Twenty-six years ago, in 1983, Cempaka Schools was born, by a family, and for a family. Girls entering our doors will continue to find themselves welcomed warmly and be taught to live together as a family - to be nurtured and cared for, and to share, bond and develop lasting friendships.

Cempaka International Ladies College represents an exciting modern breed of boarding schools in this region. It combines the established academic tradition of rigour of the British and European system with the rich cultural diversity of South East Asia.

Cempakans are brought up to believe that nothing is beyond reach, nothing is impossible, and that it should be our aim to be the best we can be - and on all fronts. Academic excellence should exist alongside, and not in place of, a happy and enjoyable school life - busy, productive and above all, meaningful.

The education that the girls receive will always be kept relevant. Technology will feature prominently in the daily life at CILC, and themes of concern in the world today, such as sustainable development and climate change, shall feature prominently in the curriculum. CILC girls will grow up to be true citizens of the world.

Although academic, co-curricular and residential facilities are generous, the girls will be taught to appreciate what they have, and to be responsible in behaviour and sensible in outlook. I envisage that CILC girls will soon be recognizable as intelligent, poised, and discerning young ladies, with superlative manners to match.

With just 280 girls, CILC girls will enjoy a truly intimate setting. The student population will be kept deliberately diverse, abound with opportunities to learn, share and respect ideas and customs other than their own, helping them rise to become better individuals. Students, from Malaysia and abroad, all form a varied, vibrant mixing pot of cultures and I look forward to welcome them all.