BESSA Marks 10 Years of Helping Malaysian Families Discover the Benefits of British Boarding Education

Kuala Lumpur, 27 August 2026 — As Malaysian families increasingly look for educational pathways that prepare children not only for academic achievement but also for an ever-changing and interconnected world, British boarding education continues to attract interest for its focus on confidence, independence, resilience, adaptability and a global outlook. Parents are increasingly recognising that these qualities can be just as important as academic performance in preparing children for university, future careers and life beyond school.

The British Education and Schools Show in Asia (BESSA) will return to Malaysia on 1 November 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of its annual education forum in Southeast Asia. Taking place at the Junior Ballroom of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur from 12pm to 5pm, the event will bring together 20 leading UK schools and education specialists to meet Malaysian families and students exploring British education and residential summer camp opportunities.

Over the past decade, BESSA has established itself as a platform for Malaysian families to connect directly with British boarding schools and gain a deeper understanding of the educational experience. Through conversations with school heads, admissions directors, alumni and education specialists, the forum aims to provide families with first-hand insights to support one of the most important decisions in their children’s lives.

The event comes at a time when families are increasingly looking beyond examination results and university rankings when assessing overseas education options. Confidence, resilience, leadership, independence and a global perspective are becoming important considerations as parents seek educational environments that can equip their children with skills for long-term success.

At the heart of British boarding education is an approach that extends beyond academic achievement. Through rigorous learning, pastoral support, co-curricular activities and opportunities to develop independence, students are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a broader understanding of the world. Reflecting this philosophy, this year’s BESSA theme, “The Right School Changes Everything,” highlights the importance of finding an environment where each child can discover their strengths and fulfil their potential.

A key focus of BESSA 2026 will be residential summer camps offered by leading UK schools. These programmes are increasingly viewed not only as a potential pathway towards boarding education but also as valuable experiences in their own right. Summer camps allow children to experience life in a British boarding school, develop greater independence, meet peers from different countries and step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment.

According to Stephanie Cheah, Founder of BESSA, the organisation’s 10th anniversary comes at an important time as families across Asia navigate an increasingly diverse education landscape. With more schools, programmes and educational options available, she emphasised the importance of clear and impartial guidance to help parents make informed decisions.

Cheah encouraged families to look beyond brochures and rankings by asking questions, meeting school representatives directly and carefully considering which environment would best suit their children. Whether families are exploring boarding education for the first time or considering a summer camp as an introduction, BESSA aims to help parents understand the longer-term value of a British education and identify an environment where their children can thrive.

At BESSA Malaysia 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from 20 schools and summer camps, including Brighton College, Caterham School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Oundle School, Radley College, St Edward’s Oxford, Sevenoaks School and Wycombe Abbey, alongside specialist education providers.

Families can arrange individual meetings in advance or visit exhibitor booths to discuss areas such as admissions, entrance assessments, scholarships, pastoral care, boarding routines and curriculum options. Current students, alumni and parents will also share their personal experiences, offering prospective families insights into boarding school life beyond the information typically available through brochures and websites.

The BESSA speaker programme will further complement these discussions with direct access to education leaders and specialists. The programme will feature two panel sessions covering school selection, admissions and boarding education. The 2pm session, “The Complete Guide,” will explore school selection, boarding life, summer programmes and university support, while the 3.30pm session, “Inside The Admissions Process,” will provide insights into entrance tests, interviews and what competitive schools look for in prospective students.

The panels will feature headmasters from Oundle School and Caterham School, admissions directors from St Catherine’s School and Brighton College, as well as education specialists Joanna Parry-George of Talk Education and Jenny McGowan of Keystone Tutors. Both sessions will also provide opportunities for parents to ask questions directly.

BESSA has received continued support from the British High Commission and the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, while also supporting the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign. Over the past decade, the organisation has observed a shift in the conversations parents have about education, with greater attention now being placed on personal development, confidence, resilience, independence and the long-term benefits of a British boarding education.

As a mother of three and a boarding school alumna herself, Cheah also highlighted the personal development aspect of boarding education, describing it as an experience that can shape not only where a child studies but also the person they become. She noted that summer camps can provide children with an opportunity to experience life away from home, discover new strengths and develop confidence beyond the classroom.

BESSA 2026 is co-presented with Talk Education, a global guide to independent education that provides school reviews and parents’ guides based on first-hand research. The event will take place at the Junior Ballroom, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday, 1 November 2026, from 12pm to 5pm, with free admission for families.