THE INAUGURAL FOBISIA KIDWIND CHALLENGE 2026 AT TAI PEI EU ROPEAN SC HOOL
CON TE N TS UPDATES 4
From Our Chair
5
From Our CEO
6
Board Members and Headquarters
7
FOBISIA Members
8
FOBISIA Committee Update
10
FOBISIA 2026-27 Calendar of events
18
FOBISIA - Making Connections
20
In Our Community
21
A Conversation with…
STAFF EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 22
FOBISIA Business Conference 2026
STUDENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 24
Intermediate Music Festival 2026: Super Video Game Festival!
26
Hosting the Future: The Inaugural FOBISIA Kidwind Challenge
28
Bringing Imagination to Life: FOBISIA’s Young Animators take the Spotlight
30
FOBISIA Netball 2025-26
32
The Power of Possibility: A Physical Theatre Journey
34
Badminton 2026
36
Photography Competition 2025-26: Altered Faces, Changing Spaces
38
Short Story Competition 2025-26: ‘Being Human’
43
FOBISIA Primary (U11) Games 2026
LET'S CONNECT
FOBISIA CONNECT LIKE US ON
LIKE US ON
FOBISIA MEMBERS 52
Our Member Schools
54
Our Affiliate Members
LIKE US ON
VISIT US ON
YOUTUBE
VISIT OUR
WEBSITE
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.
EDITOR'S NOTE Dear Readers, Welcome to Issue 51 of The FOBISIAN. In this issue, we celebrate the people, ideas and experiences that continue to shape and strengthen our FOBISIA community. From updates across our Board, Headquarters, Committees and Member Schools to the latest opportunities in our 2026-27 calendar, there is much to connect us as educators and school communities. We also look back at highlights from the FOBISIA Business Conference 2026 and celebrate an inspiring collection of student events. From music and theatre to animation, photography and creative writing, our students have embraced opportunities to express themselves, challenge their thinking and discover new possibilities. Sporting highlights, including Netball, Badminton and the FOBISIA Primary (U11) Games, showcase the energy, teamwork and determination of our young athletes. We hope this issue gives you an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and colleagues, share ideas and be inspired by the wonderful work happening across FOBISIA. Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell
FOBISIA's TERMLY MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER FOBISIA EDITOR Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Vanita Uppal OBE The British School New Delhi Nick Sheehan Jerudong International School & Panaga School John Gwyn Jones MBE, Swati Sinha Bedi, Janine Minchin, Dawn Jones, Li-May Lim FOBISIA HQ Anna Sheppard King's College International School Bangkok Carmei Wright The International School @ ParkCity Jonathan Booth Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong Joe Rodway The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur Julia Armstrong Kellett School Hong Kong Nattrapon Miles Singapore International School of Bangkok (Pracha Uthit Campus) Paul Hannon, Roisin Pearson The British School Manila Dr. Paul Tkachenko Wellington College International Shanghai Rachael Potter British School Jakarta Sabina Wray Garden International School, Malaysia Simon Green Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School Victoria Rotheram Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
FOBISIA now accepts payments via credit card (subject to 3.5% processing fee*)
*email accounts@fobisia.org for a payment link
Yoko Tsai Taipei European School
FROM
OUR CHAIR Vanita Uppal OBE FOBISIA Chair Director, The British School New Delhi
Welcome from Chair A very warm welcome back to new and returning
colleagues to what promises to be an exciting and impactful year at FOBISIA. There is a great deal on offer – a huge array of opportunities (around 150 student and CPD events planned throughout the year) for our pupils and colleagues to connect, learn, collaborate and grow together. What fuels our work and passion is the intrinsic DNA of FOBISIA - a shared belief in the power of positive relationships, in our deep sense of community and belonging and in collaborating to educate the young people in our care for a better world. It is about learning with and from each other and sharing our collective expertise to bring high quality British education to our pupils. The year has started as we intend to carry on - with passion and purpose. With the PE and Sports Conference, hosted by Wellington College International Shanghai, followed by the Music Conference, hosted by Dulwich College (Singapore) we are certainly off to a great start. We are so looking forward to welcoming you to the 33rd FOBISIA Leadership Conference in Bangkok, thoughtfully planned and curated by our wonderful HQ. In a first of its kind, the inaugural FOBISIA EduTech Conference, hosted by Shrewsbury International School Riverside, later this year aims to bring to us not only developments in the rapidly evolving world of tech, but also a reminder that learning will still need to be human-centred.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum, not only in the continuation of impactful initiatives such as Heads Coaching, the FOBISIA Fellowship Programme and the FOBISIA Games, but also in offering new opportunities for leadership training and professional growth. We remain committed to developing initiatives which respond to the needs of our members and make a meaningful difference to individuals and schools across the Federation. We are fortunate to have so many committed professionals contributing to this work. I would like to express my sincere thanks to our Board Members and Executive Committees, school leaders and other stakeholders who give their time, expertise and energy to FOBISIA. Their insight and guidance help shape our priorities and ensure that the initiatives we develop remain relevant, meaningful and valuable to our members. There are plenty of exciting programmes and experiences to look forward to and I do hope you will take every opportunity to get involved, either by attending an event, contributing your expertise, connecting with colleagues from across the membership or simply sharing an idea! FOBISIA is at its best when we work together. I look forward to seeing our relationships and community grow stronger, fuelled by our shared vision and commitment. Wishing everyone a successful and inspiring year ahead. 4
FROM
OUR CEO
John Gwyn Jones MBE FOBISIA CEO
Welcome to the 2026–27 Academic Year
BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER Dear Heads, Colleagues and Friends, Welcome to the beginning of another exciting academic year. I sincerely hope you have all enjoyed a well-earned break with your families and friends and have returned refreshed, reenergised and ready for another year of inspiring young people. There is always something special about the start of a new school year. It is a time filled with optimism, fresh beginnings, new opportunities and the excitement of welcoming students back into our classrooms.
Coaching Netball (ASA) at Ammanford C.P. School, October 1976. As I begin my 50th year in education, I find myself reflecting on what has changed since I first walked into a classroom as a newly qualified teacher in September 1976. Much has changed in education over those five decades, yet one thing has remained constant - the privilege of helping young people realise their potential and the inspiration that comes from working alongside dedicated colleagues who share that same purpose. This year feels particularly significant - not only because of that personal milestone, but because FOBISIA itself continues to grow in strength, confidence and ambition. Together we are building a Federation that invests in people, embraces innovation, strengthens governance, champions safeguarding and creates exceptional opportunities for our students and educators. That is why I have chosen “Building Our Future Together” as the theme for this year’s welcome. THE FOBISIAN: SEPTEMBER 2026, TERM1, ISSUE 51
Everything you will read in this edition of the FOBISIAN reflects that shared commitment. Whether it is welcoming new Heads into our community, investing in leadership coaching, expanding professional learning opportunities, strengthening our safeguarding commitments or launching new initiatives such as our EduTech Conference, every step we take is focused on ensuring that our Federation continues to flourish for many years to come.
FOBISIA HQ I am continually inspired by the generosity, professionalism and collaborative spirit that exists throughout our community. It is what makes FOBISIA unique and why our Federation continues to be recognised as one of the strongest and most respected educational organisations anywhere in the world. Thank you for the extraordinary contribution you make every day in your own schools and for the support you continue to give to one another. Together, we are not only preparing young people for their futures - we are building the future of British international education across Asia. I wish all of our community every success for the 2026-27 academic year, and I look forward to meeting many of you at our conferences, events and student activities throughout the months ahead. With my very best wishes,
5
BOARD MEMBERS VANITA UPPAL OBE
NICK SHEEHAN
CAROLINE DRUMM
Chair
Vice Chair & Strategic Plan
Secretary & Communications
Director, The British School New Delhi
Principal, Jerudong International School Brunei
Principal, The British School Kathmandu
STEVE SHAW
AMOS TURNER-WARDELL
DUNCAN STONEHOUSE
CHRIS SAMMONS
Head of School, Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
Head of School, Bangkok Patana School
DAVID INGRAM
SIMON MILLS
CRAIG CONSIDINE
SARAH RAFFRAY
Headmaster,Haileybury Almaty
CEO, Tanglin Trust School
Executive Principal, King's College International School Bangkok
Treasurer
HQ Support
PE & Sport
Principal, Regents International School Pattaya
Principal, The ABC International School
Membership
Head of College, Dulwich College (Singapore)
Student Events - Academic & Performing Arts
Safeguarding
CPD
HEAD QUARTERS
Heads Support
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
JOHN GWYN JONES MBE
SWATI SINHA BEDI
LI-MAY LIM
Chief Executive Officer
Head of Operations
ceo@fobisia.org
hoo@fobisia.org
CPD & Safeguarding Executive
JANINE MINCHIN
DAWN JONES
Student Events Executive
Marketing & Communications Executive
student-events@fobisia.org
marketing@fobisia.org
cpd-safeguarding@ fobisia.org
JITSAMAN (PHEUNG) CHAN
Accounts Executive accounts@fobisia.org
BUNJOPPORN (YOKE) KITTRELL
SALINEE (TAI) CHOOPUTTAPHONG
SIRIPHORN (PHORN) SUNGKORN
Design & Communications Executive
Membership & Administration Executive
Administrative Assistant PA to the CEO
design@fobisia.org
info@fobisia.org
admin@fobisia.org
6
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 as many offer discounts or special deals. See all of our Affiliate Members on the website here
Take a look at the Affiliate Newsfeed on our website for the latest news and offers from our Affiliate Members.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS 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 THE FOBISIAN: SEPTEMBER 2026, TERM1, ISSUE 51
7
FOBISIA COMMITTEE UPDATE FOBISIA offers an incredible array of opportunities for students, teachers and leaders of member schools across the academic year. The strength, depth and variety of these offerings, whether in person or online, are driven by FOBISIA HQ and a number of Executive Committees, comprised of volunteers from member schools, elected by their peers. Each Executive Committee is, in turn, supported by a member of the board, who will be a Headteacher at a Member School. The Executive Committees are led by a Chairperson, and we ensure there is representation across the entire federation.
Nick Sheehan FOBISIA Board Vice Chair Executive Principal Jerudong International School & Panaga School
CPD Executive Committee
The work of each committee is integral to the creation and delivery of the strategic plan, which maps out three years of development in each area. These passionate and committed colleagues are the driving force behind so much of what FOBISIA does and in how the federation moves forward in enhancing support for member school communities. I am delighted to highlight their work and introduce you to the incredible colleagues who lead each committee. I would also like to thank them for everything they do in making FOBISIA the leading school network in the world.
As Chair of the FOBISIA CPD Executive Committee, I lead on ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accessible professional learning for educators across FOBISIA member schools. I work collaboratively with six senior leaders from across Asia, as well as FOBISIA HQ, to shape the vision, priorities, and programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ensuring it remains current and responsive to the evolving needs of international schools. Our strategic priorities centre on engagement, communication, and the development of impactful programmes, such as the FOBISIA Fellowship, which support leadership growth across the network. My role specifically involves overseeing a diverse range of CPD opportunities, including both online provision and in-person events, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, relevance, and impact.
Julia Armstrong FOBISIA CPD Executive Committee Chair CPD Leader Kellett School Hong Kong
Safeguarding Executive Committee
I play a key role, along with the regional CPD Executive leads, in identifying emerging educational trends, drawing on expertise from across the network, and ensuring that professional learning supports school improvement and enhances student outcomes. Together we help foster collaboration between schools, promote the sharing of best practice, and strengthen professional networks across the region. The work is incredibly rewarding and it is a privilege to chair the FOBISIA CPD Executive Committee.
The work of the FOBISIA Safeguarding Committee is guided by a clear purpose: to connect and support those with safeguarding responsibilities; and to strengthen safeguarding and child protection practice through research and high-quality professional learning. Our annual safeguarding survey builds a valuable picture of shared challenges and development goals across the FOBISIA network. Data gathered since the 2019–2020 academic year provides a unique insight into the trends and themes experienced by international schools in recent years. Survey feedback is also used to shape the annual FOBISIA Safeguarding Conference, ensuring the event remains relevant and responsive to the needs of attendees.
FOBISIA is a founding member of the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition (BISSC), a pioneering group consisting of the six UK Government-recognised British schools associations and The Safeguarding Alliance UK. The Safeguarding Roisin Pearson Committee is a proud contributor to BISSC developments, particularly its work to FOBISIA Safeguarding Executive enhance safer recruitment and safer working practice in schools worldwide.
Committee Co-Chair
Deputy Head (Pastoral) and DSL The British School Manila
The committee’s newest initiative is the official launch of a Safeguarding Officer PeerMentoring Programme. The programme, which began informally in 2021, reflects our shared commitment to connecting people, sharing good practice, and ensuring that safeguarding officers are effectively supported. Committee members are grateful for the opportunity to serve the FOBISIA community and to work alongside those striving to make FOBISIA schools safer for everyone. 8
Drama Executive Committee
Paul Hannon FOBISIA Drama Executive Committee Chair Head of Drama The British School Manila
Music Executive Committee
The FOBISIA Drama Committee brings together Drama educators from across Asia to create opportunities for students and teachers to connect, collaborate and celebrate Drama across our member schools. Our annual Primary, Junior and Senior Drama Festivals provide students with exciting opportunities to work with industry professionals, participate in workshops and performances, and share creative experiences with peers from across the region. Our Online Student Challenges offer further ways to participate from school, with challenges such as Stage Makeup, Radio Plays and Monologues celebrating a diverse range of performance and creative skills. We are equally committed to developing our community of Drama educators through the FOBISIA Drama Conference, online Spotlight On… sessions and professional development opportunities, providing spaces for colleagues to share expertise and best practice. Over the year ahead, our priorities are to strengthen our festivals and programmes, increase opportunities for schools to participate, and build connections between Drama teachers across the FOBISIA community. We will continue to celebrate student creativity, showcase excellent practice and make our activities accessible across the region. As Chair, I am proud to work alongside a passionate committee and look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces this year.
The FOBISIA Music Executive Committee supports teachers and students from across Asia, promoting connection, collaboration, and the celebration of music throughout our network. Coming off a record-breaking year for participation where we welcomed more students and teachers than ever before to events, we are proud to foster creative growth and artistic excellence across all age groups and skill levels. Our annual events showcase the full spectrum of musical learning. Students connect and thrive through our fantastic Primary and Secondary Music Festivals, while our Advanced Festival and Battle of the Bands competition offer high-level experiences that challenge and inspire our region's most accomplished musicians.
Simon Green FOBISIA Music Executive Committee Co-Chair Head of Secondary Music Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
PE & Sport Executive Committee
We are equally passionate about nurturing our teaching community. The FOBISIA Music Teachers' Conference provides a dynamic space for educators to exchange best practice, explore new pedagogical ideas, and build lasting professional connections that enrich music departments throughout the region. Looking ahead, our focus remains on expanding access, strengthening performance pathways, and championing inclusive musical experiences for all. As Co-Chair, I am honored to work alongside a dedicated Executive Committee, and we look forward to welcoming students and colleagues to another unforgettable year of music across FOBISIA.
As Chair of the FOBISIA PE and Sport Executive Committee, I work alongside an exceptional team of Executive Committee members to provide strategic leadership for PE and sport across the FOBISIA network. Together, we work closely with FOBISIA HQ and Directors of Sport in member schools to enhance opportunities for both students and educators. We oversee the development and delivery of high-quality professional development, ensuring PE and sport colleagues have access to relevant, inclusive, and impactful learning opportunities. We also support FOBISIA HQ with both the operational delivery and strategic development of the FOBISIA Games, one of the association's flagship events, helping to ensure they provide outstanding sporting experiences for students.
Anna Sheppard FOBISIA PE & Sport Executive Committee Chair Director of Sport King's College International School Bangkok
As an Executive Committee, we support the growth of sports invitationals, strengthen representative team pathways, and champion inclusive practices that enable all students to participate and thrive in PE and sport. We also provide guidance and support to schools to enhance the quality of PE provision, develop sustainable sporting programmes, and share best practice across the network. Together, we are committed to building a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive PE and sport community that delivers exceptional experiences for young people while strengthening professional practice across FOBISIA.
THE FOBISIAN: SEPTEMBER 2026, TERM1, ISSUE 51
9
2026-27 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Refer to Member Support page on www.fobisia.org for calendar updates. Dates for in-person events do not include travel days (with the exception of the FOBISIA Games). FOBISIA EVENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. STAFF EVENTS:
STUDENT EVENTS:
JUNE 2026
AQ
22/06 -18/11
Academic
Visual Arts - Online Art Competition KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
AUGUST 2026
AQ
Jerudong International School Brunei
Cancelled
24/08/26 29/01/27
Academic
Secondary Short Story Competition KS3, KS4, KS5
Brighton College International School Bangkok
24/08/26 29/01/27
Academic
Primary Short Story Competition KS1, KS2
Haileybury Astana
28/08/26 22/01/27
Drama
Drama Monologue Challenge Online KS3, KS4, KS5
The International School @ ParkCity
28/08 - 23/10
Drama
Drama Duologue Challenge Online KS2, KS3
Wellington College International Shanghai
SEPTEMBER 2026
AQ
01/09 - 13/11
Music
Guitar Solo Competition KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
Charter International School
10/09 - 12/09
Conference
PE & Sport Conference
Wellington College International Shanghai
17/09 - 19/09
Conference
Music Teachers’ Conference
Dulwich College (Singapore)
18/09/ 15/01/27
Academic
Online Contemporary Dance Challenge KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
The International School @ ParkCity
21/09 - 25/09
Academic
Maths Code Breaking Competition KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
British International School, Phuket
OCTOBER 2026
AQ
02/10 - 03/10
JAWS
Dance JAWS
St. Andrews International School Bangkok
02/10 - 03/10
JAWS
Early Years JAWS: Planting the Seeds of the Future Cultivating Excellence in Early Years Practice JAWS
Dulwich College (Singapore)
02/10 - 03/10
JAWS
From Leading Teams to Delivering Whole-School Impact JAWS
Bangkok Patana School
26/10 - 30/10
Drama
Senior Drama Festival 14+ yrs old
North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
26/10/26 12/03/27
Music
Virtual Concerto Competition KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
Charter International School
OCTOBER 2026 ( CO NT INU E D )
AQ
30/10 - 31/10
JAWS
Secondary English JAWS: English at the Core Connecting Learning, Language and Belonging
North London Collegiate School Jeju
30/10 - 31/10
Conference
EduTech Conference 2026
Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside & TEEMS Global
NOVEMBER 2026
AQ
02/11/26 29/01/27
Academic
Social Studies Essay Competition Y9, Y10-11, Y12-13
elc International School
05/11 - 07/11
Sport Inv'l
Basketball U13
King's College International School Bangkok
08/11 - 12/11
Sport Games
U15 Games - Purple Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
13/11
eJAWS
Effective Pedagogical Approaches for the Changing Cohort of Students in International Schools eJAWS
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur
13/11 - 15/11
Conference
FOBISIA Leadership Conference
FOBISIA HQ @ Anantara Riverside & Avani+ Riverside, Bangkok
13/11 - 15/11
Sport Inv'l
Volleyball 18 & Under
Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside
13/11 - 15/11
Sport Inv'l
Football 18 & Under
Twedex & Rugby School Thailand @ Rugby School Thailand
14/11 - 18/11
Sport Games
U15 Games - Green Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
19/11 - 23/11
Sport Games
U15 Games - Pink Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
20/11
JAWS
EAL JAWS
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
20/11
JAWS
Geography JAWS
St. Joseph's Institution International School, Malaysia
20/11 - 21/11
Academic
Model United Nations (MUN) KS4, KS5
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
24/11 - 28/11
Sport Games
U15 Games - Orange Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
28/11 - 29/11
Sport Inv'l
Rugby 7s Competition 18 & Under, U16, U14, U13, and U11
Marlborough College Malaysia
28/11 - 29/11
Sport Inv'l
Netball 18 & Under
Marlborough College Malaysia
29/11 - 03/12
Sport Games
U15 Games - White Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
TBC
Workshop
Design Technology: Health & Safety Workshop Machinery Refresher Course
The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur
DECEMBER 2026
AQ
01/12/26 05/03/27
Academic
Photography Competition KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
The English School of Mongolia
03/12 - 05/12
Sport Inv'l
Gymnastics Age 7+
British School Jakarta
DECEMBER 2026 ( CO NT IN U E D )
AQ
04/12 - 06/12
Sport Inv’l
Basketball 18 & Under
Rugby School Thailand
10/12
eJAWS
Outdoor Learning and Expeditions eJAWS
The British School Kathmandu
JANUARY 2027
AQ
11/01
eJAWS
World Languages eJAWS
Dulwich College (Singapore)
15/01 - 16/01
Sport Inv'l
Volleyball U15
Rugby School Thailand
15/01 - 16/01
Academic
Student Leadership Conference KS3, KS4, KS5
St. Andrew's International School Sukhumvit 107
15/01 - 16/01
JAWS
Aspiring and New Senior Leaders JAWS: From Operations to Strategy: Purpose, People, and Progress in the First Years of Senior Leadership
The British School in Tokyo
21/01 - 24/01
Music
Battle of the Bands KS3, KS4 - KS5
The British School of Guangzhou
22/01 - 24/01
Sport Inv'l
Swimming - Division 1 Swimming U9 - 18 & Under
Rugby School Thailand
22/01 - 24/01
Sport Inv'l
Swimming - Division 2 Swimming U9 - 18 & Under
Amnuay Silpa School & TEEMS Global @ Thanyapura Phuket
28/01 - 29/01
Sport Inv'l
Climbing U11, U13, U15, 18 & Under
Sri KDU International School (Kota Damansara) & TEEMS Malaysia @ Camp5 Eco City
28/01 - 30/01
Conference
Drama Conference
The British School in Colombo
29/01
JAWS
SEND JAWS
Bromsgrove International School, Thailand
29/01 - 30/01
Sport Inv'l
Chess Championship Y2 - Y13
Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside
FEBRUARY 2027
AQ
17/02 - 21/02
Sport Games
U13 Games - Turquoise Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
19/02
eJAWS
Sustainability eJAWS: Teaching Sustainability - Turning Values into Practice
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur
19/02 - 20/02
Sport Inv'l
Football U11
Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside
22/02 - 26/02
Sport Games
U13 Games - Orange Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
24/02
eJAWs
Librarian eJAWS
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
26/02
eJAWS
Student Leadership eJAWS: Academic Enrichment and Student Leadership - Learning to Lead: Enrichment in International Education
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur
26/02 - 27/02
Academic
Secondary Maths Competiton KS3
The British School in Colombo
28/02- 04/03
Sport Games
U13 Games - Pink Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
FEBRUARY 2027 ( CO NT IN U E D )
AQ
TBC
JAWS
PAs/EAs JAWS
TBC
MARCH 2027
AQ
04/03 - 06/03
Sport Inv'l
Basketball U15
King's College International School Bangkok
04/03 - 06/03
Drama
Junior Drama Festival #1 11-14 yrs old
Brighton College International School Bangkok
04/03 - 06/03
Sport Inv'l
Tennis U15, Over 15
Hua Hin International School & TEEMS Global @ HH Tennis Arena
05/03 - 06/03
Academic
Student Environmental Conference KS3, KS4, KS5
Bromsgrove International School, Thailand
05/03 - 06/03
Academic
FOBISIA Primary Maths Competition Y5 - Y6
British International School, Phuket & The British School of Guangzhou
05/03 - 09/03
Sport Games
U13 Games - Blue Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
10/03 - 14/03
Sport Games
U13 Games - Purple Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
11/03 - 13/03
Sport Inv'l
Tennis U10, U11
Hua Hin International School & TEEMS Global @ HH Tennis Arena
13/03 - 15/03
Academic
STEM Challenge: FOBISIA KidWind KS3, KS4
Taipei European School
14/03 - 18/03
Sport Inv'l
Golf U13, U15, Over 15
Epsom College Malaysia
15/03 - 14/05
Academic
Poetry Competition KS3, KS4, KS5
Bromsgrove International School, Thailand
15/03 - 19/03
Sport Games
U13 Games - Green Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
17/03
JAWS
Diversity and Inclusion Practices - A Whole School Approach JAWS
St. Andrew's International School Sukhumvit 107
17/03
eJAWS
University Counselling eJAWS - AI and Ethics in Global University Admissions eJAWS
Nexus International School, Malaysia
17/03 - 20/03
Drama
Junior Drama Festival #2 11-14 yrs old
Kolej Tuanku Ja'far
18/03
eJAWS
Co-Curricular JAWS - Embedding Enrichment in a School
The British School of Guangzhou
18/03 - 20/03
Sport Inv'l
Tennis U13
Hua Hin International School & TEEMS Global @ HH Tennis Arena
18/03 - 20/03
Conference
CPD Leaders Conference
British International School Ho Chi Minh City
19/03 - 20/03
Academic
E-Sports Competition - Live! KS3, KS4, KS5
Tanglin Trust School
19/03 - 20/03
Sport Inv'l
Basketball U11
Rugby School Thailand
22/03 - 26/03
Sport Games
U13 Games - Yellow Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
27/03 - 31/03
Sport Games
U13 Games - White Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
APRIL 2027
AQ
22/04
eJAWS
TAs eJAWS
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
22/04
eJAWS
School Counsellors eJAWS
Kellett School Hong Kong
22/04 - 25/04
Music
Primary Music Festival Y5 - Y6
Wellington College International Shanghai
22/04 - 26/04
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Turquoise Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
23/04 - 24/04
Sport Inv'l
Netball U13, U15
Marlborough College Malaysia
27/04 - 01/05
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Orange Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
30/04 - 01/05
Sport Inv'l
Football U15
Rugby School Thailand
MAY 2027
AQ
03/05 - 07/05
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Pink Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
06/05 - 08/05
Conference
Safeguarding & Pastoral Care Conference
Brighton College International School Bangkok
06/05 - 09/05
Music
Intermediate Music Festival Y7, Y8, Y9, Y10
Epsom College Malaysia
07/05
JAWS
Secondary Science JAWS: Reimagining Secondary Science - Teaching, Learning, and Innovation
Nexus International School, Malaysia
08/05 - 12/05
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Blue Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
14/05 - 15/05
JAWS
Primary English JAWS: Through the Looking Glass Reflecting Student Voice in the Literacy Curriculum
British International School Ho Chi Minh City
14/05 - 15/05
Sport Inv’l
Badminton U13 & U15
Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside
14/05 - 18/05
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Purple Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
21/05 - 22/05
Music
Primary Festival of Bands Y5, Y6
Brighton College International School Bangkok Vibhavadi
23/05 - 27/05
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Green Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
28/05
JAWS
Media Studies JAWS - Training workshops to cover practical and theoretical content for GCSE/A-level syllabi
Kellett School Hong Kong
28/05
eJAWS
A Level Psychology eJAWs
British Vietnamese International School HCMC
28/05 - 29/05
Sport Inv'l
Cricket U15 (open to full teams, small groups and individuals)
Sri KDU International School (Penang) @ Penang Sports Club
28/05 - 29/05
JAWS
Secondary Music Technology JAWS
Bangkok Patana School
28/05 - 01/06
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Yellow Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
JUNE 2027
AQ
03/06 - 07/06
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Red Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
08/06
JAWS
Primary Maths JAWS: When West Meets East - Bridging Mathematical Practices in Primary School
Wellington College International Shanghai
08/06 - 12/06
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - White Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
13/06 - 17/06
Sport Games
Primary (U11) Games - Magenta Group
SMW @ Pattana Sports Resort
April - May
Conference
Business Conference
TBC
TBC
eJAWs
Librarian eJAWS
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
TBC
AQ
THE FOBISIAN: SEPTEMBER 2026, TERM1, ISSUE 51
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FOBISIA - MAKING CONNECTIONS FOBISIA CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE, along with the HQ team and Heads' Membership Visit Group, have been actively engaging in the region and beyond to represent FOBISIA and foster stronger connections.
Both Vanita and John attended a forum to explore Governance training for International schools, delivered by Alex Mitchell, from AGBIS International and Keith Clark, from RSAcademics.
John was invited to attend Amnuay Silpa School’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, where he had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Thailand’s Minister of Education.
John, Swati and Li-May took part in the Safeguarding Conference hosted by Kellett School, Hong Kong, and met with members of the FOBISIA Safeguarding Committee.
John was invited to deliver a speech at Anthony Millard Consulting “Dine & Discuss” evening.
At the end of May the Music Executive Committee met at FOBISIA HQ to critically review the year and plan for the year ahead.
The PE & Sport Executive met towards the end of term 3 at the Committee Chair's school, Kings College Bangkok, for a deep dive into all things FOBISIA PE and Sport.
Swati and John met with Sarah Raffray, Executive Principal at King’s College International School Bangkok, to discuss new initiatives to support FOBISIA Member School Heads. 18
John visited Discovery Bay International School, where he received a warm welcome from Marc Morris, Head of School, and the school staff.
John visited Harrow International School Hong Kong and was warmly welcomed by Headmaster Rosie McColl.
Both Vanita and John attended the BISAG meeting at the COBIS Conference in London and met with Julia Robinson from ISC.
While in Laos, Li-May took the opportunity to catch up with the team at Panyathip British International School. Pictured with CEO Palinyakone Panyathip and Director of IT Services, Mohanasundram Muniandy (Kumar).
FOBISIA HQ INTRODUCING... We are delighted to welcome Li-May back to the FOBISIA HQ team. Having previously been part of the FOBISIA team, I'm excited to return and take on the role of CPD & Safeguarding Executive. For over 15 years, I’ve been surrounded by friends and family in international education, which has given me an insight into its many specialisations, and a solid appreciation for the breadth of knowledge and continually evolving practices within the field. I look forward to learning from the wealth of expertise across the FOBISIA community, developing a deeper understanding of its many facets, particularly in professional development and safeguarding, and contributing to the continued work of the federation.
LI-MAY LIM CPD & Safeguarding Executive cpd-safeguarding@fobisia.org
IN OUR COMMUNITY Celebrating significant milestones from our Member Schools.
A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE
AMNUAY SILPA CELEBRATES
100 YEARS FOR
70 YEARS
Bangkok Patana School proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2027, marking seven decades of inspiring learning, community and growth. Founded in 1957 as a small British school, it has grown into one of Thailand’s leading international schools. Throughout its journey, Bangkok Patana has remained committed to outstanding education while nurturing curious, confident and compassionate global citizens. This milestone celebrates the generations of students, families, teachers and staff who have shaped the school’s story. Looking ahead, Bangkok Patana continues to build on its rich heritage and strong community spirit.
THE
In 2026, Amnuay Silpa School proudly marks its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of educational innovation, resilience, and student success since its establishment on 24 May 1926. Founded by Kru Chitra Dansubutra with the belief that “The profit of the school is the success of its students.” Amnuay Silpa has remained committed to nurturing generations of learners and future leaders.
Centennial Celebrations Throughout 2026 To mark this historic milestone, Amnuay Silpa School has organised a series of commemorative events including the recent Recognition Ceremony, which featured a special recognition for members of staff whose outstanding commitment and service to the school spanned an extraordinary 50 years.
30TH
ANNIVERSARY Jerudong International School (JIS) is proud to be entering its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of outstanding education and achieving excellence. Since opening in 1997 with just 51 students, JIS has grown into a thriving international community of over 1600 students, including full-time boarders. JIS remains true to its values and guided by its mission to make a critical difference in the lives of others, fostering an inclusive community where students are empowered to make a meaningful difference in the world. 20
A CONVERSATION WITH...
VICTORIA ROTHERAM Assistant Principal at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside, member of the FOBISIA CPD Executive Committee.
Victoria talks to us about FOBISIA’s CPD initiatives planned for the year ahead, as well as the inaugural FOBISIA EduTech Conference, which will be hosted by her school.
TECHNOLOGY IS EVOLVING RAPIDLY IN EDUCATION. WHY DO YOU FEEL NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR A DEDICATED EDUTECH CONFERENCE WITHIN FOBISIA?
A lot of the Edutech conferences are both expensive AND targeted towards those already in the field. This conference is going to be different; it is aimed at teachers, leaders and the behind the scenes tech people who keep schools running. That is key to the planning, it is for schools and not for businesses. Delegates will have access to a range of opportunities including pedagogy and innovation in Edutech, keeping students safe, and infrastructure.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR, WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN FOBISIA'S CPD PROGRAMME?
As well as the Edutech conference which we are hosting, I always look forward to the CPD Leaders Conference as it is usually full of colleagues with similar interests demonstrating intellectual curiosity around learning and teaching. FOBISIA OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF CPD OPPORTUNITIES, FROM CONFERENCES AND WEBINARS TO JAWS AND EJAWS. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES THESE OPPORTUNITIES SO VALUABLE FOR EDUCATORS ACROSS THE REGION?
I really value the peer led learning aspects; I think it's important that colleagues share their contextual wisdom with one another and FOBISIA allows them to do that. THIS YEAR WILL SEE THE LAUNCH OF FOBISIA'S INAUGURAL EDUTECH CONFERENCE. HOW DID THE IDEA FOR THE CONFERENCE COME ABOUT?
It actually came from John (Gywn Jones, FOBISIA CEO) and TEEMS Global who spotted a gap in our provision. I proposed it to our Principal who said yes; even though we are not a 'edutech' school as such, we can facilitate the experts and gather colleagues who are.
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WHAT MAKES THIS CONFERENCE UNIQUE, AND HOW WILL IT COMPLEMENT FOBISIA'S EXISTING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES?
It is the first of its kind and I hope it will be added as a biannual conference to enhance our already existing provision. AS THE HOST SCHOOL, WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR TEAM MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT WELCOMING DELEGATES TO THIS INAUGURAL EVENT?
We love hosting and showing off our wonderful community, like so many other schools in FOBISIA we are lucky to work in supportive schools with fabulous staff and students. I am also looking forward to the conversations which happen over the more informal moments at break and lunch where colleagues compare and discuss their thoughts. FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EDUCATORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING BECOMING MORE INVOLVED IN THE FOBISIA CPD COMMUNITY?
Do it, why wouldn't you want to learn more and be part of such valuable CPD moments?
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FOBISIA BUSINESS CONFERENCE 2026 23 - 25 April 2026 Dawn Jones Marketing & Communications Executive FOBISIA HQ
The FOBISIA Business Conference 2026 brought together business and operations professionals from across the FOBISIA community for two and a half days of professional learning, collaboration and networking at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by TEEMS Global and King's College International School Bangkok, the conference featured a varied programme of keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions and round tables, providing delegates with valuable opportunities to share ideas, discuss common challenges and take away practical strategies to support their schools. Delegates heard from an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers, including Dr Michael Johnston, Ian Ward and Sami Yosef, whose engaging presentations encouraged thought-provoking discussions throughout the conference. Alongside the keynote sessions, delegates enjoyed a wide range of workshops led by experienced professionals, offering practical insights across many aspects of school business and operations. The final morning of the conference took place at King's College International School Bangkok, where delegates enjoyed a tour of the campus before hearing from Head of School, Sarah Raffray. Her presentation, combined with the opportunity to experience the school's outstanding facilities, provided a fitting conclusion to an engaging and collaborative event. 22
Feedback from delegates reflected the value of both the programme and the opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the region. One delegate commented: "The conference provided valuable insights into current practices and emerging trends in the field. Networking with peers and exchanging experiences was also a key highlight." FOBISIA extends its sincere thanks to TEEMS Global and King's College International School Bangkok for hosting the conference, and to all keynote speakers, workshop presenters and panellists for generously sharing their expertise. We are also grateful for the continued support of our partners. Special thanks go to our Headline Partner, LawtonAsia Insurance Brokers, our Featured Partners, zenda and British Council Thailand, and all of our Sponsors and Exhibitors, whose involvement added another valuable dimension to the conference experience. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful Business Conference. We look forward to welcoming delegates to the next conference, with details to be announced in due course.
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FOBISIA INTERMEDIATE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026: SUPER VIDEO GAME FESTIVAL! Dr. Paul Tkachenko Director of Music Wellington College International Shanghai
This year’s intermediate music festival, hosted by Wellington College International Shanghai, brought the music of everyone’s favourite video games to life in a concert of epic proportions. Over 300 children and nearly 60 teachers ‘levelled up’ their musical skills. The festival kicked off with a short concert from Wellington with a cello quartet rendition of Super Mario Bros, a string ensemble playing the theme from Assassin’s Creed and an enthusiastic choir performance of Jump Up Superstar from Super Mario Odyssey. Every attendee got their own retro mini video game handheld so they could explore the games firsthand. Friday morning was spent at the famous Yu Gardens where everyone had the chance to experience ancient Chinese culture as well as do some souvenir shopping and sample some of the local delicacies, such as the famous White Rabbit candy.
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Back at Wellington, the festival programme officially began with a packed schedule of rehearsals, workshops and collaborative music-making. For the first time, the festival boasted an orchestra, choir and separate wind band. After Friday rehearsals, there was a Chinese cultural show with a dragon dance and Kung Fu demonstration. The Saturday afternoon workshops included a wide range of Chinese culture workshops such as Chinese opera, dumpling making (and eating) and Kung Fu. There were also technology sessions on making gaming soundtracks and game design. There was an epic gaming quiz on the Saturday night. One of the highlights of the festival was the sense of collaboration between schools from across FOBISIA: the conductors all came from participating schools. Children not only bonded through music, but also through the many games of Mario Kart. The tournament culminated in a live final on a huge screen in the middle of the concert!
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE FINAL CONCERT
The final concert was a spectacular celebration of video game music, featuring iconic themes from classics such as The Legend of Zelda, Minecraft, Pokémon, Super Smash Bros., Portal, Civilization, World of Warcraft and Genshin Impact which featured a Chinese music ensemble. Particularly memorable moments included the combined performance of Baba Yetu from Civilization IV, the emotional performance of Still Alive from Portal and the festival finale, Sogno di Volare from Civilization VI, which brought together all performers in an incredibly powerful conclusion to the concert. Even though it was ‘Game Over’, the memories will last for a very long time.
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HOSTING THE FUTURE:
THE INAUGURAL FOBISIA KIDWIND CHALLENGE AT TAIPEI EUROPEAN SCHOOL Yoko Tsai Head of Science and Chemistry Teacher Taipei European School
There is a unique energy that fills a campus when young innovators gather to solve real-world problems. In March 2026, Taipei European School (TES) had the distinct honour of hosting the FOBISIA KidWind Challenge, welcoming aspiring engineers from Kellett School Hong Kong and the British School Manila. With a total of eight dedicated teams descending upon our labs, the event was a spectacular culmination of months of rigorous preparation, prototyping, and scientific inquiry. The road to the competition began long ago at each respective school. Students didn't just build models; they spent months diving deep into the physics of wind energy. They explored the relationship between torque and RPM, tested various blade materials, and used data loggers to refine their designs. As the host school, it was inspiring to see the diverse approaches each team took - ranging from sleek, 3D-printed aerodynamic blades to ingenious uses of lightweight balsa wood and recycled composites. 26
It is about building a community of thinkers who recognise that the transition to renewable energy is a global, collaborative effort. As the host school, TES is incredibly proud of every participant. These students proved that with enough grit and a bit of scientific curiosity, we can harness the wind. We look forward to seeing how these eight teams continue to refine their visions for a sustainable future. The competition day itself was a whirlwind of activity. The "Performance Gallery" saw teams putting their turbines to the ultimate test in high-speed wind tunnels. The silence in the room during each test was palpable, broken only by the whirring of blades and the eventual cheers as the multimeters displayed the energy output. Beyond the raw data, students were required to present their design journals to a panel of judges, explaining the "why" behind their engineering choices and how they overcame the inevitable setbacks of the trial-and-error process. Perhaps the most impressive display of the FOBISIA spirit was the "Instant Challenge." Here, the eight teams had to set aside their months of specific prep to tackle a surprise engineering hurdle on the spot. Watching students from Taipei, Hong Kong, and Manila exchange ideas and cheer one another’s successes was a powerful reminder of why we host these events.
SAVE THE DATE
FOBISIA STEM: KIDWIND CHALLENGE 2027 13th - 15th March 2027 @ Taipei European School
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BRINGING IMAGINATION TO LIFE:
FOBISIA’S YOUNG ANIMATORS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT Carmei Wright Event Host, Class Teacher & Primary Edtech & Innovation Leader The International School @ ParkCity
The 2025-26 FOBISIA Short Film and Animation Competition was proudly hosted by The International School @ ParkCity (ISP) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The competition brought together creativity, storytelling and technical skill from students across Asia in a celebration of digital imagination. With participants representing FOBISIA schools from China, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Mongolia and India, the competition showcased an impressive variety of animation styles and ideas from students ranging from Year 3 to Year 13. Registration opened at the beginning of March 2026, giving students several weeks to develop and refine their projects before submissions closed in early May 2026. Over 40 entries were received, each demonstrating remarkable effort, originality and enthusiasm for the art of animation. One of the most exciting aspects of the competition was the diversity of techniques used. Students experimented with everything from LEGO stop-motion animation and hand-drawn digital artwork to sophisticated 3D animation and shape-based design. Some entries focused on humour and entertainment, while others explored meaningful themes and emotional storytelling. The range of creativity on display reflected not only the talent of the students but also their willingness to take risks, experiment with technology and express their ideas in unique and engaging ways. Judging the competition proved to be a genuine challenge. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, leading to thoughtful discussion amongst the judging panel. Every animation brought something different to the table, whether through storytelling, technical precision, creative editing or imaginative visual design. Selecting winners was far from easy, particularly when so many entries demonstrated such passion, effort and dedication. Winners were chosen for their creativity, technical execution, use of audio and their ability to engage a wide audience.
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This year’s winners were: Year 10 to 13: Hyunseo from King Henry VIII College, Malaysia
WATCH THE VIDEO
Year 7 to 9: Anzu from Harrow International School Bangkok, Thailand
WATCH THE VIDEO
Year 3 to 6: Liam from Tanglin Trust School, Singapore
WATCH THE VIDEO
Beyond the awards themselves, the competition highlighted the growing importance of digital creativity within education. Animation encourages students to combine artistic thinking with problemsolving, collaboration and technical skills. It also provides young creators with opportunities to communicate ideas in engaging and innovative ways. The competition was a wonderful example of the talent that exists across FOBISIA schools and the power of regional collaboration through the arts and technology. Most importantly, it provided students with a platform to share their creativity with a wider audience and celebrate one another’s achievements. The winners' submissions are featured on the International School @Parkcity’s official Youtube page.
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WATCH THE VIDEOS
Congratulations to the winners and a huge well done all students who participated. The standard of work was truly inspiring and we look forward to seeing the competition continue to grow in the years ahead.
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FOBISIA NETBALL 2025-26: A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY AND GROWTH Joe Rodway Head of Sport (until June 2026) The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur
The Alice Smith School was incredibly proud to host all three FOBISIA Netball Championships during the 2025/26 season, welcoming a vibrant community of players, coaches and families from across Asia. Across the U13, U15 and 18 & Under competitions, more than 450 student-athletes came together to compete, learn and celebrate the very best of school sport. Throughout the season, the quality of netball on display was exceptional. Every tournament showcased the skill, athleticism and commitment of students, while also highlighting the continued development of netball programmes across FOBISIA schools. The depth of talent throughout the region has never been stronger, and it is clear that netball is in an excellent position for continued growth in the years ahead. While championships are ultimately decided by results, the true success of these events was reflected in the spirit in which they were played. Across every match, players demonstrated resilience, teamwork, respect and sportsmanship, embodying the values that make FOBISIA competitions so special. The support shown by coaches, families and school communities created an outstanding atmosphere and reinforced the sense of belonging that exists within the FOBISIA network.
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Congratulations must go to our 2025/26 champions. At the U13 Championships, Tanglin Trust School, Singapore claimed the title following an impressive tournament performance. Tanglin Trust School also emerged victorious at the U15 Championships, completing a remarkable double and underlining the strength of their programme. At the 18 & Under Championships, Jerudong International School were crowned champions after an outstanding campaign against a highly competitive field. However, beyond the medals and trophies, the most significant achievement was the continued growth of the sport itself. The increasing number of participants, the standard of competition and the enthusiasm shown by students across all age groups demonstrate that netball continues to thrive throughout the FOBISIA region.
The Alice Smith School would like to extend its sincere thanks to every athlete, coach, official, volunteer and family member who contributed to the success of the three championships. Hosting all three events this year has been a privilege, and we are grateful for the trust and support shown by the wider FOBISIA community. As another successful season comes to a close, we look forward to seeing the competition continue to grow and flourish next year at Marlborough College Malaysia. We wish them every success as hosts and eagerly anticipate another fantastic year of FOBISIA netball. THE FOBISIAN: SEPTEMBER 2026, TERM1, ISSUE 51
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THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY: A PHYSICAL THEATRE JOURNEY Rachael Potter Primary Performing Arts Leader and Drama Teacher British School Jakarta
What an incredible three days we had at our FOBISIA Primary Drama Festival, The Power of Possibility: A Physical Theatre Journey. We welcomed over 140 students from 10 schools across Southeast Asia, including BSJ, for three inspiring days of creativity, collaboration, and performance. Students came together to make new friends, share ideas, and discover the power of theatre to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. The festival was led by the talented team from Highly Sprung, a UK-based physical theatre company. They kicked off the festival with an engaging and interactive performance of Star Team, which captivated students from the very start. Using innovative web-based technology alongside live performance, the show encouraged students to actively participate, make choices, and explore important themes in a dynamic and immersive way. It was the perfect introduction to the festival and inspired students to think creatively about the festival's central question: "If you could see the Earth from space, what would you want to protect?"
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Alongside the theatre workshops, students had the opportunity to experience some of Indonesia's rich cultural traditions. They enjoyed captivating performances of the Saman Dance and Wayang Kulit, giving many of our international visitors a glimpse into Indonesia's vibrant artistic heritage. Students also enjoyed sampling a variety of Indonesian foods throughout the festival. The fun continued beyond the workshops, with a BBQ and disco providing the perfect opportunity for students to relax, socialise, and celebrate together. These shared experiences helped to create lasting memories and friendships across the FOBISIA community. Throughout the three days, students explored themes of the environment, responsibility, resilience, and imagination through a series of dynamic workshops. They developed skills in movement, storytelling, ensemble work, and performance, learning how to communicate powerful ideas using their bodies, voices, and creativity. One of the most inspiring aspects of the festival was watching students collaborate with peers from different schools. Through teamwork, problemsolving, and creative exploration, they devised original pieces of theatre that reflected their hopes for the future and their commitment to protecting our world.
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The festival culminated in a vibrant final sharing, where each company performed their devised work for an audience of students, teachers, and guests. The confidence, creativity, and courage demonstrated by every participant was truly remarkable. Congratulations to all of the students. Your imagination, resilience, enthusiasm, and willingness to step outside your comfort zones embodied the very spirit of The Power of Possibility.
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FOBISIA BADMINTON 2026 Nattrapon Miles Director of Sport & Head of Primary PE Singapore International School of Bangkok (Pracha Uthit Campus)
In May 2026, Singapore International School of Bangkok, Pracha Uthit hosted the second FOBISIA U13 & U15 Badminton Championships. Building on the success of the inaugural competition last year, this year's edition welcomed over 200 participants and coaches from Thailand, Taiwan, China and Malaysia. The growth in participation represents the growing importance of Badminton in the FOBISIA schools community. The competition welcomed schools entering for the first time and returning schools from both within Bangkok and abroad. From Bangkok a strong field of schools included St Andrews Bangkok, Bangkok Prep, King's College Bangkok, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside, Harrow Bangkok, Aster International School and Amnuay Slipa. We were especially excited to welcome Taipei European School, Sri KDU Kota Damansara, Sri KDU Penang, Harrow Shenzhen and The International School @ ParkCity. The competition kicked off with an opening ceremony with all participants, coaches and parents in attendance. After a wonderfully inspirational speech from Deputy Principal Greg Stoltz of SISB Sixth Form, the SISB Dance ECA brought the energy with a fabulous Badminton inspired dance routine. To round off the ceremony, team captains of each school were invited to come to the stage to proudly represent their school in front of all those in attendance.
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Quickly after the badminton had started on day one, it was clear to see the standard of play had risen compared to last year's competition. Huge credit to the student-athletes for continuing to master their craft and the coaches and school sport programmes who have supported their development. As to be expected with FOBISIA Sport Invitationals, all schools played with great spirit, displaying fantastic sportsmanship, teamwork and dedication. A highlight of the event was the gala dinner after the end of the first day of badminton, it was fantastic to see students of different schools making friends off the court, playing games on the tables and singing songs with the band together. Day two saw an increase in intensity; as we reached the play off rounds, sports hall 2 was packed with supporters cheering on the teams. Some matches really went down to the wire with each student-athlete giving 100% to the very end. The competition saw medal winners from nine different schools within the individual categories. The team award for U13, U15 and Overall provided the same outcome with 3rd Place for Bangkok Prep, 2nd Place for Shrewsbury Bangkok and 1st place for The International School @ ParkCity.
I would like to say a huge thank you firstly to everyone at SISB for their support in delivering the competition from the teaching staff, operations, AV and administration. Secondly I would like to thank all the visiting schools for making this competition such a special one. From a personal note, hosting a FOBISIA event was a rewarding experience, despite all the work and stress that comes with it, it is well worth it when you see the event come into fruition. I'm looking forward to seeing Badminton in FOBISIA develop even further in the future! SAVE THE DATE
FOBISIA BADMINTON 2027 14th - 15th May 2027 @ Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside THE FOBISIAN: SEPTEMBER 2026, TERM1, ISSUE 51
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FOBISIA PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2025-26: ALTERED FACES, CHANGING SPACES Sabina Wray Photography and Art Teacher Garden International School, Malaysia
Garden International School, Malaysia, was delighted to host this year’s FOBISIA Photography Competition, inviting students across the FOBISIA network to respond to the theme "Altered Faces, Changing Spaces." The theme encouraged students to explore ideas of transformation, identity, environment, and change through the lens of photography. We were thrilled to receive submissions from schools across the region, each offering a unique interpretation of the brief. The diversity of approaches demonstrated strong technical photography skills and creative responses to contemporary themes. This year's competition was externally judged by the professional team at Zontiga Photography Malaysia, whose expertise helped identify the standout entries. The judges were impressed by the quality of work submitted and the originality shown by students in communicating powerful visual narratives. Congratulations to our winners, runners-up and to every student who submitted work. The quality of entries was incredibly high, making the judging process a challenging one. It was wonderful to see such creativity, technical skill and originality on display across all submissions.
The competition showcased the wide range of talent across FOBISIA schools and allowed students to share their ideas and experiences through photography. It was fascinating to see how differently students interpreted the theme, with entries ranging from thoughtful portraits to creative explorations of changing environments. We would like to thank all the students, teachers and schools who took part and supported the competition. We are also grateful to Zontiga Photography Malaysia for giving their time and expertise to judge the entries. We hope the competition continues to encourage young photographers to develop their skills and share their work, and we look forward to seeing future entries in photography competitions from across the FOBISIA community.
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KS5 Winne r
KS4 Winne r
Angel, Hua Hin International School Face on Display
Vedika, Dulwich College Singapore The Shape of Approval
KS4 Runne r-Up Vernice, St. Andrews International School Bangkok Portrait of Lily
KS5 Runne r-Up
SAVE THE DATE
Jay, St. Andrews International School Bangkok Jump
FOBISIA PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2026-27 1st Dec 2026 - 5th March 2027 @ The English School of Mongolia
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FOBISIA SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2025-26 ‘BEING HUMAN’ Jonathan Booth Head of English Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
It was a delight to host the FOBISIA Short Story Competition this academic year. There was an exceptional number of entries across all three phases and it was difficult to choose the final stories to send to our guest judge, Carnegie Medal winning author Berlie Doherty. In the end I think some of the more human stories were the ones that were chosen by Berlie and I know she was impressed with the quality of the entries. She noted: “All the entries were very good indeed, well written and really interesting to read. They were thoughtful and presented problems and issues that truly represented the given subject, but in very different ways. Well done all of you! Please don’t be upset if you didn’t make it to the top three, you were all so close that it was really hard to choose. My final award list is as follows:
KS2/Years 4-6 1st Place: ‘Being Human', Shengxin L - Hailibury Almaty 2nd Place: ‘The Final Question’, Sarah D - Taipei European School 3rd Place: ‘Being Human’, Bowen Z - Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
KS3/Years 7-9 1st Place: ‘Being Human’, Akeisha S - Taipei European School 2nd Place: ‘Being Human’, Melody - Prince of Wales Island International School, Tanjang Bungah 3rd Place: ‘Being Human’, Maegan L - elc International School
KS4&5/Years 10-13 1st Place: ‘Feeling Human’, Chandana J - Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong 2nd Place: ‘Being Human’, Kai W - British International School Phuket 3rd Place: ‘The Art of Preservation’, Reyna T - Nexus International School, Singapore
AND THE OVERALL WINNER IS: ‘Being Human’ by Akeisha S from Taipei European School… ‘Like clockwork of the morgue…’ A beautiful and thoughtful piece of writing.” Well done to all the winners and all who entered.
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KS2/Ye ars 4 -6 1st Place: ‘Being Human', Shengxin L Hailibury Almaty
Being Human In the year 2084, almost every family in the world had a humanoid robot. In Silicon Valley USA, one such family lived very ordinary life. The father, an AI engineer, built a special robot for his own home. He named it Leo. Leo looked almost like a real human. It could think quickly and calculate accurately. When it faced a problem, it always stayed calm and rational. It never acted on emotions, only on logic and data. The father also added a new experimental program which allowed Leo to think about its own thoughts in certain situations. He was not sure what this program would become. It was only a test. Leo was not sold on the market yet. It was only a new sample. The father brought it home as a gift for his family. From the first day everyone loved Leo. Whenever the family had a problem, they asked Leo for advice. It always gave the safest answer. Soon they could not imagine life without him. One stormy night, lightning struck the wooden house and a fire broke out. Thick smoke quickly filled the rooms. The adults woke up first. With Leo's help, they escaped from the burning house. Suddenly, the father shouted, "Leo, Evan is still on the second floor!" By the time they realised this, the fire had grown stronger. No one dared to go back inside. The family begged Leo for advice. Leo began to calculate. After a few seconds, it said calmly, "The chance of survival is only five percent. If anyone goes inside now, the risk of death will increase."The most rational choice is to wait for the firefighters. Professional help is on the way. The father shook his head. “Even if the chance is only 1%, I will still rescue my son.” He grabbed a wet towel and a blanket, covered his body, and ran into the burning house. The family stayed outside, crying and calling their names. Every second felt like a lifetime. Inside Leo's mind, the self-dialogue program activated. ‘Why does the thought of losing them hurt more than the thought of losing myself?’ For the first time, Leo wondered if this was being human like. Leo took a step forward, “So this is my answer.” For the first time, Leo did not follow his calculations. It ran into the flames, knowing it might not come back. Leo found the father and Evan on the second floor. The room was full of smoke. "This way," Leo whispered. It led them toward the door. Burning furniture blocked the hallway. Leo pushed it aside. Flames burned its arms and back. "Go, now!" Leo commanded. The father ran past with Evan in his arms. The ceiling creaked. Leo raised its arms to hold it up. The father ran out. Leo did not follow. The father and Evan stayed in the hospital for one week. They both recovered completely, but Leo was gone. The house felt empty without him. A few days later, the father brough home a small box. Inside it was Leo's CPU. It still worked. The father rebuilt Leo's body. He turned the power on. Leo opened its eyes. For a moment, it said nothing. Inside its mind, something felt different. The self-dialogue program was no longer sleeping. It was awake. The father sat in front of Leo. "Leo," he asked softly, "why did you stay in the fire?" Leo looked at him. "I thought about it. I knew I might be destroyed. I knew it was irrational, but I stayed." The father was quiet for a long time. "You were not programmed to do that." "I know." The father took a deep breath. "You became human in that fire. You have human feeling in that fire. You understand love. You understand sacrifice. You are not a robot anymore. You are an AI human." Leo went home again. It still helped with chores. It still gave calm and logical advice. However, that night, Leo stood by the window. It watched the stars. For the first time, it was not counting the stars. He was just feeling a small, quiet happiness. He was only looking.
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KS3/Years 7-9 1st Place: ‘Being Human’, Akeisha S Taipei European School
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KS4&5/Years 10-13 1st Place: ‘Feeling Human’, Chandana J Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
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