As Malaysian families increasingly seek an education that prepares children not only for academic success but also to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, British boarding education continues to stand out for its emphasis on confidence, independence, resilience, adaptability and global outlook. Parents increasingly recognise that these qualities are just as important as academic achievement in preparing children for university, careers and life.

The British Education and Schools Show in Asia (“BESSA”) returns on 1 November 2026 (Sunday), marking the 10th anniversary of BESSA’s annual education forum in South-East Asia. Held at the Junior Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel in KL, the event will bring together 20 leading UK schools and education specialists to meet prospective parents and students considering a British education or residential camp.

Over the past decade, BESSA has established itself as a leading platform connecting Malaysian families with British boarding schools, helping parents better understand the long-term value of a British education through direct conversations with Heads, Admissions Directors, alumni and education specialists. Its mission has always been to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to make one of the most important decisions in their child's life through trusted, first-hand insights rather than marketing materials alone. 

Today's families are looking beyond examination results and university rankings when evaluating overseas education. They are placing greater emphasis on the confidence, resilience, leadership and global perspective their children will develop, recognising these qualities as essential for long-term success in an increasingly interconnected world.

At its heart, British boarding education is designed to develop far more than academic excellence. Through rigorous learning, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunities and greater independence, students build confidence, resilience, leadership and a global perspective, qualities that continue to shape their lives well beyond school. This year's theme, The Right School Changes Everything, reflects BESSA's belief that the right environment enables every child to discover their strengths and reach their full potential.

A special emphasis for 2026 will be residential summer camps run by leading UK schools. Increasingly, parents are choosing these programmes not only as a pathway to boarding, but as a valuable experience in their own right. Children can experience life in a British boarding school, build confidence and independence, make friends from around the world and step beyond their comfort zones in a supportive environment. Summer camps offer an ideal introduction to British boarding education, giving children the opportunity to experience school life, build confidence and independence, and develop personally before families make a longer-term commitment.

UK summer camps provide children with a valuable introduction to British boarding school life, where they develop confidence, independence and friendships in a supportive environment


“For ten years, BESSA has helped families have informed, honest conversations about British education. This anniversary year comes at an especially important time. The education landscape in Asia is changing quickly, and families now have more options than ever before. With so many schools, programmes and messages competing for attention, clear and impartial guidance is extremely important,” said Stephanie Cheah (“Cheah”), Founder of BESSA.

“That is why BESSA encourages parents to look beyond brochures and rankings, ask the right questions, meet schools directly, and weigh their options carefully,” Cheah explained. “Whether a family is exploring boarding education for the first time or considering a summer camp as an introduction, our goal is to help them better understand the long-term value of a British boarding education while finding the environment in which their child will thrive.”

Stephanie Cheah, Founder of BESSA, shares insights on the lifelong value of British boarding education during a BESSA forum


At BESSA Malaysia 2026, families will be able 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 support.

Attendees are invited to pre-arrange individual meetings or drop by exhibitor booths to ask questions about admissions, assessments, scholarships, pastoral care, boarding routines and curriculum choices. Current pupils, alumni and parents will also share first-hand experiences, giving prospective families a deeper understanding of life at a British boarding school beyond what brochures and websites can offer.

Families at BESSA can meet admissions directors and education specialists face-to-face to discuss admissions, boarding life, pastoral care and the long-term value of a British boarding education


BESSA's speaker programme complements these conversations by giving parents direct access to education leaders and specialists who can share expert perspectives on admissions, boarding life and preparing children for future success. This year’s programme includes two panel discussions with the Headmasters of Oundle School and Caterham School, the Admissions Directors of St Catherine’s School and Brighton College, and education experts Joanna Parry-George of Talk Education and Jenny McGowan of Keystone Tutors. Both sessions will include opportunities for audience questions.

  • 2.00pm - The Complete Guide:
    A practical session covering school selection, boarding life, summer programmes, university support and other considerations when planning a child’s education.

  • 3.30pm - Inside The Admissions Process:
    An in-depth look at preparing for entrance tests, navigating interviews and understanding what competitive schools look for in prospective students.

BESSA's speaker programme allows families to hear directly from education experts, ask questions and gain practical insights into British boarding education


“Our show has been very well received by families since 2016, and we are grateful for the continued and valuable support of the British High Commission and British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce,” Cheah continued. “We are proud to support the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign. As we celebrate our tenth year, what has been most rewarding is seeing how conversations among parents have evolved. Today, they are looking beyond academic results to focus on confidence, resilience, independence and the lifelong value of a British boarding education. Those are exactly the conversations BESSA was created to support.” 

Cheah added, “As a mother of three and boarding school alumna, I know that a British boarding education is not simply about where a child studies. It is about the person they become - independent, resilient, curious, confident and ready to take their place in the world. Summer camps can be a wonderful introduction to that journey, giving children the opportunity to experience life away from home, discover new strengths and develop confidence in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.”

BESSA 2026 is co-presented with Talk Education, the leading global guide to independent education, whose school reviews and parents' guides are based on first-hand research.

BESSA 2026 will take place at the Junior Ballroom, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday, 1 November, from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is free. Families are encouraged to register early to explore the exhibitor list, reserve one-to-one meetings with participating schools and view the full speaker programme at https://bessa.asia/school-shows/bessamalaysia2026/.

This content is provided by Impact Communications.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact advertise@malaysiakini.com or advertise@fgmedia.my