May 15, 2026 - Secondary School Principal Blog

Last Friday in Bangkok, I was delighted to represent our school at the ASEAN School Awards 2026. This event celebrated the very best in international education in the ASEAN region. Our school was nominated for three awards - Innovative Marketing, Strategic Planning, and we won for Service Learning. 

We were commended for how we have organized ourselves and worked together to make a positive impact with our community partners.

Service learning benefits not only the people or communities being ‘served’ - it benefits all of us as well. In an increasingly competitive world shaped by rapid advances in AI and technology, universities and employers are looking for more than grades and test scores. They are looking for people who can collaborate, communicate, show empathy, take initiative, and work with others to solve real problems. Through meaningful service experiences, students develop exactly these qualities. They learn how to lead, listen, adapt, and contribute to something bigger than themselves - skills that cannot easily be replicated by artificial intelligence and that help young people stand out in university applications, scholarships, internships, and future careers.

At the same time, service learning helps students discover a deeper sense of purpose and connection. When students see that they can make a genuine difference in the lives of others, they begin to understand that success is not simply about individual achievement, but about the impact we have on the people and communities around us. Service learning builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, while also helping students develop the compassion and global awareness needed to thrive in an interconnected world. In serving others, we ultimately strengthen ourselves and our entire community.