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The international education scene in Malaysia witnessed a unique breakthrough as Sunway International Schools (SIS) unveils a visionary collaboration with premier British school, Magdalen College School (MCS) Oxford introducing Cambridge International Programmes – delivered to the highest British standards – which are now made accessible locally.
Renowned for a distinguished heritage spanning over five centuries and ranked within the top 1% among over 2,400 independent schools in the United Kingdom (UK), the partnership unlocks unparalleled pathways to Oxbridge, Ivy League, and beyond for students in Malaysia.
The partnership represents a major opportunity for academic development and knowledge-sharing practices between the two reputable schools, benefitting both students and educators from each.
“It fills us with immense pride to collaborate with an esteemed UK school, heralding a transformative chapter in our pursuit of providing world-class education. This significant milestone not only enhances our educational offerings, but also paves the way for innovative approaches that will benefit students in both nations,” Group CEO of Sunway Education, Prof. Dato Elizabeth Lee expressed.
"We eagerly anticipate welcoming the first cohort of the A-Level programme at SIS, prestigiously endorsed and academically led by MCS in August 2025," she continued.
Driving Academic Excellence and Cultural Exchange
MCS consistently delivers exceptional academic outcomes as proven by the 2024 A-Level results where 95% of grades were awarded at A*-B, with 81% at A*-A and 42% at A*. In addition, 47 pupils – more than a quarter of the year group – attained 3 As or more while 19 pupils achieved 4 As or more.
The school’s academic excellence is complemented by outstanding pastoral care and celebrated achievements across sports, music, art, and drama. The Sunday Times also recognised MCS as the seventh-best private school in the UK in its 2024 Parent Power rankings, which assess top-performing state and independent schools based on A-Level, GCSE and IB results from the summer of 2023.
Helen Pike, Master of MCS, said, “It is imperative that we collaborate with a counterpart that shares our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation, while also embracing a holistic approach to nurturing creativity and leadership among students.”
“Sunway International School's values align perfectly with ours, making this partnership—our first in Malaysia—a pivotal opportunity to broaden our educational horizons. It will allow pupils to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, opening doors to a rich tapestry of cultural exchange for an enriched educational experience,” she emphasised.
Through this partnership, MCS will introduce the Waynflete Programme, an extended research initiative that helps prepare students for entry into top-tier universities in the UK. SIS students will also have the opportunity to attend summer camp at MCS, offering first-hand exposure to British academic culture. To further enhance the British learning experience, bespoke spaces within the SIS campus will be purposefully designed to reflect the traditions and academic rigour of a premier British school.
Deputy Head of Mission, David Wallace, remarked, “This dynamic partnership between Sunway International School and Oxford’s Magdalen College School marks an exciting chapter in the UK-Malaysia transnational education journey. It reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange – enriching the learning journey on top of nurturing our next generation of leaders.”
A Visionary Legacy Strengthening UK-Malaysia Ties
The partnership represents a crucial progress in the bilateral relationship between the UK and Malaysia, following a series of academic partnerships forged by Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, founder of SIS. He is the first Malaysian to be bestowed the title of Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Additionally, he established the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF), the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia, which governs Sunway Education Group comprising SIS and 22 other institutions.