As CIS celebrates 35 years in Singapore, what do you think has made it a stable and trusted choice for international families?

Celebrating 35 years is a milestone, and it is a reflection of our commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and community. What has kept Canadian International School strong is our ability to evolve while staying true to our core: nurturing confident, curious, and globally minded students who are prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Over the years, CIS has embraced change and led with many firsts. We pioneered a balanced 50:50 bilingual programme, introduced Singapore’s first Forest School experience through our Outdoor Discovery Centre, and became the first school to fully integrate STEAM into everyday learning.

We continue to innovate and invest in enriching student programmes through AI, robotics, coding. At the same time, we are expanding our Academy of Music and introducing our Academy of Sports programmes to ensure our students grow both inside and outside the classroom.

But what really sets CIS apart is our focus on developing the whole child. Academic rigour, student well-being, bilingual excellence, and a future-focused mindset are all part of the equation. We have brought in passionate IB educators from around the world who inspire students daily, and we are proud to be one of the world’s largest and highest performing IB schools.

What’s one moment during your time as Head of School that made you feel proud to be part of CIS?

There are many moments I’m proud of at CIS, but one yearly tradition that always fills me with pride is our Uniting Nations celebration. Watching students from over 70 nationalities proudly showcase their country flags and celebrate cross-cultural performances together is incredibly moving.

As we turn 35 this year, I reflect on how far CIS has come. From a small school serving a handful of international families to a vibrant, globally connected community known for academic excellence and a commitment to student well-being. Events like the Uniting Nations and STEAM Fair remind me that our heritage, community and innovative approach to education defines the very best of international education.

What future advantages does the IB offer students?

As we look to the future, the role of education becomes even more urgent. The students of today will inherit a world facing global challenges and opportunities. They will need more than academic excellence- they will need courage, compassion, creativity, and conviction.

The IB equips them with exactly that. And CIS, as one of the leading IB schools globally, is proud to be shaping that future.

Research shows that IB students are at a clear advantage. Studies by the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency found that IB Diploma Programme students are 40% more likely than their A-Level peers to achieve at least an upper second-class honours degree and are three times more likely to enroll in a UK top-20 university. They are also more likely to earn a first-class honours degree. These outcomes indicate that IB students not only enter competitive universities at higher rates but also perform strongly once they get there.

In the U.S., IB students were found to have higher GPAs and greater college retention than their non-IB peers.

At a time when education must do more than inform—it must transform—the IB stands out. And for the students who experience it, the advantage goes far beyond academics. It’s a foundation for life.