Category: Education

  • Taylor’s Education introduces First Lexel International Schools

    Taylor’s Education introduces First Lexel International Schools

    Taylor’s Education Group (TEG), has launched Lexel International Schools, a new model of international education designed to make globally benchmarked learning more accessible to Malaysian families. Lexel, a merging of the words “lexicon” and “excellence,” has been designed to inspire students to build their own bodies of knowledge and pursue excellence in everything they do.

    This initiative builds on the 2024 strategic partnership between TEG and Gamuda Land, combining Taylor’s academic excellence with Gamuda Land’s township development expertise. The collaboration integrates affordable private education into master-planned communities, enhancing quality of life and long-term value. Lexel’s first campus at the township of Gamuda Gardens offers students a unique campus with well-lit, large classrooms, labs, as well as a library, multi-purpose hall, and canteen, amid the town centre and with easy access to township amenities including an Olympic-length swimming pool, Wellness Centre, indoor badminton courts, and extensive parks, walking trails, and water features.

    Malaysia’s private and international school sector has grown rapidly over the past decade. Between 2019 and 2024, local student enrolment in international schools increased by 34%, driven by a growing middle class and rising demand for globally relevant, English-medium education. At the same time, Malaysia’s national plan continues to strengthen its position as a regional education hub, with the government targeting 250,000 international students by 2025.

    Despite this growth, many families face barriers such as high tuition fees and limited proximity to reputable schools. Lexel International Schools bridge this gap by offering internationally benchmarked education at an accessible price point, supported by holistic facilities and community infrastructure within Gamuda Land’s township.

    Speaking at the launch, Karl Engkvist, President of Taylor’s Education Private Limited, emphasised the strategic importance of expanding access to international education as part of Taylor’s long-term growth and social impact agenda. “Taylor’s has always been committed to shaping the future of education in Malaysia and beyond. Lexel International Schools represents a strategic step in delivering high-quality international education at an affordable price point. By leveraging our academic expertise and operational excellence, we are creating a scalable model that aligns with our vision to educate the youth of the world and prepare them for global opportunities.”

    The new Lexel campus at Gamuda Gardens expands Taylor’s education ecosystem beyond its nine established institutions in Southeast Asia, which collectively serve more than 34,000 students annually. Lexel upholds academic excellence by drawing on proven frameworks from Taylor’s institutions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, supported by the expertise of Taylor’s University School of Education. This approach ensures world-class facilities and quality education while keeping fees significantly lower.

    Wong Siew Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Gamuda Land, underscored the role of education in driving sustainable community development and long-term value creation. “For us at Gamuda Land, building a township has always been more than constructing homes or designing beautiful parks. It’s about building a place where life can truly happen for a community.”

    “That is why weaving reputable education partners into our masterplan is such an important part of what we do. We’ve always believed that a great township is defined by the people and partners we bring in. Whether it’s education, retail, wellness, or lifestyle — the right partners help us create places where our residents have everything they need, right here at home,” Wong added.

    In 2026, Lexel plans to open its second flagship campus in Gamuda Cove, further strengthening its presence and expanding access to affordable international education. Beyond these two campuses, the brand also aims to grow nationwide and into regional markets, creating a network of schools that deliver consistent quality and inclusivity.

  • SC collaborates with Durham University

    SC collaborates with Durham University

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has launched the Young Regulators Development Programme (YRDP), in collaboration with Durham University, United Kingdom. The two-week, intensive capacity building programme aims to cultivate a pipeline of skilled talent to support the growth and stability of regional capital markets.

    To be held annually from 2025 to 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, this programme targets early-career capital market regulators with three-to-five years of work experience from ASEAN and IOSCO member regulators.

    The YRDP serves to enhance young professionals’ competencies and aptitude by providing a strong foundation in capital market regulation and supervision while keeping them updated on emerging trends and best practices.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony between the SC and Durham University in Durham, United Kingdom, SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said that the initiative underscores the SC’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening regional regulatory capacity.

    “Investing in young regulators is essential to navigating the complexities of today’s dynamic capital markets. It also aligns with the region’s ambitions to build a resilient, well governed and internationally competitive capital market.”

    “The YRDP will also foster meaningful connections among fellow regulators, paving the way for closer international collaborations in years to come,” he said.

    Durham University, ranked third in the UK and globally recognised for its excellence in law, finance and economics, brings academic rigour and international expertise to the programme.

    The course will be led by Dr. Federico Lupo-Pasini, Professor of Financial Law and Director of the MSc Law and Finance, who played a key role in developing the programme, and features guest lecturers and leading industry practitioners.

    Professor Volker Roeben, Dean of Durham Law School said, “Durham University offers education that transforms our students, and enables them to transform the world. We look forward to bringing our world-leading academic excellence to this important new programme.

    “In addition, we offer an ASEAN Financial Regulators Scholarship, providing financial support for ASEAN regulators pursuing an MSc in Law and Finance at Durham,” he said.

    “This empowers young regulators to broaden their knowledge, develop critical analytical and leadership skills, and enhance their career prospects in the evolving financial sector,” he added.

    The programme will be structured over two weeks, covering the following core areas:

    • Week 1 – Core foundations in capital market development, regulation, and supervision.
    • Week 2 – Advanced and cutting-edge themes & trends including digital assets, fintech, cybersecurity, sustainability and ESG, and Islamic finance.

    The inaugural cohort will commence in August, with Malaysia as the regional host. This location ensures greater accessibility, cost efficiency, and encourages participation from across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and other jurisdictions.

    For more information on the Young Regulators Development Programme, please contact L&D@seccom.com.my.

  • National Teacher Summit champions holistic education ahead of Kurikulum 2027

    National Teacher Summit champions holistic education ahead of Kurikulum 2027

    As Malaysia prepares for Kurikulum 2027’s shift to values-based, student-centred learning, targeted teacher training is building capacity through practical strategies that nurture empathy, emotional growth, and stronger teacher-student bonds.

    For the first time, 70 teachers from across the country have completed formal training in building Emotional Intelligence through Program Guru KARISMA (Karakter Inspirasi Masyarakat)—a year-long initiative designed and led by Arus Academy, with full funding from Yayasan Hasanah, a foundation under Khazanah Nasional, and Ministry of Finance Malaysia. The initiative is part of broader efforts to prepare educators for Kurikulum 2027—Malaysia’s next major curriculum reform that emphasises holistic development, including values, emotional intelligence, and responsible citizenship.

    Character education and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a proactive educational approach that helps students understand and manage their emotions, build empathy, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with others—skills that support academic success, mental well-being, and positive lifelong behaviours.

    Held in conjunction with the Sidang Guru Kemuncak KARISMA 2025, the culmination of the programme brought together 300 educators, including the 70 trained participants, for a one-day national summit that blended expert-led workshops, classroom showcases, and panel discussions focused on holistic education. Teachers explored how to embed SEL into academic subjects—an increasingly vital competency under Kurikulum 2027.

    “Kurikulum 2027 will shift the role of teachers beyond content delivery—it’s about nurturing emotionally grounded, values-driven young people,” said Alina Amir, Co-founder of Arus Academy. “Program Guru KARISMA equips teachers with the tools and mindset to create meaningful learning environments that reflect this shift. This is about elevating the teaching profession—preparing educators to meet the emotional and social needs of today’s learners with confidence and care.”

    The summit featured a national showcase of over 125 classroom activities and 70 action research projects led by the KARISMA cohort. These highlighted how SEL practices can boost student engagement, reduce classroom conflict, and build stronger interpersonal connections in the learning environment.

    International SEL expert Keeth Matheny, founder of SEL Launchpad, also participated in the Summit, leading sessions alongside interactive masterclasses on SEL-integrated pedagogy, teacher wellbeing, and holistic student assessment. A multidisciplinary panel of experts from education, corporate, and civil society sectors also convened to discuss new models of student assessment that measure not just academic outcomes, but also empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility.

    “When we equip teachers to lead with empathy and intention, we’re not just transforming classrooms—we’re shaping a more compassionate and resilient education system for Malaysia,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Trustee & Managing Director at Yayasan Hasanah. “As a catalyst foundation, Yayasan Hasanah is committed to enabling systemic, people-centred reforms in education. Through Program Guru KARISMA, we’re investing in teachers as agents of change – a vital part of the wider ecosystem that supports our children’s growth. Alongside families, communities, and the whole-of-nation effort, teachers will be equipped with the skills and confidence to nurture a generation of empathetic, socially conscious learners.”

    This initiative aligns with the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013–2025 and  supports the global education commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7. This target calls for the integration of global citizenship, human rights, peace, and sustainability into education policy, curriculum, teacher training, and assessment. Program Guru KARISMA supports this by helping teachers deliver on the three learning domains of Global Citizenship Education (GCED)—cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural—through interactive, student-centred pedagogy, teacher wellbeing training, and more holistic approaches to student assessment.

  • FWD Insurance and Arus Academy launch financial literacy programme

    FWD Insurance and Arus Academy launch financial literacy programme

    FWD Insurance Berhad (“FWD Insurance”) partners with Arus Academy to empower university students through the Fun(d) for Life – University Edition (FFL Uni) programme. This initiative aims to equip 500 local university students with essential financial skills through a 3-month curriculum that includes training, coaching, and community service.

    “At FWD Insurance, financial literacy is something very dear to our hearts, recognising it as a fundamental skill everyone should have. Through this programme, we go beyond education by offering a holistic approach that not only equips young people with the skills to manage their finance, but also provides them with the resources to put their learning into practice,” said Mak See Sen, Chief Executive Officer of FWD Insurance. “By investing in their growth, we empower individuals and cultivate a financially literate society, driving Malaysia’s economic progress.”

    “The Fun(d) for Life – University Edition programme equips university students with the financial skills and autonomy to make informed decisions about their futures,” said Alina Amir, CEO and Co-Founder of Arus Academy. “University students are at a pivotal stage of their lives, where building strong financial habits can significantly shape their future careers and personal goals.”

    The 3-month FFL Uni programme begins with a 3-day immersive bootcamp focused on setting financial goals, budgeting, and creating comprehensive financial plans, including savings, protection, and investments. Over the course of the programme, students will receive ongoing coaching and mentoring, alongside tools to track expenses, reflect on their financial habits, and develop actionable financial plans. Participants will also document their journey through weekly diaries to raise awareness about financial literacy.

    A significant component of the initiative includes eight hours of community service, where participants teach financial literacy to at least 20 peers. By the programme’s end, each participant will receive a meaningful RM3,000 grant, deposited into their savings accounts or as fixed deposits, to support their financial goals and foster long-term independence. With an anticipated reach of over 10,000 beneficiaries through direct engagement and community service, the initiative reinforces Malaysia’s vision of fostering a financially literate, resilient, and economically inclusive society.

    Aligned with FWD Insurance’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals to uplift communities, the program seamlessly blends Arus Academy’s innovative teaching methods with FWD Insurance’s dedication to financial inclusion, working hand-in-hand towards a common goal of nurturing a financially savvy generation. By reaching tertiary students, FFL Uni is broadening its impact on youth of all ages, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable future nationwide. Previously, a collaboration between Arus Academy and FWD Takaful Berhad benefited over 47,108 primary and secondary school students from January to December 2024 through comprehensive financial education initiatives, featuring interactive learning portals, financial literacy camps, and design-focused events in 2024.

    The first cohort, comprising 50 students, will begin in February 2025. Interested applicants can submit their application requests to https://arus.cc/FFLUni-registration-of-interest-2025. For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/fundforlife_uni/.

     

  • JEFFREY CHEAH FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES TO NATION BUILDING THROUGH EDUCATION WITH  RM75 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS

    JEFFREY CHEAH FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES TO NATION BUILDING THROUGH EDUCATION WITH RM75 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS

    Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, 22 October 2024 – The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation
    (JCF) today held its Scholarships & Awards Ceremony 2024, awarding RM75 million
    in scholarships this year.

    The foundation, Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise, has
    disbursed more than RM745 million in scholarships to date, benefitting thousands of
    deserving students throughout the years.

    Her Royal Highness Raja Permaisuri of Perak Darul Ridzuan Tuanku Zara Salim,
    and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, founder and trustee of Jeffrey
    Cheah Foundation, presented the scholarships and congratulated the recipients on
    their achievement.

    The award ceremony saw the presentation of scholarships in various categories,
    including Sunway University Postgraduate Studentships, Sunway University
    Postgraduate Scholarships, The Chancellors Scholarship, Sunway Excellence
    Scholarship, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali Scholarship for Creative Arts And Music,
    Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship, as well as Sunway – Victoria
    University Excellence Scholarship.

    “The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation’s commitment to nation building, exemplified by the
    Foundation’s tagline Nurturing the Seeds of Wisdom, is founded on our belief that
    making quality education affordable and accessible is crucial in creating a more
    progressive, sustainable and inclusive future for all Malaysians,” shared Cheah, who
    is also the founder and chairman of Sunway Group.

    As a strong advocate of quality education, world-class research and sustainable
    development, Cheah’s personal aim is to award several billion Ringgit worth of
    scholarships in his lifetime.

    Cheah also paid tribute to Her Royal Highness Raja Permaisuri of Perak Darul
    Ridzuan Tuanku Zara Salim’s firm dedication to elevating the Malaysian education
    system and Tuanku’s promotion of ethical values.

    As part of JCF’s commitment to nation-building through quality education, a teacher
    professional development programme was launched to advance Education for
    Sustainable Development (ESD) in Malaysia, earlier this year.

    JCF is funding the development and delivery of a capacity-building development
    programme on ESD for teachers in national and national-type school nationwide, as
    well as the expansion of the programme to 30 more schools, involving more than
    2,500 teachers nationwide.

    This programme will advance Mission 4.7, a global initiative to advance
    transformative education for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
    (SDG), which calls upon governments to ensure learners obtain the necessary
    knowledge, skills, values and attributes to achieve the SDGs.

    In line with JCF’s steadfast commitment to advancing the SDGs, the foundation has
    gifted US$20 million to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions
    Network (UN-SDSN) to establish the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable
    Development at Sunway University, as well as UN-SDSN’s Asia Headquarters in
    Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, which coordinates continent-wide sustainability
    initiatives alongside the New York and Paris offices.