What Makes SISM Students Happier (and Healthier) Than Most
Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jul 16, 2025
As parents, when it comes to your child’s education, nothing is more important than knowing they are thriving in every way. In a world that’s evolving faster than ever, you want a school that doesn’t just focus on academics but nurtures the emotional, social, and leadership skills that will set your child up for life.
With so many choices out there, it can be overwhelming, but here’s the good news: Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) offers more than just a top-tier curriculum; it nurtures students to become confident, well-rounded leaders, equipped to face the world’s challenges.
While the thought of sending your child away to a boarding school may bring a twinge of worry, it’s comforting to know that the SISM approach is designed with your child’s well-being at the forefront. After all, as Anju Mahera, SISM’s Head of Pastoral Care, says, “Happy children learn better.” When your child is emotionally supported and nurtured, they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
The SISM Approach: Where Emotional Support Meets Academic Excellence
At SISM, the priority is simple: to provide a holistic education that addresses the needs of the mind, heart, and character. Unlike traditional schools, where student-teacher relationships can often feel distant, SISM’s unique philosophy, rooted in the Soka Education principles, encourages a warm, open environment where students and teachers work together as partners in learning.
Anju Mahera, Head of Pastoral Care at SISM
“SISM is all about connection,” says Anju Mahera. “We want students to feel supported not only academically but emotionally. The best way to guide them is by building strong, meaningful relationships.”
The school’s pastoral care system ensures that students have access to not only academic guidance but emotional support too. Whether it’s a teacher checking in with a student during class or a counsellor providing one-on-one guidance, there is always someone there to listen.
Proactive Care Systems: Where Every Child Feels Heard
It’s common for students to feel unsure or out of place when they first arrive at a new school, especially a boarding school. The challenges of adolescence, from hormonal changes to the social dynamics of a new environment, can be daunting. But at SISM, emotional care is integrated into daily life.
With an open-door policy at the Sejahtera Centre, students are encouraged to drop by whenever they need a listening ear or a moment of calm. This relaxed environment fosters an atmosphere where asking for help is not seen as a weakness but as an act of strength. Min Yin, the student council leader, explains: “I think an inclusive environment where students' voices are heard makes boarding life at SISM feel like home.”
In fact, the focus on regular check-ins with teachers, house parents, and counsellors ensures that students never feel overlooked. Wendy Yee, Principal of SISM, explains: “We see our role as nurturing the full spectrum of a student’s development—the heart, mind, and character.” By being actively involved in students' lives, staff can recognise early signs of stress, anxiety, or changes in behaviour, providing the necessary interventions before problems escalate.
Beyond the Classroom: Shaping Resilient, Confident Leaders
Adolescence isn’t just about managing the schoolwork. It’s about learning how to handle the complexities of growing up. That’s why SISM goes beyond textbooks to offer students workshops and programmes that prepare them for both personal and academic challenges.
Lek Sin, one of the counsellors at SISM, having a counselling session with a student.
Students engage in activities like Friendship Camps, Mental Fitness Week, and Gadget-Free Fridays, where they not only learn about emotional resilience but also build strong, supportive friendships with peers.
“It’s all about giving students the tools to manage their emotional well-being while they develop into future leaders,” says Lek Sin, a school counsellor at SISM.
The school also takes a proactive stance on digital wellness, helping students maintain a healthy balance with technology through cybersecurity education. This equips students with the skills to navigate the digital world in a healthy, informed manner, critical in an age where technology plays a central role in their lives.
A Culture of Respect and Shared Responsibility
At SISM, everyone is treated as part of a single community, encompassing students, staff, and administrative personnel. Respect isn’t just taught; it’s practised every day. The school encourages students to appreciate cultural differences, understand diverse perspectives, and live by the principles of mutual respect.
In fact, the small size of SISM’s community enables meaningful connections and deeper relationships, both among peers and with staff. Anju Mahera puts it perfectly: “In our school, we follow connection over correction.” This commitment to building relationships helps students feel not only supported but also respected, making them more likely to thrive academically and emotionally.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today
Looking ahead, SISM is committed to continuing its growth, ensuring that its students are always prepared for the demands of an ever-changing world. By strengthening its connections with industry partners and offering hands-on learning opportunities, SISM ensures that students are well-equipped to step into leadership roles, whether in technology, business, or any other field they choose to pursue.
SISM’s focus on emotional growth, leadership, and collaborative learning ensures that students aren’t only academically prepared but also empowered to lead, innovate, and succeed in whatever they do.
The SISM Experience: A Unique Path to Success
At SISM, education is about much more than just passing exams—it’s about preparing young minds to become resilient, emotionally intelligent leaders. With its commitment to personal growth, community building, and real-world learning, SISM is shaping the leaders of tomorrow, who are ready to take on the world.
For parents seeking a school that not only excels academically but also places equal emphasis on emotional well-being and leadership development, SISM offers the perfect environment for your child to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Ready to give your child the tools they need for success, both in the classroom and beyond? Discover how Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) can provide the ideal environment for your child’s growth academically, emotionally, and personally.
