School News

It Starts with a Plate: How SISM Nurtures More Than Just Minds

Published by SchoolAdvisor | May 19, 2025

SISM Café (Happiness Square)—a no-gadget zone where students enjoy nutritious meals and connect with each other.

For many parents who send their child to a boarding school, sometimes across borders, there’s a quiet, unspoken worry, “Has my child eaten?”, “Is the food they are having tasty and healthy?” In most instances, it’s never just about grades or schoolwork. It’s about knowing their child is well-nourished, feels at home, and is cared for with the same love and thoughtfulness they’d receive around the family dinner table.

At Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), such care begins in a warm, welcoming space called Happiness Square. More than just a cafeteria, it’s where nourishment meets community, and meals are crafted with the same thoughtfulness and heart a parent would give. As SISM’s principal, Dr. Wendy Yee wisely puts it, “Nutrition is as important as academics, if not more important. When you have good nutrition, it shapes who you are.”

Thoughtful Preparation in Every Bite

At SISM, the chefs and dietitians plan every meal to ensure students receive not only nutrition but also comfort. Even before the sun rises, the Happiness Square kitchen is already alive with purpose. Aprons are tied, fresh produce arrives, and meals begin taking shape. 

“We prioritise providing nutritious food for our students,” shares Michael Kok Fook On, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of SISM. “As we nurture value-creating students and future global citizens, it’s essential that every meal we serve meets the highest standards of quality. This commitment is at the heart of everything we do.”

Every dish served is pork-free, with plant-based options available, and carefully balanced to cater to all dietary needs. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are also offered to ensure all students have access to healthy, fulfilling meals that would nourish both body and mind.

This diversity in menu is essential to accommodate different lifestyle choices and support inclusivity. Besides this, fresh, locally sourced ingredients are prioritised; no shortcuts and no compromise on quality.

A Global Feast, Every Day

One of the most remarkable things about Happiness Square is its celebration of diversity through food. On any given day, students might be enjoying a comforting bowl of Japanese udon, trying Korean bibimbap for the first time, or digging into local Malaysian favourites.

The menu rotates with intention, not just to avoid repetition, but to spark curiosity and cultural appreciation. It’s a small way SISM builds open-minded global citizens, right from the lunch line.

Parents often worry whether their child will adjust to new flavours or miss familiar comforts. But at SISM, parents have nothing to worry about as familiar dishes provide warmth, while new ones expand horizons—one spoonful at a time.

How SISM Personalises Meals for Student Well-being

Head chef Benjamin Chiu shares, “Whenever I have time, I chat with students to learn about their food preferences and get ideas for their meals.” According to Dr Yee, this open dialogue allows the chefs to not only learn about student preferences but also educate them on the nutritional value of the meals.

Head Chef Benjamin Chiu (R) and Dietitian Krystal Ng (L) discussing the menu to ensure meals meet the nutritional needs and preferences of students.

This collaborative approach ensures every meal is delicious, nutritious, and served in appropriate portion sizes. “We review the menu and recipes together, ensuring the nutritional requirements are met and the portions are just right,” says SISM’s dietitian Krystal Ng. This commitment to creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience shows just how much the team cares about nurturing students' well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.

A No-gadget Zone

In a world where children are often glued to their phones, SISM takes a bold approach by making Happiness Square a no-gadget zone. And that changes everything.

Students are encouraged to eat together, talk, share stories about their day, or simply enjoy the moment. Teachers often join them, not just to supervise, but to connect.

It may seem like a small detail, but to a parent, human interaction matters. It is comforting and encouraging knowing their child is surrounded by peers and mentors who sit together, share meals, and speak face to face. 

The Role of Balanced Nutrition in Fueling Students’ Success

The impact of good food goes far beyond physical health. Ng says, “We follow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, which emphasise the importance of five food groups: grains, proteins, dairy, and fruits and vegetables, all supporting students' growth and development.”

These key food groups work together to provide the essential nutrients that students need to stay focused, energised, and engaged throughout the day. At SISM, nutrition is the foundation for both academic and personal success.

The kitchen team prepares meals that follow USDA guidelines, ensuring students receive the nutrition they need to stay focused, energised and engaged.

By ensuring every meal meets these nutritional standards, the school not only fosters physical well-being but also promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall growth. This holistic approach to nutrition helps students feel more confident and capable, allowing them to participate fully in both their studies and extracurricular activities.

A Taste of Reassurance

If you’re a parent wondering how your child is doing—whether they’re fitting in, adjusting or thriving—start by imagining lunchtime at SISM. Picture the comfort of warm, balanced meals as well as the chatter between classmates. The reassuring presence of staff who know each student not just by name, but by what they like on their plate.

That’s what makes Happiness Square more than a cafeteria. It’s a daily expression of care. A place where students feel a little closer to home, and where parents can rest knowing their child is in good hands.