As we welcome the start of 2026, Sri Bestari International School also begins an exciting new chapter with the appointment of our new Principal, Sean Lai, who officially assumed his role on 2 January 2026.
Mr Lai Kok Wai is a dedicated education leader with over 15 years of experience across internationa
He successfully led an external curriculum inspection, enabling the school to broaden its academic offering beyond Secondary education to include Early Years and Primary programmes. He also established a dedicated English Language Unit to strengthen students’ language proficiency and initiated the process for the school to become an authorised English testing centre, which was close to completion at the time of his transition.
At the heart of Mr Lai’s leadership philosophy is a strong belief in holistic education. He advocates for learning that is meaningful, contextual, and rooted in active participation, guided by the principle that “it takes a village to raise a child.” He believes that strong partnerships — particularly with parents — are essential to the success of both students and the school, and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with families as we work together to create a nurturing, engaged, and united learning community.
In his first message to parents, Mr Lai expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to open communication, inclusivity, and educational excellence. He has also shared his gratitude with the teaching and leadership teams for their warm welcome, recognising the professionalism and dedication that form the strong foundations of SBIS.
Looking ahead, Mr Lai’s leadership will focus on stability, collaboration, and a respectful school culture, where both staff and students can thrive. Safeguarding remains a top priority, alongside full compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Cambridge International, reflecting his belief that a secure and well-governed environment is essential for meaningful learning and long-term success.
As we begin this new chapter together, Mr Sean Lai’s vision is clear: to empower students and educators alike, cultivating lifelong learners who thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, guided by teamwork, transparency, and a shared commitment to excellence.
We warmly welcome Mr Sean Lai to the SBIS family and look forward to growing, strengthening, and inspiring our Bestarians together in the years ahead.