Every parent wants the best for their children, especially when it comes to education as knowledge is wealth.
Prior to their move to Sarawak, parents under the Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme would search for an education institution that could provide a comprehensive learning environment to their young children.
This is where Tunku Putra-HELP International School comes in, an education institution that not only focuses on academic excellence but character development.
Executive principal Shirley Harrison said the school had a strong vision built around 10 masteries, which were the foundation of its education approach, reflecting a learning journey that equips young people with the essential skills to live “life in all its fullness”.
The 10 masteries are intellectual, emotional, spiritual and moral, leadership, physical, social, creative, career, technological and international mindedness.
Describing Tunku Putra-HELP as a unique school in Sarawak, she pointed out that the school had an international community comprising a good mixture of students as well as experienced local and international teachers.
“Being a genuine international community, I believe this gives a range of perspectives and exposures to our children. We are not only preparing our children for economic success or individual happiness, but to make big contributions to our city, state, and nation.
“In a way, we are quite idealistic where we genuinely want to make the world a better place as we believe that our children have the responsibility to be part of that. So, we are preparing them for this.”
Tunku Putra-HELP International School is located at The Northbank, housed in a beautiful purpose-built campus that reflects the institution’s vision and philosophy of education.
The school campus was designed to excite and inspire children so that they would look forward to coming to school every day.
It boosts student-centered learning spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology interweaved with spacious playgrounds and comprehensive sporting facilities as well as a deli-style canteen providing alfresco dining that overlooks the school’s beautiful green courtyard.
Stating that the school campus was spacious and had the airy feel of a modern university campus, Shirley said it was a wonderful environment for students to be in.
She said the school catered to kindergarten up to A-levels, so it was a home for children throughout their education journey.
“Across our five sections, namely, kindergarten, national primary, international primary, national secondary, international secondary, and A-levels, we have got 95 teachers. We will increase this next year as our number of students continues to rise.
“This is one of the great things about borders opening post COVID-19 pandemic, we can welcome more students overseas. We also have a growing reputation in The Northbank as more and more families move into this area,” she said.
Shirley disclosed that the school had 760 students across the five sections and it was expecting the number to increase as there was a lot of interest for next year’s intake.
Of these, she said there were nine S-MM2H pass holders who had enrolled in the school and four more were still in process.
“We are beginning to welcome families and students who are from the S-MM2H programme. Looking internationally, we are seeing more families making life choices after the pandemic.
“It is a big deal to move your life from one country to another, but I think the result of the past few years made them reevaluate what matters most to them and to their children.
“When they come to Malaysia and Sarawak, I believe they feel a sense of security and tolerance that helps them to realise that this could be a good place for them to make the move,” she said.
Touching on how the school helped new students to transition and adapt to a new learning environment, Shirley said it would find out what were the students’ starting point.
She said it would also find out more about the families’ backgrounds and journeys for better understanding.
“We try to make sure that our teachers know what the child’s starting point is, not just in terms of their academic performance. We find out what languages they speak and have been exposed to, and what their previous school was like.
“It is important for teachers to know as much as possible about the child. At the same time, we also make sure the child has a buddy from the minute he/she comes to the school.”
Shirley said the duration for new students to settle in often varied from one to another, but nonetheless the school strived to make them feel welcome and part of the family.
She also said the school also ensured that parents would feel welcome as at the beginning of a school day, teachers would be on duty to mingle with both students and parents alike.
“We usually will chat with parents, especially those who just recently relocated to Kuching, and find out how they are getting on. We understand being a new place can be quite overwhelming so we want to be the familiar faces that they can go to should they have any questions on where to get their groceries or how to navigate in the area.”
Shirley hopes to see more families taking part in the S-MM2H programme as the state has so much to offer.
“Kuching is a wonderful place, I personally feel happy and privileged to live in Sarawak. I think families who made the decision to live here make the right choice because their children will grow up in a city that is tolerant, diverse, fascinating, and safe with so many amazing opportunities on the doorstep.
“On a Saturday morning, they can take a 20-minute drive from the city, and they will be greeted by a rainforest. This is the best possible combination, and I would love to see more families coming over to experience what Sarawak has to offer.”
Besides education institutions, the S-MM2H programme is also contributing economically to other sectors, especially in real estate.
With these S-MM2H participants, there is an increasing demand for real estate – both rental and purchase.
Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHEDA) Kuching chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok said the programme was good for the real estate industry when there were demands for accommodation from pass holders.
While the requirement of purchasing property with a value of at least RM600,000 was only applicable to the 40 to 49 years old category, he said this did not mean there was no demand for property rental from pass holders.
“While those who are in the 30 to 39 years old category and above 50 years old category are not required to purchase a property to fulfil the programme’s requirements, they do look for property rental.
“Both situations are advantageous as it will help in the demand for houses and in reducing the overhang in high end properties.”
Considering how pass holders were required to have a minimum of 30 days of stay annually, Sim said this guaranteed Sarawak as a place they would be visiting throughout their passes’ validity.
He said the state was a safe place filled with friendly locals, attractive natural surroundings, great food and affordable accommodation whether pass holders decide to have a short- or long-term stay.
“The pass holders under this programme can come in and out of Sarawak with ease and little restrictions, which is convenient for them. During their stay here, they will spend money in the state be it in terms of accommodation, food, entertainment, health services or to travel to different parts of the state.
“I am confident that big or small businesses are benefiting from these pass holders as they are keen to learn, explore, and experience what Sarawak and its people have to offer.
“After all, we are known for our rich greenery, cultures and heritages which managed to attract them to select our beloved state as their second or holiday home.”
Sim pointed out that the education and health sectors in the state were also benefitting from the programme and its participants.
“In fact, there are families who decided to uproot their lives and enrolled their children in education institution here so they can grow up enriched with different cultures and become global citizens.”
