THE FOBISIAN March 2024, Term 2 Issue 44

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear readers,

Welcome to Issue 44 of The FOBISIAN eMagazine!

In this edition, we have a new column called "A Conversation with..." featuring interviews with remarkable individuals from our educational community. This time, we have the honour of interviewing Anthony Rowlands, the FOBISIA Chair.

We're also highlighting some standout student events that have taken place recently. These events provide valuable opportunities for students to showcase their skills, develop leadership, and build connections within the FOBISIA community.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners for their achievements! Your hard work and dedication truly shine through!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the articles. If you have any articles on FOBISIA events you'd like to contribute for our upcoming Term 3 issue, let us know.

Happy reading!

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

Anthony Rowlands

British International School HCMC & FOBISIA Board

John Gwyn Jones MBE, Shana Kongmun, Janine Minchin, Dawn Jones, Swati Sinha Bedi FOBISIA HQ

Daniel Wilson

The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur

Darren Lim

Prince Of Wales Island International School, Penang, Malaysia

Devinii Karunanithi

Help International School, Kuala Lumpur

Gareth Pearson and Marty Perry The British School Manila

Heather Smith

St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana PJ Campus)

Matt Cherrett British School Jakarta

Max Carter Century Tech

Paul Rotheram TEEMS Global

Stephen Salter Rugby School Thailand

Vector images from freepik.com ABOUT THE FOBISIAN

A termly eMagazine for sharing events and news among the membership. Three issues are published each academic year. If you would like to contribute, email: design@fobisia.org

FROM OUR CHAIR

Anthony Rowlands

FOBISIA Chair - March 2019 to present Principal, British International School Ho Chi Minh City

As my term as Chair of FOBISIA comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the journey we've taken together. These past years have been marked by collaboration, growth, and shared accomplishments. It's been a rewarding experience to see FOBISIA evolve into such a dynamic community of schools.

During my five year tenure, FOBISIA has become more than just a federation – it's a community that values education and fosters excellence. Our Member schools, educators, and students have consistently shown dedication to learning and cultural exchange.

I'm proud of the progress we've made. FOBISIA has grown not just in numbers, but in strength and influence. The conferences and events organised under the FOBISIA banner have become opportunities for positive change, sparking discussions that drive innovation and progress.

I want to thank the dedicated school leaders and staff who have worked hard to make FOBISIA a hub of educational excellence. Your passion and commitment have been the driving force behind our success. Parental support and student participation has also been a key aspect of FOBISIA’s success. I'm confident that the Federation will continue to thrive and adapt to the needs of our educational community.

As I step down as Chair, I'm grateful for so many wonderful experiences and am very optimistic about FOBISIA's future. May the collaborative spirit that defines us continue to propel our Member Schools and the broader education community towards even greater achievements.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

FROM OUR CEO

John Gwyn Jones MBE

FOBISIA CEO

Dear FOBISIA Colleagues and Friends,

As we draw near to the end of what has been another extremely busy term, I can't help but reflect on the whirlwind of activities and achievements that have shaped our journey together. This term has been truly exciting, packed with a diverse range of events and initiatives that have made a significant impact on the lives of students and staff across our Member schools - many of which are featured in this publication.

There are some highlights that I would like to share with you - the CPD Leader’s Conference hosted by British International School, Phuket was a great success, as was the first Swimming and Tennis Competitions that we outsourced to TEEMS Global, the Tennis in collaboration with Hua Hin International School. I am delighted to see that the numerous online competitions allows for greater participation and showcases the talent that exists in our schools. The Under 13 FOBISIA Games have been superb so far and a record number of Schools will participate in the Primary Games in Term 3.

I am thrilled to see a surge of schools applying for membership, a testament to the growing recognition of FOBISIA as a beacon of educational excellence in the Asia region.The influx of new members is a testament to our shared commitment to nurturing collaboration, innovation, and support within the community of British

international schools. Furthermore, I am so pleased to announce a major milestone for FOBISIA: the imminent welcoming of our 100th Member school.

This term, the British International School Ho Chi Minh City will host our annual Heads' Business Meeting, an event that holds particular significance as our esteemed Chairman, Anthony Rowlands, presides over his final meeting. Anthony has been a pillar of leadership and vision, guiding FOBISIA with unwavering dedication and wisdom. On behalf of our community, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his invaluable contributions.

For me personally, this term has been marked by an array of activities and travel engagements, from visits to the United Kingdom to participation in the annual BSME Conference in the Middle East. It has been an honour to represent FOBISIA on the global stage, forging connections and gaining insights that enrich our shared mission.

As we gaze toward the future, we will focus on our strategic plan, which will allow us to continue to embrace the ethos of excellence that defines our community. FOBISIA fosters a strong sense of belonging and together, we have the opportunity to shape the landscape of British international education and empower generations of learners, both students and staff, to flourish in an ever-evolving world.

Thank you all for your continued unwavering support, commitment and dedication.

Warm regards,

Anthony Rowlands Chair

Principal British International School Ho Chi Minh City

Vanita Uppal OBE Vice Chair and Strategic Planning

Director The British School New Delhi

Dinah Hawtree Student Events - PE & Sport

Principal Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang

Nick Sheehan CPD

Martin Towse Secretary & Membership

Principal St. Christopher's International School, Penang

Head of School

Nick Magnus Heads' Support

Headmaster Dulwich College (Singapore)

Principal Jerudong International School Brunei

Duncan Stonehouse Treasurer and HQ Support

Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School

Principal British School Jakarta

David Butcher Safeguarding

Caroline Drumm Communications and Marketing

Principal The British School Kathmandu

David Ingram

Student EventsAcademic and Performing Arts

Head of College Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

John Gwyn Jones MBE Chief Executive Officer ceo@fobisia.org

Swati Sinha Bedi CPD & Safeguarding Executive cpd-safeguarding@fobisia.org

Jitsaman (Pheung)

Chan Accounts Executive accounts@fobisia.org

Shana Kongmun Executive Operations Manager eom@fobisia.org

Janine Minchin Student Events Executive student-events@fobisia.org

SINGAPORE SOCIETY 95 Portsdown Road, 139299, SINGAPORE

THAILAND Headquarters 39/4 Todsamon Clubhouse Building, Mezzanine Floor Soi LaSalle 39/1, Sukhumvit 105, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 THAILAND

Salinee (Tai) Chooputtaphong Administration Executive info@fobisia.org

Dawn Jones Marketing & Communications Executive marketing@fobisia.org

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell Communications Design Executive design@fobisia.org

THE CHAIR

HOW HAS FOBISIA CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST JOINED AS A MEMBER?

Well, it has certainly grown in numbers since I was first involved in 1993 when the Federation was made up of less than ten schools. Whereas it is now approaching one hundred schools. But what has not changed is the feeling of belonging, community, respect, and care that FOBISIA fosters among its members. May those values long continue.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED/BENEFITED FROM IN YOUR ROLE AS CHAIR?

Working with great people, schools, and federations like FOBISIA are all about people working together collaboratively. Despite great progress in technology we must always value interpersonal relationships which you can only get when people interact together positively. In this way, I have loved working with outstanding people at HQ, the Executive Board, and the Heads of Member schools.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ROLE OF THE CHAIR?

Being supportive and positive whilst hopefully quietly steering the Federation in the right direction.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE IN THE PAST YEARS?

The challenge of guiding us through the COVID years and coming out the other side in a very strong position.

WHERE DO YOU SEE FOBISIA HEADED?

To even greater and better things. I have been involved with the Federation for 31 years. I am not sure I will be around to see where FOBISIA is in another 31 years but, if I was, I am very confident that I would still see a caring and supportive community that puts its people first.

FOBISIA Chair

March 2019 to 2024

Principal, British International School

Ho Chi Minh City

FOBISIA - MAKING CONNECTIONS

FOBISIA CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE, along with the HQ

, have been actively engaging in the region and beyond to represent FOBISIA and foster stronger connections.

FOBISIA IS MAKING A NAME FOR ITSELF AROUND THE GLOBE FOR ITS WORK IN SUPPORTING AND PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY BRITISH EDUCATION IN ASIA

team

CEO John Gywn Jones MBE met with the Rt. Hon Damien Hinds MP, Minister for Schools, at the House of Commons, to discuss a number of issues such as International teachers returning to work in the UK.

While in the UK, John met with the UK Trade Envoys. L to R: Heather Wheeler OBE MP, Richard Leach (DBT), Richard Graham CMG MP, Mark Garnier OBE MP, John Gwyn Jones MBE.

Mark Leppard MBE, Chair of BSME and Debra Forsyth, CEO of BSME, welcomed John to the BSME Leadership Conference in Doha, Qatar 5-7 May, where the ties between the two organisations were strengthened.

John and Leigh Webb of ISC Research met with officers at the DfE to discuss the types of key data needed to assess the needs of International teachers relocating back to the UK.

John visited Nexus International School in Singapore, accompanied by Caroline Drumm from The British School Kathmandu and Andy Edmonds from Regent's International School Bangkok.

Swati Sinha Bedi, FOBISIA CPD & Safeguarding Executive, attended the CPD Executive Committee Meeting and CPD Leaders Conference held at British International School Phuket, March 2024.

FOBISIA HQ had the pleasure of visiting Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (BPREP). The visit was met with a warm welcome from Duncan Stonehouse, the Head of School at BPREP and FOBISIA Treasurer and HQ Support.

Bett UK was held in London from 24-26 January 2024. John had the opportunity to meet up with the Bett team at this huge edtech event.

2024 FOBISIA STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Darren Lim Assistant Curriculum Leader - Humanities Prince Of Wales Island International School, Penang, Malaysia

United by a desire to be the change for their community, more than 300 delegates from 17 FOBISIA schools representing 7 countries, gathered at the Prince of Wales Island International School in Penang for an intensive but exciting four-day learning journey into the world of changemaking at the 2024 FOBISIA Student Leadership Conference (1st-4th February 2024). With the theme of the conference being “Impacting Lives, Changing Futures”, our delegates were given the opportunity to learn and engage with an amazing lineup of young changemakers who have successfully driven forward transformation in areas as diverse as environmental sustainability, refugee rights and protection, and quality education.

Some of the guest speakers have started their changemaking journey at a young age, for example Melati Wijsen, who co-founded with her sister the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement at the tender age of 10 and recently presented at the United Nations in 2021, while others such as Michael Teoh and Heidy Quah, were Queen’s Young Person Award recipients who have transformed thousands

of corporate figures and have run successful change making projects in Malaysia. Besides engaging workshops and inspirational sharing sessions, our delegates also took part in community service projects around Penang, such as beach cleaning and sustainable farming, while enjoying cultural experiences such as a welcome dinner and social night.

To cap it off, the delegates were treated to the presence of none other than international humanitarian, Linda Cruse, who not only delivered two powerful inspirational sharing sessions, but also afforded them the opportunity to take part in a live experience of her signature Race4Good competition. Guided by business mentors, who are captains of their industries in Malaysia, teams, comprising of delegates from an assortment of schools, raced against time to develop sustainable ideas to uplift a community vulnerable to climate change in Qaanaq, Greenland. Their solutions were graded and the winning projects are to be implemented directly in Qaanaq. The Race4Good was an eye-opener for many delegates as they not only gained valuable exposure to the immense difficulty facing climate vulnerable communities, but also discovered their inner strengths and developed tacit friendships with peers from the FOBISIA community.

All in all, the conference has successfully brought together and inspired our potential leaders of the future that will be the forerunners of positive change in an ever-challenging world. It is our hope that the delegates have gained a transformational and powerful experience from their weekend in Penang and are ready to “Be the Change” that they wish to see in the world!

FOBISIA STAGE MAKEUP CHALLENGE

Heather Smith

Subject Leader for KS3 Drama and English St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana PJ Campus)

The 2023 FOBISIA Stage Make Up Challenge was a vibrant showcase of the artistic prowess within our community, bringing together talented individuals to compete and celebrate the artistry of stage makeup. Judges were blown away by the creativity that adorned the faces of our young participants during this exhilarating event.

St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia, in collaboration with FOBISIA Drama, hosted the competition, featuring participants from various FOBISIA member schools armed with a diverse array of materials and abundant creativity. Video entries unveiled the joy of exploring new techniques as competitors transformed themselves and their models into captivating live canvases.

A fascinating aspect of the challenge was the diverse range of themes explored by participants, from SFX to Character design, Editorial makeup to Heritage design. The face became a canvas for the manifestation of unique and imaginative ideas, drawing inspiration from theatre, cinema, and cultural practices.

The competition showcased a fusion of traditional and innovative makeup techniques. Contestants adeptly navigated contouring, highlighting, and colour theory to breathe life into their visions. Intricate detailing, including special effects makeup, added complexity, leaving judges in awe of the skill and precision displayed by these young participants.

A panel of seasoned makeup artists and industry professionals, including Howard Kong from the BBC hit show Glow Up, evaluated participants based on creativity, technical skill, and overall presentation. Judging criteria included the transformation of models, adherence to the chosen theme, and the ability to captivate the audience through the visual impact of the makeup.

To provide deeper insight into the creative process, timelapsed videos with commentary captured the inspiration and passion fueling their entries. Many shared anecdotes about the challenges faced and the satisfaction derived from bringing their visions to life.

Entries can be seen on Instagram @stagemakeupchallenge or on the website

Standout creations included: Opal and Pangya from Denla British School Bangkok in the Heritage and Stage Makeup categories, Madina from The British School Tashkent with her Heritage and Celebrity Look Alike creations, Phoebe and Shenny from The Alice Smith School Kuala Lumpur with striking SFX realism, and Yun Xin from Tenby International School Setia Eco Park, Malaysia, showcasing a truly creative Fantasy design. Younger contestants such as Ava from Dover Court Singapore, Darius from Prince of Wales International Island School, Penang, and Layathma from the British School Colombo also impressed the judges with their technique, earning well-deserved accolades. Their seamless blend of artistry, storytelling, and technical excellence set them apart, garnering admiration from the judging panel.

The 2023 FOBISIA Stage Makeup Challenge not only highlighted the incredible talent within the FOBISIA community but also emphasized the transformative power of makeup as an art form. In an industry with ever-expanding scope, our budding technical theatre artists showcased a promising future for the continued development of this art. Now the vibrant palettes are packed away and the judges' praises extended to all entrants, I hope this event will continue to inspire future generations of technical theatre enthusiasts to embrace their creativity and push the boundaries of artistic expression. Roll on the FOBISIA Stage Makeup Challenge 2024!

Our overall winning submission left our judges cheering in their seats. An incredible piece of work with a huge amount of thought and skill evident across both the model and presentation of the video entry. A huge well done to Natalie, Year 8, from The International School at Park City, Kuala Lumpur!

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved and encouraged and supported their students towards creating their entry piece. We very much enjoyed the judging process and I hope that all the students enjoyed taking part and developed their skillset to both take care of our planet and their architectural model making skills along the way!

FOBISIA ONLINE ENGLISH COMPETITION

Max Carter International Schools Manager Century Tech

The inaugural FOBISIA & CENTURY English Competition took place between the 6th and 17th November 2023. Competition was fierce with 37 schools from 10 countries competing across various categories and age groups. Learners worked on everything from Shakespeare to superlative adjectives, and during the two week competition period there were over 575,038 questions answered by the amazing 4,246 students who took part. School scores were calculated by the average number of questions answered correctly by each student taking part.

Throughout the competition students studied on bespoke learning paths curated by CENTURY’s AI powered learning technology. This provided them with personalised recommendations designed to plug gaps in knowledge and further stretch them in their studies. Schools chose to use the platform in a variety of educational settings, including direct use in the classroom and as part of their independent study initiatives for students.

For full results visit our website and below is the list of the highest placed schools in each category.

Small Institutions:

1. North London Collegiate School Jeju, South Korea

2. Traill International School, Thailand

3. Repton International School, Malaysia

Large Institutions:

International School, Malaysia

Eaton International School, Malaysia

Sri KDU International School (Subang Jaya), Malaysia

As the competition also coincided with the FOBISIA Leadership conference in Kuala Lumpur in November, it gave the CENTURY team an opportunity to meet with many of the teachers taking part and thanks to all who came to see us.

On behalf of the entire CENTURY team, we would like to thank all the schools, teachers and students who took part and made the competition so successful; as well as the fantastic team at FOBISIA for all their help and support in making the event possible. We look forward to hosting a new competition in 2024, and hope that even more schools can participate.

CENTURY provides an AI-powered personalised learning platform for schools Find out more at one of our webinars

A LOOK BACK AT THE SUCCESS OF 'SPACES IN PERSPECTIVE' ONLINE VISUAL ARTS CHALLENGE

Daniel Wilson

Head of Creative Arts

The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur

The 'Spaces in Perspective' online visual arts event, hosted by The International School @ ParkCity (KL, Malaysia), was a tremendous success, captivating young artists from Years 5 to 11. It was a celebration of creativity and talent, showcasing the remarkable abilities of students in capturing diverse spaces through their perspective drawings.

Participants chose various settings, ranging from the intricate details on a tabletop to the dynamic hustle of a busy street scene or the quiet interior of a kitchen or bedroom. This variety reflected not only their creative vision but also their acute observational skills. The attention to detail, whether in intimate spaces or larger environments, was truly impressive. The use of different art mediums, including digital art, demonstrated versatility and willingness to embrace new techniques.

The development and application of skills in three-dimensional drawing and shading by these young artists were particularly inspiring. Their ability to capture lighting, shadows, and the various forms, materials, patterns, and surface textures in their chosen spaces was commendable. These are fundamental art skills, and the students exhibited high proficiency in them.

The ‘Spaces in Perspective’ visual arts challenge received an overwhelming response, with 291 entries from 31 Member schools. The high standard of the submissions made the judging process a significant challenge, a testament to the participants' excellence and creativity.

Judges were particularly struck by the technical accuracy and the fine detail present in the artworks. The careful consideration of viewpoints, incorporating both artificial and natural light sources, was remarkable. The diversity and quality of the submissions stood out, displaying a wide range of artistic interpretations and styles.

Congratulations were extended to all participating students, with special recognition for the overall winners. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication were acknowledged, and these young artists demonstrated exceptional talent and skill, making everyone involved incredibly proud of their achievements.

Olivia

British International School Ho Chi Minh City 1st

YEAR 5

Yu Thong

elc International School 2nd

Charlotte

Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang 3rd

YEAR 6

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

DD Singapore International School of Bangkok (Pracha Uthit Campus)

1st

Aiden Wellington College International School Bangkok

2nd

Arya The British School Manila

3rd

Ai Wellington College International School Bangkok

1st

HoiTing Crescendo HELP International School

2nd

Seyeon St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana PJ Campus)

3rd

Ava Bangkok Patana School

1st

Edith St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana PJ Campus)

2nd

Khushi St. Andrew's International School Bangkok

3rd

YEAR 9

YEAR 10

YEAR 11

Boyoon North London Collegiate School Jeju

1st

Song North London Collegiate School Jeju

2nd

Navya elc International School

3rd

Bagashar Haileybury Astana

1st

Hyoyeon Dulwich College Suzhou

2nd

Alexis The British School Manila

3rd

Zhang Moqing HELP International School, Kuala Lumpur

1st

Jingxuan North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

2nd

Klarissa St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana PJ Campus)

3rd

FOBISIA CREATIVE CODING COMPETITION

Devinii Karunanithi Computer Science Teacher & Learning Innovation Coach Help International School, Kuala Lumpur

The FOBISIA Creative Coding Competition 2023 marked a significant milestone in the realm of educational innovation and collaboration. With 200 participants hailing from various FOBISIA schools, the event showcased a convergence of talent and creativity.

Reflecting on the meticulous organisation of the competition, it becomes evident that it was more than just a showcase of coding prowess; it was a testament to the values of teamwork, leadership, and creativity. The participants, representing a myriad of backgrounds and perspectives, came together to push the boundaries of innovation, leaving an indelible mark on both themselves and the broader FOBISIA community.

The rich diversity contributed by each participating school added a unique flavour to the competition, highlighting the global resonance of creative coding enthusiasm. From the bustling city campuses to the tranquil school settings, every institution played a pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of education and technology within the FOBISIA network.

In conclusion, the success of the FOBISIA Creative Coding Competition 2023 can be attributed to the unwavering dedication and passion of every participant. Their tireless efforts, coupled with their remarkable talent, have not only elevated the competition but have also set a precedent for future endeavours in the field of creative coding. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, events like these serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding the next generation of innovators towards a brighter and more connected future.

FOBISIA REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY TEAM 2024

Gareth Pearson

Director of Sport, The British School Manila Invitationals Representative, FOBISIA PE & Sport Executive Committee

Addressing the longstanding challenge of establishing robust high-performance pathways for game players in schools across Asia, the inaugural FOBISIA Rugby Representative selection weekend marked a resounding success. A cohort of nearly 50 exceptionally skilled rugby players, representing 10 FOBISIA member schools, participated in this groundbreaking event.

To ensure the optimal development of these talents, a coaching dream team comprising seven highly experienced rugby coaches from across Asia provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the weekend. The first day commenced with the official presentation of shirts, followed by a series of dynamic training routines designed to foster connections among students and their coaches.

On the second day, students represented their FOBISIA region as the first stage of the pathway, engaging in a round-robin series of games that served as a platform for showcasing their exceptional skills. The coaching team meticulously assessed each student throughout the day, ultimately forming four new teams for a riveting play-off on the third day. This showcased the pinnacle of school rugby standards in Asia, with students delivering remarkable performances both on and off the field.

Left-Right: Todd Skevington, MCM; Peter Buxton, DCB; Jonathan Carswell, DCIS; Butsaya Bunyan, BPREP; Gareth Pearson, BSM; Michael McFarlane, BPREP; Jovan Masalunga, BSM

Post these exhilarating games, the coaching team convened to deliberate and select the final FOBISIA rugby representative team. It brings me immense pleasure to unveil the first-ever FOBISIA Representative Team.

Notably, the selection revealed a diverse representation, with players from eight different schools among the 14 chosen. This diversity underscores the necessity of such initiatives. Currently, plans are underway for the team's inaugural trip, fostering hopes that it will pave the way for opportunities such as scholarships or playing contracts for these exceptional athletes.

Building on the resounding success of this initiative, we are poised to explore new opportunities in additional sports, providing students with the chance to reap the benefits of participating in FOBISIA representative teams. Comprehensive details will be communicated to all pertinent schools in due course.

FOBISIA U11 BASKETBALL 2024

Stephen Salter Assistant Director of Sport Rugby School Thailand

On Friday 19th January, 240 students travelled to Rugby School Thailand from all around Thailand and from as far afield as Malaysia and Laos to take part in the U11 FOBISIA Basketball Championships.

12 boys teams and 10 girls teams competed over an action packed and fun filled two days.

The level of basketball by all teams was outstanding but the sportsmanship on show and the friendly nature of all the games was a real highlight. It was amazing to see students making new friends from other schools in between matches, during the fun shooting competition, and at the Gala BBQ on Friday evening.

Congratulations to Amnuay Silpa and St Andrews, Bangkok who were crowned champions of the girls and boys tournaments respectively.

FOBISIA GYMNASTICS 2023

Matt Cherrett Assistant Head Teacher responsible for Athletics and Activities British School Jakarta

British School Jakarta (BSJ) were delighted to host the 202324 FOBISIA Gymnastics event. The BSJ gymnastics programme is proud to be partnered with the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation which, alongside our recently built sports centre, meant it was the perfect venue to provide a top class facility for FOBISIA Gymnastics.

BSJ invited schools affiliated to FOBISIA to compete at this year's Gymnastics event which saw nearly 200 participants compete over two days. The event inspired gymnasts from across South East Asia including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, providing them with the platform to showcase their skills and talents. The level of skill on show was jaw dropping and spine tingling, demonstrating remarkable body tension and control, muscular strength and prowess alongside outrageous amounts of flexibility and agility. Even the BSJ mascot, Buster, couldn’t be kept out of the action and led the gymnasts into the arena with a series of backflips and somersaults. The individual talents and skills were equally met with opportunities to celebrate individual and team success amongst the competing schools and build lasting friendships with like minded individuals.

At BSJ, we believe that providing opportunities within nurtured environments allows students to perform and compete, creating long lasting memories for young people which fosters their love of sport.

The opportunity to see senior gymnasts support and cheer on junior gymnasts from across the WAG/MAG levels ensured a positive atmosphere was created. The event was a great success and involved aspects of the whole BSJ community including aspects of service, primary and secondary students, parents and staff. BSJ were honoured to have hosted the event and are looking forward to hosting more FOBISIA events this year and beyond.

FOBISIA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

Marty Perry

PE, Health and Well-being Teacher

The British School Manila

The 2024 FOBISIA Golf Championship took place in the Philippines at the picturesque Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club. This year's championship attracted 11 international schools with a total of 75 participants. The event featured two separate competitions: a two-round 18hole individual competition and a two-round 9-hole team scramble competition. Including the practice round, students had the opportunity to play 72 holes over three days.

The scramble competition introduced a new format compared to previous FOBISIA Golf Championships. Teams were divided into Division 1 and 2 based on their handicaps, engaging in a full scramble format with each team required to use one drive from each player and given two mulligans. This created a strategic approach for teams as they discussed who would retake their shot and who was going to be the hero. Stories came back after each round of students stepping up and putting their mulligan right next to the pin or in the hole! And you could hear these moments echo across the course as students cheered and celebrated as a team. The introduction of a Barbarians team allowed schools unable to form a full team to combine with others, showcasing the true spirit of FOBISIA.

Monday kicked off with the scramble competition, marked by fireworks across the course. Division 1 Teams from Garden International School and British School Manila had a great day both hitting 8 under after the first round and the Barbarians team stacking on some good points to take the lead of Division 2.

Tuesday unfolded as a pivotal day, featuring both the Individual and Scramble Competitions, totaling 27 holes of competitive golf. Uthai Dee Dee from Singapore International School Bangkok and Resse Ng from British School Manila secured the best scores of 2 over for boys and girls, respectively. The final round of the scramble competition, particularly in the Division 1 competition, saw intense competition in the last 3 holes. An eagle on the 17th and a remarkable 9-under round from SISB secured their victory, while both BSM Div 1 teams were tied at second place and forced into a playoff hole. In an exciting turn, Scott Ng's clutch putt led Sean Young's BSM Team to victory.

In Division 2, a second-day surge from BSKL brought them within 1 point of the Barbarians, but the Barbarians maintained their round 1 lead. A team comprising students from NLCS, TES, ISP, and GIS were able to come together and win was great to see!

The last day showcased outstanding golf, including two hole-in-ones by Lance Tan and Janice Kwan. Uthai Dee Dee finished impressively with an even-par 72 in his final round. Congratulations to Uthai Dee Dee (SISB) as the overall gross champion and Mika Alfie (BSKL) as the overall net champion.

Special thanks to all coaches and schools for bringing a fantastic group of golfers who demonstrated sportsmanship and spirited competition throughout the event.

FOBISIA SWIMMING 2024

Paul Rotheram Founder TEEMS Global

This February, and for the first time, FOBISIA Swimming 2024 was not hosted at a Member school but outsourced to TEEMS Global, a company formed by the former Director of Sport at Shrewsbury, Riverside, Paul Rotheram. This decision taken by FOBISIA PE and Sports Executive Committee with the support of FOBISIA HQ and the FOBISIA Board, was endorsed by the large interest and demand from Member schools, and it certainly paid off!

Due to the popularity, and again a first, the event was limited to FOBISIA Member schools only, there were 35 schools attending from across the entire FOBISIA geographic network, with approximately 900 swimmers taking part. Over 250 swimmers from schools outside the Federation were also eager to participate, perhaps another incentive for those schools to join FOBISIA…

The venue was Thanyapura Sports and Wellness Resort in Phuket, Thailand. This venue is a favourite of national swim teams from across the world; the full Australian swim team and other leading Olympic champions, including Adam Peaty, had to vacate for FOBISIA swimming. However, they sent numerous video messages of support for the FOBISIA swimmers demonstrating they didn’t mind at all as they fully recognised the value and importance of youth sport and the fantastic opportunities provided for students of FOBISIA Member Schools. They look forward to catching up with some of the swimmers next year or if, as John Gywn Jones suggested to the crowd, a FOBISIA Representative Swim team tours their home country.

This event was the first multi day competitive swim meet for many of the swimmers and they all swam with immense effort and pride for themselves, their families and their schools. It was also a first for many of the new FOBISIA Member schools, who had never attended FOBISIA swimming before, in addition to many coaches who are new in position - well done everyone! It was also a first for the format with two pools being used at once with all finals in the 50m pool to ensure times were World Aquatic endorsed.

After the dust has settled, we can all look to reflect on this event and look forward to next year. As always with such a large event there are always areas for improvement and partnering with one of the new FOBISIA schools (Amnuay Silpa, from Bangkok) for next year will only help move this blue ribbon event forward for the benefit of every school, coach, parent, and most importantly students.

Overall team winners were:

1. British International School, Phuket

2. Shrewsbury Riverside, Bangkok

3. Bangkok Patana, Bangkok

Special mention should also go to every swimmer who managed to achieve a personal best, whether they won a heat, obtained a medal or didn’t. To borrow from the Olympic Games; the most important thing is not to win but to take part. Well done to all involved.

For more information on Teemsglobal please visit our website or contact Paul Rotheram directly on Paul@teemsglobal.org

COST-EFFECTIVE SPEAKER TOURS ACROSS FOBISIA SCHOOLS

Swati Sinha Bedi CPD & Safeguarding Executive FOBISIA HQ

In today's educational landscape, the value of community engagement cannot be overstated. It is through shared experiences and collaboration that we enrich our learning environments and inspire positive change. Recently, the FOBISIA community had the privilege of hosting Speakers like Diana Osagie and Stuart Lawrence on a speaker tour across India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, showcasing the power of cost-effective speaker tours by fostering collaboration and learning.

Having previously been part of FOBISIA Speaker tours to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, this academic year, Diana headed to India and Nepal to speak at The British International School, New Delhi and The British School Kathmandu. On the other hand, Stuart's journey took him to renowned educational institutions such as The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur, Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang, XCL International School, Malaysia as well as Dover Court International School, Tanglin Trust School, Dulwich College (Singapore) and then to Thailand to schools like Bangkok Patana School, and Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School. Their presence sparked insightful discussions and inspired educators, parents and students alike.

Through the FOBISIA community, Member Schools gain access to a diverse range of high-profile speakers, further enriching their educational programs and initiatives. These tours have served as a testament to the effectiveness of this model in bringing renowned speakers to the region, allowing Member Schools to benefit from their expertise and insights at a reasonable expense.

FOBISIA CONNECT

FOBISIA Connect is a valuable resource for FOBISIA Member School Staff allowing you to connect with others in a similar role within the community. Use this platform as a go-to place to share insights, experiences, and support with others. See the latest FOBISIA events as well as news and updates!

www.fobisia.org/cpd/fobisia-connect

FOBISIA WEBINARS

FOBISIA offers a range of engaging webinars to its Members; recordings of past webinars are available on the FOBISIA website. Looking ahead we have an exciting lineup of webinars planned, covering diverse subjects and addressing emerging trends in education.

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

We understand the importance of providing our School Members with support to enhance their educational journey. That's why we highly value our Affiliate Members, who play a vital role in offering valuable products and services to meet the unique needs of our Schools.

Our Affiliate Members encompass a diverse array of organisations and businesses that cater to the educational sector. From curriculum providers and technology companies to school furniture suppliers and professional development trainers, these members bring a wealth of expertise and offerings to our network.

As a Member School, if you are looking for specific products or services, we encourage you to explore the offerings of our Affiliate Members. Reach out to them and mention you are a FOBISIA Member School and many offer discounts or special deals.

See all of our Affiliate Members on the website here

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

FRIENDS OF FOBISIA

Our Friends of FOBISIA Membership is open for a limited number of British international schools located outside of Asia, in order to strengthen our connections beyond the region.

See all of our Friends of FOBISIA Members on the website here

Individual Members are a growing group of people who were previous Heads of School in a FOBISIA School. Their membership helps us to maintain an active network of experienced leaders and we can benefit from the knowledge and experience that they bring. We acknowledge those Individual Members who were also former Chairs of the FOBISIA Board or Founding Members as Honorary Individual Members.

See all of our Individual Members on the website here

19 countries, 96 schools and growing

SOUTH KOREA

Dulwich College Seoul (DCSL)

North London Collegiate School Jeju (NLCS)

Seoul Foreign School (SFBS)

SRI LANKA

The British School in Colombo (BSC)

TAIWAN

Taipei European School (TES)

THAILAND

Amnuay Silpa School (ANS)

Bangkok International Prepatory & Secondary School (BPREP)

Bangkok Patana School (BPS)

Brighton College International School Bangkok (BCIS)

British International School, Phuket (BISP)

Bromsgrove International School, Thailand (BIST)

Charter International School (CHA)

Denla British School, Bangkok (DBS)

Garden International School Eastern Seaboard Ban Chang (GISR)

Garden International School, Sathorn, Bangkok (GISBKK)

Harrow International School Bangkok (HISB)

Hua Hin International School (HHIS)

King's College International School Bangkok (KINGS)

RBIS International School (RBIS)

Regent’s International School Bangkok (REGB)

Regents International School Pattaya (REGP)

Rugby School Thailand (RST)

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus (SHB)

Shrewsbury International School, Riverside Campus (SHR)

Singapore International School of Bangkok [Pracha Uthit Campus] (SISB)

St. Andrew’s International School Sukhumvit 107 (StA107)

St. Andrew’s International School Bangkok (StAB)

St. Andrew’s International School, Green Valley (StAGV)

St. Stephen’s International School, Bangkok & Khao Yai Campuses (SIS)

Traill International School (TIS)

Wellington College International School Bangkok (WCISB)

UZBEKISTAN

The British School of Tashkent (TBST)

VIETNAM

British International School Hanoi (BISHN)

British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BISHM)

British Vietnamese International School Hanoi (BVISHN)

British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVISHM)

Renaissance International School, Saigon (RIS)

The ABC International School (ABCIS)

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