Issue 211Why is Learning to Swim so Important?

General Principal

Mr. John Ong holds a First Class Honours degree from the National University of Singapore and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Monash University, Australia. With 30 years of robust educational experience, he has a distinguished track record as a Principal leading international schools in Singapore and China, excelling in strategic whole-school development, comprehensive professional staff management, and delivery of high school curricula, especially the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. His expertise is further solidified by his former service in Singapore’s Ministry of Education, where he developed deep competencies in quality assurance and strategic planning for school excellence.

As a mission-driven leader with cultural literacy, Mr. John Ong now brings this wealth of knowledge as the General Principal of Adcote Matrix Malaysia with a dual role as the Chief Academic Officer of Ray Education Group. He aspires to bring Adcote Matrix Malaysia to greater heights as a leading international education institution in the region, and seeks to establish an adaptive organization culture with a connected school community. Together with the staff, he will be firmly committed to future-ready capability building of students in inheritance, independence, innovation, and leadership, focused on empowering student learning with talent engagement through AI-powered education and enriching student experience via community project-based learning as part of the Ray Global Campus.

Computer Science

• Master of Science in Information Technology, UiTM
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Hons) Information System Engineering, UiTM
• Diploma in Science Computer, UiTM

Biology

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology (Microbiology), University Selangor (UNISEL)

Art

• BSc – Digital Arts & Design, Full Sail University, USA
• PGCEi – Diploma

Accounting

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (Hons), UiTM
• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT)
• Diploma in Accounting, UiTM

Chemistry

• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chemistry, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
• Master of Business Administration, INTI International University
• Master of Arts (Management Studies), University of Hertfordshire
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Physics

• D. in Physics with Electronics, UMS, Malaysia
• Sc. in Physics & Microelectronics, Campbell University, USA
• Diploma in Education, New Era University College, Malaysia

IELTS Preparatory

• PGCE/QTS, University of Nottingham
• BSc Business Information Technology, University of Manchester

Mathematics

• Sc (Hons) Fisheries, UPM
• Diploma in Education, USM
• Master in Mathematics, UTAR

Economics

• Bachelor of Economics (Hons), UKM, Bangi
• Diploma in Education [KPLI(TESL)], MPIK, Cheras
• Masters in Education (Business and Entrepreneurial Studies), UKM,Bangi

Business Studies and Economics

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), University of Cumbria, England.

Head of Academics
Biology

• Sc (Hons) Biotechnology majored in Medical Microbiology, University of Sunderland, UK
• Masters of Education & Science, Asia E -University, Malaysia
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education – PGCE [International], University of Nottingham, UK
• Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching [PGDT] Open University Malaysia.

Physics

• Bachelor of Science with Education (Major in Physics), University Malaya

Head of Sixth Form
Further Mathematics

• Bachelor of Education (Hons) Mathematics, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
• Master of Education (Leadership & Management), UNITAR International University

Deputy Head of International School/ Head of Primary

Ms Field holds a Bachelor of Education with Honours and the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

With more than 30 years of experience in education, she has served as a Headteacher in five different schools, including 20 years as part of Senior Leadership Teams. She also has 17 years of experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of student welfare and protection.

Her qualifications include IOSH Health & Safety Certification, supporting her ability to provide safe and effective learning environments.

Head of HR

Sophy holds an Executive MBA from France Business School (in partnership with East China University of Science and Technology) and a BA in Library Science from Shanghai University. With over 30 years in finance and HR, Sophy has made significant contributions to multinational companies and educational institutions.

Her career includes roles as a Business Consultant at Ernst & Young, where she worked with major clients like Hormel and Cisco, and as Finance Manager at Johnson & Johnson Medical China, where she played a key role in financial analysis and compliance. At Concordia International School Shanghai, she managed accounting systems and finance. As Bursar/Finance & HR Director at Shanghai Concord Bilingual School, she oversaw finance, HR, and procurement processes. The last engagement prior to joining us, as Consultant and Director of HR & Administration at Fuzhou Rong Qiao Sedbergh School, she focused on development strategy and organisational improvements. Sophy’s experience in HR, accounting, and finance, combined with her proficiency in ERP systems, distinguishes her as a valuable asset to our institution.

She also earned recognition with a second prize in the “MBA/Graduate Group” at the 7th “Peak Hour” National Business Simulation Competition in March 2015.

Director Marketing, Admissions & Communications and Special Assistant to Campus Principal

Tony Lai is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in both education and finance. He has held key leadership roles that have allowed him to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current position at Adcote Matrix Schools.

At Adcote Matrix Schools, Tony is responsible for crafting and executing the school’s strategic marketing vision. He plays a pivotal role in enhancing the school’s brand positioning, driving enrolment, and managing communications. His leadership ensures that Adcote Matrix Schools continues to attract and retain a diverse and dynamic student body.

Before joining Adcote Matrix Schools, Tony served as the Director of Marketing, Admissions & Communications at St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia. He also held significant roles at Epsom College in Malaysia, including Chief Operating Officer and Director of Marketing and Admissions. In these positions, he achieved substantial growth in student enrolment, enhanced brand recognition, and developed effective marketing strategies across multiple international markets.

Tony’s expertise extends beyond the education sector. He served as Chief Credit Officer at ECM Libra Investment Bank and Chief Marketing Officer at Libra Invest Bhd, where he demonstrated exceptional strategic and operational skills.

Tony is committed to fostering an environment of excellence and innovation at Adcote Matrix Schools, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of international education.

Head of Matrix International Early Years

Ms. Adrinna has 25 years’ work experience and has held various positions in the Early Years education industry for many years, including working with special needs children in both local and international learning environments. Her corporate experience in banking has helped her manage the school efficiently while taking into account the personal needs of all students.

She holds a Bachelor of Educational Studies and Early Years (Honours) from University of Hertfordshire, Diplomas in Early Childhood Education and Child Psychology & Disorder Management. She has completed Master’s in Education and Management with University Malaya.

“The best part of being and early childhood educator is your never grow old at heart, the positive energy the children bring every day to school is the motivator that keeps us wanting to give more.”

Head of Matrix Private School

Praba brings 17 years of extensive experience in the education sector to our school. With a rich background in managing various school divisions—including School Events, Pastoral Care, Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), and Academic Departments—across both Primary and Secondary levels, Praba is exceptionally well-versed in school management.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT), Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers (CIDTT), and a Bachelor’s degree in Management (Hons) along with an LCCI certification.

Head of International School

Paul has over 40 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership, both in the UK and at high-performing international schools worldwide, including Jakarta, Brussels, St Helena, Dubai and most recently as Principal of a large international school in Malaysia. In addition to being recognised by the Council of International Schools (CIS) for his outstanding contribution to international education, Paul has completed his National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and training with OfSTED (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, UK).

Paul believes in holistic education, where schools must ‘nurture students as creative, curious learners and critical thinkers’. Where ‘every student is able to fulfill their full potential academically, personally and socially so they can all make a difference as global citizens’.

He expects ‘every student to be ambitious for themselves, to do their best in everything they do and be true to our motto Nulli Secunda ‘second to none’.

Paul believes ‘every student must be ambassadors for their school at all times’ by being:

• Honest and have personal integrity
• Kind, caring, considerate and courteous
• Respectful, resilient, responsible, resourceful, reflective
• Confident communicators and leaders
• Active in the life of the school, the wider community and developing a sustainable society

Deputy Campus Principal

Ms. Tea brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our school, with an extensive career spanning over three decades in education and administration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from National Chengchi University and a Corporate Master in Business Administration from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Additionally, she has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from Open University Malaysia.

Ms. Tea began her career in the logistics industry, and later transitioned into education, where she has held various significant roles including Head of Academic, Vice Principal, and Principal at Chung Hua Schools across several locations in Malaysia.

Her leadership journey continued at Matrix Global Schools, where she served as Deputy Head of MIS International Collaborative Schools, Head of Boarding, and Head of Matrix Private School before stepping into her current role as Deputy Campus Principal.

With her robust experience in both education, Ms. Tea is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment at our school.

Campus Principal

Dr. Jack Chou is recognised as a distinguished educator in the international education community. He had his first degree from Tsinghua University and obtained his Master’s degree in Chemistry and Doctoral Degree in Materials Science both from Michigan State University. He had rich bio-medical industrial experience before his career transition to education.

Prior to joining the Adcote Matrix Schools, Dr. Chou has successfully launched and operated international/domestic schools in many key cities: Jakarta, Bangkok, Taipei, Beijing, and Shanghai. His emphasis on holistic education and student’s character development, and the student’s high academic achievement and excellent youth leadership development often become word of mouth by parents.

“Our goal is to ensure every student will become articulate, courageous, responsible, and will develop a global competence and appreciate their life-long learning journey.”