Paragon International School

Part of Paragon Education SDN BHD, Founded 2014

Updated July 2026

1,500Students

10:1Student : teacher

Curriculum

IGCSE

Paragon Private & International School is a purpose-built institution in Johor Bahru offering both the Malaysian National Curriculum and the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. It provides a holistic, integrated education for primary and secondary students, aiming to develop future leaders and globally-minded citizens.

AcademicsAdmission & FeesCampusGalleryLeadership

Curriculum

IGCSE

Teaching approach

The school aims to mould leaders for tomorrow by nurturing students in body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes a holistic, student-centered environment that promotes leadership skills, global-mindedness, and the ability to thrive in a competitive educational landscape. The school's motto, 'non ducor, duco' (I am not led, I lead), reflects its commitment to empowering students to become global citizens.

Programmes

The school operates two distinct academic pathways: the Paragon Private School, which follows the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR Revised and KSSM), and the Paragon International School, which offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. The National Curriculum includes subjects such as Malay, English, Science, Mathematics, and Sejarah, with the Dual Language Programme (DLP) for Science and Mathematics. The International School covers Lower and Upper Primary (Years 1-6) and Lower and Upper Secondary (Years 7-11), incorporating programmes such as the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge Global Perspectives, Discovery Science, and Discovery Mathematics.

Outcomes

The school reports a 10:1 teacher-to-student ratio and states that 100% of its students are enrolled in colleges of their choice. Students have achieved recognition in various fields, including Cambridge IGCSE 'Top in the World' awards, SPM academic excellence, and success in national-level sports and robotics competitions.

Student support

EAL support

Unknown

Learning support

Unknown

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school accepts applications from both Malaysian and international students. The process involves submitting a completed application form with required documentation, such as academic reports for the past three years, followed by an assessment test and an interview to determine appropriate grade placement. For international students, the school assists with the Ministry of Education Letter of Support and the subsequent Student Visa application process through the Johor State Immigration Department.

Facilities

Swimming poolTheatre / auditoriumLibraryScience labsDesign & technology workshopArt roomMusic roomDance studioGymnasiumPlayground

About the campus

Located in Plentong, Johor Bahru, the purpose-built campus features a range of modern facilities to support student learning and development. These include a swimming pool, auditorium, multi-purpose hall, rooftop garden, and a library. Specialized learning spaces include a media room, computer lab, design and technology room, sewing room, dance studio, music room, culinary studio, science lab, and i-classrooms.

Co-curriculars

The school offers over 70 co-curricular activities designed to foster holistic development. These include various clubs and societies, sports and games, uniform bodies, and performing arts programmes. Students have participated in diverse competitions, including basketball, swimming, golf, ice skating, robotics, and debate.

Dato’ Mohd Azmi IstamatChairman of Paragon Education Board of Governors
Dato’ Mohd Azmi Istamat is the Chairman of the Board of Governors for Paragon Private School. He previously served as a government servant for 20 years, concluding his tenure as Deputy Director of the Private Education Division at the Ministry of Education Malaysia. He holds an MBA from University Utara Malaysia and a Bachelor’s degree from University Kebangsaaan Malaysia.
Ms. Lee HianSchool Director of Paragon Education
Ms. Lee Hian is the School Director of Paragon Education and leads Beacon International College, Singapore. She has over 30 years of teaching and course management experience, holding a Master’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in Computing. She previously served as a Senior Lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic for 19 years.
Dr. Ng Hien GhimSchool Director of Private School & Principal of Private Secondary School
Dr. Ng Hien Ghim serves as the School Director of the Private School and Principal of the Private Secondary School. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from Northumbria University and has 20 years of teaching experience. He has served as a principal of established private schools in Johor Bahru for the past 8 years.
Ms. Elynn PangSchool Director of International School
Ms. Elynn Pang is the School Director of the International School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology from Coventry University and a Master’s in Education from Wawasan Open University, and has completed an education research project at the University of Helsinki. She is a Certified Professional Coach with extensive experience in education management and strategic planning.
Dr. Chee Yen MeiPrincipal of International School
Dr. Chee Yen Mei is the Principal of the International School and an education specialist with over 10 years of experience. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and has published over 15 international research journals. She is experienced in applying Bloom’s taxonomy and outcome-based education approaches.
Mr. Tan Jun YouPrincipal of Private Primary School
Mr. Tan Jun You is the Principal of the Private Primary School. He holds a Bachelor of Science with Education from the University of Malaya and a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. He previously served as the Vice Principal of Sekolah Menengah Paragon from 2019 to 2022 and has received multiple teaching excellence awards.
Dr. Fong Ho KheongMember of Paragon Education Board of Governors
Dr. Fong Ho Kheong is a member of the Paragon Education Board of Governors. He holds a PhD from King’s College London and taught at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore for 24 years. He is a renowned mathematics author and the founder of BrainBuilder and the Association of Maths Educators, Singapore.