Tenby Schools Malaysia received multiple education awards in May 2026, recognising student leadership, purposeful educational technology, STEAM learning and outstanding teaching. The achievements highlight approaches that can offer valuable lessons for parents, educators and school leaders.
Multiple Awards Recognise Tenby Schools
On 5 May 2026, Tenby Schools Penang was named a finalist in the global PIEoneer Awards. On 8 May, it received the Judges’ Choice Award for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the ASEAN School Awards 2026.
Tenby International School Setia EcoHill also performed strongly at the ASEAN School Awards, winning the Student Leadership and EdTech categories.
The Student Leadership award recognises authentic and sustainable leadership programmes. Students at Setia EcoHill took responsibility for the award submission, preparing the paperwork and developing the winning entry themselves.
Meanwhile, the school has been a Microsoft Showcase School for five consecutive years. Its EdTech lead, Ng Wei Li, was selected by Microsoft as a Microsoft Elevate for Educator Fellow for 2025-26, recognising his contribution to educational technology and professional learning.
STEAM Learning At Tenby Schools Penang
Tenby Schools Penang embeds STEAM, covering science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, into daily learning.
The school’s three-storey STEAM Engine provides dedicated spaces for different stages of learning, from developing ideas and creating products to scientific testing. This allows students to experience the full process of turning ideas into practical outcomes.
As a result, the school won the Judges’ Choice Award for Innovative Teaching and Learning and was shortlisted in the STEAM category at the ASEAN School Awards 2026.
It was also named a finalist in the Secondary School International Innovation category at the PIEoneer Awards 2026 for its approach to developing global citizenship skills. The winners will be announced on 4 September 2026.
National Award Recognises Outstanding Teaching
On 15 May 2026, Dr Sathisha Goonasakaran, Head of STEAM at Tenby Schools Penang, received the National Award for Outstanding Teacher in the Private School Sector from Malaysia’s Ministry of Education.
The award is the highest possible recognition for a private school educator in Malaysia. Dr Sathisha leads the school’s approach to integrating STEAM into everyday teaching and learning.
She previously received the same award at Penang state level in 2025. In 2023, she was also recognised as one of Bett Asia’s Top Ten Influential Female Leaders in STEAM and EdTech.
Dr Sathisha said,
“Receiving this award is truly humbling and deeply meaningful to me, and I see it as a reflection of the collective commitment of my students, colleagues, school, and the wider ISP community to reimagining learning.”
She said the recognition reflects the wider commitment of her students, colleagues, school and ISP network to developing life competencies and future pathways, with learning extending beyond academic success and preparing students for what comes next.
What The Recognition Means For Students And Educators
The awards highlight several areas that can shape students’ experiences at school. Student leadership gives young people opportunities to make decisions and take responsibility, while purposeful EdTech can support engagement and the application of knowledge.
STEAM learning also gives students opportunities to connect subjects through practical experiences. For educators, these approaches require thoughtful planning and teaching that encourages creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.
Simon Butterfield, Regional Learning Director, Malaysia at ISP, said the awards demonstrate Learning.First.™ through student-led learning, purposeful technology use and teaching that encourages deeper thinking, collaboration and confidence.
He also highlighted the continuing importance of teaching quality and the role of teachers in strengthening learning cultures across ISP schools.
ISP Schools In Malaysia
The ISP community in Malaysia comprises nine schools, including six Tenby Schools in Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Tenby Schools Penang is a STEAM specialist school on Penang island, while Tenby International School Setia EcoHill in Selangor is known for supporting creativity and building student confidence.
With more than 60 years of experience in Malaysia, Tenby schools combine local roots with international experiences through the ISP network.
For parents and educators, the recognition provides an example of how schools can bring together student leadership, educational technology, STEAM and teacher development to support broader student growth.
