School Advisor Articles

How Sunway International School Shaped Maitri Chan’s Academic Success

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jun 05, 2025

Every learning journey starts somewhere — often with the values we grow up with. For some, it’s about finding the right balance between tradition and new experiences. And for Maitri Chan, that balance has shaped her in a special way.

Maitri was raised in a family that values education and Chinese moral teachings, especially kindness and compassion. Her first step into education began at Bluebells, an English-speaking kindergarten in Serdang. Even though it was far from home in Nilai, her mother drove nearly 50 km daily so Maitri could get a strong start. She then joined SJK(C) Serdang Baru 2 for primary school, where she was fully immersed in the Chinese education system. Here, she learned not just language and academics, but also life lessons from texts like Di Zi Gui, which teaches children how to behave with respect and care. She continued her studies in Mandarin at Chung Hua High School in Seremban until Year 9.

Everything changed in Year 10 when Maitri moved to Sunway International School (SIS). The new environment was a big shift, allowing her to grow in new ways. It helped her discover more about herself while still holding onto the strong values she was raised with.

Maitri believes SIS’s diverse student body, global curriculum, and focus on cultural awareness equip students to thrive in international studies and careers.

Maitri’s Academic Transformation at SIS

Maitri’s experience at SIS marked a significant change from her earlier education. Back then, she juggled 12 subjects at once. At SIS, the structure felt much more focused — just four subjects per semester, spread across two semesters yearly. It was a welcome shift that gave her the space to go deeper into each subject without feeling overwhelmed.

Thankfully, the transition wasn’t abrupt. Her course planning teacher designed a balanced first semester, including Drama, English, Math, and Career Development. This thoughtful mix allowed her to ease into the new system while developing essential skills. It also gave her a sense of stability as she got used to a different learning style.

What stood out to Maitri was the supportive atmosphere at SIS. Teachers didn’t just lecture — they genuinely noticed what made each student unique. Classes focused on practical work and presentations. “For instance, in English class, we analysed novel structures and presented our findings to classmates, simultaneously deepening our understanding while developing crucial public speaking skills. This engaging approach ensured learning remained vibrant and dynamic throughout my time there.”

The school’s facilities added to the experience. Science labs felt like real laboratories, and students were encouraged to run their own experiments. Something as simple as having a personal locker made a big difference — no more lugging heavy bags around all day. “Unlike my previous schooling experience, SIS adopted a university-like structure where students moved between classrooms for different subjects, providing valuable mental breaks between classes.”

When it came to academics, Maitri believes the dedicated teachers at SIS played a crucial role in maximising her learning and academic performance.

By Grade 11, Maitri chose to join the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which added a new level of challenge to her academic life. The IB offered something unique: a mix of subject choices aligned with future university plans.  

When it came time to pick her subjects, Maitri wasn’t sure whether to pursue science or business. Most students were advised to choose one path. However, the IBDP coordinator, Mr. Mark Milberg, encouraged her to create an interdisciplinary combination that suited both interests. "This flexibility allowed me to explore multiple academic passions simultaneously and demonstrated the willingness of SIS to put its students' interests first."

Her final IBDP mix included subjects from both fields: Business Management, Economics, Biology, and Mathematics, alongside core components like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), CAS, and an Extended Essay. She finished with a score of 34 out of 45, reflecting both the programme's rigour and her growth across multiple areas.

“My goal in the IBDP was never simply to score well, but rather to become a well-rounded, critical thinker. Nevertheless, the dedicated teachers at SIS were instrumental in helping me maximise both my learning journey and academic performance.”

One such teacher is Ms Kwong, her biology teacher, who noticed that her study habits could be improved and introduced new techniques that helped her retain knowledge better. Mr. Keddy made literature come alive by mixing classic texts with films and multimedia. He made learning feel modern and meaningful. Mr Marc Brothers, her business teacher, taught with real-world relevance, preparing her for life beyond school. Their belief in student growth, both academic and personal, made her time at SIS an enriching experience. 

Maitri continues to draw on the values and lessons learned at SIS to guide her through new challenges and opportunities.

Co-Curricular Impact Beyond SIS

At SIS, Maitri immersed herself in a wide range of co-curricular activities that helped shape her personal growth and her approach to university applications. Whether in the classroom or beyond, she made the most of every opportunity to explore her interests, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to her community.

One of the most impactful experiences was her volunteer work through an SIS-led education initiative. Alongside her peers, Maitri visited a refugee childcare centre, teaching maths, drawing, and languages like French and Mandarin. The experience was enriching and eye-opening. It also tied into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), encouraging her to think about the bigger picture and how small actions can lead to meaningful change.

Maitri also took on the role of school ambassador, welcoming prospective students and their families during open days. She shared her personal journey at SIS and helped others feel a sense of belonging. That role later extended to representing the school at an international exhibition in Mid Valley, where she discovered a natural ability to communicate and connect with people. These skills would later influence her career direction.

“These co-curricular activities strengthen my university applications by demonstrating my commitment to community service, leadership capabilities, and ability to balance academics with meaningful extracurricular involvement. Universities value students who show initiative beyond classroom requirements, and my active participation in these diverse roles helped distinguish my applications.”

Now living on the Gold Coast, Maitri continues to build on that foundation. She volunteers at a public hospital and serves as a Mayor’s Student Ambassador — roles that keep her grounded in service while giving her hands-on exposure to civic leadership.

Today, Maitri is working as a medical liaison at 4Cyte Pathology.

Maitri’s Smooth Path from SIS to Griffith University

Maitri’s experience at SIS, primarily through the IBDP programme, was crucial in easing her transition to Griffith University, where she studied a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science. The academic rigour and focus on independent learning at SIS directly prepared her for university demands. At Griffith, she was already comfortable with research projects, critical thinking, and handling heavy reading assignments, skills many peers were still building. SIS’s emphasis on self-directed study helped her develop strong time management and planning skills, which gave her an edge in an environment that expects students to be independent.

Technological skills were another area where SIS prepared Maitri exceptionally well. “Daily use of laptops, online submission systems, and digital research methods at SIS meant that Griffith's online portals and digital requirements presented no learning curve. This technical readiness allowed me to focus on content rather than struggling with university systems.”

Socially, the international environment at SIS boosted Maitri’s language skills and cultural adaptability. Her strong English proficiency removed communication barriers, enabling active participation in class discussions and group work. The diverse campus at SIS also nurtured her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds, a valuable advantage on Griffith’s multicultural campus.

Equally important was the holistic education approach at SIS, balancing academics with extracurricular activities. This foundation encouraged Maitri to engage fully in university life, from clubs to volunteer work, enriching her overall experience.

“SIS wasn’t just an educational institution for me. It was a transformative experience that shaped my worldview, developed my critical thinking, and prepared me for success beyond the classroom.”