IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 350.

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 349.

September 15, 2023

��ý��Ƶ’s Unparalleled Pathways to Success

September 26, 2023

September 22, 2023

From the Elementary Principal

By Simon Millward

Recently, the prospective Grade 5 House Captains from each house gave speeches to their classmates about why they wished to be a House Captain this year. The students in the grade then voted based on the speeches and the vision that they had presented.

At our assembly next week (Tuesday 26th September) there will be a big reveal. We are asking that students wear their house shirts on that day. This will be the first event that students wear house shirts. There will be other opportunities through the year where we show our house spirit and wear them as well.

Look out for the announcement next week as to who our House Captains are.

Just a reminder that next week is a 3-day week. Thursday and Friday are IGBIS holidays, so there will be no school for anyone on those days.

Some things to look out for, you will be receiving the yearly overview of PYP Workshops that are being offered by a variety of people, we would love parents to come along and learn all about the PYP. I will also be sending out information about the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences for FF-Grade 1 and 3 Way Conferences for Grades 2-Grade 5.

Dates for your diaries

28 September & 29 September 2023: IGBIS holiday no school
03 October 2023: Parent Workshop: Inquiry in the PYP 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
09 October 2023: Device use and digital safety 8:15 am - 9:15 am
13 October 2023: Parent Teacher/3 Way conferences (Face to Face)
16 October - 20 October 2023: IGBIS Holiday

This week our Early Years team have been inspiring these young learners by creating an area for students to explore all things ‘Gruffalo’. Julia Donaldson’s book has provided a wonderful literary learning area to develop their imagination, their creativity and obviously play opportunities.

Parents Workshops Schedule��

�ٲ��ٱ��	Time	�´ǰ��Ǳ��	Venue
27 Sept 2023 Wednesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	What’s Next? Wednesday Session: Getting to Graduation and Beyond	PVO Room
03 Oct 2023 Tuesday	2:00 pm - 3:00 pm	Inquiry in the PYP: Explore inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches used in the Grade 1-5 classroom.	TBC
04 Oct 2023 Wednesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	Experience being a DP/CP student��	PVO Room
05 Oct 2023 Thursday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	MYP Projects: Passion, Creativity & Community	PVO Room
10 Oct 2023 Tuesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	Intro to CAS/SL at IGBIS	PVO Room
12 Oct 2023�� Thursday Day 1	8:15 am - 9:15 am	TOK & PPS	PVO Room
24 Oct 2023 Tuesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	IGBIS Language pathways	PVO Room
25 Oct 2023 Wednesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	What’s Next? Wednesday Session: Welcome to Unifrog	PVO Room
25 Oct 2023 Wednesday	9:30 am - 10:00 am	Introduction to Extended Essay (DP) and Reflective Project (CP)	PVO Room
27 Oct 2023 Friday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	Coffee with the Counselors: Authenticity	PVO Room

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From the Counselling Team

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Seek information and gain knowledge as a parent.�� One of the many roles that the IGBIS counsellors take on, is to be part of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Team.�� You may wonder, what is Safeguarding and Child Protection?�� “SAFEGUARDING is the prevention of impairment to children’s physical and psychological health and wellbeing while providing circumstances that enable healthy development.�� CHILD PROTECTION is the commitment and actions taken to protect children from abuse and neglect.” These are the definitions according to , which is an organisation designed to assist and support international schools in training their community.

IGBIS is currently in the process of training all staff.�� Almost all academic staff completed the training at the beginning of the year before the students returned to school.�� We are working towards having all staff, including; gardeners, catering staff, bus drivers, cleaners and anyone who works with children at our school, trained in the not-too-distant future.��

provides different levels of training in a variety of languages.�� They have recently added parent training as a support they offer.�� As a school, we are committed to training the whole community, including parents. Next Thursday, at 3:00 p.m., is presenting a tutorial for parents via the Zoom platform.��

The information provided to us by about this tutorial includes;��

It is designed to inform parents, guardians and caretakers about child protection in your school.�� The content includes:
- Child protection obligations
- Child protection practices at your school
- A parent's role in child protection at our school
- Shared child protection values

A tutorial presentation that is:
- 10-15 minutes long
- Available in multiple languages

The more parents and community members who engage in this content, the more assured we are that our school is the very safest it can be. Because this is an online tutorial, you are able to access it from home. We encourage your participation and are keen for you to provide us with feedback after the event.�� You can register at

ISTA Inter-Arts Festival

“Celebrating our ability to tune in and connect through the arts.”

IGBIS will be hosting this coming November's ISTA Inter-Arts Festival for Music, Drama and Visual Arts. This time, we will host visiting schools and need families to host these students.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As school year 2023/24 is now underway, our upcoming ISTA festival planning is in full swing. This coming November 23rd to 26th, we will be hosting the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Inter-Arts Festival. This prestigious event celebrates the power of the arts and offers our students an incredible platform to explore their talents, creativity, and passion.

The ISTA Inter Arts MYP Festival is an immersive experience that combines the magical realms of music, drama, and visual arts for Grade 6, 7 & 8 students. It brings together students from schools across Asia, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and personal growth. We are proud to be hosting this event and providing our students with the chance to engage with a diverse group of talented individuals.

As part of the festival, we have arranged a captivating excursion for our students. They will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate different forms of traditional and contemporary arts, enriching their understanding of artistic expression. This excursion will serve as a source of inspiration, empowering our students to push their boundaries and explore their own creative potentials.

One of the highlights of the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival is the presence of visiting artists and performers. These experts in their respective fields will conduct workshops, mentor our students, and share their insights. This interaction will be invaluable for our students as they gain exposure to new techniques, perspectives, and ideas. These experiences will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also broaden their horizons.

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We are delighted that three other esteemed schools from across Asia have already signed up to join us for this event. The collaboration will create a vibrant atmosphere of cultural diversity, fostering connections among our students and their peers from different backgrounds.

We strongly encourage you to support your child's participation in the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival. This event offers a unique platform for them to showcase their talents, gain confidence, and develop skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. We strongly believe that their involvement in this festival will contribute to their overall personal and artistic growth.

In addition, the visiting students will require homestay. So we would ask that you please consider hosting two or more students. Homestay is a wonderful and integral part of the international school experience that we hope to reestablish as part of our school traditions.�� It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and showcase our cultures too.

Thank you for your continued support of our school's commitment to fostering artistic expression and igniting the creative minds of our students. We look forward to working with you to make the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival a resounding success.��

More details can be found at

What does it cost?

The festival will cost RM1200 per student.��

The fee is used to bring the visiting international and local artists to IGBIS and accommodate them throughout the Festival.
Transport and costs involved in the Out and About excursion.
All meals at IGBIS and other festival costs including a social event and dinner.
Festival t-shirt.

How do you sign up?

Complete the ISTA 2023 Sign Up form

Event Details:

Starts on Thursday, 23 November 2023, at 3:00 pm
Finishes on Sunday, 26 November 2023, at 1:30 pm
Age range:�� Middle School (Ages 10 - 14)
Total Participants:�� 35 - 55��

Host School Participants: Approximately 20 (first 15 host students get host discount rates, and after that, students pay member rates)

IGBIS Open Day��

The thinking skills inherent in the IB Approaches to Learning hold significant importance for students, as they serve as a pivotal force in enabling students to engage in the art of critical, creative, and reflective thinking.

IGBIS will be having an OPEN DAY on:

27 September 2023, Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

It would be great if you could share this Open Day information with your friends and family members who are looking for an international school for their children.

On this open day, prospective families will be able to meet our Head of School, Dr. Gregory Brunton and the leadership team to engage in a talk about how thinking skills, together with the IB education approach, could support lifelong learning and prepare students for their university journey and beyond.��

There will be a school tour for prospective families to explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and witness our students immersing in active learning, thriving in classrooms, and engaging in dynamic sports and activities. A counselling session will also be available for them to get a better understanding of the school.

All attendees receive a *100% rebate on Application Fee upon enrolment at IGBIS.��

*T&Cs apply

You may share this link, /admissions/openday/, with your friends or family members to learn more about IGBIS Open Day and to register.

Referral Incentives Programme��

Join us in shaping the future of IGBIS! Your referrals can open new doors for eager learners while fostering a stronger community.��

IGBIS parents who refer new students to IGBIS will be entitled to RM2,000 per student or *RM3,000 per family (where there are two or more students in K – 12) through the *Referral Incentives Programme.��

*T&Cs apply

Click to access and download the IGBIS Referral Incentive Application form.

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Your participation could illuminate new paths for young learners and enrich the tapestry of our educational journey. Together, we illuminate minds and enrich lives. Get started today!

Future Planning Weekly Update

Highlights of the Week

University Fair Success!

Our opening university fairs of the 2023-204 school year were a huge success!

Thank you - students, parents, and staff for participating and engaging with the visiting universities.

A major goal of uni fairs is to provide exposure to programs and schools beyond the "brand names." There are literally thousands of opportunities out there, and you don't know what you don't know.

Fairs give us the opportunity to be open-minded, risk-takers, and inquirers about options and opportunities and to learn more beyond just rankings.

Very proud to watch our students flex their inquiry and communication skills at the fairs, and way to bring those bags and phones to capture information!

Our next 2 fairs are the first week of October: Tuesday, 03 October 2023 and Thursday, 05 October 2023. You can see the list and other planned visits .

Highlights from the University Fairs:

- This one was new to us - If you are interested in an innovative learning experience (literally, professors are timed for how long they can talk) that lets you live & learn in different parts of the world EACH YEAR, check them out.��
-�� for Grade 10 & 11 students.

Our next 2 University Fairs are on 3 & 5 October & are BIG! Around 60 Universities from the UK, and roughly 20 Universities from the US.��

Take the time NOW to research the unis, so you can plan who to talk to.��

03 October 2023 - The Fair will last from 9:35 - 10:30, so you only have an hour.
05 October 2023 - The fair will last from 9:35 - 10:00, so you only get the break time.��
Extra materials (and merch) from This week’s university fairs are outside Ms Amanda’s office - come take what you want/need��
Wondering what to bring (a bag!), what questions you should ask, or what questions you should NOT ask (do you have my major?) - .

Unis of upcoming fairs you should consider checking out:

Winona State University��
- No. 1 in Student Success Rate among all 32 colleges and universities in the Minnesota state system
- The only accredited Composite Materials Engineering undergraduate program in the U.S.
- Individual attention with a 16:1 faculty-to-student ratio and 25 average class size
- Affordable tuition through the Cross-Cultural Scholarship
- Students have opportunities for internships with some of the Midwest’s most prestigious companies and organizations including Mayo Clinic, IBM, Fastenal, and 3M.

Indiana University Indianapolis��
- With —including top degrees in business, health sciences, STEM, and more—IU Indianapolis’s premier urban research campus continues to be a top destination for international students from over 100 countries around the world.
- As Indiana’s premier urban research university, our students put what they learn into action before they graduate. Students will be able to conduct research, work hand in hand with community leaders, get hands-on experience in their field, and expand their worldview from a global perspective through engaged learning.��
- Here is more information about IU Indianapolis:

Upcoming Student Counselling Sessions��

*All information and resources will be shared with both students and parents via email after each session

26 September 2023 - Grade 10 Study Hall: Getting to Graduation, Part 2��
09 October 2023 - Grade 9 Wellness

Completed Student Sessions

25 August 2023 -
01 September 2023 -
13 September 2023 -
15 September 2023 -

Upcoming Parent Counselling Sessions

*All information and resources will be shared with parents via email after each session

27 September 2023 - What’s Next? Wednesday Sessions: Getting to Graduation and Beyond - Overview and exploration of the future planning program at IGBIS, graduation requirements, credits, grades, and transcripts. Learn how IGBIS supports students and parents in successfully getting to graduation and planning for life after high school.
10 October 2023 - Coffee with the Counsellors: Authenticity
25 October 2023 - What’s Next? Wednesday Sessions: Unifrog

Completed Parent Sessions

29 August 2023 -
15 September 2023 -

For Grade 12s

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Information

ALL students should have asked their recommender for a reference
ALL students should have updated their Recommenders/Reference writers in Unifrog. is the information for how to update the information.��
Students applying early should have their Notes to Recommenders section completed by Friday, 22 September 2023.
ALL students should have the Notes to Recommenders section completed by Friday, 29 September 2023.
Teachers have been updated to the new Reference Writers/Recommendation information as of Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

UCAS Personal Statement Writing Workshop hosted by the United Kingdom Education Centre (UKEC)

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Lunch Time - 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm; (Bring your lunch and get fed - literally and metaphorically)

REMINDERS:

Updated Future Planning Timeline for Round 1 Applicants!

We have had a change in our IGBIS Early App deadline to accommodate the 2nd Anticipated Grades release.

Please note the absolute last date to submit UCAS Early Applications is Wednesday, 11 October 2023.��

October Anticipated Grades will be available on Monday, 09 October 2023.

Parent conferences will take place on Friday, 13 October 2023, so you can find out what you can do to make any necessary adjustments/improvements. .

Uni App Help Sessions

As grade 12s do not have a common Study Block, Uni Help Sessions will be offered via 3 Study Blocks and Lunch. .

Unifrog Application Masterclasses

How to get into your dream university course. Get practical tips from the experts on applying to Oxbridge, writing your Personal Statement, courses in STEM, and much more.

Attention US/Common App applicants (From Robert Powers, College Consultant)

Do not use ChatGPT to write your essays... Common App would not allow it!

The fine print at Common App now officially forbids the use of AI, including ChatGPT.

UCAS Updates & Info

Applications for 2024 can now be submitted
It is Personal Statement Week 25 - 29 September 2023 - students can follow us on social media for top advice on how to smash their personal statement, including the inside scoop from admissions experts who reveal if it’s ok to use AI or if it is considered cheating.

HUB LIVE: Should I use AI to write my personal statement – 27 September 2023 16:00 (GMT+1)

Gap Year Scholarship Alert

The Gap Year Association (GYA) is excited to once again be offering a gap year scholarship opportunity in partnership with Tortuga Backpacks!��

Know someone planning a gap year experience in 2024? We invite prospective gappers between the ages of 18 and 22 to apply for a chance to win $2,500 towards their gap year experience plus a Tortuga Travel Backpack. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply. Application deadline is 30 October 2023.

Did you know that GYA has dedicated to helping gap year students find scholarship and financial aid opportunities? Check it out!

From The College Essay Guy:��

Should You Write about Race in Your College Application? (9 new resources)

This guide offers practical advice for students and counsellors, including examples of essays by students who chose to discuss race and its impact on their character and unique abilities.

This year, many selective colleges added an essay prompt inviting students to write about diversity, identity, race, cultural background, or the importance of inclusivity. This guide walks you through how to tackle those prompts.

Race-Conscious

Learn from legal expert Jay Rosner what the decision means and practical advice for students and counsellors.��

In this list, you can see which schools have added questions that invite students to write about diversity, identity, race, cultural background, or the importance of inclusivity.

Here is a resource released jointly by the U.S. Dept of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division jointly to help colleges and universities understand the Supreme Court’s decision.

Here is a running list of specific actions colleges and universities have taken since the SCOTUS decision. And find statements colleges released following the decision in this , including

Hear Lorenzo Gamboa (Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach at Santa Clara University) bust a few common myths Latinx families confront, including the notion that students have to major in a high-paying profession and the myth that undocumented students can’t go to college. We also discuss whether or not students should discuss race or cultural influence in their application after the SCOTUS decision to ban race-conscious admissions.

How to Write the University of California (UC) Personal Insight Questions

05 October - 12 October 2023

The UC schools are unique in that they request answers to their four UC Personal Insight Questions, and they have some specific things they look for, as outlined in their points of comprehensive review. And because the UCs do not ask for a longer personal statement, students have to be clear and thoughtful in what they share and how they share it.

A step-by-step course on writing outstanding responses to the University of California Personal Insight Questions.��

On the course, I'm covering:

7 Essential Tips for Applying to the UC Schools
What are UC's elements of comprehensive review? (You can Google these, btw.)
How to Pick Your 4 UC Personal Insight Question Topics
Why You Should Outline Your PIQs Before You Start Writing
How to Begin Your UC PIQs
How to Structure any UC PIQ
A Step-by-Step Guide to Standing Out on Each of the Eight UC PIQs
How to Make Your PIQs More Insightful
Editing for "Flow"
The Great Personal Insight Question Test (AKA Making Sure Your Answer is Doing Its Job
Lots more

Info, Opportunities, & Resources

OxBright Conference Sessions��

If interested in studying degrees, or building careers, in any of the following areas

Law
Psychology
Medicine
Business

��our are for them!

These day-long conferences will enable your students to demonstrate their passion for their subject, learn about the latest developments in the field, and pose questions to industry experts and current undergraduates.

All our conferences are held on weekends in October from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm BST, and all sessions are held live for maximum interaction. Student tickets are £95, and we are offering free spots to the first 1000 students who are shortlisted in our Essay Competition - !

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to some of our fantastic conference speakers.

We are kicking off today by welcoming back inspiring barrister Daniel Carall-Green, who will be delivering the keynote session at LawCon (07 October 2023). Dan received rapturous reviews from students following his last keynote, so his session is hotly anticipated!

Top 5 reasons why international students choose University of Mississippi:

World-class education: UM offers more than 175 programs across various fields of study, each designed to meet international standards of excellence.
Inclusive and diverse campus community: At UM, we are proud of our diverse student body that represents more than 80 countries. Our Office of International Programs offers a host of services, including orientation programs and ongoing support, so you’ll be able to transition seamlessly into your new academic environment.
Affordability: We offer a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students. Our cost of living is also relatively lower compared to many other university towns - your dollars stretch further in Oxford.
Vibrant campus life: Beyond academics, our university boasts a thriving campus life. Whether you're interested in sports, arts, community service, or student organizations, there's always something happening!
Safe and welcoming environment: UM and the town of Oxford are known for their Southern hospitality. Our safe campus and the warm, welcoming nature of our community make it easy for students to settle in, make friends, and feel at home. We prioritize the well-being and safety of our students, providing a range of resources, including 24/7 campus security, counselling services, and health facilities.

Future Entrepreneurs Program by Harvard Student Agencies - Applications Open

Greetings from Learn with Leaders!

Future Entrepreneurs Programme by Harvard Student Agencies:

The Future Entrepreneurs programme teaches students how to pitch their business ideas, perform market research, and generate investment. The programme acts as an excellent preparation mechanism for launching an idea to execution as it seeks to empower students by teaching them to think innovatively and unlock their entrepreneurial capabilities.

The programme would act like a pre-college entrepreneurial incubation center inspiring students with the concept of entrepreneurship at the school level. The programme would entail understanding the entire process from idea generation to execution i.e. (1) Ideate /Generate an Idea (2) Undertake Market Research / SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat) Analysis (3) Competitive Analysis (4) Make a Business Plan and (5) Pitch.��

Key Takeaways:

Small class sizes
Opportunity to network and learn with students from Harvard Student Agencies
Recognizing opportunity
Growing the business
Using resources optimally
Learning to think innovatively
Developing entrepreneurial skills
Building a global network
Understanding the qualities of successful entrepreneurs

While fostering a strong culture of facilitating real-time knowledge to inspire young minds to find and follow new interests, the program also seeks to encourage entrepreneurship at the school level.

The programme inspires both passions for innovation and a team-oriented mentality to prepare future leaders.

The certificate will be given directly by Harvard Student Agencies.

This time, we are opening the applications for 2 cohorts - October & December. So now students have the flexibility to join the cohort of your choice!��

OPTION 1: The October 2023 Cohort

Programme Starts: 14 October 2023

Who Is Eligible?: Students from Grades 8 to 12
Duration: 2 weekends

Early Application Deadline: 05 October 2023

Programme Fee for Early Applicants: 300 USD

Regular Fee: 400 USD
Find more about the Programme: Application Form:

OPTION 2: The December 2023 Cohort

Program Starts: 02 December 2023
Who Is Eligible?: Students from Grades 8 to 12
Duration: 2 weekends
Early Application Deadline: 10 November 2023

Programme Fee for Early Applicants: USD 300

Regular Programme Fee: USD 400

Find more about the Programme: Application Form:

InvestIN STEM Career Experiences

Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM? Weekend programmes in STEM careers running this autumn.

Experience where a career in science, technology, engineering or maths could take you. We offer programmes in 10 STEM and medical science careers, available in-person in London or live online.��

��Join us for interactive simulations and masterclasses led by industry professionals, with highlights including:

Medicine: Practise stitching up a wound
Engineering: Design the mission to take humans to Mars
Psychology: Carry out a clinical psychology assessment
Computer Science:�� Design your own web application

Weekend Programme Dates - Ages 15-18

- 05 November 2023
- 05 November 2023
- 05 November 2023
- 12 November 2023
- 12 November 2023
- 12 November 2023
- 19 November 2023
- 19 November 2023
- 26 November 2023
- 26 November 2023

Ages 12-14

- 21 January 2024
- 21 January 2024
- 28 January 2024
- 28 January 2024

EducationUSA Fair

Engage with 25 U.S. colleges and universities to explore your study abroad options at the EducationUSA Fair, supported by .

14 October 2023 at The Grey Box, • 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

AEO USA University Public Fair

Date: Thursday, 05 October 2023
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue: Le Meridien KL Sentral - Clarke Ballroom - Level 6

Yes, you read that right! We are giving away one RM50,000 Scholarship to one lucky student who attends the fair! The winning student can use this scholarship to attend any of the participating universities or colleges at the exhibition.

There will be nearly 20 top universities and colleges from all over the United States!��

Some of the participating institutions have very reasonably priced tuition - starting at only $9,000, and most will also offer additional scholarships!

Worth a Read…��

It’s Inclusion Month! And we’re highlighting programs, universities, and upcoming events that celebrate and support inclusive education!

GoToCollegeFairs

Each student is unique: help them find their individual pathway.

Speciality virtual fairs offer a convenient way to explore post-secondary options. Encourage your students to join recruiters at one or all of these upcoming events:��

Live fair hours are 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (ET) on each date for the following fairs:

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Virtual College Fair - Wednesday, 04 October 2023
Learning Differences Virtual College Fair - Thursday, 12 October 2023
First-Generation Virtual College Fair - Wednesday, 25 October 2023

Students and Families:

Use this platform to explore options and services that are available to you at the participating institutions.
will guide you on maximizing the benefits of higher education.
Visit institution booths and chat live with admissions representatives
Participating students have a chance to win a $50 Starbucks gift card through a TikTok contest. Details will be emailed to registered students.
This experience will be ADA and WCAG-compliant.

GoToCollegeFairs is invested in equity and opportunity for all students. The are free to attendees.

Colleges That Change Lives - CTCL

Our Mission: Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process. We support the goal of every student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college.

University of the Week

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Popular Resources and FAQs

Questions, Support, and Help

Amanda Lopez - Grades 9 - 12 Universities Counselling & Social/Personal Counselling
To schedule an appointment -��
- Parents -
- Students -
- Email - amanda.lopez@igbis.edu.my��

Follow Us on Instagram, Facebook and our In-house Counselling Website

It is about time we joined Social Media, so please follow us! The IGBIS Counselling Team is now on social media, and we will highlight all things counselling, which includes future planning information, resources, and events coverage.

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