There has been a notable increase in Singaporean students enrolling in international schools in Malaysia, a trend that might surprise some considering Singapore's renowned education system. According to Daniel Loh, founder of Stellar Education Group, there has been a "steady year-on-year increase" in Singaporean students at Stellar International School in Johor, as reported by The Star.
Mr. Loh explained that some Singaporean parents are seeking a less stressful and academically intense education for their children. He also pointed out additional attractions, such as the opportunity for cultural exposure at international schools and the high quality of life in Johor Bahru (JB). In Singapore, citizens must obtain special permission from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to attend international schools. Consequently, JB provides a convenient alternative for Singaporeans seeking an international education.
Deputy School Director Chua Sing Zhi of JB’s Paragon Private and International School noted that Malaysia’s international schools offer a "cost-effective" option for Singaporean parents. She highlighted that the holistic education provided by these schools is appealing to many expatriates, including Singaporeans. Ms. Chua emphasized that their international school includes life skills courses such as cooking and sewing, in addition to academic instruction. The school also features programs designed to foster resilience and critical thinking in its students.
A Singaporean father who works in JB told The Star that the international school fees were much higher than Singapore public schools. However, he called it a “small price to pay” for more family time with his children. He also felt that “skills, experience, and character building” are more important for students than purely academic studies.
The Malaysian Ministry of Education website currently lists 29 international schools in Johor, up from 23 in 2022. With improved travel expected due to the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, the number of Singaporean students in Johor is anticipated to increase as well.
