Change won't lift enrolment (Thursday May 18, 2006)

PETALING JAYA: Parents and educators have welcomed the Education Ministry's decision to allow Malaysian students to make up 40% of total enrolment at international schools.

"My daughter is currently in a top class in a public school, and is being pushed to go into the science stream even though she is more of an arts person. Sending her to an international school will give her room and freedom to pursue what she wants, and I can afford it as she is my only child," said a media consultant from Petaling Jaya.

A business development director from Shah Alam said parents need not send their children to private boarding schools abroad, thus saving money.

"The advantage of an international school is that the medium of instruction is fully English. It will give the children an edge when they go into tertiary education," said the parent, whose two children are in a private school.

Alice Smith Secondary School principal Nik Bishop described the move as a great step forward in making Malaysia a centre of educational excellence.

"We have had many Malaysian parents in the past who were interested in enrolling their children in our schools, but were unable to accept them because of the regulations. It is good to give parents the choice of picking the kind of education they feel is best for their child," Bishop said.

Private school operators took the news well.

Sekolah Sri KDU chief executive officer Datuk Teo Chiang Quan said he was prepared as the plans had been announced last year.

"I don't see it as a threat. Some parents in my school are already stretching their budget to send their children here; international school fees are almost three times higher," he said.

Taylor's Education Group schools division president B.K. Gan said the move was in line with the Government's policy of internationalisation.

"This will pave the way for international curriculums to be made available in Malaysia," he said.

The Taylor's Education Group owns both Garden International School and private school Sekolah Sri Garden.