KUALA LUMPUR, 21 July 2025: Concord College International School Malaysia (“Concord”) proudly celebrated its first anniversary, capping a year of significant growth, academic distinction, and community-building.
Situated in Sunsuria City, Sepang, Concord is the first international school in ASEAN modelled after the prestigious Concord College UK – a top-tier independent day and boarding school in Shropshire, England.
Concord was established through a strategic partnership between Sunsuria Education Sdn Bhd (“Sunsuria Education”) – the education arm of Sunsuria Berhad (“Sunsuria”) – and Concord College International Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bell Concord Educational Trust Ltd, which owns and operates Concord College UK.
Since welcoming its inaugural cohort of over 200 students in September last year, Concord has grown into a vibrant, multicultural, and internationally diverse learning community that reflects a shared commitment to excellence.
Embracing the core values of Rigour, Kindness, and Creativity, Concord delivers the English National Curriculum across its primary and secondary divisions, supported by a strong pastoral care and a well-rounded boarding programme. Its dynamic enrichment activities further promote joyful and holistic learning experiences.
Throughout the year, Concord has hosted major events such as National Day celebrations, STEAM Day, inter-house competitions, and cultural festivals, reinforcing its balanced focus on academic achievement, character development, and global citizenship.
As the school looks to the future, Concord has announced key leadership appointments to guide its next phase of development.
Mr. Neil Hawkins, a University of Cambridge graduate who currently serves as Global Principal of Concord College International and the Founding Executive Principal of Concord Malaysia, will now assume the role of Founding Principal – a title that honours his visionary leadership and enduring influence. A member of the Board of Governors, Mr. Hawkins has been instrumental in shaping Concord Malaysia’s academic standards, team structure, and ethos, successfully extending the Concord College UK legacy to Malaysia.
Succeeding him in operational leadership is Dr. Phil Outram, who has been appointed Executive Principal following his outstanding contributions as Founding Head of Secondary. A PhD and Master’s graduate from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Outram previously served as Assistant Principal of Concord College UK for 12 years
In his new role, Dr. Outram will oversee academic and strategic leadership across the school, charting its long term direction and sustaining Concord’s vision in Malaysia.
Phase 2 of the campus expansion is now underway and will raise the school’s capacity to 900 students by 2027. New facilities will include a state-of-the-art auditorium, music suites, additional classrooms, and a second boarding residence for younger students.
“I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished since my first meeting with Tan Sri Ter in 2017, when we shared a bold vision of bringing one of England’s premier international schools to Malaysia. This journey has been far more than founding of a school – it’s about creating a centre of excellence that inspires young minds, upholds the Concord ethos, and nurtures future leaders. I look forward to continuing my support for Concord under the capable leadership of Dr. Phil Outram, a dedicated and deeply respected educator,” said Mr. Hawkins.
“It is a great honour to take on this new role and to lead Concord as it grows into one of the region’s most respected international schools. Our mission is to cultivate globally minded, empathetic, and intellectually curious young people. I look forward to working closely with our staff, students, and families to bring this vision to life,” said Dr. Outram.
Tan Sri Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Executive Chairman of Sunsuria Berhad and Chairman of Concord’s Board of Governors, shared: “Our warmest congratulations to Concord on this meaningful milestone. It reflects the unwavering dedication of the school’s leadership and academic teams in delivering an education founded on rigour, kindness, and creativity. This achievement also underscores the trust that families and the wider community place in the distinguished Concord College brand.”
He added: “Our partnership with Concord College UK enables us to make a lasting contribution to the education landscape in Malaysia. We are deeply grateful for the trust extended to us and will continue working hand in hand to empower the next generation with world-class learning opportunities.”
In September last year, Sunsuria Education signed a Territorial Exclusivity Agreement with Concord College International Ltd, granting it the exclusive rights to establish and operate Concord-branded British international schools in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, India and other markets across Southeast Asia and South Asia.
