School News

Dr Wendy: A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of Education at SISM

At just eight, Dr Wendy Yee Mei Tien’s world was turned upside down. Her father passed away unexpectedly, leaving her mother to raise four children alone. In the midst of this overwhelming loss, Dr Wendy witnessed firsthand the hardships of life without support, yet it was also during this time that she discovered the profound power of education.

Growing up in a humble family, she saw how hard her mother worked to provide for them, and it was in this environment that she realised something that would shape her future: education is not just a privilege, it’s a lifeline. 

“I saw how hard life was without education,” she reflects. “That’s when I realised that education isn’t something everyone just gets; it’s something every child deserves.”

Her early life was marked with challenges, but it was also fuelled by a fierce determination to break free from the limitations of circumstance. With her mother’s steadfast belief in the value of education, Dr Wendy knew that learning was the key not only to overcoming adversity but also to creating a future where possibilities were endless.

Today, as the Principal of Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), Dr Wendy carries the lessons of her youth in every aspect of her leadership. She approaches her work with a deep empathy for students, ensuring that the education provided is not just academic but transformational. For her, education is about unlocking potential, shaping character, and creating opportunities that go far beyond the classroom.

A Life Shaped by Early Struggles

Dr Wendy’s early years were far from easy. In a household marked by hardship, she learned the value of hard work and sacrifice from her mother, who worked tirelessly to support her children. But it wasn’t just the struggles that defined her—it was the lessons they taught her. 

“I often lacked confidence growing up,” she admits. “I longed to fit in, and I went through a rebellious phase. But I was also not great at school, so I didn’t do well academically.”

Yet, these challenges didn’t break her spirit. They became the foundation for her future success, as she eventually found herself drawn back to education—not just as a student but as a passionate advocate for it. 

“Thanks to a mentor who believed in me and helped me realise the power of education, I eventually transformed,” she says with a smile. “The experiences I went through made me understand the growing pains of teenagers, especially the difficult ones.”

It’s this understanding that makes her so effective as a leader today. She doesn’t just see students as pupils; she sees them as individuals with their own stories and struggles. “Every child has a story. We should never give up on them,” she emphasises. “With education, love, and care, they can transform and become the best versions of themselves.”

Leading Through Uncertainty

Dr Wendy’s journey to leadership wasn’t without its own hurdles. As the founding Principal of SISM, she faced numerous challenges, not least of which was leading a school during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We built the school during the pandemic, and with border closures, labour shortages, and rising costs, we had to make tough decisions. We weren’t even sure if we’d be able to open on time,” she recalls.

But it was during these testing times that Dr Wendy’s leadership truly took shape. “A leader must have a clear vision and purpose, especially in times of uncertainty,” she explains. “I was reminded of our founder, Dr Daisaku Ikeda’s words: ‘Human life is never free from suffering. It is suffering that makes us human. A person’s true greatness lies in challenging and overcoming life’s hardships.”

Drawing strength from this philosophy, Dr Wendy and her colleagues pushed forward, adapting to the circumstances and solving problems creatively. “We saw challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow,” she says. 

“Those difficult times shaped my leadership philosophy—never run from problems, but embrace them, and transform them into stepping stones.”

A Vision for Value-Creation Education

Dr Wendy’s leadership at SISM has been driven by a vision of value-creation education. “Education is not just about knowledge, it’s about finding meaning and growth, even in difficult times,” she explains. “It’s about asking, ‘How can I use what I’ve learned to create value for others and myself?’ This philosophy has permeated our curriculum.”

Through regular lessons, the Global Citizenship Program, and character education, Dr Wendy ensures that students don’t just learn facts—they learn to become individuals who contribute to the betterment of society. 

“As Dr Ikeda said, ‘The purpose of education is not to create walking dictionaries, but to cultivate people of character who can contribute to the happiness of others.’ That’s what I want our students to realise—that education isn’t just about passing exams, it’s about making a positive difference in the world.”

Beyond the Classroom: Inspiration in Life

Despite her heavy responsibilities, Dr Wendy finds inspiration in the quiet moments of life. Whether through reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature, she draws energy from the world around her. “I’m constantly learning—from the books I read, the stories I hear, and the quiet wisdom of nature itself,” she says. “It reminds me of how miraculous it is to be human and how fortunate we are to be part of this great web of life.”

When asked what would happen if education weren’t her career, Dr Wendy doesn’t hesitate. “I’d probably pursue counselling or psychology. I enjoy connecting with people one-on-one and having meaningful conversations. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone discover their own path,” she says.

A Legacy of Grit, Respect and Appreciation

As Dr Wendy reflects on her career, it’s clear that her true legacy lies in the values she has instilled at SISM. “I hope to leave behind a culture of grit, respect, and appreciation,” she shares. “I want students, teachers, and staff to live these values in both their personal lives and their work. When that spirit lives on, I’ll know the school has truly fulfilled its mission.”

Dr Wendy’s vision extends far beyond academic success. She wants her students to become global citizens who contribute to the betterment of society. “Soka education is about creating value through personal growth and the betterment of society,” she says. “When the school pulses with these values, everyone feels fulfilment, happiness, and pride. That’s when we know we’ve truly realised our vision and our founder’s dream.”

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation

Dr Wendy’s life and career are a living testament to the transformative power of education. From her humble beginnings to her leadership at SISM, she has shown that with determination, empathy, and a clear vision, anything is possible. 

As she continues to inspire the next generation of students, her journey reminds us all that education is not just a path to knowledge—it’s a path to creating a better world.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to receive a good education,” Dr Wendy says. And with leaders like her at the helm, that dream is becoming a reality for countless students at SISM.