An increasing number of Singaporean parents are choosing to send their children to international schools in Johor as they seek alternative education systems.
Less academically intense
Despite Singapore’s well-regarded education system, factors such as a desire for a less stressful academic environment and exposure to different cultures are driving this trend.
Speaking to The Star, Daniel Loh, founder of Stellar Education Group, said there has been a “steady year-on-year increase” in Singaporean students enrolling at Stellar International School in Johor.
The school, which accepts students from ages 3 to 18, offers a curriculum that some parents find less academically intense than Singapore’s education system.
Loh noted that the appeal of Johor’s international schools extends beyond academics.
Many parents are attracted by the quality of life in Johor Bahru (JB) and the opportunity for their children to experience a diverse cultural environment.
Benefits outweigh the costs
In Singapore, attending international schools requires special permission from the Ministry of Education (MOE), making JB a convenient alternative for those seeking this type of education.
Chua Sing Zhi, Deputy School Director of JB’s Paragon Private and International School, emphasized that Malaysia’s international schools are “cost-effective” for Singaporean parents.
The holistic education these schools provide is another draw for foreign students, including those from Singapore.
More relaxed in Johor school environment
A Singaporean father working in JB shared with The Star that while international school fees are higher than those of public schools in Singapore, he believes the benefits outweigh the costs.
After things stabilised, I decided to enroll my 15-year-old son in an international school here in October.
He highlighted that his son is more relaxed in the Johor school environment and that the education focuses on “skills, experience, and character building” rather than just academics.
The number of international schools in Johor has grown, with 29 listed on the Malaysian Ministry of Education website, up from 23 in 2022.
Nanyang Siang Pau also reported that with the anticipated improvement in travel ease due to the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, the trend of Singaporean students enrolling in Johor schools is expected to continue rising.
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