Dr. Outram read Mathematics for his undergraduate degree at Queens’ College Cambridge. He completed his Doctorate degree at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge, before moving to the University of Durham where he spent six years as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. His research focused on using large state-of-the-art surveys of distant active galaxies to probe the evolution of large-scale structure in the universe. Whilst in Durham, Dr. Outram’s responsibilities included teaching and supporting the undergraduate and postgraduate students, and he took the decision to switch to secondary education, taking up a position as a teacher of mathematics at Rugby School.

He moved to Concord College UK in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere there, where students show friendship, compassion, humility, and integrity to match their passion to learn and determination to succeed. Dr. Outram has been Assistant Principal at Concord College for twelve years, with responsibilities including examinations and enrichment. He has a passion for travelling and hill-walking and has taken Concord students on many expeditions to destinations including Costa Rica, Madagascar, Bolivia, and Kenya.

Dr. Outram moved to Malaysia at the end of the academic year and took up the position of the Founding Head of Secondary at Concord College International School.

Rosanna Kirkbride originates from Toronto, Canada and is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in English and Political Science. She then completed her teacher training at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia and is currently pursuing a master’s in education from the University of Bath.

Whilst in Australia, Mrs. Kirkbride developed a great passion for education and returned to her home country to teach at a native Canadian school in Northern Ontario. Shortly after she moved to the United Kingdom where she taught at primary schools in East London and Essex. Following her time in the UK, Mrs. Kirkbride then moved to an international school in Seoul, South Korea where she held the posts of Head of Year, Literacy Coordinator, Lead Safeguarding Trainer, and Extra-Curricular Activities Coordinator.

Mrs. Kirkbride served as the Founding Head of Primary at an international school in Malaysia, assisted with the physical development of the site, and successfully established the Primary School’s internal structures. She has also served as the Vice-Chair of Primary Heads within the Association of International Malaysian Schools. She is now the Founding Head of Primary at Concord College International School, Malaysia.

Brian Lees studied Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University in the UK, which included a year working as a Technical Services Engineer for British Midland Airways. A PGCE in Mathematics followed, before embarking on a teaching career in England and Wales which eventually brought him to Concord College UK in 2018.

He quickly realised the uniqueness of Concord and what a truly special place it is. The harmony existing between the students of many nations in a beautiful place of learning was tangible and chimed with his global view on promoting education, kindness, tolerance and peace. The opportunity to contribute to the new Concord College in Malaysia is an incredible undertaking and he is looking forward to helping build another very special place in which students can learn and thrive.

Mr. Lees is a keen cyclist and enjoys the outdoors. Teaching overseas has long been an ambition and he is excited to move to Malaysia with his spouse Janet, now that their three sons are independent.

Abdul Baqi Naeem is a highly experienced Physics teacher from Birmingham, UK, with 14 years of teaching experience. He graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSc and MSc in Physics, followed by a short career in business management. He then turned his attention to teaching by initially completing his PGDE at the University of Birmingham in 2011, followed by teaching experiences in the UK, UAE and in Malaysia.

Mr. Naeem is known for his passion for Physics and his ability to engage his students in the subject matter, making it both interesting and accessible. He is deeply committed to his students’ success and works tirelessly to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their studies. In his free time, Mr. Naeem enjoys playing snooker and chess. He also loves to travel.

Balachandran Palaniandy, affectionately known as Bala, is a seasoned Biology teacher with 16 years of expertise in teaching, performance coaching, and teacher training. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Microbiology from the University of Malaya and a master’s degree in education from Sultan Idris Education University.

Bala’s career began at Taylor’s College, where he excelled as Subject Lead and Head of People Development. In 2019, he embraced international teaching, later joining Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar School, where he enriched his experience in a boarding school setting. Bala’s unwavering dedication to student success and belief in education’s transformative power drive his innovative teaching approach. Outside the classroom, he enjoys singing, traveling, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Following the completion of his PhD in engineering, Dr. Tee Yee Bond commenced his career as a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Applied Sciences within one of Malaysia’s leading private universities. His passion for education led him to explore international opportunities, where he furthered his expertise.

He pursued an iPGCE with the University of Derby, UK, enhancing his pedagogical skills. With nearly a decade of experience in the field, Dr. Tee has cultivated a profound understanding of various educational environments, particularly in teaching Chemistry to students across multiple exam boards.

Returning home from Shanghai, China, Dr. Tee is eager to contribute his vast knowledge and experience to the students at Concord College International School, ensuring a high-quality educational experience for all.

Bryan Keith Fordham brings over fifteen years of dedicated experience in Mathematics education, merging a rich background in technology with his passion for teaching. Originally from Canada, Mr. Fordham embarked on a career in IT before discovering a profound interest in education. This pivotal moment led him to teaching, where he has since thrived in an international setting in various secondary schools in China.

Along his journey, Mr. Fordham earned a PGCE and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, further solidifying his expertise and commitment to the field. Mr. Fordham eagerly anticipates joining the vibrant community at Concord College International School at Malaysia. He is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a new school, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a fresh perspective to the mathematics department.

As a richly experienced and qualified mathematics teacher of many years, Janet combines her expertise and a commitment to student success, to help individuals build confidence in their mathematical abilities and to reach their potential.

She has taught in UK state and private schools, and tutors online internationally.  As an assessment specialist, Janet provides freelance services to UK examination boards, in UK and international examinations, including roles of assessor, team leader, reviewer, principal examiner, and proofreader. She is also always keen to share with students her many interests in crafts and a healthy balanced lifestyle.

With three adult sons in the UK and New Zealand, Janet is now enjoying the adventure in Concord College’s new Malaysian international school with her husband Brian, and is looking forward to exploring more of Malaysia and other countries over this side of the world.

Eric was educated at a boarding school in the UK, during which time he discovered his love for Economics. He went on to read Economics at the University of Sheffield, before starting his teaching career in 2008 upon completion of his teacher training.

Eric has over a decade of experience teaching IGCSE, A Level and IB Economics at renowned schools in Asia and the UK. He is also an examiner for A Level Economics. Eric enjoys discussing current world economic and political issues with his students, allowing them to understand and appreciate the relevance of Economics to their daily lives, and challenging them with international entrepreneurial and economics competitions.

Eric currently teaches at Sherborne Girls, a leading all girls’ boarding school in the UK. He is excited to be joining the Concord family from August and is particularly looking forward to sharing his enthusiasm for Economics with pupils at CCIS and inspiring them to become passionate learners of the subject.

Tim Bown, a native of Liverpool, nurtured his interest in geography throughout his education in his hometown. After his undergraduate studies in geography, he delved deeper into urban and social aspects of the field with a Master’s degree from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Latin American Studies.

While his teaching career began in his Liverpool, a thirst for adventure took him to Istanbul University for two years. Back in the UK, Cumbria became his new destination, where he led geography fieldwork and fostered collaboration between schools. Eventually, London beckoned, and Mr. Bown’s leadership qualities flourished as he not only taught geography in various schools but also rose to senior leadership. Most notably, his efforts were key in transforming his last school to become one of the capital’s top performing schools, paving the way for him to continue his exciting career in Kuala Lumpur.

Krisztina Ujhazy received her master’s degree in Music Education at the Eotvos Lorand University Budapest, Hungary, and completed her teacher training at the University of East London. She also holds a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

After teaching strings to all age groups in New Jersey, USA, Mrs. Ujhazy moved back to her native Hungary, where she worked as a Secondary School music teacher and choir conductor, as well as a teacher of English as a second language. She has played in different strings and symphony orchestras, played the violin in a rock band, and conducted school and adult community choirs at countless successful concerts and competitions. She is also the composer of instrumental and choral pieces as well as rock songs.

Mrs. Ujhazy was the Secondary Strings Teacher at one of the top international schools in South-East Asia, Bangkok Patana School, Thailand.

Matthew McCobb was born and raised in Crosby, Liverpool (Evertonian). After Secondary, he studied for three years at Southport College of Art (Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Photography, Ceramics). Mr McCobb then graduated from Middlesex University, London with a B.A. (Hons) Fine Art and PGCE from Nottingham University, UK.

Mr McCobb’s teaching experience includes two years at the German International School of Abu Dhabi, designing the curriculum and examinations. He has three years’ experience teaching the MYP and DP visual art programme at Emirates National School, Abu Dhabi where he also qualified as an IB Visual Arts Examiner.

Mr McCobb has spent the last five years in St Andrews S107, Bangkok as a Visual Arts teacher responsible for KS3, KS4 & KS5. During this time, he also taught KS3 Design & Technology and been involved with creating units of learning for Primary students from Year 4 – 6.

The opportunity and potential of creating a bespoke Visual Arts Department at Concord College International School is an extremely exciting prospect for Mr McCobb who is looking forward to working with and learning from colleagues and students.

Erasmus Dry, originally from South Africa, brings a wealth of teaching experience spanning two decades. Holding both Honours and Masters degrees in Education, he currently imparts his expertise in Computer Science at Tanglin Trust International School in Singapore. Before his role at Tanglin Trust, Mr. Dry worked at Crawford College, where he not only taught Computer Science but also led the Tech Integration Team, driving technological innovation in education.

His global teaching journey led him to Cairo, where he played a pivotal role in the Robotics and Computer Science Department. Known for his dedication to providing practical, real-world learning experiences, Mr. Dry continually inspires his students to explore the ever-evolving field of technology. Outside the classroom, he finds solace in mountain biking and actively participates in various sports, embodying a balanced lifestyle that enriches his teaching philosophy and personal growth.

Yasmin is a Sports Science graduate and has been teaching for six years in an international school setting. Her expertise lies in fitness and dance including Salsation, Aerodance and Zumba, in addition to netball and field hockey. She is passionate about introducing students to variety of sports and activities, helping them build foundational skills, understand the value of sportsmanship, and discovering their personal passion for sports.

She believes in guiding students through each step of the journey, emphasising that there are no shortcuts to success. Progress comes through dedication and perseverance.

Craig Tyler studied Economics at Nottingham Trent University, England. After working for several years in the UK, he decided to change the direction of his career and worked as a teaching assistant in Barcelona, Spain and Beijing, China. Following this, he returned to the UK to complete his PGCE.

He then worked as an English teacher in Coventry, England for three years before moving to Malaysia to work as an English Teacher at Tenby Tropicana Aman International School.

Mr. Tyler will now be joining Concord International School, Malaysia as an English teacher. A passionate, dedicated and driven teacher; he loves working with students from different backgrounds and exploring new experiences, cultures and ways of life. Interests and hobbies include cinema, music, swimming, cycling, countryside walks and cooking.

Michelle Hong completed her training at Seri Kota Teacher Training College and has been a Mandarin teacher in both Chinese government schools and international schools. She holds a Putonghua Proficiency Test Certificate awarded by the Tianjin Language Training and Testing Center of China.

Having taught for over 30 years, she has worked with students of all ages, from Year 1 to Year 11, using an interactive and engaging style to enhance learning. Miss Hong enjoys working with students and is always pleased when they achieve good exam results and learn from their mistakes.

Miss Hong is fascinated by people and how they interact with each other through languages. She believes that language is one of the most important aspects of any culture. It is the means by which people communicate, build relationships, and create a sense of community.

Wee Chin Fang, has been teaching Mandarin for over 15 years. She graduated from the University of Malaysia, where she majored in the Chinese Studies department. This academic foundation further deepened her appreciation for the language and culture.

Throughout her teaching journey, she developed a deep passion not only for the language but also sharing the rich culture of China with students. She believes that language learning is a two-way exchange and is always excited to learn and grow alongside students.

In addition to teaching, Chin Fang enjoys embroidery and cooking, which allows her to express creativity in different ways. Embroidery helps unwind and relax after a busy day of teaching, offering a peaceful and meditative outlet. She also love traveling, as it gives her the opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences.

With a background in Journalism and Marketing, Iria started her career in 2014 at Newman Catholic College (UK) where she obtained her QTS through the salaried route at London Metropolitan University two years later. She has extensive teaching experience in both state and independent schools across the UK, achieving outstanding results in IGCSE and A-level Spanish examinations.

Recently, Mrs. Navas transitioned into the international education sector, spanning the primary and secondary level where she brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptability to diverse classroom environments.

Mrs. Navas is very much looking forward to joining Concord College International School in Malaysia where she would be proud of teaching through the school’s core values of Rigour, Kindness and Creativity.

Dr Nur Fiezila, who has more than 12 years of teaching experience in public and private schools, completed her doctorate study with Sultan Idris Education University and obtained her master’s in education from Asia E-University. Her involvement in the international school scene has brought her various achievements such as become the Head of Bahasa Malaysia, IGCSE speaking internal examiner, and founding member of a team that develops innovative curricula and teaching methodologies, striving to make Bahasa Malaysia learning engaging and impactful for students from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Fiezi applies extensive knowledge and passion for language education to create dynamic classroom experiences that foster students’ linguistic proficiency, cultural appreciation, and academic achievement among her students. A research-informed approach will ensure that her instructional practices remain dynamic, evidence-based, and responsive to the evolving needs of 21st-century language learners.

Nikki Outram, who completed her PGCE at the University of Cambridge, has been a Maths Teacher for almost 25 years. She has worked at Concord College UK in various roles for over 15 years. It is there that she discovered a love for working in boarding and has many years’ experience looking after international students.

She has an astute understanding of their needs as they juggle their work commitments, interests and their friendships in a new environment away from home. Nikki believes that in order to thrive students need structure, a healthy, balanced routine and trusted adults who will listen, support and advise. She puts the care of her boarders at the centre of what she does and is excited to lead a team of like-minded, highly trained Boarding Staff who will make sure the care of your child is their number one priority.

Although working mainly in secondary schools, Nikki has also worked in prep and primary too. As our Additional Learning Needs Teacher, Nikki will work across both the Primary and Secondary Schools assessing and helping with any additional needs that our students may have.

Rebecca Kernaghan is a history specialist, having studied at King’s College London. She is currently completing an online masters in Global Cultures at the same university. Having worked in some of the top schools in London, including Fortismere and the Latymer Grammar School, she also spent 13 years in China.

She was Head of Theory of Knowledge at BISS Puxi and then Lead Practitioner of International Humanities at the King’s College International School in Hangzhou. Beyond academics, she is passionate about creating extra-curricular activities and trips to create a holistic educational experience and has previously been Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and Model United Nations Coordinator. Malaysia feels like a second home to her already as it is the residence of her mother-in-law.

Ballber Sanghera graduated from Lancaster University in the UK, with joint honours in Mathematics and Economics, before going on to complete his teacher training at Leicester University. He spent several years teaching in both KS1 and KS2 in the UK before deciding to make the move to teaching internationally.

He taught at a range of highly regarded international schools in the Middle East, including the British School of Muscat and Dubai English Speaking School, before moving to Malaysia where he has been teaching Year 6 at Repton International School. Although he enjoys teaching across the curriculum, the teaching of mathematics is a particular passion and Mr Sanghera has been the maths lead for primary in five of his previous schools, ensuring rigour and consistency throughout the school.

“I recognise the strengths and individual personalities of each child and build on their prior knowledge to create confident, motivated and independent learners. I believe that learning is a continuous journey of exploration and discovery, and when learners are at its centre, imagination can flourish and thrive.”

Dr. Chia Lang was raised and educated in England, attaining a BA from UCL in Classical Studies, an MA Dist. from SOAS in Pacific Asian Studies, a PGCE in primary education and a PhD in ancient literature. Since becoming a teacher she has worked at primary and middle schools in both the UK and South East Asia.

Dr. Lang particularly enjoys inspiring creativity and problem solving in the classroom along with delivering colourful, fun and story-based lessons, especially for core subjects such as maths. Dr. Lang believes in setting high behavioural and academic expectations along with modelling and fostering a culture of respect, empathy and kindness.

In her free time Dr. Lang finds joy in walking, exploring nature and gardens, needlework and knitting, arts and crafts, video and board games and visiting museums.

George Ridley has been working in international education for over 5 years. Whilst studying psychology at university in the UK, he spent a year living in the Netherlands as part of an Erasmus exchange program.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, he moved to China in 2018 to start his teaching career. In that time Mr. Ridley taught both early years and primary children in Beijing and Shanghai. Most recently, he has served as a Head of Grade One in one of the largest bilingual schools in China.

Joining Concord’s new chapter will be his second time in Malaysia and it is something he is excited to be a part of.

Mrs. Iemke Dry embarked on her teaching journey in South Africa, where she acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree and PGCE. Fascinated by diverse cultures and the opportunity to explore different countries, she devoted 16 years to teaching at various international and private schools across South Africa, Egypt, and Singapore. Driven by her passion for education, she pursued a master’s degree in education in the United States.

Mrs. Dry’s expertise encompasses specialist Art teaching and Primary Class instruction, with experience in IB, the British National curriculum, as well as developing a bespoke inquiry-based curricula. Her primary goal has always been to ignite a profound love for learning within children. This commitment is underscored by her unwavering dedication to fostering a positive, welcoming, and motivating classroom environment, centred on inclusivity.

Shabena Begum, originally from London, UK, brings with her 14 years of teaching experience. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Psychology and went onto completing her PGCE at the Institute of Education in London.

Having taught both in the UK and internationally, including time spent in the Middle East, she has spent a total of 8 years teaching in Malaysia and has never looked back. She uses her positive, compassionate and empathetic persona to inspire young minds to believe in themselves, aim high and to become the best versions of themselves. With a holistic approach, Mrs. Begum endeavors to instil a genuine love for learning in her students, fostering an environment where children can thrive and develop both academically and personally. Mrs. Begum’s commitment to education and nurturing young minds is evident in her unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. In her free time, she enjoys hitting the gym or home workouts, exploring and travelling to new destinations, and playing card and board games.

After five years spent boarding at Harrow School, William Pendered continued to study Philosophy at The University of Exeter, before completing a PGCE at Buckingham University. Having been fortunate enough to live and teach overseas in New Zealand and parts of Europe, Mr. Pendered has loved being immersed in different environments, meeting new people and learning to speak French and Portuguese.

In addition to being a keen sportsman, Mr. Pendered is also fascinated by culture and the way it varies across the world which he passionately brings into the classroom, providing a global context for any learning. He is excited to join Concord College International School Malaysia and creating an environment within the classroom that ignites curiosity, embraces challenge and brings the learning to life.

Ms. Ong started her career in education in 1992 as a school teacher with the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE). During her 17 years with MOE, she not only worked as a teacher but also as a Teacher Trainer under Curriculum Development Centre from 2002 to 2007. Driven by her quest for knowledge and passion for education, Ms. Ong pursued a Bachelor of Education degree in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL) and a Master degree in English Language Studies. Following this, Ms. Ong embarked on a new and challenging career by joining private colleges and universities as a senior lecturer and head of university language centre.

Ms. Ong is known for her enthusiasm, self-motivation, experience and passion about teaching students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. She establishes good rapport with students and encourages the growth of respect, kindness, empathy, creativity and high-quality work in the classroom to prepare students for life. She has over a decade of experience teaching IELTS and Cambridge English.

In her free time, Ms. Ong likes cooking Malaysian dishes, desserts and making traditional Chinese snacks. She also enjoys needlework, art and craft, playing board games, walking and travelling to new destinations.

Mr. Tee Rui Jie, our Head of EAL, brings extensive experience in teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL), having worked with students from early years to secondary school across diverse nationalities and backgrounds in multiple prestigious international schools in Malaysia.

He holds an MA TESOL with distinction from Northumbria University, Newcastle (UK), and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Malaya. Mr. Tee is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment at Concord where all students can thrive. His teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in his passion for education.

He finds it incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation and growth of each child over time. To him, teaching is not merely a profession or a job, but a responsibility and a calling. It is a process that empowers learners to reach their full potential, equipping them with the skills and mindset to be ready for the world.

With a solid background in teaching English, Mrs. Praveena A/P Asoken is thrilled to be part of the team at Concord College International School. She began the teaching journey at renowned universities in Malaysia, where she taught courses such as English for Research, Creative Writing, and Academic English for South Australian Matriculation (SAM), as well as preparing students for the IELTS exam.

In international school settings, she has taught IGCSE First and Second Language and taken on roles like Head of Year 7, where she supported students’ growth both in and out of the classroom, planning activities and events to make school life memorable. She have also ventured into Project-Based Learning, planning multiple projects for Year 7s based on PBL Works, continuing to fuel her passion for supporting students in reaching their full potential and fostering a love for learning. As an EAL teacher for secondary students, she aim to make language learning fun and relatable.