Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya has earned second place in the K12 Excellence category at the 7th British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) Business Excellence Awards 2026, sharing the distinction with Garden International School. The recognition celebrates the school's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, highlighting the work behind a school community where different cultures, perspectives and experiences are not simply represented, but actively contribute to how students learn and grow.
In an international school environment, diversity is part of the experience. What matters is how that diversity translates into meaningful connections, a sense of belonging and opportunities for every student to thrive. At Sri KDU Subang Jaya, this commitment is reflected in the relationships built across its community and the learning experiences that help students understand a world beyond their own.
A Global Community, Connected by Shared Experiences
The number of nationalities represented at Sri KDU Subang Jaya has grown from 18 to 28, bringing an increasingly rich mix of cultures, experiences and perspectives into school life.
For students, this creates everyday opportunities to build friendships across cultures, exchange ideas and discover different ways of seeing the world. For families joining the school from overseas, it also offers opportunities to form connections and become part of a community that values what each family brings.
Throughout the year, cultural celebrations such as Hari Raya, Deepavali, Lunar New Year, Christmas and Halloween bring students and families together to share traditions and learn from one another. Parent workshops and community events create further opportunities to build relationships beyond the classroom. Last year's Christmas community celebration attracted almost 1,000 attendees, demonstrating the value of shared experiences in bringing people together.
These moments help turn a diverse school population into a connected community, where students can develop an appreciation of different cultures and families can build relationships that extend beyond school hours.
For Sheena Nathan, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Deputy Head of Primary at Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya, creating this sense of belonging starts with understanding and valuing the people who make up the community.
Our approach begins with understanding the different experiences and perspectives within our community. We want students, families and staff to feel that they belong, that their voices are valued and that they have meaningful opportunities to participate in school life. This recognition celebrates the collective commitment behind that work and encourages us to keep listening, learning and improving," said Sheena.
Where Inclusion Shapes the Learning Experience
That sense of belonging extends into the classroom, where students are encouraged to see their experiences reflected in their learning while exploring perspectives beyond their own.
All Primary classrooms are engaging in work to broaden curriculum representation, helping students encounter a wider range of experiences and connect lessons to the world around them. Mathematics lessons exploring financial concepts may use Malaysian Ringgit, while learning about rivers can draw on examples from different countries represented within the classroom.
These connections make learning more relevant while encouraging students to approach unfamiliar ideas with curiosity. The school also recognises that children learn in different ways, with flexible teaching approaches designed to help students access learning, demonstrate their understanding and grow in confidence.
Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to engage with wider communities, including Orang Asli communities, participate in charitable initiatives such as the Walk-a-thon and experience other cultures through educational trips to China.
Together, these experiences help students develop empathy, adaptability and an appreciation of different perspectives. These are important qualities for young people growing up in a world where collaboration increasingly extends across cultures and borders.
The People Behind the Achievement
An inclusive school community depends on the people who bring its values to life every day. From teachers who adapt learning to meet different needs to families who share their cultures and experiences, inclusion is built through the collective efforts of the wider school community.
Sri KDU Subang Jaya also supports staff wellbeing, connection and participation through initiatives including Wellbeing Days, monthly birthday celebrations and opportunities for colleagues to share feedback and connect informally. The school recorded its lowest staff turnover to date last year, an encouraging development in its efforts to foster a supportive workplace, although staff retention is influenced by many factors.
For Cassie Fleming, Campus Principal of Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya, the award is an opportunity to celebrate the community behind the school's progress and reaffirm what it wants every student and family to experience.
We are proud of this recognition because it reflects something that matters deeply to us: creating a school where every child feels known, supported and able to succeed, and where families feel welcomed and connected. We want our students to learn from the people and perspectives around them while developing the confidence and understanding they will need for the future. This is a shared achievement, made possible by the contributions of our students, families and staff," said Cassie.
Recognition That Inspires Continued Progress
The BMCC Business Excellence Awards recognition marks an important milestone for Sri KDU Subang Jaya, celebrating the work already taking place across its community while reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement.
The school continues to explore ways to strengthen how it measures participation, belonging and engagement, helping it better understand the experiences of students and families and identify where further support may be needed.
For families researching international schools, Sri KDU Subang Jaya's approach demonstrates how an internationally diverse environment can offer more than exposure to different cultures. It can create opportunities for children to build meaningful relationships, broaden their perspectives and develop the confidence to contribute in an interconnected world.
With 28 nationalities represented in its community, Sri KDU Subang Jaya celebrates the diversity that enriches school life and the people who make it possible. The BMCC recognition is a testament to that collective effort and to the school's continuing commitment to building a community where every student and family has the opportunity to belong, participate and thrive.
