Our Principal

Lecturer, Medical Faculty: University of Malaya (1983-2005)
Professor, Medical Faculty: University of Malaya (2006-2017)
Honorary Professor, Medical Faculty: University of Malaya (2017-Current)

The Principal's Foreword

Dear prospective students, parents and guardians,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Charis International School (CIS) and become part of our Charis (pronounced as ‘kae-ris’) Family.

Our School, established in 2014, is the first MOE-approved international school in Tawau and the third for the East Malaysia state of Sabah. As a registered Cambridge International School, we are part of the world’s largest international community of schools, providing an internationally recognised education to local Malaysian and international students from kindergarten to secondary (K2-Year 11).

Our vision is to nurture world changers through holistic growth and development. We in Charis care for all as a family, strive to excel in all we do, to provide a holistic education that prepares the next generation for life. With the increasing usage of digital technology, internet of things and artificial intelligence, we also aim to train our students to be responsible global citizens, practise cross-cultural acceptance and learn in a transdisciplinary manner, recognising that all their talents are gifts from God to be used for the good of mankind.

Furthermore, our school is strategically located in the heart of Tawau, a small coastal town surrounded by lush greenery, rich wildlife, colourful multiethnic communities, and quaint islands of renown diving spots in the nearby Semporna. All these provide additional rich learning opportunities for our students that extend beyond the classroom.

Charis looks forward to having you with us, working alongside you and growing with you, to help you achieve your full potentials and be a world changer.

Dr. Debra Si-Mui Sim
School Principal
Charis International School
(Retired Professor of Pharmacology, University of Malaya)

Why Choose Charis

One-stop small size class: Provide a one-stop kindergarten-to-Year-11 international education in safe and comfortable small classes.

Active Students-centred Learning: Breaking off from the old teacher-centred, passive learning method to focus more on student-centred, teacher-facilitated, active learning approach.; Adopt the pedagogy of combining "reading", "thinking", "discussing" and "guiding" to engage students in learning a topic or language.

Lifelong Learners with Global Perspectives: Encourage students to consider current global issues from different perspectives (personal, local and global).; Develop important generic learning skills: research, analysis, assessment, reflection, collaboration and communication.

Multilingual International Culture: Provide opportunities to learn a second language (Chinese and Malay) in the curriculum while English remains the main medium of instruction.; International staff and students with diverse cultures help to enrich learning.

Diverse Co-and Extra-curricular Activities: Provide a creative platform to nurture holistic growth in a collective and practical manner. Character First, Success Follows.; Incorporate "Character First" education to develop excellent leadership quality.

Continuing Faculty Development: Continuously improve teachers' professional teaching quality and their mastery of teaching methodology that keeps pace with the times.

Blended Classroom Personalised Learning: Provide alternative classroom experience (using a blend of online and in-person teaching) to meet individual learning needs.

Let's start the Charis journey today!: Apply Now!

Who We Are

What We Offer

Early Childhood Education

Charis International Kindergarten is a preparatory stage to provide a well-planned and resourced curriculum for your child to develop a variety of skills that are foundational for learning and living. It will also provide an interesting environment for your child to develop their love for learning and exploring for knowledge and understanding.

Recommended for age 4 to 6 years old. Find out more

Primary Education

Charis International Primary is in line with Cambridge Primary Programme aims to provide a strong foundation for students at the beginning of their schooling before progressing through the Cambridge Pathway in an age-appropriate way.

Recommended for age 6 to 11 years old. Find out more

Lower Secondary Education

Charis International Lower Secondary helps you prepare students for the next step of their education, providing a clear path as they progress through the Cambridge Pathway in an age-appropriate way.

Recommended for age 12 to 14 years old. Find out more

Upper Secondary Education

Charis International Upper Secondary offers students the route to Cambridge IGCSE and preparation for advanced studies or higher education.

Recommended for age 15 to 16 years old. Find out more

Charis International School

To Nurture World Changers

School Life

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CIS Celebrates Student Achievements at 2023/24 Awards Ceremony