567 / 012-281 2348 www.beebopcircus.com
BeeBop Circus is an award-winning developmental centre (Best Active Curriculum) offering play gym
and dance classes for children from 1 to 7 years old. Play is turned into a learning experience, and
critical life skills are developed using a child-centered, non-competitive approach. Each structured
lesson features music, imagination, colours, moral values and tumbling activities in a safe, colourful
and fun environment!
A-1-11, Merchant Square, No 1, Jalan Tropicana Selatan 1,
PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7883 0912 www.cambridgeforlife.org
Cambridge English For Life was established in 2001 and has become one of the leading providers
that offer English programmes for children of all ages and working adults. It also offers the
Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers & Trainers who want to pursue the career of
teaching. The centre also offers the Cambridge Math For Life to students who want to learn and
excel in mathematics.
Cherie Hearts International Preschool
HQ: No.6 Jalan Setia Tropika 1/18, Taman Setia Tropika,
81200 Johor Bahru, Johor (Kindly contact us for enquiry and centres location)
Tel: 07-244 2917 / 230 6269 / 237 8129 www.cheriehearts.com.my
Singapore largest private preschool group. Cherie Hearts Curriculum gives children the autonomy
through a uniquely designed approach – The CHILD Approach – Children Holistically Inquire to Learn
and Develop. Cherie Hearts offers a whole list of services to cater to the varying needs of parents
and children including infant care for 2 months old to 17 months old (at selected centres) and also
excellent trilingual preschool programme in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia for children from
18 months old to 6 years old.
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CHILD ENRICHMENT & PRESCHOOL
D Swim Academy
Aras 3, Pusat Akuatik Nasional Bukit Jalil,
(National Stadium of Aquatic Bukit Jalil), 57700 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-8996 2213 / 03-8996 6122 www.dswimacademy.com
DSA is the largest AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre in Malaysia, focusing on developing a solid
foundation for children swimming at an early age, through fun and structured Australian syllabus.
Coaches at DSA are accredited, licensed under the qualifications of AUSTSWIM (the industry
standard for swimming and water safety in Australia and many countries in the world). We offer a
wide choice of swimming programmes for infants up to professional swimmers.
Eduwis
No 1 & 3, Jalan Pandangan, 42000 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor
Tel: 03-3165 7882 www.eduwis.edu.my
Eduwis, a licensed early childhood education program is the first in Malaysia to use the “Thematic
Integrated Learning Activities” approach to learning. With a strong R&D team in the company, the
program has integrated eight famous educationists’ theories and philosophies (Lev Vygotsky, Erik
Erikson, Jean Piaget, Maria Montessori, Howard Gardner, Confucius, Shinichi Suzuki and Reggio
Emilia) that are believed to enhance children’s growth in all areas.
EPS Brazil Sports Academy
Desa Park City, Garden International School,
Padang@1Utama, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-331 6372 www.epsacademy.com
EPS Sports Academy is a state-of-the-art sport coaching provider focusing on soccer, swimming,
volleyball, basketball, tennis, athletics, martial arts (capoeira, jiu-jitsu) fitness and holiday camps. The
academy only hires qualified and trained Brazilian coaches equipped with a Sports Science degree
alongside a reputable teaching degree. Today, EPS provides its services in a number of schools, clubs
and sports locations.
Eye Level Learning Center
50-G-2, Ground Floor, Wisma UOA, Jalan Dungun,
Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 1-300-88-0909 www.myeyelevel.com
Eye Level is based on an educational principle where students learn at their own pace. It is a
systematic, individualized program that caters to students of all abilities utilizing a unique and proven
learning method. This allows each child to have a customized starting point depending on their
ability, regardless of his/her age and/or school grade. When a teacher understands the learning needs
of a student, the teaching is most effective.
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Genius Aulad
10 Jalan Tasik Prima 5/1, The Wharf, Tasik Prima,
47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: 03-8051 2376 www.geniusaulad.com.my
Genius Aulad is a leading preschool especially in its educational approach, well-designed facilities
and Islamic principles. With a network that grows organically to over 40 centres to date which
spans through Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Seremban, Melaka, Johor, Perak, Kedah and with Australia,
Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in the pipeline, Genius Aulad continues to pave the way for reputable
Islamic preschools through innovative ideas of facilities, continuous pedagogical improvement and a
passionate approach to education and children’s development.
Golden Brain
19E, 19F, Jalan Wawasan Ampang 2/8, Bandar Baru Ampang,
68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: 03-4270 1998/1-700-80-6998 www.goldenbrainma.com
Golden Brain was established in 1993 as a centre that emphasizes on developing children’s mental
arithmetic as the key to unleash their fullest potential. The programmes are specially designed to
stimulate a child’s brain in order to improve their memory, concentration and understanding ability.
Gymboree Play & Music
Lot 3F-1B, Level 3, Bangsar Village II,
2, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2284 5602 www.gymboreeclasses.com.my
Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children — newborn to
5 years old for over fourty years. Today there are over 700 locations in 48 countries, worldwide.
An ideal place for early childhood development where kids can play with purpose and spend quality
time with their parents while socializing with others. Comprises of Play & Learn, Music, Art, Sports
and School Skills classes facilitated by enthusiastic, supportive teachers who go the distance to pay
attention to every child’s progress.
Heguru
Unit 27-3, Blok B, Signature Office, Mid Valley Boulevard,
Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2287 2168 www.heguru.com.my
Heguru is an enrichment centre that puts emphasis on the development of the Right and Left Brain
of every child. It is a proven method that resulted in major acceptance in Japan. Courses are catered
to infants and toddlers, preschool class, elementary class or even the prenatal programme for
pregnant mums.
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Julia Gabriel
123, Jalan Bukit Pantai, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 5500 www.juliagabriel.com
Learning is a fun process at Julia Gabriel Centre for Learning. The centre features a team of over 200
skilled professionals dedicated to education and communication: teachers of voice, speech, drama,
literature, early childhood educators, musicians, linguists, speech and language therapists. Here
in Kuala Lumpur, the Julia Gabriel Centre nurtures students’ English and Mandarin language and
communication skills. The EduPlay Early Childhood curriculum covers children from 6 months old to
4 years while EduDrama and Readers and Writers take them from preschool years through to age 8
years. The learning journey continues for adults at Julia Gabriel School of Education.
Jungle Gym
Kids Academy
2nd Floor, Atria Shopping Gallery, Jalan SS22/23,
Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 017-336 8433 / 03-7731 7193
www.junglegym.my
Jungle Gym allows children to engage in fun and free play with high quality facilities created in
accordance to international safety standards. It’s exactly what children need to thrive and develop.
Parents on the other hand, get to relax in an air-conditioned environment with their favourite
beverage while their little ones have fun with slides, ball pits, trampoline, etc. It’s perfect for
celebrations such as birthday parties too — No planning, no fuss, and no cleaning up afterwards.
All parents have to do is to invite their guests and let the kids have a fun-filled time.
1, Jalan Puteri 10/2, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: 03-8060 6300 / 012-987 1900
www.kidsacademy.com.my
Kids Academy offers the best opportunity for kids between 2 to 6 to learn, play and master each
valuable lesson. Parents can be assured that their kids will thrive and be well prepared for the rigours
of schooling life, especially for enrolment into elite Chinese schools. Daycare services and specially
designed enrichment programmes are also provided.
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
Curve NX, 18 Jalan PJU 7/5, 47810 Mutiara Damansara,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7839 9611 www.kidzania.com.my
KidZania is an edutainment place for kids to have the real-life experience of an adult’s working life.
KidZania provides a fun learning environment, which hopes to inspire the young to become whatever
they want to become.
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Kinderland
Lot 43182 & 46085, Jalan USJ 11/4P,
47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-5632 2663 www.kinderlandmsia.com.my
Kinderland, Malaysia’s leading preschool and child education offers a wide range of programmes
from pre-nursery to kindergarten, childcare programme and other enrichment programmes.
Kumon
Level 7, Menara Citibank, No. 165 Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 1800-88-1010 my.kumonglobal.com
Kumon believes in helping children to develop lifelong skills. The Kumon Method has been
accepted in many countries due to its effectiveness and the proven records of their learning
method. The Kumon worksheets are specially designed and constantly revised to ensure children
can progress smoothly.
Learning Fresh
100-1.021 Level 1, The School, No. 72A Jalan Universiti,
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 1-700-816-121 www.learningfresh.com.my
Learning Fresh is a developmental learning facility where every student is recognised for his/her
budding learning potential. We have a full range of English Language Programmes, Preschool
Programmes, School Holiday Programmes, Early Intervention Programmes (EIP) and Home-schooling
Aid. Combined with our precise teaching methodologies and adherence to academic standards in
accordance with the UK National Curriculum, hundreds of our students, both local and international,
have excelled in their academics, language, social, emotional and cognitive skills.
Lorna Whiston Study Centre
Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur: 03-4147 3229
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur: 03-7727 1909
www.lornawhiston.com.my
Lorna Whiston Study Centres provide fun and effective classes for children and young people
aged 4 to 18 years. The programmes on offer are: Intensive and weekly Language Development
programmes for 4 to 6 year olds, Language Extension programmes for primary school students,
Advanced Language programmes for secondary school students, English as an Additional Language
(EAL) programmes (formerly known as EFL). Speech & Drama classes, and Public Speaking classes for
students aged 10 and above.
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Mathnasium
E-1-23, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5,
Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Selangor
Tel: 03-8071 1936/019-334 8630
www.mathnasium.edu.my
An enrichment center that makes math lovers out of kids! Mathnasium, offers more creative ways
for kids to deal with math problems by enriching their number sense, understanding of math
concepts and connections with numbers, developing children’s mathematical thinking and life long
love for mathematics.
Odyssey, The Global Preschool
Macalister Road@Georgetown, Penang and Setia Eco Park, Selangor
Tel: 03-2092 3733 www.theodyssey.my
In 2008, Odyssey The Global Preschool welcomed children to the spacious Wilkinson Road campus
in Singapore, their first, with a team of highly qualified and enthusiastic educators and Curriculum
Specialists. The Odyssey curriculum became hugely popular, with the brand growing to three
oversubscribed campuses in Singapore with a long waitlist. Their first campus in Malaysia opened its
doors in 2014. Odyssey also serves as a learning observation centre, regional centre of expertise for
innovative and creative early childhood education approaches, and a research and development hub
for early childhood education.
Peekaboo Music Academy
30B, 1st Floor, Jalan Desa Jaya, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7971 0196 www.facebook.com/peekaboomusicacademy
Peekaboo Music Academy (PMA) offers early childhood development programmes highly
recommended for ages between newborn to 7 years where kids can grow through music and
movement. Older children and adults may learn a musical instrument of their choice e.g. ukulele, guitar,
piano, keyboard etc. A Piano Workshop is available where students will be able to play 6 simple songs
at the end of the Workshop. There is also a kids cooking class & holiday camps for ages 4-8 years old.
PMA is a one-stop, kids-friendly learning center which even caters for kids parties and events.
Pingu’s English
31-3, Jalan PJU 5/12, Dataran Sunway,
Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-61515063 www.pingusenglish.my
Pingu’s English is a world-leading language provider. Pingu’s English learning centre ensures that
every child learns in a fun and entertaining environment. Pingu’s English offers a unique English
language learning course for children aged 3 to 7+ years old.
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San Lorenzo Montessori
Blk A2-U1-09, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-5022 3959 / 6205 3189 www.sanlorenzoschool.com
San Lorenzo Montessori is a preschool offering special and unique Montessori programmes for
children from 18 months to 6 years of age. San Lorenzo Montessori believes in building a solid
foundation throughout the first six years of every child’s development. San Lorenzo Montessori also
offers lots of enrichment programmes such as phonics and reading, creative writing, etc.
Smart Reader Kids
68, Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-23002555 www.smartreader.edu.my
Smart Reader Kids was founded in 1988 as a child development centre and has become the largest
chain of child enrichment centres in Malaysia. The enrichment programmes include English and
Mandarin to help children read and improve on their language skills. Corporate training is also
available for those who want to build up on their leadership skills.
TeamMathics
HQ: 23A, Jalan SS15/2A, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 012-721 1235 www.teammathics.com.my
Email: connect@teammathics.com.my
www.facebook.com/teammathics
TeamMathics are the pioneers in Malaysia that offers the blend of the essence of Singapore Maths and
Maths Olympiad, where it is proven to be effective in helping children master basic mathematics skills
and also expose them to effective problem solving strategies, developing their creativity and critical
thinking through the learning process. They have helped hundreds of students achieve outstanding
achievements in various Scholarship Exams, Entrance Tests into famous schools, Mathematics
Competitions such as SASMO, ICAS, AMC, KMC and others. TeamMathics has 16 learning centres
and is looking to expand to other territories within the Klang Valley and to other states.
The Children’s House
Located across Klang Valley: Ampang, Ara Damansara, Bangsar,
Damansara Heights, The School Jaya One and Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Tel: 017-6606 107 www.thechildrenshouse.com.my
In 1986, The Children’s House (TCH) brought the complete Montessori method to Malaysia and
since then, they have taught thousands of children from more than 50 countries. In 2010, TCH is
proud to be part of the Busy Bees Southeast Asia family of education companies. TCH’s environment
is conducive and stimulating while Montessori apparatus are specially selected and teaching
resources undergo thorough reviews regularly. Their teachers are qualified with at least a Diploma in
Montessori, Diploma in Early Childhood Education or have been trained in-house with an Intensive
Montessori Certificate. Today, TCH is available at eight locations around Kuala Lumpur.
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The Montessori Place
A1.05, Level 1 Auditorium Block, Calvary Convention Centre
No.1 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, 57100 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-401 1987 www.themontessoriplace.com.my
The Montessori Place strives to provide children with a safe, fun and quality environment so that they
may learn, play and grow under their care. The mission is to provide parents with absolute peace
of mind when entrusting their children in the care of the highly trained and nurturing educators,
knowing that they’re given the best possible education in their crucial development years.
Tree Top House
Trinity Kids
10, Jalan U-Thant, Taman U-Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2141 2941 www.treetophouse.edu.my
Tree Top House, a full-fledged Montessori preschool, was set up in 2010 based on the philosophy
that education is a joint effort between parents, teachers, children and the community. The preschool
recognises the unique strength and individuality of every child. Most importantly, they believe that
children should be nurtured with the support and engagement with their families, and that every
child, including those with learning differences, has the right to receive equal learning opportunities
in an inclusive environment. Their core programmes which include Morning, Afternoon and Full Day
programmes are based on the Montessori approach. Enrichment programmes are also offered.
The Verve Shops, Level 5, 8 Jalan Kiara 5,
Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6211 6658 www.trinitykidsmalaysia.com
This one-stop learning centre provides a world of educational fun from the nursery ages right up to
pre-school. Formerly known as Baby Jumper Gym, the centre is locally and internationally acclaimed.
Check it out now to see how you can unlock and develop all hidden potentials in your child!
Tweedle Wink
B-2-01, Neo Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/1, Bandar Damansara
Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7710 1090 www.rightbrainkids.com
Tweedle Wink started as a Montessori school and provides education to children of all ages. Tweedle
Wink has developed a learning method called the Right Brain Education which is now used widely in
many schools and homes around the world. Also suitable for children with special learning needs.
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UCMAS
No. 14073, Jalan 14/26, Taman Sri Rampai,
53300 Setapak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4022 7885 www.ucmas.com
UC Mas is an enrichment centre that provides a comprehensive series of brain development
courses to children of all ages. UC Mas believes in providing high standards in mental development
worldwide and the programmes are proven to improve children’s mental abilities.
UCSI Child Development
Lot 12734, Jalan Choo Lip Kung, Taman Taynton View,
56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9133 2430 www.ucsicdc.com
UCSI Child Development puts emphasis on every child’s social and emotional developments to
unleash the child’s maximum potential. Programmes available include playschool, nursery, pre-school
and other exciting enrichment programmes.
Unikidsity
E-8-6, Block E, Megan Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak,
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2333 8831 www.unikidsity.com.my
Unikidsity specializes in providing early childhood education, kindergarten, and daycare services to
children aged 2 to 6 years old. Uses the Montessori Method of Learning to create a fun learning
experince for children. The approaches are meant to foster every child’s creative thinking and to
strenghten his/her social skills.
Yamaha Music School
Head office:
No.8, Jalan Perbandaran, Kelana Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7803 0900 my.yamaha.com
Yamaha Music School is acclaimed in offering different levels of music lessons for students from
as young as two years of age right into adulthood. It has gained a reputation of producing
musical geniuses through the Yamaha Music Education System; providing music education and
skill in listening, singing, playing, reading and creating music as well as participating in world class
competitions and concerts.
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International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Alnoor International School No. 6, Lengkok Bellamy, Jalan Bellamy, Off Jalan
Istana, Bukit Petaling 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2142 4473
www.ais-kl.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) RM2,000 to RM4,000
per term
Asia Pacific Schools (APIS) No. 1, Persiaran A, Off Jalan Lapangan Terbang
Subang, 47200 Subang, Selangor
Tel: +603-7847 1000
www.apis.edu.my
6 to 16 years British (UK) 28 Available upon request
Australian International
School Malaysia
22, Jalan Anggerik, The Mines Resort City,
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Tel: +603-8943 0622
www.aism.edu.my
3 to 18 years Australian 24 RM30,732 to
RM57,792
per annum
Baseerah International
School
Lot 1815, Jalan Lintang, Sri Gombak Heights,
Taman Sri Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Tel: +603-6185 9560
www.baseerah.edu.my
4 to 17 years British (UK) 20 RM3,500 to RM7,500
per annum
Beaconhouse Sri Inai
International
No 1098, Jalan Jejarum Off Jalan SS 23/6,
Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7804 5403
www.beaconhouse.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM7,710 to
RM30,000 per annum
Cempaka Cheras Persiaran Awana, Taman Cheras Permata Dua,
43200 Cheras, Selangor
Tel: +603-9076 8400
www.cempaka.edu.my
4 to 19 years British (UK) 24 RM14,500 to
RM61,800 per annum
Cempaka Damansara
Heights
19 Jalan Setia Bakti 1, Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2093 1740 / 1741
www.cempaka.edu.my
4 to 19 years British (UK) 24 RM14,500 to
RM61,800 per annum

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Deutsche Schule
Kuala Lumpur (DSKL)
Lot 5, Lorong Utara B, 46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor
Tel: +603-7956 6557
www.dskl.edu.my
3 to 18 years German 25 Available upon request
Dutch International School
in Kuala Lumpur
16 Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: --
www.de-bontekoe.com
4 to 15 years German 25 Available upon request
DwiEmas
International School
Precinct 4.3, PT 45, JalanIkhtias 14 / 1,
Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-7865 5787
www.dwiemas.edu.my
5 to 17 years British (UK) RM28,000 to
RM45,750
Eaton International School Persiaran Puncak Utama, Jade Hills,
43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: +603-8741 4965
www.eaton.edu.my
2 to 16 years British (UK) 24 RM20,000 to
RM45,000 per annum
elc International School
(Sg. Buloh)
Jalan Sierramas Barat, Sierramas, Sungai Buloh,
47000 Selangor
Tel: +603-6156 5001 / 5002
www.elc.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 20 RM10,140 (Early
Years) to RM33,810
(Year 11) per annum
elc International School
(Cyberjaya)
Lingkaran Cyber Point Barat, 63000 Cyberjaya,
Selangor
Tel: +603-8319 1641 / 1642
www.elc.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 20 RM10,140 (Early
Years) to RM33,810
(Year 11)
EtonHouse International
School Kuala Lumpur
No 9, Persiaran Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 1300-88-3866 / +603-2141 3301 / 3302
www.etonhouse.my
1 to 12 years International
Baccalaureate
12 RM24,000 to
RM28,800 per annum

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Excel Vision
Education & K12
Wisma Arena@33 No. 33-1, Jalan Cecawi 6/33,
Section 6, Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 603-6142 3473 www.xcelvision.com
7 to 17 years American Available upon
request
Fairview International
School - Kuala Lumpur
(IB World School)
Lot 4178, Jalan 1/27D, Section 6,
Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-4142 0888
www.fairview.edu.my
3 to 19 years International
Baccalaureate
24 RM9,000 to
RM36,000 per annum
(varies from school to
school)
Fairview International
School - Subang Campus
(IB World School)
2A, Jalan TP2, Sime UEP Industrial Park
Subang Jaya, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-8023 7777
www.fairview.edu.my
3 to 19 years International
Baccalaureate
24 RM9,000 to
RM36,000 per annum
(varies from school to
school)
Garden International School
Kuala Lumpur
16, Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6209 6888
www.gardenschool.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 20 - 23 RM34,260 to
RM82,515 per annum
Global Indian International
School - Global Montessori
Plus & Primary Campus
55 Jalan Thamby Abdullah, Brickfields,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2273 7255
www.giismalaysia.org
3 to 18 years British (UK) 20 - 26 RM10,360 to
RM29,320 per annum
Global Indian International
School - Cambridge Campus
Block A, 242 Lorong Sultan Abdul Samad,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2273 0075
www.globalschoolmalaysia.org
British (UK) 20 Primary: Below
RM15,000 per annum
Greenview Islamic School D’Bayu Business Centre, 14, Jalan Serambi
U8/24, Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong,
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +6019-319 2388 / 019-370 2388
www.greenviewislamicschool.com
5 to 17 years British (UK) 25 RM800 to RM1,400
per month

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Havil International School 21 Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2276 3338
www.havilinternational.edu.my
4 to 16 years IGCSE 20 RM12,340 to
RM19,340 per annum
HELP International School
(HIS)
No.2 Persiaran Cakerawala, Subang Bestari,
Seksyen U4, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-7809 7000
www.his.edu.my
4 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM25,000 to
RM50,000 per annum
Idrissi International
Primary School
No.15 Jalan Setia Dagang AK U13/AK,
7th Avenue, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam,
40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603- 8051 2376
www.idrissischool.edu.my
7 to 12 years British (UK) 15 RM15,000 - 25,000
per annum
IGB International School 2 Jalan Sierramas Utama, Sierramas,
47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Tel: +603-6730 7788
www.igbis.edu.my
3 to 18 years International
Baccalaureate
24 Available upon
request
International Islamic School
Malaysia
Batu 8, Jalan Sungai Pusu, Gombak,
53100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6188 4400
www.iis.edu.my
6 to 19 years British (UK) 25 RM9,000 to
RM17,600 per annum
International Modern
Arabic School
Jalan P14k, Presint 14, 62050 Putrajaya,
Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
Tel: +603-8888 5388 www.imas.edu.my
4 to 20 years UK & IGCSE 25 RM9,000 to
RM14,000 per annum
Kingsley International
School
Kingsley House, 2, 12, 12A & 16, Jalan Putra
Mahkota 7/8E, Putra Heights, 47650 Subang Jaya
Tel: +603-5191 9808 www.kingsley.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM20,580 to
RM22,680 per annum

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Kuala Lumpur Chinese
Taipei School
No.1, Persiaran Sungai Selangor, Bukit Rimau,
Seksyen 32, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-5121 3100
www.cts.edu.my/web2008/
6 to 18 years Taiwan Available upon
request
Lycee Francais de
Kuala Lumpur
34, Jalan Dutamas Raya, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6250 4415
www.lfkl.edu.my
3 to 18 years French 24 Available upon
request
MAZ International School -
Shah Alam Campus
Lot 2, Jalan Kristal 7/64, Section 7,
40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-5510 1511 / 2933 / 2934
www.mazinternational.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM9,000 (Kindergarten)
to RM30,000
(Year 11) per annum
MAZ International School -
Petaling Jaya campus
No.1 MAZ House,Jalan 20/19, Paramount
Gardens, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7874 2930 / 8515
www.mazinternational.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM9,000 (Kindergarten)
to RM30,000
(Year 11) per annum
Mont’ Kiara International
School (M’KIS)
22 Jalan Kiara, Mont’ Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2093 8604
www.mkis.edu.my
5 to 18 years American 24 RM50,969 to
RM98,839 per annum
Mutiara International
Grammar School
Lot 707, Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama,
Ampang Jaya, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: +603-4252 1452 / 4257 8678
www.migs.edu.my
4 to 16 years British (UK) 20 RM9,300 to
RM25,500 per annum
Nexus International School No. 1 Jalan Diplomatik 3/6 Presint 15,
62050 Putrajaya
Tel: +603-8889 3868
www.nexus.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 16 - 24 RM31,197 to
RM57,240, depending
on age group per
annum

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Nobel International School Lot No 2A & 2B, Jalan SS5D/6, Kelana Jaya,
47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7880 6325 www.nobel.edu.my
6 to 16 years British (UK) 27 Information available
upon request
Rafflesia International &
Private Schools (Puchong)
Persiaran Sierra 2, Bandar 16 Sierra,
47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: +603-8953 9088 www.rafflesia.edu.my
5 to 16 years British (UK) 24 Information available
upon request
Rafflesia International &
Private Schools (Kajang)
R.E.A.L Schools Cahaya
Campus, Shah Alam
Jalan Kajang 2 Utama, Seksyen 2, Kajang 2,
43300 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: +603-8741 7099 www.rafflesia.edu.my
Lot No.5, Jalan Merah Saga U9/5,
40250 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-7846 3985 / 4016
www.realschools.edu.my
5 to 16 years British (UK) 24 Information available
upon request
3 to 17 years British (UK) 24 - 25 RM12,000 to
RM28,500 per annum
R.E.A.L Schools Suria
Campus, Cheras
Lot 217, Batu 13, Jalan Hulu Langat,
43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor
Tel: +603-9021 3601
www.realschools.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 24 - 25 RM12,000 to
RM28,500 per annum
Regent International School Jalan Kopi, 41200 Klang, Selangor
Tel: +603-3373 7771 www.regent.edu.my
4 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM16,500 per annum
Sayfol International School No. 261, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603- 4256 8781
www.sayfol.edu.my
5 to 18 years British (UK) 23 - 25 RM7,500 to
RM19,500 per annum
Sri Emas
International School
Lot 1214, Seksyen 40, Batu 10,
Lebuhraya Persekutuan, Off Jalan SS7/2,
47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7865 5787 / 3482 / 5563
www.sriemas.edu.my
12 to 17 years British (UK) 24 RM25,000 to
RM35,000 per annum

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Sri. KDU International
School
Sri Kuala Lumpur School
(Sri KL)
No.5, Jalan Teknologi 2/1, Kota Damansara,
Daerah Petaling, 47810 Kota Damansara,
Selangor
Tel: +603-6145 3888
www.srikdu.edu.my
No. 1, Jalan SS 15/7A, 47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor
Tel: +603-5634 3491 / 3493
www.srikl.edu.my
6 to 18 years British (UK) 24 to 28 RM34,000 to
RM50,000 per annum
4 to 16 years British (UK) 25 – 30 RM12,200 to
RM25,400 per annum
Sri Sempurna School Taman Cheras, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-9132 5100
6 to 15 years British (UK) 28 - 30 RM8,000 to
RM14,000 per annum
Sri Utama Schools
Kuala Lumpur
Lot 27, Jalan Usahawan 5, Setapak,
53200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-4021 2490
www.sriutama.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 20 Information available
upon request
St. John’s International
School
Lot 145, Jalan Bukit Nanas,
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2034 1288
www.sjis.edu.my
11 to 17 years British (UK) 26 RM12,000 per annum
St. Joseph’s Institution
International School
Malaysia
(Tropicana PJ Campus)
No.1, Jalan PJU 3/13,
47100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-8605 3605
www.sji-international.edu.my
3 to 18 years British, IBDP 22-25 RM36,800 to
RM81,900 per annum
Sunway International
School
3, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7491 8070
www.sis.sunway.edu.my
12 to 17 years Canadian 25 RM30,000 to
RM36,000 per annum

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Tanarata International
Schools
Planters Grounds, 3 1/2 Miles
Kajang-Serdang Road, 43000 Selangor
Tel: +603-8737 7366
www.tanarata.net
5 to 18 years British (UK) 20 - 25 RM9,000 to
RM15,000 per annum
Taylor’s International
School, Kuala Lumpur
(Formerly known as
Sri Garden International)
No 9, Jalan 1/75C, Off Jalan Pria Taman Maluri,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-8932 5000 / 9200 9898
www.kl.tis.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM10,000 to
RM30,500 per annum
Taylor’s International
School, Puchong
No.1, Jalan BP 14/7, Bandar Bukit Puchong 2,
47120 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: +603-5879 5000
www.pc.tis.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 24 RM25,000 to
RM35,000 per annum
Tenby International School -
Setia Eco Park campus
No.1, Jalan Setia Tropika U13/18T, Seksyen
U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-3342 1535
www.tenby.edu.my
The Alice Smith School No. 2, Jalan Bellamy, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2148 3674
www.alice-smith.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM9,000 to
RM29,700 per annum
3 to 11 years British (UK) 20 - 22 RM27,840 to
RM64,740 per annum
The Alice Smith School 3 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine,
43300 Sri Kembangan, Selangor
Tel: +603-9543 3688
www.alice-smith.edu.my
11 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM35,000 - 50,000
per annum
The Japanese School of
Kuala Lumpur
Saujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: +603-7846 5939
www.jskl.edu.my
Japanese 30 Available upon request

International Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Sri Rafelsia
Learning Support &
Intervention Services
No. 10, Level 1 & 2, Jalan 27/70 A, Desa Sri
Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: ‘+6012-371 0372 / +603-2300 3372
www.srirafelsia.com
4 to 15 years British (UK)
and American
5 Available upon request
The British International
School of Kuala Lumpur
1 Changkat Bukit Utama, Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7727 7775
www.britishschool.edu.my
2 to 18 years British (UK) 26 RM28,159 to
RM65,685 per annum
The International School @
ParkCity
1 Jalan Intisari, Desa ParkCity,
52200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6280 8880
www.isp.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 24 RM30,000 to
RM55,000 per annum
The International School of
Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
Jalan Kolam Air, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: +603-4259 5600
www.iskl.edu.my
3 to 18 years American 18 RM38,500 to
RM73,150 per annum
Time International School No. 2, Jalan Udang Harimau 3, Taman Sri
Segambut, 52000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6242 5544
www.time.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM4,500 to RM9,200
per term
UCSI International School
(Subang Jaya)
Lot 4891, Jalan SS13/4, 47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor
Tel: +603-5637 7108 / 7109
www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 24 RM15,400 to
RM25,000 per annum
Vikas International School No.168, Jalan Klang Lama,
58000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-7982 2992 / 3992 / 5992
www.vikas.edu.my
3 to 17 years New Delhi 25 Information available
upon request

International Schools Listing – Negeri Sembilan
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Cempaka International
Ladies College
Persiaran Timur 1, Bandar Enstek,
71760 Bandar Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-7997 878
www.cempaka.edu.my/cilc
4 to 19 years British (UK) 25 RM14,500 to
RM61,800 per annum
Epsom College in Malaysia Persiaran Kolej, 71760 Bandar Enstek,
Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-2404 188
www.epsomcollege.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 12 – 24 RM42,350 to
RM82,500 per annum
Kolej Tuanku Jaafar 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-758 2561 www.ktj.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM32,025 per annum
Matrix International School PT 12652, Sendayan Merchant Square,
Persiaran 1 Sendayan Utama, Pusat Dagangan
Sendayan, 71950 Bandar Sri Sendayan,
Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-781 9888
www.matrixschools.edu.my
British (UK) 24 RM15,000 to
RM27,000 per annum
Nilai International School No. 3, Persiaran Universiti, Putra Nilai,
71800 Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-850 2188 www.nis.edu.my
5 to 16 years British (UK) 22 RM21,000 to
RM35,000 per annum
Regent International School Jalan Pantai, Batu 2 1/2, 71000 Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-647 7106 www.regent.edu.my
4 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM16,500 per annum
UCSI International School
(Springhill)
No. 1, Persiaran UCSI, Bandar Springhill,
71010 Port Dickson Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-653 6888 / 6814 www.ucsi.edu.my
3 to 19 years International
Baccalaureate
25 RM10,000 to
RM60,000 per annum
Zenith International School 1388, Jalan RK 3/1, Rasah Kemayan,
73000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-601 1388 www.zenith.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 25 RM6,000 to
RM18,000 per annum

International Schools Listing – Northern Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
AIU-Irsyad
International School
Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Tel: +6017-944 8895
aiis.my
IGCSE
Asia Metropolitan
International School
29, Jalan Raja Dihilir, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: +605-241 3141
cambridge.ametis.edu.my
5 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM15,000 - 25,000
per annum
Dalat International School Tanjung Bunga, 11200 Penang
Tel: +604-899 2105
www.dalat.org
3 to 18 years American 22 RM8,640 to RM39,480
per annum
Fairview International
School - Penang Campus
(IB World School)
Lot P.T. 1935, Mukim 13, Daerah Timur Laut,
Tingkat Bukit Jambul Satu, 11900 Penang
Tel: +604-640 6633
www.fairview.edu.my
3 to 19 years International
Baccalaureate
24 RM9,000 to RM36,000
per annum (varies from
school to school)
GEMS International School
Pearl City
No.2 Persiaran Mutiara 5, Pusat Komersial
Bandar Tasek Mutiara, 14120 Simpang Ampat,
Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-509 7000
www.gemsinternationalschool-pearl.com
3 to 18 years British RM20,000 to
RM42,000 per annum
Prince of Wales Island
International School
1 Jalan Sungai Air Putih 6, Bandar Baru Air
Putih,11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-868 9999
www.powiis.edu.my
11 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM36,000 to RM42,000
(day pupils)
RM64,600 to RM70,800
(Weekly boarding)
RM72,000 to RM78,000
(Full boarding) per annum
Regent International School
(Sungai Petani Campus)
2, Persiaran Cempaka,Bandar Amanjaya,
08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah
Tel: +604-442 5300
www.regent.edu.my
5 to 16 years British (UK) 25 Below RM15,000
per annum

International Schools Listing – Northern Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Sri Pelita School Jalan Cengai, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Tel: +604-890 6277 / 899 6277
www.pelitaschool.edu.my
5 to 16 years British (UK) 15 – 25 RM4,800 to RM18,600
per annum
St Christopher’s
International Primary
School (SCIPS)
No.10 Nunn Road, 10350 Penang
Tel: +604-226 3589 / 228 0752
www.scips.org.my
3 to 11 years British (UK) 25 RM8,400 (Nursery) to
RM18,600 (Year 6) per
annum
Straits International School No.2 Lilitan Sg Tiram,
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: +604-643 1815 / +6010-771 1515 /
+6010-787 1515
sisgroup.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 24 RM4,500 to RM9,300
per term
Tenby Schools, Ipoh
(Ipoh International School)
16 Persiaran Meru Utama, Bandar Meru Raya,
30020 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: +605-525 2628
www.tenby.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM9,000 to RM29,700
per annum
Tenby International School -
Penang campus
Sekolah Sri Tenby Senior, No. 2, Lintang
Lembah Permai 1, Tanjung Bungah,
11200 Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-892 7777
www.tenby.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 20 - 25 RM9,000 to RM29,700
per annum
The International School of
Penang (Uplands)
Sekolah Sri Tenby Senior, No. 2, Lintang
Lembah Permai 1, Tanjung Bungah,
11200 Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-881 9777 www.uplands.org
5 to 19 years International
Baccalaureate
24 RM10,630 to
RM31,000 per annum
Westlake International
School
Lot 18662, Jalan Universiti, Taman Bandar
Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak
Tel: +605-466 7777
www.westlakeschool.edu.my
4 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM6,600 to RM16,500
per annum

International Schools Listing – East Coast Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Ekhlass International School
(E.I.S)
Lot 4779, PT7227, Taman Kijal Meraga,
24100, Kijal, Terengganu
Tel: +609-863 1136
www.ekhlassinternationalschool.edu.my
3 to 16 years British (UK) 15 RM13,800
(Kindergarten,
RM19,200 (Primary),
RM21,000 (Secondary)
per annum
Garden International School
- Kuantan Campus
A6230, Jalan Tengku Muhamad, Taman Pantai
Chempedak, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang
Tel: +609-567 3391
www.gardenschool.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 20 - 23 RM34,260 to
RM82,515 per annum
Highlands International
Boarding School
10KM Genting Highlands, 69000 Genting
Highlands, Pahang
Tel: +603-6100 1688
www.smsaleha.edu.my
12 to 18 years British (UK) 20 RM39,000 to
RM40,200 per annum
International School of
Kuantan
Jalan IM 7/9, Bandar Indera Mahkota,
Kuantan 25200, Pahang
Tel: +609-573 6010 www.isk.edu.my
6 to 19 years American 24 RM24,000 to
RM26,000 per annum
Kelantan International
School
5376B Jalan Telipot,15150 Kota Bharu,
Kelantan
Tel: +609-744 6991
4 to 17 years British (UK) 8 RM1,800 to RM6,000
per annum
Regent International School Jalan Gambut, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Tel: +609-514 3016 www.regent.edu.my
4 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM16,500 per annum
Sekolah Sri Utama
Kuala Terengganu
JKR 333 dan JKR 334 Jalan Sultan Mahmud,
20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Tel: +603-4021 2490 www.sriutama.edu.my
British (UK) 28 Below RM15,000
per annum
Wadi Sofia International
School
Binjai, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu,
Kelantan
Tel: +609-764 1724 www.wadisofia.edu.my
6 to 19 years British (UK) 20 RM4,500 to RM9,000
per annum

International Schools Listing – Southern Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Austin Heights Private &
International School
No.2, Jalan Austin Heights 3/1,
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Tel: +607-351 5000 / 3000 / 3003
www.austinheights.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM8,400 to RM18,000
per annum
Excelsior International
School
No.8, Jalan Purnama, Bandar Seri Alam,
81100 Masai, Johor
Tel: +607-388 8999 / 8800
www.eis.edu.my
3 to 17 years International
Baccalaureate
20 - 25 Information available
upon request
Fairview International
School - Johor Bahru
Campus (IB World School)
Komplex Mutiara Johor Land, Jalan Bukit
Mutiara, Bandar Dato’Onn, 88100 Johor Bahru
Tel: +607-358 5385
www.fairview.edu.my
3 to 19 years International
Baccalaureate
24 RM9,000 to
RM36,000 per annum
(varies from school to
school)
Malacca Expatriate School
(Primary)
2243-C, Jalan Batang Tiga,
76400 Tanjung Kling, Melaka
Tel: +606-315 4970
www.expatriateschool.com.my
4 to 17 years British (UK) 10 RM7,500 to RM18,000
per annum
Marlborough College
Malaysia
Jalan Marlborough, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Tel: +607-560 2200
www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
4 to 18 years British (UK) 19 RM60,165 (Day) to
RM133,065 (Boarding)
per annum
Melaka International School Lot 363, Jalan Siantan, Taman Siatan,
Kampung Lapan, 75200 Melaka
Tel: +606-336 8781 / 8784 / 8785
www.mis.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM12,100 per annum
Pegasus International
School
No. 1, Jalan Tasek, Bandar Seri Alam,
81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: +607-3878 700
www.pegasus.edu.my
4 to 19 years British (UK) 20 RM25,000 to
RM50,000 per annum

International Schools Listing – Southern Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Raffles American School
(RAS)
RAS, Lot No 1, 5 Persiaran Ledang Heights,
79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Tel: +607-510 2668 / 2888
www.raffles-american-school.edu.my
3 to 18 years American 24 RM46,500 per annum
R.E.A.L Schools Cahaya
Campus, Johor
Lot 2361, Jalan Persiaran Sri Plentong, Bandar
Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: +607-386 4468
www.realschools.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 24 - 25 RM12,000 to
RM28,500 per annum
Seri Omega International
School
Lot 6974, Jalan Beringin 5, Taman Beringin,
81400 Senai, Johor
Tel: +607 599 8998
www.seriomega.edu.my
4 to 18 years British (UK) 24 RM21,000 per annum
Sri Ara International School 23 Jalan Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607-222 2089 / 223 0089
www.internationalschooljohor.com
5 to 16 years British (UK) 25 RM15,000 to
RM24,000 per annum
Sri Utama Schools
Johor Bahru
Jalan Beringin, Melodies Garden,
80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607-334 7714 / 7715
www.sriutama.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 28 Information available
upon request
Tenby International School,
Setia Eco Gardens
7, Jalan Laman Setia Utama, Taman Setia
Utama, 81550 Johor Bahru
Tel: +6019-719 8810 / 718 8812
www.tenby.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM9,000 to
RM29,700 per annum

International Schools Listing – East Malaysia
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Charis International School TB4111, Tmn Setia, Mile 2, Jln Datuk Chong
Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Tel: +6089-748 830
www.charis.edu.my
4 to 16 years British (UK) 24 RM15,000 - 25,000
per annum
Kidurong International
School
Mile 4 Tanjong Kidurong Road
P.O. Box 1084, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak
Tel: +6086-251 491
www.kiduronginternationalschool.net
3 to 12 years British (UK) 10 RM27,000 per annum
Kinabalu International
School
P.O Box 12080, 88822 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,
Malaysia, Off Jalan Khidmat, Bukit Padang
Tel: +6088-224 526 / 248 097 / 245 325
www.kis.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 22 - 25 RM20,391 to
RM31,275 per annum
Labuan International School No. 5012, Off Jalan Tanjung Batu, P.O Box
82192, 87031, FT. Labuan
Tel: +6087-421 059 / 410 484
www.lis.edu.my
4 to 17 years British (UK) 25 RM13,200 (Year 1) to
RM18,000 (Year 11)
per annum
Lodge International School Lorong Keranji 4E, Jalan Keranji 4,
Tabuan Desa, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6082-363 554
www.lodgeschool.edu.my
7 to 16 years British (UK) 20 - 25 RM4,840 to RM18,000
per annum
Sayfol International School,
Kota Kinabalu
Mile 1, Jalan Kolam Minintod, Bukit Padang
Heights, 88757 Penampang, Sabah
Tel: +6088-718 919 / 911
www.sayfolsabah.edu.my/v2
British (UK) 25 RM15,000 - 25,000
per annum
Tenby International School,
Miri
Jalan Pantai, Piasau, 98000 Miri Sarawak
Tel: +6085-491 526
www.tenby.edu.my
3 to 18 years British (UK) 25 RM9,000 to RM29,700
per annum

International Schools Listing – East Malaysia
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
Tunku Putra International
School
Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya,
93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +6082-313 900
www.tps.edu.my
3 to 17 years British (UK) 25 RM6,500 to RM15,500
per annum
Woodlands
International School
No.1, Jalan Teku, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Tel: +6084-239 761 / 762
www.woodlands.edu.my
4 to 19 years British (UK) 25 RM3,750 to RM15,500
per annum

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
28 RM15,000 to
RM35,000 per annum
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Asia Pacific Smart School No. 1, Persiaran A, Off Jalan Lapangan Terbang
Subang, 47200 Subang, Selangor
Tel: +603-7847 1000
www.apss.edu.my
24 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Beaconhouse Sri Inai No 1098, Jalan Jejarum Off Jalan SS 23/6,
Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603-7804 5403 / 7806 6025
beaconhouse.edu.my
24 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Beaconhouse Sri Lethia Jalan Limau, Off Jalan Istana, 41000 Klang,
Selangor
Tel: +603-3373 3771 / 3758
beaconhouse.edu.my
24 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Beaconhouse Sri Murni Batu 9, Jalan Cheras, 43200 Selangor
Tel: +603-9075 1662 / 1663
beaconhouse.edu.my
25 Below RM15,000
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Lot 5, Jalan Merah Saga U9/5,
40250 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-7846 3985 / 4016
www.realschools.edu.my
R.E.A.L Schools Cahaya
Campus - Shah Alam
25 Below RM15,000
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Lot 217, Batu 13, Jalan Hulu Langat,
43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor
Tel: +603-9201 3601
www.realschools.edu.my
R.E.A.L Schools Suria
Campus - Cheras
13 to 17 years KBSM 10 RM13,500 to
RM17,500 per annum
Jalan Kajang 2 Utama, Seksyen 2, Kajang 2,
43300 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: +603-8953 9088 / 8741 7099
www.rafflesia.edu.my
Rafflesia International &
Private Schools (Kajang)

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
13 to 17 years KBSM 24 RM7,100 to RM8,300
per annum
Jalan Robertson, Off Jalan Pudu,
50150 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2141 1419 stellamaris.edu.my
Sekolah Menengah
Stella Maris
24 Below RM 15,000
per annum
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Rendah Sathya Sai 6th Mile, Jalan Puchong, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-7785 1945 saicouncil.org.my
7 to 12 years KBSR/KSSR 24 Available upon request
8.8 km Jalan Hulu Kelang, 6800 Ampang
Tel: +603-4260 3581 stellamaris.edu.my
Sekolah Rendah Stella Maris
- Ampang
7 to 12 years KBSR/KSSR 24 Available upon request
No. 7, Lorong Setiabistari 2, Medan Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2093 3310 stellamaris.edu.my
Sekolah Rendah Stella Maris
- Damansara
7 to 17 years Malaysian 25 Available upon request
Sekolah Sri Acmar PT21156, Persiaran Rajawali Bandar Baru klang,
41150 Klang, Selangor
Tel: +603-3344 3634 (Primary)
+603-3344 8045 (Secondary)
www.acmar.com/education
24 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Bestari Persiaran Margosa, Bandar Sri Damansara
52200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6275 5888 / 6274 2151
www.sribestari.edu.my
24 Available upon request
4 to 12 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
19 Jalan Setia Bakti 1, Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2093 1740 / 1741
www.cempaka.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Cempaka,
Bukit Damansara Campus
24 Available upon request
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Persiaran Awana, Taman Cheras Permata Dua,
43200 Cheras, Selangor
Tel: +603-9076 8400 www.cempaka.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Cempaka,
Cheras Campus

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
25 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Dasmesh 12 Jalan Pantai Baru, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2288 1600
www.sridasmesh.edu.my
24 RM7,350 to RM9,300
per term
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Garden No 9 Jalan 1/75C, Off Jalan Pria Taman Maluri,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-9286 2668
www.srigarden.edu.my
7 to 12 years KBSR/KSSR 24 Available upon request
Sekolah Sri KDU (Primary) No.5, Jalan Teknologi 2/1, Kota Damansara,
47810 Daerah Petaling, Selangor
Tel: +603-6145 3888
www.srikdu.edu.my
13 to 17 years KBSM/KSSM 24 Available upon request
No. 7, Jalan Teknologi 2/1, Kota Damansara,
47810 Daerah Petaling, Selangor
Tel: +603-6145 3888
www.srikdu.edu.my
Sekolah Sri KDU
(Secondary)
30 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Kuala Lumpur No. 1, Jalan SS 15/7A, 47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor
Tel: +603-5634 3491 / 3493
www.srikl.edu.my
24 Available upon request
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
No. 1, Jalan Setia Tropika U13/18T,
Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603-3342 1535
www.tenby.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Tenby - Setia
Eco Park
25 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri UCSI Lot 4891, Jalan SS13/4, 47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor
Tel: 03-5637 7108 / 7109
www.sriucsi.edu.my

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
28 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Lot 27, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan
Perindustrian Ringan Setapak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-4021 2490
www.sriutama.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Utama - Setapak
Campus
24 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Batu 8, Jalan Sungai Pusu, Gombak,
53100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6188 4400
www.setiabudi.edu.my
Sekolah Taman Ilmu dan
Budi (SETIABUDI)
13 to 17 years KBSM/KSSM 24 RM2,438 to RM2,925
per term
Jalan Dato Hamzah, 41000 Klang, Selangor
Tel: +603-3371 8852
wms.edu.my
Wesley Methodist School -
Klang
13 to 17 years KBSM/KSSM 24 RM3,800 to RM4,310
per annum
Lot 185, Jalan Lima, Off Jalan Sentul,
51000 Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-4041 6470
wms.edu.my
Wesley Methodist School -
Kuala Lumpur
Private Schools Listing – Negeri Sembilan
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
KSSR & KSSM 25 RM9,000 to
RM15,000 per annum
Matrix Private School PT 1256, Sendayan Merchant Square,
Persiaran 1 Sendayan Utama, Pusat Dagangan
Sendayan, 71950 Bandar Sri Sendayan,
Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-781 9888
www.matrixschools.edu.my
13 to 17 years KBSM/KSSM 24 RM5,900 to RM6,900
per annum
Jalan Lee Sam, 70000 Seremban,
Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +606-7620 068 wms.edu.my
Wesley Methodist School -
Seremban

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – Northern Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
25 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Pelita Jalan Cengai, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Tel: +604-899 6277 / 890 6277
www.pelitaschool.edu.my
24 Available upon request
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
No. 2, Lintang Lembah Permai 1,
Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang
Tel: +604-892 7777
www.tenby.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Tenby Senior,
Pulau Pinang
24 Available upon request
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Tenby, Ipoh No. 28, Jalan Kelab Golf, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: +605-253 8530
www.tenby.edu.my
24 RM3,000 to RM7,500
per annum
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
42, Jalan Silibin, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: +605-2545 122 / +6012 5005 033
wms.edu.my
Wesley Methodist
School Ipoh
Private Schools Listing – East Cost Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
13 to 17 years KBSM 20 RM24,000 to
RM26,700 per annum
10KM Genting Highlands,
69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Tel: +6012-654 5796/ 03-6100 1688
www.seriomega.com/eng/about.php
Sekolah Menengah Saleha
Genting Highlands
24 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Tinggi Wadi Sofia Binjai, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: +609-7641 724
www.wadisofia.edu.my

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – Southern Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
25 RM2,400 to RM3,360
per term
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
No.2, Jalan Austin Heights 3/1,
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Tel: +607 351 5000 / 3000 / 3003
www.austinheights.edu.my
Austin Heights Private
Schools
13 to 17 years KBSM 10 RM17,000 (Form 1 to
Form 3), RM22,000
(Form 4 to Form 5)
per annum
Kolej Yayasan Saad Melaka Kolej Yayasan Saad, P.O Box 495 Ayer Keroh,
75450 Melaka
Tel: +606-226 3157
kysm.edu.my
24 RM3,000 to RM6,000
per term
4 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Malacca Expatriat School 2443-C, Jalan Batang Tiga, 76400 Tanjung
Kling, Melaka
Tel: +606-3154 970
expatriateschool.com.my
25 Below RM15,000
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Lot 2361, Jalan Persiaran Sri Plentong,
Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru,
Johor Darul Takzim
Tel: +607-386 4468 / 4469
www.realschools.edu.my
R.E.A.L Schools Cahaya
Campus - Johor
26 RM15,000 (primary),
RM15,000 to
RM25,000 (Secondary)
per annum
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Ara 23 Jalan Straits View, Johor Bahru, 80200 Johor
Tel: +607-222 2089/ 223 0089
internationalschooljohor.com
28 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
16, Jalan Beringin, Melodies Garden,
80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607-334 7714 www.sriutama.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Utama - Johor
Campus
25 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Seri Omega Private School Lot 6974, Jalan Beringin 5, Taman Beringin,
81400 Senai, Johor
Tel: +607-556 1368 / 3368 / 558 9368 / 5268
www.seriomega.com/eng/about.php

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Private Schools Listing – East Region
Institution Contact Details Age Curriculum Class Size Tuition Fee
24 Below RM15,000
per annum
KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
7, Jalan Laman Setia Utama, Taman Setia
Utama, 81550 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607-558 8812 www.tenby.edu.my
Sekolah Sri Tenby -
Setia Eco Gardens
13 to 17 years KBSM/KSSM 24 RM3,105 to RM3,135
per annum
440-E, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka
Tel: +606-284 9025 wms.edu.my
Wesley Methodist School
Melaka
24 RM3,800 to RM6,640
per annum
13 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Lodge National School Lorong Keranji 4E, Jalan Keranji 4, Tabuan Desa
93350 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: +608-236 3554 lodgeschool.edu.my
13 to 17 years KBSM/KSSM 24 RM4,860 to RM5,100
per annum
Maktab Nasional P.O. Box 14146, 88847 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: +6088-431 687
www.sabah.edu.my/mtbnasional
13 to 17 years KBSM 30 Below RM15,000
P.O. Box 79 , 89257 Tamparuli, Sabah
Tel: +608-878 2323
sass.edu.my
Sekolah Menengah Advent
Tamparuli (SMAT)
7 to 12 years KBSR/KSSR 28 RM1,520 per term
Kingfisher Park II, Taman Kuala Inanam,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: +6088-431 680 www.stsimon.edu.my
Sekolah Rendah Swasta
Datuk Simon Fung
24 Available upon request
7 to 18 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Sri Tenby - Miri Jalan Pantai, Piasau, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Tel: +6016-596 6387
www.tenby.edu.my
25 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Sekolah Swasta Seri Insan Medan Perdana, Lorong Medan Perdana,
Kurnia Perdana, Batu 3 1/2 Jln Tuaran,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: +608-843 8294 seriinsanborneo.edu.my
25 Available upon request
7 to 17 years KBSR/KSSR &
KBSM/KSSM
Tunku Putra School Jalan Stadium, Petrajaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
www.tps.edu.my
Tel: +608-231 3900

HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Nutritional Needs
Of Growing Bodies
As parents, it’s only natural to be concerned about your growing child’s
nutritional intake. After all, it’s every parent’s desire to meet with their
child’s dietary needs and then some. It may be smooth sailing for a rare
few whose children willingly consume every morsel of food offered,
while others may have to put up with fussy eaters, poor appetites, etc.
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Ideally, a child’s diet should primarily
consist of foods from the following:
• Milk and dairy products like cheese
and yogurt
• Plenty of fresh fruits and leafy,
green vegetables
• Meats such as chicken, fish, meat,
and eggs
• Whole grains
The above food groups will provide all the
essential nutrients they will need to thrive,
such as vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre
and carbohydrates. A balanced diet should
include foods from each food groups.
Good sources include milk, cheese, eggs,
fish, liver, dried apricots, bell peppers,
carrots, yams and squash.
Important nutrients
Here are the critical vitamins and minerals
that growing bodies cannot afford to
do without.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A promotes normal growth and
development as it helps with tissue and bone
repair. It is essential for healthy skin, eyes,
and immune responses. Vitamin A is also
found to protect the body from infections.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B consists of the family of B
vitamins from B1 to B12. They are:
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin or niacinamide)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
They each perform important tasks in the
body, such as helping to release energy
from food, as well as in the formation
of healthy red blood cells and nerve
function. They are collectively needed
to aid in healthy circulatory and nervous
systems too.
Foods rich in vitamin B include meat,
chicken, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, cheese,
beans, and soybeans.
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Vitamin C
Kids need to consume adequate amounts
of Vitamin C for stronger immunity against
colds, and for healthy muscles, connective
tissue and skin. Vitamin C also helps to
protect cells from damage caused by free
radicals. It is also essential in forming
collagen in bones, cartilage, muscles and
blood vessels.
Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, kiwi and
green vegetables are excellent sources of
Vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Known as the sunshine vitamin, kids
throughout the ages have always managed
to get ample supply of this vitamin from
adequate exposure to sunlight. Vitamin
D promotes bone and tooth strength by
helping the body absorb calcium. It also
helps in the regulation of the immune
system, insulin production, and cell growth.
Good sources include milk, dairy products
such as cheese and yogurt, and fatty fish
like salmon and mackerel.
Calcium
Calcium should be found abundantly in
every child’s diet to help build healthy
bones, muscles, and teeth. As growth rate
is its highest during childhood, it’s highly
essential that children get an adequate
supply every day.
Good sources include milk, cheese, yogurt,
tofu, as well as green leafy vegetables,
beans and calcium-fortified orange juice.
If a child cannot take milk or dairy
products, calcium-fortified rice milk, soy
milk, or tofu should do the trick.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that’s needed
to make red blood cells that deliver oxygen
throughout the entire body. A deficiency
could lead to growth deficiencies, learning
problems, and behavior issues.
Iron consists of:
1. Heme iron. This is an easily absorbed
form of iron and it can be found in
meat, eggs and fish.
2. Non-heme iron. This form of iron
is from plant sources and is not as
easily absorbed by the body as heme
iron. Tofu, leafy greens, prunes, beans
and fortified cereals are sources of
nonheme iron. Tip: Heme iron helps
improve the absorption of non-heme
iron, so mix and match your child’s
food for optimum absorption of
essential nutrients.
Consider a supplement for
your child’s health
Not all kids will be willing to consume
a healthy diet on a daily basis. having
said that, not all parents are able to offer
such a diet to their kids on a daily basis
either. As such, a good supplement will be
helpful in closing any nutritional gaps in
your child’s diet. Consult your doctor for
a recommendation.
SYNBIOTIC FOR BETTER GUT HEALTH
Every child deserves to be in the best of
health and as far as a growing child is
concerned, gut health is the key to healthy
growth! It is a combination of prebiotics
and probiotics, also known as synbiotic,
that helps to improve beneficial intestinal
microflora, increase nutrient absorption,
promote better gut health and
maintain healthy growth in
children. With an all-in-one
formula, synbiotic is
every parent’s answer
with better absorption,
better growth and
better protection to
their child’s good health.
This information is brought to you by BiO-LiFE Marketing
Sdn. Bhd. For enquiry, please call BiO-LiFE Customer
Care (Mon-Fri; 8am-5pm) at 03-7882 8888 or email to
health@biolife.com.my
SmartKids World Vol. 09 133

Advertorial
Bowel Movements
Is Your Child’s Regular?
A healthy, well-functioning body produces
and expels waste regularly and any
irregularity will result in uneasiness and
health conditions such as constipation. A
child’s body is no exception, and parents
should take care that their children have
regular bowel movements so as to keep
such discomforts at bay. There are several
important things to keep in mind when it
comes to a child’s bowel health.
Encourage the consumption
of fiber
Dietary fiber helps to bulk up stools and
prevent constipation. Fruits and vegetables
are high in fiber and parents should try
their best to encourage their children to
consume two to three servings of fruits
and vegetables a day.
Adequate fluid intake
The intake of fiber can only be effective
when it’s accompanied by sufficient fluids
to help soften and push stools along.
Besides water, children can also consume
milk, soup and fruit juices to stay hydrated.
Movement and exercise
Encouraging children to move about helps
to keep them healthy in more ways than
one. Exercise not only keeps children’s
bodies healthy inside and out, but it
also prevents a list of health conditions
including constipation and sluggish
digestive systems.
Practice regular toilet habits
It is not unusual for children to be caught
up in playing, watching TV, etc, to the
point of ignoring the calls of nature.
Ensure that your child uses the toilet
a few times a day to prevent the habit
of “holding it in”, which may lead to
constipation if left that way for long.

HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Getting Kids To Eat
More Vegetables
Kids and vegetables are not a common match as many parents would
testify. That’s hardly a surprising thing, for many adults too are not
enthusiastic when it comes to a plate of vegetables. If it wasn’t for
the essential nutrients contained in vegetables, parents would
probably not mind if their kids give them a miss, but as nature would
have it, they are important sources of important vitamins and
minerals and the earlier kids learn to appreciate their vegetables, the
better their chances of reaping the nutritional benefits for life.
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Many children go through their first picky
eating stage around 18 months of age,
rendering their parents anxious with
worry over the possible effects of their
poor appetites.
Even babies whose first solid foods are
made up of pureed vegetables might turn
the tables on their unsuspecting parents
at some point although they seemed to be
keen on downing their carrots and peas
at first. It’s important though that parents
make an effort to keep incorporating
vegetables into their children’s daily diet,
so as to not lose out on essential nutrients
necessary for growth and development.
Most of the time, vegetables are the
objects of disgust and little ones seem to
reject anything green or vegetable-like.
Instead of giving in and hoping that in
time, their child will have a change in their
food preferences, parents should keep in
mind that they can still be in full control of
this situation and their kids need not even
know that they’re being served nutritiondense
vegetables at mealtimes.
Here’s how you can do this!
Get sneaky
If they won’t eat them, sneak them in,
we say. There are so many ways you can
sneak all sorts of vegetables into meals
and your fussy little diner will not even
realise it. Even chunky vegetables such
as carrots, broccoli and cucumbers can
be incorporated into sauces, breads,
pancakes, etc.
One base,
many hidden goodies
The trick to successfully sneaking in
any number of vegetables into pasta
sauces is to hide them in the main
base. Tomato based sauces are
great for hiding vegetables, provided
that they’re blended in well.
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Pasta sauce with hidden vegetables
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can whole tomatoes
• A pinch or two of sea salt and freshly
ground pepper
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 bell pepper, any color, grated
• 1 zucchini, grated
• few handfuls finely chopped
baby spinach
Method:
1. Heat the oil in a saucepan with the
onions and garlic.
2. Sauté them until they begin to soften
and caramelize. Pour in the tomatoes,
toss in the salt and pepper, oregano,
carrots, bell pepper and zucchini.
Simmer for 20 minutes or so.
3. Stir in the spinach and continue
simmering briefly as it wilts and
heats through.
4. Purée the sauce with an immersion
blender directly in the pot, or with your
food processor or blender. Serve with
your child’s favourite pasta.
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Power-packed purees
Purées don’t have to be limited to baby
food. They are actually versatile enough
to be incorporated into everyday foods of
growing children. Vegetable purees can
be added into pancake batters, cake
and muffin mixes, and of course, soups
and stews.
Green leafy vegetables can be pureed
with water or formula milk for this
purpose. Chunky vegetables such as sweet
potatoes, cauliflower and carrots can be
cooked (baked, boiled or microwaved)
prior to pureeing, after which they can
be concealed in almost any sweet or
savoury dish. They add delicious flavours
and textures to foods, but it’s the
nutritional value that keep parents smiling
with satisfaction.
Blend them with your
child’s favourite food
Does your child love cheese but hate
vegetables? You can easily conceal
vegetable purees into your child’s
favourite dish or mix them cleverly with
a favourite ingredient.
The recipe on the following page is
an example.
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Baked M&C with Secret Sweet Potato
Ingredients:
• 1 pounds (16 oz) whole wheat elbow
macaroni (or any other kind of pasta)
• 1 medium sweet potatoes, microwaved
or baked until soft (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 – 4 cups grated colby-jack cheese
• 3/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
(Panko crumbs work well)
• 2 tsp avocado or olive oil
• 1 tsp dried chives
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9x13
baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the macaroni and cook till al dente
(tender but still a bit firm).
3. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water and
drain pasta in strainer/colander. Set
pasta aside. (Toss with a little olive oil to
keep from sticking.)
4. Skin the cooked sweet potato. Place
sweet potato flesh, milk, reserved water
from boiled pasta, yogurt and salt into
a blender and blend until smooth with
the secret tuber perfectly concealed.
5. Pour the milk mixture into the same pot
you cooked the pasta in. Stir frequently
over medium-high heat and cook until
the mixture is almost simmering. Turn
to low and slowly whisk in the cheese
a little bit at a time. Stir until mostly
melted and smooth. The cheese sauce
will seem runny/soupy but it thickens up
in the oven.
6. Add the macaroni to the cheese
sauce, stir to combine and transfer to
baking dish.
7. Combine bread crumbs, olive oil,
and dried parsley in a small bowl.
Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni
and cheese.
8. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the
top is lightly browned.
9. Serve warm.
SmartKids World Vol. 09 139

HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Make yummy smoothies!
When kids just won’t eat their vegetables,
sneak them into smoothies. With some
clever choices of ingredients, you can easily
‘hide’ all traces of certain vegetables and
watch in glee as your child happily slurps
them up.
Use tasty bases such as soya milk or
coconut water. Yogurt and fresh milk also
help hide secret ingredients in a smoothie.
Include at least two favourite fruits for
every one ‘offending’ vegetable you use.
For example, if you’re planning to hide
a carrot in a smoothie, use oranges and
grapes to help overpower the presence of
said vegetable.
Let them pick!
Let your child help pick the fruits and
greens for the smoothie! This way he or
she will be more likely to appreciate and
enjoy the finished product.
Green smoothie for beginners
Ingredients:
• 2 cup spinach
• 2 cup water (or coconut water)
• 1 cup mango cubes, frozen
• 1 cup fresh seedless grapes
• 2 medium banana
• 1/2 cup milk or yogurt
Method:
1. In a blender, combine water or coconut
water and spinach. Blend until smooth
and even in consistency.
2. Add remaining ingredients to the
blender and run until smooth.
3. Serve immediately!
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Prevent Your Child
From Getting Sick
Getting sick may be part and parcel of growing up, but it does not mean
that parents have to completely surrender to these circumstances. There
are always ways to boost a child’s immunity levels so that they’re better
able to fight of cold, coughs and the flu!
Here are 5 ways to go about it:
Ensure sufficient rest — Sleep
deprivation can make anyone
more susceptible to illness
and children are no exception.
Sleep and rest boosts the
immune systems and recharges
the body for the hard work of
fighting off illnesses!
Teach your kids to pay attention
to personal and environmental
hygiene. Keeping themselves and
their environment clean will help
keep minimal contact with germs
and this in turn reduces stress on
their immune systems.
Take second-hand smoke seriously
— Secondhand smoke increases
a child’s risk of bronchitis, ear
infections, and asthma. It may also
affect intelligence and neurological
development. Need we say more?
Serve them more fruits
and vegetables — Fruits
and vegetables are rich
in immune-boosting
nutrients which include
phytonutrients such as
vitamin C and carotenoids.
Phytonutrients are said
to increase the body’s
production of infectionfighting
white blood cells
and interferon, an antibody
that coats cell surfaces,
blocking out viruses.
Exercising doesn’t just keep
young bodies fit and strong,
but it is found to promote the
flushing of bacteria out of the
lungs and airways and thus
may reduce your chance of
getting a cold, flu, or other
illness. Exercise as a family to
keep kids motivated (and of
course, it’s also simply more
fun to do things together!)
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Preventing
Constipation And Diarrhea
In Children
by Dr. Margaret Kannimmel,
Consultant Pediatrician from Columbia Asia Hospital
The human bowel is made up of three parts and they are the small
intestines, colon and rectum. The digestive system breaks down
and absorbs all the food and fluids we consume into nutrients
needed to fuel the body. It begins at the mouth and runs through
the oesophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the large
intestine or colon and lastly through the rectum and anus.
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Good bowel health is important for children’s overall health. Dr. Margaret Kannimmel,
Consultant Pediatrician from Columbia Asia Hospital, Setapak takes on a few questions
from us to help decipher this importance.
SKW: What do parents need
to know about their child’s
bowel health?
Dr. Margaret: Regular bowel
movements are important for child’s
health. However, each child has their own
pattern of bowel movements. Some may
go every day or some may do it once or
twice a week.
SKW: What are the signs of
bowel issues in children that
parents have to be aware of?
Dr. Margaret: Constipation and
diarrhea are the most common issues.
Constipation is passing stools less
frequently or the child experiences pain
passing hard stools. Hard stools can be
associated with bleeding and this can be
of concern to parents.
Diarrhea is the passing of watery stools
with / without blood. This can be
associated with fever and vomiting. If
the diarrhea continues, it can lead to
dehydration and parents need to seek
medical treatment fast.
SKW: Is a child’s diet linked to
his / her bowel health?
Dr. Margaret: Diet plays a major role
in a child’s bowel health. Poor intake of
fiber and water can lead to constipation.
Infective diarrhea is usually caused by poor
hygienic preparation of food leading to
food poisoning. Non infective diarrhea
may be caused by allergies, intolerance,
absorption problems or secondary
response to medications like antibiotics.
SKW: What can parents do to
ensure that their children have
healthy bowels?
Dr. Margaret: Parents should ensure
the child’s diet is well balanced with
enough fiber and fluids. Offer water
instead of juices as juices contain sugar
which can worsen existing diarrhea.
Try to get your child used to regular
toilet routines but do not force as children
may hold back bowel movements if they
are pressured.
Seek medical treatment fast if your child is
unwell and not feeding normally. Learn to
recognize danger signs especially if a child
is dehydrated from diarrhea.
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Advertorial
Synbiotic
A new way to strengthen your child’s
digestive and immune system
Do you supplement your children with probiotics?
Most people might think that
probiotic is only beneficial for
digestive health, but its functions
are actually more than that!
Apart from promoting healthy
digestion, probiotics were shown
to improve intestinal microflora
balance, inhibit harmful bacteria
growth, boost up immunity
and increase resistance to
infections. Since 70% of the
immune cells are located in the
gut, healthy digestion is closely
linked to stronger immune
function. Therefore, probiotic
supplementation plays a vital
role in supporting the digestive
and immune system due to the
ability of probiotic to modulate
immune responses through our
gut’s mucosal immune system.
A gut flora is usually established
in infants after the first week
of life and begins to resemble
adult gut flora after weaning.
Gut flora aids in carbohydrate
digestion and defends against
pathogens, thus protecting the
body from diseases. Nevertheless,
the composition of gut flora
can be easily influenced by
various factors such as daily
diet, medication, antibiotics
intake, chemicals exposure and
stress. A healthy gut flora shall
be composed of 80% friendly
bacteria and 20% other bacteria.
The imbalanced ratio of gut flora
can result in stomach complaints
including bloating, diarrhoea,
constipation, flatulence and
indigestion. These might lead to
slower growth among children as
their bodies are unable to absorb
nutrients effectively and utilize
them efficiently.
Nowadays, a combination of
prebiotic and probiotic, or
commonly known as synbiotic
is more effective in protecting
children against illness and
infections. Prebiotic is source of
fibre that selectively stimulates
the growth and activity of
bacteria in the colon whereas
probiotics are live bacteria
which deliver health benefits
when taken in adequate
amounts. Taking probiotic and
prebiotic together will deliver
synergistic health benefits as
the prebiotic can prolong the
survival rate of probiotic and
enhance nutrient absorption,
thereby enabling better
protection against diseases.
When buying a probiotic
supplement for children, it is
very important to choose the
right probiotic strains that have
been clinically proven to provide
health benefits. Bifidobacterium
lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus
acidophilus LA-5 and inulin are
well-studied synbiotic to provide
triple protection for children:
better absorption, better growth
and better protection. Synbiotic
helps to increase uptake of
nutrients, balance up intestinal
bacteria, normalize bowel
movement and strengthen the
immune system, thus providing
better protection and improving
the children’s health throughout
the adult years.
Healthy digestive system
is analogous to healthy
development of the intestinal
mucosal defense system. The
role of synbiotic in strengthening
a child’s digestive and immune
system cannot be neglected.
Let’s start to look for synbiotic
supplements to help protect
your children against illness
and infections.

HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Homemade Snacks
For
Growing Appetites
Kids get hungry all the time and when those hunger pangs
strike, it’s always great to have some healthy, homemade
snacks at hand. Here are a few you can make ahead,
although we doubt they’ll be stored for long!
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Cornflakes and berry cookies
Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 1/4 cup dried berries
• 1/4 cup sultanas
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp plain yoghurt
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C conventional (or 160°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray
with baking paper.
2. Scatter oats on the tray and dry roast in the oven for 3 minutes, remove and
leave to cool.
3. Place oats in a bowl and add crushed cornflakes, salt, cinnamon powder, baking
powder, flour, berries and sultanas and mix well. Pour in the butter and honey
and stir all the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Now add yoghurt a little at a time until the mixture binds together. You
probably won’t need the full tablespoon. Roll into 2 cm balls — place on the
baking tray and flatten them with the back of a spoon.
5. Put the biscuits into the oven for around 15 – 20 minutes or until they turn
golden brown on top. Leave on the tray for around 5 minutes before turning
out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Vanilla pudding
Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or organic honey
• 4 tbsp arrowroot powder (or organic corn starch)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp of good quality vanilla essence
Method:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, maple syrup, arrowroot
powder and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until pudding begins to thicken.
3. Stir over the heat for about 15 more seconds. Remove immediately from the
heat, and continue to stir until pudding is creamy.
4. Add butter and vanilla and continue to stir until mixed.
5. Pour into serving dishes and serve warm, or chill for two hours and serve cold.
Ingredients:
• 4 small sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
Baked sweet potato fries
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut each
sweet potato in half lengthwise, and
place it flat side down on a cutting
board. Cut the potato halves into 1-inch-wide wedges.
2. In a small bowl, combine the oil and garlic salt. Place the potatoes on a roasting
pan and brush with the oil mixture. Lay the potatoes flesh side down on the pan
and put the pan in the oven.
3. Cook potatoes, turning once, until soft, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the oven and season with Kosher salt.
5. Let the wedges cool for a bit, and serve warm.
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Orange and cranberry muffins
Ingredients:
• Cooking spray
• 1 navel orange, cut into eighths
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat your
muffin tray with cooking spray.
2. Blend oranges, juice, egg and oil well.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the
flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda
and salt till fully incorporated.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry
ingredients and pour the orange
mixture into it. Stir into a thick batter.
5. Add in the cranberries.
6. Divide the mixture among the muffin tins, filling the tins about 3/4 full, and
bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden and push back when
gently pressed.
7. Let cool on a rack before serving or storing in airtight container.
Mango and banana popsicles
Ingredients:
• 3 cups fresh chopped mango
• 2 bananas
• ½ cup honey or agave syrup
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Method:
1. In a food processor, or blender combine
the fruits, honey and lemon juice.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Pour puree into molds and put in freezer. Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.
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Baked apple chips
There’s store-bought chips laced with salt, MSG and the works…
and then there’s healthy, yummy apple chips with the apple, the whole apple,
and nothing but the apple! These are so easy to make too.
Ingredients:
• 2 apples
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
Method:
1. Remove apple core.
2. Thinly slice the entire apple.
3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment
paper and place apple slices on it.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
5. Bake at 275°F for two hours. At the
end of hour one flip them over so
they bake evenly.
6. Serve warm!
Ingredients:
• 250g fruit (1/2 lb), peeled and
chopped if needed
• 2 tbsp honey
• pinch salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cold water
• 1 3/4 cups plain yogurt, sweetened
with 1 tbsp honey, or to taste
Fruity yogurt
Method:
1. Make compote, place fruit, honey and salt in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to
a simmer, stirring frequently. Stir together cornstarch and water until cornstarch
is dissolved. Pour into fruit mixture. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring often, until
thickened and no longer cloudy. Allow to cool before layering with yogurt.
2. To make the yogurt, add two tablespoons fruit compote to a sealable jar or plastic
container. Top with 1/4 cup yogurt. Refrigerate, covered, for up to five days.
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Cheese & Chia Crackers
Ingredients:
• 180g wholemeal spelt flour (or any other flour you choose)
• 100g unsalted butter, cut into small cubes and kept from being too warm and soft
• 120g grated cheddar cheese or other hard cheese
• 50g grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 – 3 tbsp water, to bring dough together
Method:
1. Pre-heat oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
2. Sift the flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the butter. Hand-mix
the butter through the flour until it looks crumbly before adding the cheeses
and seeds. Continue mixing with a wooden spoon.
3. Add one tablespoon of water at a time to bring the mixture together into a
firm dough which is not too sticky.
4. Slice the dough into portions which are easier to roll out.
5. Lay one portion of dough on a piece of baking paper. Dust a rolling pin and roll
the dough out until about 5mm thick.
6. Cut into discs with cookie cutter.
7. Fork-prick each cookie for decoration if you like and bake for 15 – 20 minutes or
until golden brown.
8. Cool and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp yeast
• 8 cups water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• coarse salt
• melted butter and
cinnamon sugar
Deli-style pretzels
Method:
1. Bread machine method: In the pan of a bread machine, assemble the 1/2 cup
water, milk, sugar, flours, salt, and yeast. Set the machine on dough. When the
cycle ends, remove the dough to a lightly oiled surface.
2. Manual method: Warm the water and milk slightly and combine it with the
sugar and yeast. Let that rest for 5 minutes. Then add the flours and salt. Stir
until you have a sticky dough but all the flour is incorporated. Turn it onto a
floured surface and knead until the dough becomes elastic. Set into a greased
bowl and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about an hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long snake,
about 18 inches long. Shape your pretzels.
5. Meanwhile, bring the 8 cups water to a boil in a large stockpot. Add the baking
soda and continue to boil. Drop the formed pretzels, one at a time into the
soda bath. Boil for about 30 seconds and remove to the prepared parchment.
Sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired.
6. Once all the pretzels have been “bathed”, bake them for 9 to 10 minutes or
until golden. Remove them to a rack to cool.
7. If you prefer sweet pretzels, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter and
sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Freezing instructions: Place the cooled pretzels (unbuttered) in a ziptop freezer
bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw, wrapped, on the countertop
at room temperature. You can reheat them in a warm oven for five minutes to
freshen them.
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Kids’ Oral
Hygiene And Care
Taking good care of their bodies is a boring concept for kids.
Hence, as parents, it’s crucial that the right approaches are taken to
instill some beneficial habits in their children that will hopefully last
a lifetime. Oral care is one such habit. Good oral health practices can
be practiced during all stages of development for your child.
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Fact
One of the most common chronic
diseases in infants and young children
is dental caries. It’s said to be five
times more prevalent than asthma.
• Halitosis is the technical term for bad
breath. It is caused by the unhealthy
buildup of plaque and the inflammation
or infection of the gums.
Teaching your child good oral hygiene
techniques is important for their oral
health, and will help to alleviate all of the
conditions above. Good teeth-brushing
techniques should be taught from an early
age, so that kids will have a better chance
of taking good care of their pearly whites.
Parental guidance and/or aid in dental
care (brushing, flossing, etc.) for children
should continue constantly until they have
mastered proper oral hygiene techniques.
Dental issues
The practice of good oral hygiene is
essential in preventing early childhood
caries. It is the first line of defense
against common dental problems such
as the following:
• Plaque. This is easily missed as it is not
clearly visible. This white-ish substance
develops and clings to the teeth when
food is mixed with bacteria and saliva.
• Tooth decay. Decay occurs when small
holes, or cavities, form in the tooth.
Plaque is the main culprit of tooth decay,
especially when sugar comes in contact
with the bacteria in your mouth.
• Gum disease. It’s actually an
infection or inflammation of the gums
surrounding the teeth. Unhealthy gums
are exposed to plaque and can cause an
inflammation called gingivitis.
Good oral hygiene
— What is it?
Children’s oral hygiene should not be
taken from granted just because they
know some basic tooth-brushing skills
— They should be checked upon and
lessons should be reinforced, with parental
guidance continuing until they are truly
capable of managing their own daily oral
care. It should include the cleaning of the
mouth at least twice a day. Children’s daily
routine should include:
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• Brushing their teeth. They should
brush their teeth for two full minutes
with an age-appropriate toothpaste.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every
three months.
• Flossing. The practice of flossing is
helpful in keeping the mouth free from
bacteria. Ask your dentist about the
appropriate age to begin flossing.
• Using mouthwash. In addition to
getting rid of small pieces of debris,
rinsing is a great way to keep your child’s
gums healthy. Choose a mouthwash
that is kids-friendly.
3 Ways to encourage oral
hygiene for kids
1. A Good Role Model. Children see,
children do, so brush your teeth, floss
and rinse in front of your child so they
can learn by example.
2. Electric and Musical Toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes are extremely
fun for your child, and the musical
toothbrushes play for the recommended
two minute duration encouraging
your child to keep brushing for the
optimal time.
3. Fun Dental Floss Holder. Your child
may be more encouraged to break off a
piece of floss if they are pulling it out of
a floss container in the shape of a car or
dolphin. Many dentists also recommend
one-time flossers, which come in fun
shapes and are more child-friendly.
Importance of the Dental
Check-ups
Although you can promote good oral
hygiene for your child, a visit to the dentist
every six months is a must. A dentist will
be able to provide the professional care
and advice that will help in keeping a
child’s teeth and gums healthy.
Dealing with Dentist
Visit Anxieties
It’s natural for kids (and adults too!) to
be a bit apprehensive about visits to the
dentist. Encourage your child to discuss
any fears he or she might have about
these visits. You can try scheduling your
own appointment before that your child
can watch and have a chance to see what
happens during a dental visit and observe
your behavior throughout the appointment.
It may also be helpful to remind your child
about the fun parts of dental visits like
getting a new toothbrush and goodies
from the dentist, etc.
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The Roles Of
Fatty Acids And
Probiotics
In A Child’s Diet
Q&A with Verona Lee,
Dietitian from Sunway Medical Center
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fatty acids
Q: Why are fatty acids important for
the well being of growing children?
A: Dietary fats in general are calorie-dense
macronutrients. They play an important
role in absorption and metabolism of some
nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins,
and help the body absorb some vitamins
(vitamins A, D, E, and K).
Out of all types of fatty acids, essential
fatty acids which include linoleic acid,
LA (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid,
ALA (Omega-3) are crucial for children’s
growth. These fatty acids cannot be
synthesized in the human body and
therefore must be obtained from food
because they are the key nutrients
that help in forming long-chain fatty
acids particularly Arachidonic Acid
(AA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). These
long-chain fatty acids are vital for the
proper functioning of every cell in the
body especially the brain, eye and heart.
The brain is composed of large amounts
of both DHA and AA and therefore
adequate supply of both DHA and AA is
essential for optimal brain development.
A research review in 2013 also suggested
a favourable role of DHA in children’s
cognition and behaviour and could affect
their school performance.
DHA is also a major component of the
retina and thus affects visual acuity. In
addition, these long-chain fatty acids
affect growth through their role in the
synthesis of prostaglandins (hormone-like
substance that coordinate a wide range
of body functions such as the contraction
and relaxation of smooth muscle, dilation
and constriction of blood vessels and
modulation of inflammation in body) and
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growth hormones. Other than that, a
study in 2014 that reviewed the impact
of DHA in children and adolescents
also found its protective effects against
development of metabolic diseases such
as obesity, cardiovascular disease and
diabetes during a person’s entire lifespan.
Q: How can parents ensure their
children get enough fatty acids?
A: How much of fats a child needs is
based on his/ her age and daily energy
needs. American Heart Association
recommends a varied diet with about 30%
to 35% of energy from fat for children
ages between 2 to 3 years, and 25% to
35% of energy for children ages between
4 to 18 years, in order to support optimal
growth. So, instead of counting grams of
fat or choosing low fat or non fat food
choices for children, try including quality
fat sources instead. For example, add
small amounts of sesame oil in porridge
or noodles for children, spread some soft
margarine or peanut butter on bread, add
avocado in sandwiches and serve cashew
nuts or walnuts to older children as snacks.
The best way to get fatty acids is through
natural food sources. LA can be obtained
from a variety of plant foods including
soybean, sunflower and corn oils, green
leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. On
the other hand, ALA can be found in
flaxseed (also known as linseed), canola
oil, margarine, soy, legumes and walnut.
However, the synthesis of EPA and DHA
from its precursor ALA in the body is
not efficient. Therefore, it is suggested
that EPA and DHA should be consumed
directly from EPA and DHA rich foods such
as oily fish like tuna, mackerel, sardine
and salmon, red meat, eggs, and foods
enriched with them such as cereals,
yogurt and milk. According to Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO, 2010), the recommended
adequate intake amount of EPA and DHA
for children are as follows:
• EPA+DHA: 100–150 mg 2–4 years
• EPA+DHA: 150–200 mg 4–6 years
• EPA+DHA: 200–250 mg 6–10 years
To ensure children obtain the sufficient
amount of DHA, US FDA (2017)
recommends 1 to 2 servings of fish per
week in their diets. On average, a serving
of fish is about 1 ounce for children ages
2–3 years, 2 ounces for children ages 4–7
years and 3 ounces for children ages 8–10
years. On top of this, Malaysian Dietary
Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in
2013 recommends cooking with blended
vegetable oils which are high in these fatty
acids. You can also encourage your child to
eat corn, nuts, legumes like chickpeas and
dhal, seeds such as sunflower seeds and
pumpkin seeds to ensure adequate intake.
Q: How will severe lack of fatty acids
affect a growing child?
A: Severe lack of fats in a child’s diet may
cause inadequate energy intake leading to
poor weight gain and low immunity. It may
also deprive him/ her from getting other
nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins.
While essential fatty acids (both omega-3
and omega-6) are vital for their structural
role in cell membranes in the development
of major organs like brain, eyes and heart,
a lack of these can also cause rough, scaly
skin, dermatitis and reduced growth in
children. The impact of deficiency is also
greater in early infancy in which rapid brain
development happens. There are some
studies that explore the impact of omega-3
fatty acids on cognitive performance or
brain function in school-aged children but
the finding is not conclusive.
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Probiotics in a child’s diet
Q: What are probiotics?
A: Probiotics are live bacteria that are
similar to the bacteria found naturally
in our digestive tract. They’re often
referred to as “good bacteria” or “helpful
bacteria.” The most studied probiotics
to date include Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium lactis, and
Streptococcus thermophilus.
Q: How do they benefit a
growing child?
A: Based on a review published by
American Academy of Pediatrics, there
is some evidence to support the use of
probiotics in treating infectious diarrhea
from acute viral gastroenteritis in otherwise
healthy infants and young children by
shortening the duration of diarrhea and
reducing the number of diarrheal stools.
This benefits are strain dependent in
which the findings indicate Lactobacillus
rhamnosus GG (LGG) is the most effective
probiotic reported to date. Furthermore,
it also seems to be more effective when
given early in the course of diarrhea.
However, current available evidence does
not support the routine use of probiotics
in prevention of infectious diarrhea. The
long-term health benefits of probiotics in
the prevention of cancer, allergy, eczema
or other diseases or providing sustained
beneficial results on the immune system
remain to be proven as its effectiveness are
strongly affected by the strain type and the
dosage consumed.
Q: How can parents ensure their
children are getting enough probiotics?
A: While we still have ways to go in
probiotics supplementation research, you
may consider incorporating probiotics
rich foods in your children daily diet.
Fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese,
kimchi, miso and tempeh are great sources
of probiotics. Think of creative ways
to serve your children probiotics rich
foods, for example, serving your
children yogurt as
snacks, make a
fruit smoothie
with yogurt,
serve miso soup
with rice, kimchi
fried rice or add
cubes of tempeh
to a stir-fry or
crumble it into soups.
However, avoid cooking
these foods at high heat as it may kill the
good bacteria. For instance, whisk miso
into warm water instead of cooking it in
boiling water. There is no recommendation
on how much of probiotics or which
probiotics strain is required in ensuring
children’s health at the moment.
References:
1. S.L. Huffman et al. Essential fats: how do they affect
growth and development of infants and young children
in developing countries? A literature review. Maternal
and Child Nutrition 2011;7(Suppl.3): 44–65.
2. C.N. Kuratko et al. The Relationship of Docosahexaenoic
Acid (DHA) with Learning and Behavior in Healthy
Children: A Review. Nutrients 2013; 5(7): 2777–2810.
3. I.A.C. Arnoldussen & A.J. Kiliaan. Impact of DHA on
Metabolic Diseases from Womb to Tomb. Mar Drugs.
2014; 12(12): 6190–6212.
4. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations. 2010. Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition:
Report of an expert consultation. FAO Food and
Nutrition Paper 91. Rome.
5. National Coordinating Committee on Food and
Nutrition. Malaysian Dietary Guidelines for Children and
Adolescents. 2013; Ministry of Health Malaysia.
6. US Food and Drug Administration & US Environmental
Protection Agency. Eating Fish: What Pregnant Women
and Parents Should Know. 2017; http://www.fda.
gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/
ucm393070.htm
7. D.W. Thomas et al. Clinical Report—Probiotics and
Prebiotics in Pediatrics Pediatrics 2010;126:1217–1231.
8. O.J. Onubi et al. Effects of probiotics on child growth:
a systematic review Journal of Health, Population and
Nutrition 2015; 34:8.
9. Osendarp SJM. The role of omega-3 fatty acids in child
development. OCL 2011; 18(6) : 307-313.
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FAQ:
Atopic Eczema
by Dr Khairul Zaman Omar,
Consultant Paediatrician from Columbia Asia Hospital
Atopic eczema is a common skin condition experienced by many young
children. Proper care is necessary to ensure that a child with eczema is
kept comfortable and also to avoid unnecessary flare-ups.
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We talked to Dr Dr. Khairul Zaman Omar, Consultant Paediatrician Columbia Asia
Hospital, Setapak and asked him for some clarifications on some frequently asked
questions on atopic eczema.
SKW: At what age does atopic eczema appear?
Dr Khairul: Eczema can develop at any age. Some babies may get it as early as a week
old and others may get it when they’re a little older. It may develop in adults too.
SKW: Why do some children get atopic eczema and some don’t?
Dr Khairul: It is an allergy disease / atopy disease. Hence children with family history
of allergy in the parents or siblings may have a much higher risk of developing eczema.
However, children with no family history of allergy disease may still develop eczema.
SKW: Can eczema be prevented?
Dr Khairul: You can attempt to prevent eczema before it is manifested by avoiding
known allergens such as:
• dust
• heat
• chemicals in baby bath product
• certain baby formulas
• cow’s milk
SKW: Where in the body does it
usually appear?
Dr Khairul: Common sites for eczema are
as follows:
a. Face, especially cheek and behind ear lobes
b. Scalp (known as seborrhea)
c. At the trunk and nappy area caused by
application of “topical ointment for heat”
d. Neck flexures
e. Arm flexures (cubital fossa)
f. Flexures behind the knee (popliteal fossa)
SKW: Will children outgrow this skin issue?
Dr Khairul: It will depend on their family
history. Some children will outgrow but some
will not; ie if parents have eczema until now,
then the child would manifest a similar clinical picture.
SKW: Does atopic eczema cause any serious health issue?
Dr Khairul: At the most, it may cause skin infection (cellulitis) but otherwise, it’s
self-containing.
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Are Your Kids Getting
The Eye Care They Need?
Eye care for children should not be taken for granted as it is a
critical part of their development. A healthy eyesight will help
children receive 80% of their information from their surroundings
and also determines how a child copes in school as well.
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Detect eye issues early!
Kids have been known to have poor
eyesight which go undetected by their
parents, due to the fact that they failed
to inform their parents that they can’t see
well. Most of them are not even aware
that something is not right with their eyes.
Instead, they resort to squinting or sitting
closer to the blackboard or television
as natural coping mechanisms without
realising that that’s not the way it
should be.
Poor eyesight, coupled with careless habits
might permanently affect the child’s ability
to see well, which will then worsen his
or her general awareness, attention span
and ability to concentrate. A child with
poor eyesight may also display difficulty in
developing writing skills and may endure
a slow learning progress as well if the
condition is not promptly treated.
Eye examinations
and screenings
While most babies are born with naturally
healthy eyes, problems tend to occur as
some children develop refractive errors
in their eyes as early as three years of
age. A trustworthy method to monitor
a child’s eye health and development
during the first three years of his or her
life is to schedule regular eye examinations
every year.
Children who already wear prescription
glasses or contacts should go for regular
checkups by an eye doctor to screen
for vision changes. As half of Malaysia’s
population is already reliant on either
spectacles or contact lenses to go about
their daily routine, early prevention is
especially important to prevent eye issues
in a child from a young age.
The importance of regular
eye check-up for children
Toddlers and young children are
susceptible to sickness such as chickenpox
and measles, which can disrupt their visual
development and cause eyesight problems.
Whether or not there is a problem, a
child’s very first eye examination with an
eye doctor should take place by the age
of three, followed by an annual visit every
year thereafter. A typical eye examination
should include testing on:
• Colour Vision: Colour-blindness is
usually inherited and very little can be
done to treat this condition. However,
detecting this issue early can better
prepare the parents and child for the
future and how to best handle it.
• Depth Perception: At three years of
age, children are actively learning to
walk, touch and physically relate to
the world around them. Poor depth
perception could be due to a turned
eye or lazy eye, which can be improved
with training programs specially
designed for children.
• Allergy: Certain allergies can disrupt the
quality of vision and comfort of the eyes.
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Signs Your Child Needs To
See An Eye Doctor
Most young children don’t take too easily
to the idea of wearing glasses, but still,
it’s important as a parent to book an
appointment with the eye doctor if your
child is displaying a majority of these clues:
• Habit of rubbing his or her eyes
• Sensitive to sunlight
• Short attention span
• Poor visual tracking of any object
• Chronic redness of the eyes
• Chronic tearing of the eyes not caused
by crying
• Whitish pupil (instead of black)
Other signs of eye-related problems in
school-age children include difficulty in
looking at far-distance objects, squinting
and a habit of sitting right at the front of the
television to watch their favorite programs.
Eye Specialists Explained
Does your child need to be seen by an
optician or an ophthalmologist? Eye
doctors vary according to their credentials,
skills and specialties. Here are the main
categories of eye care professionals that
you should know about:
• Ophthalmologists are medical
doctors specializing in eye care.
Ophthalmologists can perform eye
examinations, prescribe eye corrections,
treat injuries or diseases and perform
eye surgery.
• Pediatric ophthalmologists are
professionally certified ophthalmologists
with additional training specializing in
the treatment of kids’ eye problems.
• Optometrists are doctors of optometry
with an undergraduate degree. They are
authorized to perform comprehensive
eye exams, diagnose common eye vision
problems as well as provide pre- and
post-surgical care. Besides prescribing
glasses, contact lenses, recommending
eye exercises, vision aids and eye
therapy, optometrists can also offer
oral and topical medications for certain
eye diseases.
• Opticians are technicians that are
trained to read vision-correction
prescriptions and supply you with the
appropriate contact lens or glasses.
Opticians can also help to repair and
adjust eyeglasses for better wear.
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Eye Issues In Kids
Besides struggling with near or farsightedness,
your child may also
suffer from other eye problems such
as amblyopia and strabismus. When
diagnosed early, these eye problems can
be successfully treated.
• The Lazy Eye (amblyopia) is caused
by crossed eyes and a difference in the
refractive error between the two eyes.
This eye disorder is best treated during
the pre-school years as it can become
irreversible at a later stage in life.
• Misaligned Eyes (strabismus) refer to
eyes that may turn inwards, outwards,
up or down. Sometimes, misaligned eyes
may also be diagnosed together with a
lazy eye. Eyes can be realigned through
surgery or specially designed glasses that
can train the eyes to re-align themselves.
• Blur vision is known as refractive errors
that occurs when the eye cannot refract
or bend the light properly, thereby
causing images to look blurred or
unclear. In severe cases, blur visions can
also cause lazy eye symptoms as well.
Refractive errors can be separated in
three separate disorders:
»»
Nearsightedness is also known as
myopia and is simply treated with
prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
Most school-aged children with
myopia have poor long distance vision.
»»
Farsightedness is known as
hyperopia and is simply treated with
prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
Mature adults with hyperopia suffer
from poor short distance vision.
»»
Astigmatism refers to the imperfect
curvature of the front surface of the
eye that can cause blurred vision. Like
myopia and hyperopia, astigmatism
can be treated with prescribed glasses
and contact lenses.
Eye-care habits for
healthier eyes
Myopia in children is either hereditary or
caused by environmental factors. Here
are some proactive measures any parent
can easily adapt to at home to decrease
the risk of their children developing
bad eyesight:
• Watch The Eyes: Hours of starring
at the television set, hand phone or
computer can be damaging to the
eyes as these electronic devices emit
long electromagnetic waves that can
be harmful to the pupils. The easiest
method of limiting your child’s exposure
to infrared rays is to encourage lots of
outdoor playtime. However, do note that
the sun also emits ultraviolet rays that
can be harmful to your child’s eyes as
well. Before 11am or after 5pm are best
times for playing outside.
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Little things that help
It would also be a good idea to
position the house computer
near the window so they can look
outdoors between screen breaks for
visual relaxation. Alternatively, green
plants placed around the screen can
also relax the eyes. If windows and
foliage are not available, have your
child practice looking into a mirror
placed 10 feet away from their seat
instead. This effectively allows your
child to exercise and relax the eyes
at the same time.
your palms without applying any hard
pressure on the surface. Leave the
palms on for 10 to 15 seconds and
repeat 5 to 7 times.
»»
Number 8 Exercise — Place your
finger an arm’s length away from
your face. Focus on the tip and follow
your finger as you trace the number 8
horizontally in the air with your eyes.
Steadily widen the number 8 until the
tip of your finger travels out of the
corner of your eye.
• Eye health through diet: Certain kinds
of foods are especially beneficial for the
eyes, especially food rich in antioxidants,
beta-carotenes, Omega-3 fats, Vitamin
C, Vitamin E and zinc. Apples, plums,
pecans, strawberries, blueberries,
blackberries and capsicum are great
sources of antioxidants whereas carrots,
sweet potatoes and pumpkins are
vegetables rich in beta-carotenes.
Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and
sardines are also good for eye health
as they aid in cell repair. Leafy green
vegetables such as Kai Lan, collards,
mustard leaves, spinach and kale are
great sources of zinc.
• Even eyes need exercise: Like the
other muscles of the body, your eye
muscles will also get stronger the
more you strengthen it. Here are two
eye exercises which your child can
perform anytime and anywhere that
is convenient:
»»
Palming Exercise — Warm up the
palms by rubbing them together.
Then, cover your closed eyes with
A Child’s First Spectacles
Getting your child his or her very first
prescriptive glasses can either leave a
very positive or negative effect on their
confidence. On one hand, glasses can help
one see better, which will then allow them
to learn better and significantly improve
their learning skills as well as their motor
skills. On the other hand, glasses can easily
become a topic for bullying and your child
may lose self-confidence over the fact that
they need to wear a pair of ugly spectacles
all the time.
According to the Malaysian
Optometrist Association, it is very
important that children are only
given spectacles that are robust with
quality finish. This includes the nose
pads on the glasses that should not
rattle after long usage.
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Here are some tips to help ease the impact
of having to wear glasses:
• Children’s opinion matter: If your child
is obviously more comfortable wearing a
simple, black framed pair of glasses, the
last thing he or she needs is to be stuck
with a flashy white framed one! While
you may be the one who’s buying them,
remember that it’s your child who will
be wearing them, so do pick something
that he or she won’t be embarrassed to
wear all the time!
• Check for durability: Older children
may prefer metal frames instead of
plastic, as it seems more sophisticated.
While metal frames are fine, do ensure
that they have spring hinges that stay in
shape for a longer time.
• Invest in elastic straps: This convenient
band is very important, especially if your
child is active (and sweaty!). Essentially,
elastic straps work to keep the glasses
attached to your child, so you’ll
effectively lessen the occurrence of the
spectacles dropping, getting lost or even
trampled on during playtime.
• Choose the Right Lens: If your
child is active, polycarbonate lenses
which are tougher, shatterproof and
lighter would be the better choice.
However, while these lenses are impact
resistant, they are more susceptible
to scratches. Children with severe eye
problems should also be allowed highindex
lenses, which are much thinner
and lighter, compared to standard
plastic lenses.
• Fit for Comfort: Have your child try
on the spectacles before making a
purchase. The frames must fit the bridge
of your child’s nose without slipping and
must not be too heavy or wearisome
for the young user. (Keep in mind that
the finished pair of spectacles with the
lenses installed will be heavier.) Have
your child smile while wearing the
spectacles. If the frame moves, it means
that the spectacles are resting on the
cheeks instead of the nose and is too
large for their face.
Children and
Contact Lenses
The biggest issue with contact lenses
is that without proper hygiene or eye
care habits, wearing them can cause
severe cases of infection. If your child is
determined to try contact lenses either for
vanity or sports reasons, have them learn
proper contact lens application and care
from a certified optician or optometrist,
rather than learning from their friends
or the Internet. Also, practice wearing
contact lenses with your child until he or
she understands the importance of good
discipline when it comes to wearing them.
In a way, any child above the age of 10
should be physically ready for contact
lens, depending on their level of maturity
and responsibility.
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First Aid &
Home Safety Tips
There isn’t a parent alive who didn’t wish that their child will be
safe all the time and free from accidents and injury. As much as
you try to keep them for happening, and despite paying attention
to what your child is doing at all time, accidents happen.
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In case of these kind of emergencies,
do you have whatever’s required to take
control of the situation? Whatever your
answer is, it’s always good to be reminded.
So, here are some useful info to have.
Treating cuts and scrapes
If there’s bleeding, first press firmly over
the affected area with a clean cloth until
it stops. This may take anywhere between
three and 15 minutes, depending on the
severity of the wound. Clean the area
under lukewarm running water and gently
pat dry. If a wound is dirty or is caused
by an animal scratch, rinse it with water
and gently lather with soap. If the skin
is broken, apply a thin layer of over-thecounter
antibiotic ointment, then cover
with a bandage or gauze and adhesive
tape. If you can’t control the bleeding after
several attempts with direct pressure, seek
medical attention.
minutes. Dry the wound, apply antibiotic
ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or
a clean cloth.
If the bite or scratch is broken or has
punctured the skin, take your child to see a
doctor. A child who is bitten by an animal
may need antibiotics or even a tetanus
booster. A bite or scratch on a child’s
face, hand, or foot is particularly prone
to infection and should be evaluated by a
doctor as soon as possible.
Insect Bites or Sting
If the bite or sting wound is bleeding,
apply pressure to the area with a clean
bandage or towel until the bleeding stops.
Use rubber gloves to protect yourself
and to prevent the wound from getting
infected. If the wound is not bleeding
heavily, clean it with soap and water, and
hold it under running water for several
Burns
Run to the nearest water source and
immediately hold the affected area under
cool running water or apply a cold, wet
towel until the pain subsides. Cover any
small blisters with a loose bandage or
gauze and tape. Call a doctor as soon as
possible if burns are on the face, hands or
genitals, or if there are large wounds. If
the burn looks deep, with skin that looks
white or brown and dry, seek medical aid
at once.
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Nosebleeds
Have your child sit upright, but don’t tilt
his or her head back. Loosen any tight
clothing around the neck. Pinch the lower
end of their nose close to the nostrils
and have them lean forward while you
apply pressure continuously for five to 10
minutes. Resist trying to check too many
times in between for the bleeding might
take longer to stop.
Choking
Most of the time, the food or object
only partially blocks the trachea. If it can
be coughed up, breathing will return to
normal in less than a minute. Children who
seem to be choking and coughing but
still can breathe and talk usually recover
without help. It can be uncomfortable and
upsetting for them, but they’ll generally
be fine after a few seconds. However,
choking can be an emergency if the child
cannot breathe!
In severe choking incidents, an object can
get into the trachea and completely block
the airway. If airflow into and out of the
lungs is blocked and the brain is deprived
of oxygen, choking can become a lifethreatening
emergency.
A child may be choking and need help
right away if he or she:
• is unable to breathe
• is gasping or wheezing
• can’t talk, cry, or make any other sound
• turns blue
• grabs at his or her throat or waves arms
• appears panicked
• becomes limp or unconscious
In any such cases, immediately start
abdominal thrusts which is also known
as the Heimlich Maneuver, the standard
rescue procedure for choking, if you’ve
been trained to do so. If you do not know
the steps to the Heimlich maneuver, there
are plenty of YouTube video tutorials on
mastering it, and it’s high time you did!
Fever
Children with temperatures below
38.9°C often don’t need medicine unless
they seem agitated or uncomfortable.
Exception: If you have an infant three
months or younger with a rectal
temperature of 38°C or higher, call your
doctor or visit your clinic at once. Even a
slight fever can be a sign of a potentially
serious infection in very young infants.
If your child is between three months and
three years old and has a fever of 39°C or
higher, call your doctor to see if your child
needs to be seen. For older children, take
behavior and activity level into account.
Watching how your child behaves will give
you a pretty good idea of whether a minor
illness is the cause or if your child should
be seen by a doctor.
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Home safety
• Ensure window blinds and curtain cords are tied with clothespins or specially
designed cord clips, and are kept well out of reach and away from children
• Dressers should be secured to walls with drawers closed
• The lids on toy chests or toy storage containers should have lid support to keep
them from slamming shut
• Window guards should be placed on any window that isn’t an emergency exit
• Night-lights in the room should be far away from fabric such bedspreads or curtains
• If possible, install a smoke alarm outside your child’s bedroom
• All drawstrings from a child’s clothing should be removed
First-Aid Essentials
A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within
easy reach, is a necessity in every home.
Having supplies stocked ahead of time
will help you handle an emergency at a
moment’s notice. You should keep one
first-aid kit in your home and one in each
car. Your first aid kit should contain:
• Tweezers (to remove splinters)
• Hydrocortisone cream and calamine
lotion (for bites or stings)
• Alcohol wipes
(to clean scissors and tweezers)
• Oral antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
• Non-latex gloves (to use when treating
a wound)
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for pain
and fever)
• Thermometer
• Antibiotic ointment (to prevent infection)
• Hand sanitizer (to clean hands in case
water and soap aren’t available)
• Blanket (to prevent heat loss after large
burns and to treat shock)
• Bottled water (to rinse wounds if there’s
no faucet nearby)
• Instant cold compress
(to control swelling)
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Defend Your Family
Against Dengue!
Favourable weather conditions, clogged drains, empty containers
left around that collect rain water — these are among the reasons
why the Aedes mosquitos get to breed easily and cause the dreaded
dengue fever to spread. It’s difficult to control the breeding grounds
of these killer insects when they’re outside our homes or in
neighbouring houses/parks. Hence it’s all the more important to
protect your family members for getting bitten by them.
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Whatever it takes, do it!
As we live in the tropics and the weather
conditions are close to perfect for
mosquitoes to thrive and flourish, our
Ministry Of Health (MOH) has given us
adequate information to make responsible
citizens out of us. It has become almost
second nature for all of us to know the
necessary steps and procedures to take to
try and diminish the breeding grounds of
Aedes mosquitoes. As a reminder though,
here are the recommended actions to
be carried out to rid our surroundings of
Aedes breeding places.
1. Store away empty containers and
cans. Do not leave any of these items
outdoors, for they may accumulate
rainwater. Take note that stagnant
water serves as the best breeding place
for aedes mosquitoes.
2. Change the water in your plant pot
plates regularly. Remember too, that
you should also wash and clean the
plates so as to eradicate mosquito
eggs, or you might end up replenishing
them with just the thing they need —
clean water!
3. Loosen the soil from potted plants.
It’s highly possible for water
to accumulate on the surface of
hardened soil.
4. Change the water in vases.
Every other day, you should change
the water in flower vases. Scrub and
clean the inside of these vases too. Add
the right amount of larvicides to keep
mosquitoes from breeding in them.
5. Apply larvicides regularly.
Apply them into gully traps, and roof
gutters too, even though they are dry.
6. Check drains for blockages.
Clean all the drains in and around
your home and remove all leaves,
garbage, etc, for they can cause
blockages and will eventually result in
water becoming stagnant.
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Protect from bites
No matter how much precaution is taken
to eradicate the breeding grounds of
the aedes mosquito, there is nothing
stopping surviving mosquitoes from biting
unsuspecting victims.
These tiny insects may even be lurking
around your home at this very moment
without you noticing them! To avoid
getting bitten, here are some suggestions:
• Cover up. Wear long sleeve shirts and
long pants and socks while outdoors to
prevent mosquito bites.
• Netting is the word! Place mosquito
nettings on all doors and windows of
your home. This will, at some level,
help keep mosquitoes from entering
your home.
Support your local
community mosquito
control programs
Mosquito control activities are
often held at the local level, such
as in a housing park’s council
or community hall. The type of
mosquito control methods used by
a program depends on the time
of year, the type of mosquitoes
to be controlled, and the habitats
where the mosquitoes live.
Methods can include eliminating
mosquito larval habitats, applying
insecticides to kill mosquito larvae,
or spraying insecticides around
the homes at certain times.
Check with your local housing
community for more information.
• Stay indoors at certain times. Avoid
being outdoors at dawn and dusk. The
aedes mosquitoes are known to bite at
these times, so limit the amount of time
you spend outdoors during these hours.
If you are outside, be sure to wear
repellent and protective clothing.
• Use mosquito coils/electric
repellents. These emit a continuous
form of protection in your home and
minimizes the risk of mosquitoes bites.
• Use a repellent on exposed skin. This
is also an effective way to safeguard
against mosquitoes. There are many
good brands of mosquito repellent in
the market which are safe and pleasant
to use. Many are also safe for babies and
little children too.
Repel those nasty biters
When choosing and using a mosquito
repellent, consider the following.
• Type of application. Mosquito
repellents come in various forms. There
are sprays, roll-ons, stick-on patches,
and creams to choose from. Pick what
you think will work best for your family.
• Ingredients. Mind the ingredients used
in your chosen mosquito repellent and
make sure that there is nothing in it that
a family member can be allergic to.
• Instructions of use. Even the safest
of products require that you read and
follow the instructions carefully for the
best results.
• Reapply as needed. Even the best of
mosquito repellents will wear out in
terms of potency, so reapplication will
definitely be a necessity at some point.
Read the label for instructions on reapplication.
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Fire Safety
@ Home
Interview with Briand Greer, President of Honeywell ASEAN
A home safety study by Safe Kids Malaysia Universiti Putra
Malaysia has revealed that burns are the second major cause of
injury among primary school children ages 7 to 12. When it comes
to keeping kids safe, adults play an important role. However, it is
equally important to teach children about the potential risks and
prevention of serious injuries within and outside their homes.
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In conjunction with Safe Kids at Home Program which was recently launched to educate
children and their families about unintentional injury risks in the home, Smart Kids World
talked to Briand Greer, President of Honeywell ASEAN to share more of this inaugural
program and its relevancy among parents and caregivers today.
only 11% of the parents surveyed said
that their children’s school frequently
teach about injury prevention or fire safety.
We need to fill-in these gaps, and, at
Honeywell, we are concerned and want to
do something about it.
Q: Why is there a dire need
for education on fire and burn
prevention for kids?
BG: Here in Malaysia, one child dies from
fire injury every two weeks, and in the
last two years there were over 250 firerelated
deaths. Sadly, the majority of those
incidences occurred at home.
Past incidents as well as findings from
various studies highlight that there are
gaps in the awareness and education of
fire safety, injury prevention and basic
principles of preparedness here in Malaysia
and across the region.
In a recent survey conducted by Safe Kids
Malaysia Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
and Safe Kids Worldwide; supported by
Honeywell, more than half of the 640
parents surveyed mentioned that they
were worried that their child would
be more likely to suffer from a burn or
fire-related injury in comparison to other
preventable injuries. However, only 1 out
of 3 parents shared that they constantly
teach their children about fire safety and
Q: How can a program like Safe
Kids At Home help families?
BG: The school-based, Safe Kids at Home
education program is designed to provide
children a sense of safety ownership and
to encourage them to share what they
have learnt at school about fire safety with
their parents and family members at home.
It includes interactive classroom activities
as well as activities that you would need
to do at home as a family. With the
guidance provided by the Fire and Rescue
Department of Kuala Lumpur, injury
prevention experts from Safe Kids Malaysia
UPM and Safe Kids Worldwide designed
a program that was not only relevant but
also fun and very interactive.
In the program, the children will learn
possible causes of fires and injuries at
home, preventative measures, as well as
the steps to take in case a fire breaks out.
It is our hope that what they learn will be
shared and taught from one generation
to another.
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Q: Do you think Malaysian
parents are giving enough
attention to fire safety issues
at home?
BG: In the home and family environment,
fire safety is not usually something that
remains top-of-mind 24 hours a day.
Some parents may not have had the same
level of exposure to fire safety education
and awareness when they were younger;
thus, the level of awareness on injury
prevention, fire safety and the basic
principles of preparedness here in Malaysia
remains low as the pattern continues from
one generation to another.
With the Safe Kids at Home Program, we
hope to reach out directly to the children
and we hope that they will continue to
teach their own children and so on.
Q: What are the main changes
that have to be made to keep
kids at home safe from fires
and burns?
BG: Safety awareness goes a long way
in changing the mindset and behaviors
of both children and adults alike. We
encourage everyone to help spread the
word on fire safety and injury prevention
at home; to be open and perceptive to
the lessons, tips and measures that are
taught in the program. Once you are
aware of what it takes to keep your home
safe, you will be more open to carrying
out measures that would help prevent the
incident from happening in the first place.
Q: What is the success rate
of this program so far in
other countries?
BG: For more than ten years, Honeywell
and Safe Kids Worldwide have partnered
to protect children from preventable
injuries in the United States, China and
India. In China alone, the Safe Kids at
Home program has reached out to more
than three million students in over 20 cities
nationwide. Honeywell’s commitment to
the program then expanded to Pune, India
where it will educate 325,000 students
and 175,000 parents by the end of this
year. This time, we will be bringing this
award-winning program right here to
Malaysia. A pilot program will be rolled
out to 9 schools and it will educate 6,000
students over the next few months. Our
eventual goal is to reach out to every child
in Malaysia.
Q: How can schools be involved
in educating kids on fire safety?
BG: Schools and educators play a critical
role in helping to spread the word on
injury prevention and fire safety. This can
be done via various channels and methods
— lesson plans, curricular activities, school
trips to the fire department and so on.
There are so many fun and interactive
ways to educate a child on fire safety.
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7 Discipline
Tricks That Work
As parents, we all want to see our kids behave in the best
ways possible. Well, most of us would have known by now
that parenting isn’t as easy as that, for kids and misbehaviour
generally go hand in hand. What’s a mom or dad to do?
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For some of us, it can be quite a challenge
to discipline a child. It can even be
heartbreaking, for as parents, we want
to see a smile on our child’s face, not a
sad frown, tears, or the dreaded tantrum.
Having said that, there are many ways to
appropriately correct a child.
For a better outcome on the long run,
here are some effective tips that we hope
will help.
When saying ‘no’,
once is enough
Let’s face it — You’ll be using the word
‘no’ often enough, so why not make
it count? The trick here, for each new
incident, is to be firm in delivering the first
‘no’, so there is no need to reiterate. Be
serious with your words and expression
when communicating the reasons why
your child is not getting his or her way.
(See Explain). If the first “no” does not
work, try a different approach, such as
finding ways to say ‘yes’, but still mean
‘no’. (See Saying ‘yes’ but meaning ‘no’)
Remember, resist relenting at this point,
for that gives way for incessant and tiring
manipulations in the future, things kids are
naturally bound to try.
Explain
Mere saying ‘no’ to a child holds no true
meaning when it comes to correcting or
communicating with a child. Unless you
supply an explanation, a child is very likely
to repeat the behaviour, say, like asking
for ice-cream just before dinner. The
better, more effective way is to explain
that ice-cream before dinner will spoil their
appetite for the yummy food that is going
to make them strong and healthy, just like
their favourite movie character, sports
idol, etc.
Saying ‘yes’ but
meaning ‘no’
Children who hear ‘no’ too many times
from their parents are at risk of becoming
‘immune’ to it, making it challenging for
parents to say ‘no’ as they grow older,
for the word will in time, hold little or
no meaning. It may also give way to
unnecessary resentment. Try the tactic of
saying ‘yes’ but meaning ‘no’ instead. As
sneaky as it sounds, it’s totally doable. For
example, if your child asks for a favourite
cookie, you can reply: “Yes, you can have
a one right after dinner.” If they ask for
something while you’re out shopping, you
can say: “Yes, of course. Is that what you
want for Christmas/your birthday/a backto-school
present? These are normally
win-win compromises that soften the blow
of a ‘no’.
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If your child happens to misbehave while
in the company of others, get his or
her attention, go to a private place and
clearly communicate the reasons for your
displeasure and the consequences if the
offending behaviour continues.
Stop yelling
Yelling at children is not only disturbing
to hear and watch, but it can also
cause behavior problems and emotional
development issues. The consequences of
yelling at children outweigh any possible
benefit of temporarily silencing them, for
it can give way to depression and selfesteem
issues. Instead, make an effort to
communicate with your child in a calm and
warm manner.
Remember too that refractions on their
part are often caused by sheer boredom.
Paying attention to your child by engaging
in conversation or playing with them will
help to distract them from the object
of their attention and refocus it onto
something more positive.
Refrain from humiliating
your child
We could go on and on about not
embarrassing your child in front of other
people, with good reason too, for it’s
one of those negative aspects of growing
up that children have trouble forgetting.
Some even carry humiliating experiences
brought upon by family members right
into their adulthood, causing deep
resentment and grudge.
Avoid false hopes
Parents often say: “Not now”, even to
things that they never intended to say
‘yes’ to. This gives a child the false hope
that there will be a time when he or she
can have whatever it is they wanted.
Consequently, if those implied promises
keep going unfulfilled, in time, your child
will lose all trust in you and your words.
If you wish to use the term ‘not now’,
accompany it with the time when your
child can expect you to make good on
your word.
Do not contradict
your partner
When one parent says “no”, and the other
says “yes” it may sound entertainingly
funny at first, but if this goes on, conflict
between the two parents may arise.
This split in permission may also create a
manipulative habit in a child, where all
he needs to do to get his or her way is to
ask the other parent. So, communicate
with your partner, and find out whether
a decision has already been made in the
matter before you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
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To The Beach, Kids!
We’re lucky to be living in a land lined with beautiful beaches! Coupled
with our typically warm and sunny weather, it’s no wonder beach
holidays are a winner among Malaysian families! Here are five beachy
destinations you don’t want to give a miss.
Port Dickson
Port Dickson or better known as
PD, is a stretch of beaches located
in Negeri Sembilan. They are
perfect for family picnics or for
merely lazing the day away on short
weekend getaways.
Here, you’ll not miss the rows of
beachside stalls and shops selling
almost everything you could ever
want for a perfect day at the beach
— swimsuits, floats, beach toy,
hats, etc. Children can have fun
building sandcastles and picking up
seashells as momentos from their
fun beach vacation.
Among the best beaches in Port
Dickson are Teluk Kemang, Pantai
Cahaya Negeri, Pantai Saujana, Pantai
Bagan Pinang and Cape Rachado.
Morib
Morib beach is a well known
destination for family weekend
getaways. It’s among the first
landing points on the west coast for
the British and Indian Army liberation
forces during the end of World War II
in 1945. The beach itself is small but
nevertheless, it is suitable for family
outings as well as for swimming.
Morib attracts more than 10,000
visitors annually notably during the
month of August, festive seasons
and public holidays. Its Gold Coast
Morib International Resort is a family
favourite, with its small water park for
children to have the time of their life.
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Cherating
Cherating is a beautiful beach resort
in Kuantan, Pahang. It’s beautiful
and laid back with lovely, wide
beaches. Known for its strong winds
and beautifully aligned coconut
trees, Cherating has become a
popular surfing spot among local
and foreign surfers. Cherating is also
where the exclusive resort Club Med
is located for a perfect holiday!
Cahaya Bulan
Cahaya Bulan is famous for the
seafood restaurants lining its beach.
Although it’s a great stretch of beach
for a family picnic, the lack of shade
beckons that you bring your own
picnic umbrella, or enjoy its beauty in
the early mornings or in the evenings
instead of afternoons.
Kite-flying is a popular activity at the
beach and the kites can be bought
at nearby shops.
Desaru
Located approximately 100
kilometres away from Johor Bahru,
Desaru is not only a locals’ favourite
— it also welcomes a fair share of
tourists. Its soft, white sand and
breathtaking views are what makes it
a great holiday spot.
Desaru is known for its Casuarina
trees. Parents can relax under
the trees while children have
fun swimming in the sea, under
supervision, of course.
Batu Burok
Think fishermen’s boats and just
gazing out into the horizon with the
breeze blowing and the sound of
waves breaking into the beach and
you’ve got Batu Burok in your mind.
Thanks to its open beach and strong
breeze, your family may have a treat
of watching kites in many shapes
and colours fill the clear blue sky.
Don’t forget to savour the variety of
delicious must-try local foods such
as Nasi Dagang, Fried Ice Cream,
seafood and so on while you’re there!
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Furnishing And Decorating
Kids’ Rooms
Kids grow at a phenomenal rate, and sooner or later they’ll develop
preferences, likes and dislikes. They’ll also want their bedrooms to be
their own personal space which reflects on their own developing
personalities. Decorating a room to suit these tastes is easier said than
done but it can still be an enjoyable experience for kids and parents alike.
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Start with a room plan
You’ll need:
• A measuring tape
• Note book and pen
Measure and jot down the exact
measurements of the entire room, from
wall to wall. Note too, where the doors,
windows and closets are. Discuss with
your child to get ideas of how they would
want their ‘dream room’ to look like. You
can make a simple drawing of the room
dimensions on plain paper. From there, you
can plan the layout of the furniture and
‘rearrange’ them until your child decides
on the ideal plan.
Know your budget (and
stick within that limit)
Decide on a budget amount and vow to
stick to it. Discuss the budget with your
child; this is a good opportunity to teach
them about money management and
appreciation. Include your child’s opinion
to help in the decision making process
when it comes to prioritizing purchases for
the room.
Versatility
Choosing the right furniture for instance,
can be a challenge, especially if you are
dealing with a child’s whims and fancies.
Some children also have a tendency
to change their preferences regularly,
especially to match up with current trends.
In this situation, finding a lasting set of
ideas when decorating the kid’s room
would be the smartest step to take.
Unless you don’t mind a total makeover
in a few years (or perhaps less!), entertain
your child’s fancies for a certain trend
with bed-sheets, comforters, rugs, curtain
and posters of his fancied movie/sports/
cartoon character instead of purchasing a
whole bedroom set with that one theme.
Using your creativity, there are many
ways you can accommodate a child’s
fancy or obsession for a trend realistically
and wisely.
Theming and scheming
Select a theme and choose a color
scheme. It would be so much more easier
if you need only pick and choose from
bedroom items which fall in a certain
theme or color scheme. Your child’s
preferences are paramount here because
they will be spending the most time in
the room. On the upside, you’ll need
only purchase things that fit the category
for your child’s room, hence avoiding
unnecessary purchases.
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Storage a-plenty
Choose plenty of colorful storage options.
Kids tend to have a lot of toys, clothes and
shoes and these need to be stored away
neatly. Well-selected storage containers,
baskets and boxes can turn out to be
attractive and decorative as well.
Clever spacing
Consider the many uses for a child’s
bedroom and be sure to incorporate areas
for each of these important elements of
proper child growth:
• Sleep
• Study
• Play
If the room is small, consider ways to make
some of the space do double-duty. One
simple way to accomplish this is to buy or
build a loft bed — similar to a bunk bed,
but with only a top bunk.
The space under the sleeping area can be
used to house either a study area with a
desk and bookshelf, a TV area, a dressing
area or a small play area. When you keep
in mind the different uses for your child’s
room, such as studying, sleeping and
playing, it would be so much more easier
to decorate accordingly.
• Try to choose items that
will “grow” with your
child. Just as they quickly
outgrew their need for
a crib and changing
table, they will continue
to grow and develop,
both physically and
intellectually.
• Consider full sized
dressers and bed options
and look for a desk that
will still accommodate
your child for a few years.
Tips to keep in mind
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Space saving options
Unless space is not an issue, picking
out furniture that can serve more than
one purpose makes the most sense. For
example, a headboard that can double as
a bookcase, or storage chests that double
as step-stools.
Toy chests can make great seats too. Bunk
beds are a fantastic option if two children
are sharing a room or for sleepovers.
Trundle beds are great too because the
second bed can slide underneath the main
bed to give more room for your child to
play when it’s not in use.
On the wall
• Your child’s drawings and artworks
can be transformed into stylish and
unique wall deco.
• Removable wall stickers can be
changed easily and they give the
room a fresh new look.
• Paint your child’s room in a bright
color and then purchase an additional
paint color that is complementary to
the first color and use stencils to draw
designs on your kid’s walls. Stencils
are inexpensive and can easily be
found at craft stores. You can even
find stencil patterns online.
• Enlarge their favourite photos, frame
them and hang these on the wall for
a personalised touch that is unique to
their tastes only.
• If your child is into posters, set up
an attractive poster wall. The trick
for visual appeal is to keep one
common and consistent element on
the posters — either the size, color,
frame, etc.
Safety concerns
You should always look for
sturdy furniture that is made well.
Children tend to be rough on their
furniture so it should be able to
withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Watch out for obvious safety
hazards, such as loose safety rails
on bunk beds or ladders that are
flimsy or not secured properly.
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Are Vacations
Good For Children?
While we all know that adults benefit greatly from vacations,
partly due to the stress of work, household chores and other
duties, have you ever wondered if the same holds true for kids?
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Well, it does. It doesn’t really matter what
they do during their holiday time, be
it travelling to another country, visiting
grandparents or simply enjoying family time
at home, but children benefit greatly in
many ways from the leisure time spent with
their family during holidays and vacations.
The definition of a
family holiday
The main requirement of a family holiday is
that the family spends time together away
from life’s regular routine. The activities,
duration and destination varies from
family to family according to preference,
budget, available time, etc. As such, a
family holiday could entail a few weeks
overseas, or a few days at a beach resort,
or even a weekend at a camping site and
so on and so forth. It could even be just
spending time at a relative’s place, such as
a grandparent’s house.
The precious time spent together as a
family away from the normal daily routine
brings value to a child’s life while building
cherished memories with loved ones.
senses of security and contentment are
reestablished when they see their parents
together, having fun, laughing, playing
and being silly with each other. Regardless
of the type of vacation or where, as
long as they’re all together and enjoying
themselves, they experience a high level of
comfort. This comfort informs them that
all’s right with their world, boosts their
wellbeing and helps them cope better.
Cultivating the love of
wholesome enjoyment
Adults are not the only ones who fall into
the humdrum of monotony with tight
schedules and work. Children too can
get accustomed to the norms of a tightly
scheduled life, leaving little room for
relaxation and for enjoying even some of
the simple pleasures of life.
Holidays and family vacations let children
see another aspect of life where they learn
that adults can and do allow time for
unadulterated fun. Holidaying with their
family teaches children that, although
work and school are important aspects
of life, enjoying life holds importance too
for individuals and families. Parents can
help their kids let loose by demonstrating
how much they’re enjoying themselves
and encouraging their kids to follow suit.
Holidays can and should give children the
opportunity to play and interact with
their family.
A sense of contentment
Children who hardly get to spend much
time with their busy parents are found
to benefit greatly from family holidays.
Parents may not realise it but kids’
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New, exciting experiences
Family holidays present children with the
opportunity to explore and encounter
foods, places and activities that are not
the norm for them. They may also look
forward to it if the destination is one they
have been to before. A heightened sense
of adventure is felt when a family holiday
or vacation is approaching, and in this
receptive frame of mind, children are more
than willing to delve into new experiences
and try new things.
It can be even more exciting if a child
has read about a place beforehand after
which he or she gets to experience all
that has been read, for real! Children
thrive on the feelings of excitement and
contentment that accompany incredible
new experiences.
Stress Break
Stress accompanies the modern kid no
matter how we’d like to deny it. Kids
today are all too anxious to perform well
in school, please their parents, get around
peer pressure and participate in music or
sports outside of school. Life can get pretty
tied up for them these days. While the
stress of everyday routine is real for them,
it can dissipate and disappear with the fun
and frivolity of a family vacation.
Escaping with their families allows kids
to rest, relax and alleviate daily stress.
Their bodies and souls get a much needed
break, which rejuvenates them inside
and out!
Strengthens Family Bond
During holidays and vacations, each family
member gets to see the others in a new
light, away from the norms of everyday
life. They get to enjoy and appreciate each
other’s company for once, away from the
hassle of everyday life. This helps children
to let their guard down and re-connect
back to family members, indirectly helping
to strengthen a family’s bond.
Better Productivity
Just like adults, children provided with
ample opportunity to frolic, relax and
renew themselves during a pleasurable
family holiday demonstrate better
productivity when they return to
educational pursuits. Once they are
refreshed, they return to school ready
to take on the world, rejuvenated
and refreshed!
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Protect Your Child
From Second-Hand Smoke
The smoke from a cigarette is
known to contain around 4,000
chemicals, a number of which are
known cancer causers, and is
related to a range of illnesses such
as asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, cancer, and
heart disease. Children who are
exposed to secondhand smoke are
steadily taking in nicotine and
other chemicals into their bodies
just like smokers.
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It can be quite challenging to try and keep
children away from secondhand smoke
produced by smokers. Here are some tips.
If you haven’t yet,
quit the habit, please.
Smoking is a challenging addiction
to give up but if you’re serious about
taking charge of your health, there are
resources available, which can help guide
you through the process. Since January
2007, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has
provided a hotline service to aid smokers
in giving up their habit. This hotline is
known as Infoline Berhenti Merokok at
03-88834400. It operates daily during
working hours. Infoline Berhenti Merokok
is hosted by the Health Education Division
of the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Services
provided: Advice on quit smoking; Tips to
quit smoking; and Quit Smoking Clinic.
Operating Hours: 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Mondays to Fridays (working days only).
Encouraging fact
20 minutes after your last cigarette, your
heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
One year after quitting, your risk of
contracting coronary heart disease is cut
in half. Ten years after quitting, the risk of
dying from lung cancer is 50% lower than
that of a continuing smoker.
Fact
No amount of secondhand smoke
is considered safe for your family,
especially children!
Help other family members
quit too
If there are any other smokers who spend
a lot of time around your children, try to
help them stop smoking too. Although
quitting a habit such as smoking is a
personal choice, you may be able to
persuade them to quit, especially if they
already know the dangers of smoking to
their own health and to others.
Try explaining to them about the harmful
carcinogens that your children are being
exposed to by their habit. Don’t forget
to emphasise on the personal benefits
they will enjoy as a result of quitting too!
Lastly, offer as much emotional support as
possible to help them quit the habit.
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Keep a cigarette-free home
Your home is where your family lives
in so you have every right to forbid
smoking in your house, especially if you’re
serious about your children’s health. As
troublesome or sensitive as it can get, you
will have to start somewhere. One way is
to make a polite, casual announcement in
Facebook, for example, that you wish to
take the wellbeing of your family seriously
and request that family members and
friends who visit your home from now on
refrain from lighting up inside the house.
Be aware of where you
take your child
You may be able to control the situation in
your own home, but it’s not quite possible
to do the same when you bring your child
to public places. Nevertheless, it’s still just
as important to try and limit their exposure
to secondhand smoke as much as possible.
Firstly, identify the places that do not ban
smoking in their premises and as long as
you can help it, avoid frequenting those
places with your child. After all, there are
plenty of other places, such as certain
restaurants, playgrounds, parks, etc, that
operate on a no-smoking policy.
Avoid theaters, entertainment venues, and
anywhere that smokers are likely to feel
comfortable lighting up. If you happen to
be in a restaurant which allows smoking,
keep your children away from the tables
of smokers.
Telling it as it is
Sometimes, you will just have to take the
time and effort to explain to the smokers
in your life that while you value their
presence in your life and your children’s
lives, you cannot allow them to smoke
around your children, and that your
children will not be allowed to be around
them while they are smoking. Help
them understand how they are putting
everyone around them at risk when they
smoke, particularly children, who are
still developing. Do your best to be firm,
but also respectful when executing this
message and hope for the best.
Educate your children
about smoking and
secondhand smoke
Merely informing your child that smoking
and secondhand smoke are bad or
dangerous does not help them understand
exactly why they should not do it. Instead,
try explaining to them the different ways
that smoking and secondhand smoke can
harm the body. You may also use examples
to back up your points. If you tell them
that smoking is bad for their lungs, you
might consider showing them a picture of
a smoker’s lungs.
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Be just as serious when explaining why
avoiding secondhand smoke is also
important for their health. Point out,
for example, that even secondhand
smoke exposure can lead to respiratory
problems, etc.
As a parent, you will always have the best
intentions at heart when it comes to your
children’s health, but it will not always be
possible to shield them from the habits of
other people. You’d have a much better
chance though, if they fully understood
the ramifications of secondhand smoke, as
well as smoking itself, of course.
While talking to your child would work,
especially if there happens to be good
communication between you both, there
are also alternative methods which can
help you along. Search for youtube videos
which might help your children understand
the dangers of smoking and secondhand
smoke. Here is one such video worth your
child’s attention: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=fF7SNcw7kxQ
What steps are taken by
your child’s school?
Most schools do have some sort of antismoking
program, but some may have
programs that are not as well-developed as
others. Ask your child’s teacher what the
school’s program involves, and whether
or not they include education about
secondhand smoke in their program. If you
are not satisfied with the current program,
suggest ways it can be improved, or better
still, ask if you can help.
Children who live with smokers are more likely
to develop:
• asthma
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• coughing/wheezing
• sore throats
• ear infections
• eye irritation
• allergies
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