Read this article on Tatler by our Head of School about why action is at the core of an IB education at our school, which empowers students to become active, compassionate, and responsible citizens committed to positively impacting the world.

What Makes Phoenix Talks Special

The Phoenix Talks is more than just a presentation day; it鈥檚 a vibrant celebration of growth, inquiry, and mentorship. It鈥檚 where our pre-university scholars in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the career-focused IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) pass the torch of knowledge to the younger students following in their footsteps. But what does this “journey” actually look like? Instead of just exams, the IB experience at IGBIS is defined by profound, self-driven projects that shape students into critical thinkers and engaged global citizens.

The Phoenix Talks brings these projects to life:

• Imagine a student defending their 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE), a university-level research paper on a topic they are passionate about.
• Picture another student presenting their Reflective Project (RP), where they investigate an ethical dilemma within their chosen career path.
• See the impact of Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and Service Learning (SL) projects, where classroom learning translates into tangible community action.

A Day of Inspiration and Discovery

Phoenix Talks unfolds across four dynamic sessions, each designed to showcase different aspects of our students’ learning journey. The event transforms our school into a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange where academic achievement meets genuine human connection.

The morning began with formal presentations, where seniors took the stage to share their discoveries. One talk, exploring the making of white powder from plastic bottles, sparked lively debate and demonstrated how the IBDP programme encourages students to grapple with real-world issues.

Next, the school transformed into a gallery for the TOK and PPS Exhibitions. Here, students wandered among booths as Grade 12 students presented their displays for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course that questions how we know what we know, and Personal and Professional Skills (PPS), which prepares them for the world of work. It was an interactive museum of big ideas, curated by our students.

The energy shifted in the student-led workshops, where learning became a hands-on experience. In one popular session, the “Plant Project, ” attendees didn’t just hear about a sustainability initiative; they rolled up their sleeves and potted their own plants. This workshop was a perfect example of the IB core in action: combining service with practical, inspiring action.

The day culminated in a panel discussion, a cornerstone of the Phoenix Talks. In this frank and supportive forum, a diverse group of Grade 12 students fielded questions from the audience, offering candid advice on subject choices, workload management, and finding your passion within the IB programme. The takeaway for younger students was invaluable: there is no single path to success, only the one you carve for yourself.

Celebrating Excellence and Vision

The Phoenix Talks is a true embodiment of the IGBIS spirit, a tradition brought to life through the collective effort of our dedicated IB faculty and the remarkable initiative of our students. Under the coordination of Mr Magnus Drechsler and supported by a team of teachers, the event provides a powerful platform for our Grade 12 cohort to culminate their IB journey.

Are you intrigued by a school education that goes beyond textbooks to empower students as researchers, thinkers, and active community members? Discover the IGBIS difference for yourself.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the IB Diploma and Career-related Programme, or contact our Admissions team at +603 6145 4688 / enquiries@igbis.edu.my. Follow us on social media to see how we continue to inspire tomorrow鈥檚 leaders, today.

The event theme: Igniting Minds and Impacting Lives (IGBIS motto), will create a thought platform for our young TEDx speakers to advocate new world views, life choices and unexpected solutions to topics ranging from human rights, mental health, human ingenuity and creativity, community welfare and many others. 

Stay tuned! More updates on the live stream will be available on our social media channels and our TEDxIGBIS Youth website.

The enthusiasm is up.聽

The tents are built, the games are set, and the tables are well aligned together. Volunteers diligently prepare one after the other, while runners energetically arrive one after the other. Each step was taken excitingly, bringing us closer to this long-waited 2023 鈥�24-Hour Race鈥� at 果冻传媒视频 (IGBIS).聽

The 24-Hour Race is a movement, a Running To Stop The Traffik (RTSTT) initiative. It is a truly unique and compelling event that combines high-energy excitement with a noble cause. The event encouraged thousands of youth from my generation across the world to take a stand against modern-day slavery.

More than 500 runners contributed to this year鈥檚 24-Hour Race, and more than 30 of the runners are students from IGBIS. Each team was required to fundraise RM 2,000, a total of RM 168,000 (as of the time the article was written) was raised this year, and IGBIS students raised a total of RM 11,156. The funds raised are given to 24 Hour Race鈥檚 partnership, 鈥淭he A21 Campaign鈥�. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that works to fight human trafficking, a great opportunity to help rebuild a child advocacy centre in Pattaya, Thailand.

This year鈥檚 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur race took place from the 2nd to the 3rd of September, at 果冻传媒视频. The school is honoured to continue as a venue provider for the 24-Hour Race in advocating and supporting this impactful charity movement. Youth in the race stayed in the school for a full 24 hours. A student of IGBIS contributed as a part of the organiser, and several contributed as runners and volunteers. Volunteers such as race marshal, lap-counting helper, first aid, photographer, videographer, and those in charge of E&C games helped make the race a better organisation and convenience. As a race marshal, the race was a great opportunity for me to utilise the *IB ATL skills I honed as a student at IGBIS, including communication, social interaction, and self-management skills.

*The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme emphasises Approaches to Learning (ATL), which encompass thinking, communication, social, self-management, and research skills. These ATL skills are integrated into the curriculum to help students become effective, adaptable learners and prepare them for higher education and future careers.

Throughout the race, games such as musical chairs, giant twisters, and charades were up to allow runners and volunteers to take a break from their shifts and have fun with their friends. Bazaar and food trucks such as Milo, Krispy Kreme, and WAVES Cafe were open for the whole day to support everyone, IGBIS鈥檚 partnership cafeteria company has also contributed to serving food. I still remember the cup of ice shaved that saved us under the hot sun. Performances were running throughout the day time, the amazing performance provided the runners who were resting from the track a great break. The volleyball tournaments held on the 2nd of September between runner teams were a great time for everyone to socialise, and have fun! Lastly, the karaoke held during the evening was a great opportunity for everyone to contribute and share their hidden talents, which really brought up the enthusiasm of the runners on the track to keep going! A moment of silence was observed to honour the victims of modern-day slavery, everyone raised flashlights and remained completely silent for one minute.

鈥淩un it, raise it, and end it.鈥� – 24-Hour Race

鈥�24-Hour Race was an incredibly wholesome experience. I am grateful for the opportunity of being able to work with such a talented organising committee as well as all of the volunteers. It was heartwarming to witness so many students take part in raising awareness and funds for slavery.鈥� – Rou Ying, Volunteer Director

鈥淚 had a lot of fun walking with my friends at night鈥� – Nami, Grade 12 Student at IGBIS

For more information about IGBIS and the programmes we offer, feel free to browse around our website. For further inquiries, you may contact us at +603 6145 4688 or at enquiries@igbis.edu.my. Follow our , , and pages to stay updated on our activities and on-goings.

The earth has been facing numerous sustainability issues, and they are still ongoing, resulting in various sustainability issues such as exponential population growth, unsustainable consumption and production patterns, environmental degradation, and the depletion of resources. The negative effects of these sustainability issues can be seen all over the world, in both developed and developing countries. However, there are things that we could do in order to address and prevent the negative effects of sustainability issues.

In the 果冻传媒视频 (IGBIS), we always try our best to ensure that our values, which are often viewed through the prism of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), are upheld in supporting sustainability. The UNSDG that can be seen we adhere to in this article are: Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy; Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. Actions taken to align with our values include switching off the electricity when not in use, using paper boxes instead of polystyrene in our cafeterias, having recycling bins and a recycling machine, and encouraging the IGBIS team to bring their own lunch boxes as well as reusable utensils. Activities and events that support sustainability, such as bringing reusable containers for food, having a play day with tools made from reusing boxes, and having a Phoenix Garden with a variety of edible plants for learning, exploring, and tasting, are also what we do to ensure that our school is a greener, more sustainable place. Additionally, by the first quarter of 2023, our school will also install solar panels to encourage sustainability through reduced electricity consumption, with the solar panels converting sunlight into electrical energy.

Another recent event that involved sustainability was our Holiday Bazaar 2022, which featured booths that encouraged sustainability with their products and provided details and explanations to all attendees. The booths are: our IGBIS Eco Club, which has recycled jewellery; the Gran Group Resources, which has eco-friendly products; Elexia Naturals, which has 100% natural skin care products; and Greater Action, which has products made from recycled cloth.

Starting with our school鈥檚 Eco Club, they were selling rings, earrings, keychains, bookmarks, hair clips, and badges that were made from recycled materials. Plastic bottle caps, plastic bottle labels, wooden sticks, and leftover paint are among the recycled materials used. Also, by taking these steps, we may reduce the amount of waste dumped into various areas such as rivers, oceans, or landfills, which may reduce the amount of unwanted pollutants and pollutants in our environment. The process of making these items was also displayed at their booth.

With the IGBIS Eco Club booth as an example, it is possible to bring more awareness about recycling to the public and to other members of the IGBIS community. By using these recycled materials, the IGBIS Eco Club members demonstrated how creativity can be used to make something new out of something that would otherwise be deemed waste.

Following was the Gran Group Resources that produces bags (Bag鈥檚 by Gran) that are eco-friendly towards the environment and the earth, as well as gifts and products (Organic Guru) that are purely sustainable and eco-friendly. Seeing the harmful effects of plastics and how they are affecting people’s lives today is what inspired The Gran Group Resources founder, Sivaranjani, to start taking action by producing these eco-friendly products.

The bags produced by Bag鈥檚 by Gran are made of jute fabric, a plant-based fibre made from the jute plant, and are 100% biodegradable and recyclable. With that said, they do not release toxins during the breakdown process, unlike regular plastic bags, which break down into small particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and can enter the food chain, where animals ingest them by accident.聽

As for the products produced by Organic Guru, such as the neem wood combs, they are the best alternative to regular plastic combs, which endanger marine life, the oceans, and our earth. In contrast to combs made of plastic, neem wood combs can easily decompose into soil in just a few months. Additionally, Organic Guru produces plantable pencils with seed on top, which means that if the pencil is placed in soil, it will germinate and grow into a plant that will then release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide from the environment, which is necessary to sustain life on earth.聽

From these products, the IGBIS community and others who were at the Holiday Bazaar were able to understand the environmental benefits of using recycled products and give gifts that have a lower environmental impact and are more sustainable in the long run.

Next, it is Elexia Naturals which produces natural skincare products that are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, artificial colourings, and fragrances. These products are not only safe to use on people’s skin, but they also do not leave harmful footprints on the earth, as no chemical residue is left behind in the environment, and they do not pollute the soil or water when being washed off into drains or pipes.

Our IGBIS community and also others who attended the Holiday Bazaar learned about the importance of sustainable skincare and eco-friendly products at the Elexia Naturals booth, helping them to be committed to sustainable practices. Additionally, our community was given the opportunity to learn about the company’s processes, product ingredients, and the importance of sustainability in the skincare industry.

Lastly, it was the booth of Greater Action, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to improve the lives of refugee families by providing them with quality education, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and general and mental health care. The Greater Action booth in the IGBIS Holiday Bazaar this year was selling goods such as jewellery, pillow covers, plant covers, and sports bags that were made from recycled materials such as clothes and denim jeans gathered from donations made to the organisation. By using these recycled materials to produce these items, it reduces the amount of waste dumped into landfills and the environment. As a result, it reduces the amount of waste that takes a lot of years to decompose and affects the earth鈥檚 ecosystems.

Through this, the IGBIS community and those who were at the Holiday Bazaar were again able to determine the items that could be used to minimise waste dumping into various locations, such as the rivers and oceans, which could result in irreversible damage to the planet’s biodiversity.

In a nutshell, IGBIS is always trying its best to ensure that our values are upheld. Even when holding an event such as the Holiday Bazaar, we support environmental sustainability through some of the stalls’ production and sale of sustainable products, such as recycled materials, organic food, and biodegradable products. We would like to take advantage of every opportunity to contribute to the protection of the environment and the earth, which aligns with the IGBIS mission of creating globally-minded, critical-thinking innovators ready to reshape the world for the better. In short, we aim to live our vision, mission, and motto, “Igniting Minds, Impacting Lives,” each and every day.聽

For more information about IGBIS and the programmes we offer, feel free to browse around our website. For any further inquiries, you may contact us at +603 6145 4688 or email us at enquiries@igbis.edu.my. Also, follow our and pages to stay updated on our activities and on-goings at or related to our school.聽

In light of this, many choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme as their preferred education pathway because of its remarkable academic rigour. IB programmes are aimed at developing global citizens who can engage constructively with today鈥檚 challenges. Additionally, according to a 2016 research by the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), IB students have a 57% greater likelihood of attending one of the top 20 UK universities than students who study A-Levels.

In Malaysia, 果冻传媒视频 (IGBIS) is the only four-programmed IB continuum school to offer the suite of IB programmes: the , , , and . Each programme offers a firm foundation for learning while allowing individualised instruction based on each student’s background and interests.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The IBDP is a pre-university option that provides a curriculum designed to prepare you for success in the workplace and life by cultivating a love of learning and an inquisitive mindset. The curriculum of the programme is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. 

The three core elements of the DP are:

• Theory of knowledge (TOK), in which students will learn how to think critically and creatively both in and out of the classroom.
• The extended essay (EE), a self-guided research project that culminates in a 4,000-word paper that encourages independent research skills.
• Creativity, action, and service (CAS) projects, that inspire students to work together and interact with their local community to accomplish a project relating to the three principles.

These components are intended to enrich the educational experiences of students while also posing a challenge for them to put their acquired information and abilities to use.

South Korean student, Sung Junhyuk, emphasises how the IBDP aids him in navigating his future.

鈥淧ersonally, DP’s characteristics can be summarised with the process of completing lots of various tasks. This precious experience allowed me to develop time management skills which will be beneficial in my future university life and ultimately achieve bigger goals.鈥�

To retain both the breadth and depth of the studies, IGBIS鈥檚 DP students are required to take six subjects from the six different groups. These include Studies in Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and Arts. 

The subjects are to be taken at the Higher level (HL) or Standard level (SL). At IGBIS, students are advised to enrol in at least three courses with either one or two taken at the Higher level (HL). The classes are also scheduled in such a way that IGBIS鈥檚 students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of combinations and concentrations.

According to Inaya Taqiyah binti Mohd Yuzaidi, who is passionate about social economics, she has no regrets about enrolling in the IBDP at IGBIS.

鈥淥verall, I enjoy studying the DP in IGBIS for there is never a dull moment. Being in IGBIS, we are encouraged to participate in numerous events, activities, roles, and more. The students, staff, and teachers contribute to a really friendly and supportive environment. With individuals such as the secondary school counsellor, I鈥檝e personally felt supported and cared for, being helped with any academic and mental struggles I鈥檝e had.鈥�

The latest DP outcomes of November 2022 are a testament to the superiority and success of IGBIS in the programme. DP students at IGBIS had the best average point of 2022 DP results in Malaysia, scoring 40 out of 45 points compared to the global average of 32.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

Students who enrol in the IBCP at IGBIS receive a one-of-a-kind education designed to provide the knowledge and abilities necessary to pursue a career that is a meaningful combination of their academic and professional interests.

The CP at IGBIS combines DP courses, the career-related study subjects offered by our university partner, The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and four components made up of Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Language Development, and the Reflective Project.

IGBIS’s all-encompassing CP helps students develop a strong grasp of their abilities and the relevance of their coursework to the real world. Thus, this gives them a head start on their career and in turn boosts self-esteem.

Lara Ann Maccagno firmly believes the study materials available makes the IBCP exciting and fuels her ambition in game design.

鈥淲e have great study material with consistent use of technology which is up to date with the work fields most people will go into. We also have effective study areas for DP students to be able to learn independently as well as with peers.鈥�

Through a partnership between IGBIS and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), students can enrol in courses that are related, but not limited to, the following areas of Art and Design study: Advertising, Sequential Art, Animation, Game Development, Graphic Design, Digital Design, Photography, Fashion and Fine Art. The comprehensive programme allows students to showcase an advanced level of knowledge, understanding and skill.

IGBIS is proud to have a 100% pass rate among its IBCP Classes of 2022 and 2021.

Supportive educational environment in IGBIS

The ample school facilities available in IGBIS is proof of the school鈥檚 commitment to enriching students鈥� well-being and academic performance.

Junhyuk, Inaya and Lara are thankful for the opportunities, facilities and support made available to them at IGBIS.

Speaking on the IGBIS鈥檚 sports hall, Junhyuk says, 鈥淚t is an important part of my school life since it helped me to bond with my friends and reduce stress accumulated from work.鈥�

Inaya elaborates, 鈥淔acilities range from the huge football field and running track to the theatre, gym and spacious visual arts room. Many extracurricular activities are utilised in these facilities and are most definitely enjoyed by the students. The classrooms especially are quite spacious and you definitely feel comfortable in learning.鈥�

Lara summarises that 鈥淚GBIS is a great place to take the IBCP course because of the numerous support systems which the school has built. Having a smaller community allows for more direct assistance from teachers when needed.鈥�

The start of the 2023/24 school year for IGBIS’s IBDP and IBCP is scheduled for August 2023. For more information about IGBIS and the IB programmes, feel free to browse our website.

For any further inquiries, you may contact +603 6145 4688 or email enquiries@igbis.edu.my. Keep up with IGBIS鈥檚 current activities and events by following the school’s official and accounts.

Written by School Advisor

A communication will be shared with all parents on Sunday (22) evening and Monday (23) morning with an update. In the meantime, our teachers will continue to prepare work for children to complete at home so that their learning is not disrupted.

University professors from in Hong Kong hosted creative arts workshops at 果冻传媒视频 (IGBIS) on 13 and 14 April for both IGBIS students and the wider community. Participants had the opportunity to experience the art and design learning environment at SCAD. 36 people took part in the event where they were introduced to the different courses run by SCAD while trying out the tips and tricks the professors shared with them. Participants also learnt about the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme at IGBIS, where the school has partnered with SCAD to offer a great programme allowing Grade 11 and 12 students to undertake university courses through SCAD while they are still studying at IGBIS. IGBIS generously covers the tuition fees charged by SCAD, making this programme an affordable way for students to get a head start on their university career. Contact IGBIS at enquiries@igbis.edu.my for more details.