SEREMBAN, 22 FEBRUARY 2024 – Soka International School Malaysia proudly announces the opening of its state-of-the-art full boarding and pastoral care facility, aptly named the ‘Friendship House.’ This facility marks a significant milestone in providing a secure and nurturing environment for their boarding students, fostering respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and independence within a holistic learning sanctuary.
The grand opening of the ‘Friendship House’ was a momentous occasion graced by esteemed guests, including Professor Dr Edward M. Feasel, President of the Soka University of America and board member of SISM, and Dr Sethu Kumanan, Chairperson of Sethu Bhasakara Group of Institutions, and Soka Ikeda College of Arts and Science for Women. This event brought together 800 attendees, including family members of currently enrolled students and families from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, China, and India, as well as other distinguished guests. Their presence not only added significance to the occasion but also reaffirmed SISM’s unwavering commitment to ushering in a new era of education grounded in humanistic values, embracing diversity, and fostering a global mindset for its students.
Inside Friendship House: Home to SISM’s GReAT Culture
Friendship House stands as a testament to SISM’s dedication to nurturing value-creating global citizens. Named by founder Dr Daisaku Ikeda, every aspect of this full-boarding facility is meticulously designed to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, fully embracing our GReAt culture, where students are encouraged to demonstrate Grit, Respect, and Appreciation for one another. The facility currently provides the care and warmth of a ‘home away from home’ for approximately 110 students from around the world.
Nestled within their picturesque and tranquil 50-acre campus, Friendship House distinguishes itself from many schools with its eco-friendly and sustainable architectural design reflecting SISM’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for its students.
The cafeteria, which is located next to the boarding house and aptly named ‘Happiness Square’, offers a wide range of well-balanced and nutritious international cuisines. Their in-house skilled chefs and certified dietitians prepare these meals to ensure that boarders enjoy healthy and hot food conveniently and safely near their living spaces.
Enhancing the Boarding Experience
Friendship House also offers a range of boarding facilities aimed at enhancing students’ overall experience. These include gender-segregated quad rooms, common study areas, student social lounges, a pantry, laundry areas, an infirmary staffed with a trained nurse, a fitness zone featuring a gym and a 50-meter swimming pool. Security cards limit access to the facility, and round-the-clock security measures ensure the safety of boarders 24/7. It is also Wi-Fi-enabled, making communication and learning convenient even after school and over the weekends.
Parents have the option to choose between Full Boarding or Weekday Boarding for their children. The Friendship House is capable of accommodating up to 360 students and presently hosts approximately 80% of its current student population, with 50% of its residents hailing from the vibrant international student community.
Celebrating Growth, Embracing Diversity
More than just a residence, Friendship House embodies a celebration of growth and pays tribute to the significance and importance of friendship. Within its walls, students form genuine bonds of friendship, supporting each other’s growth journey through dialogue, play, discussions, participation in boarding house activities together, as well as study and revision led by resident teachers.
Parents are invited to explore the enriching environment of Soka International School Malaysia, where cultural diversity is celebrated, independence is nurtured, and lifelong friendships are formed.
To schedule a visit or learn more about Friendship House and their educational programmes, please contact or visit their website.
Visitor Centre Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Public Holidays: By Appointment Only
Closed on Sundays
To schedule an appointment:
Telephone: +606-781 8988 | +6012 261 2023
Website: sism.edu.my
Address: PT25369, Persiaran Sendayan-Mambau, Bandar Sri Sendayan, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
About Soka International School Malaysia (SISM)
SISM is a non-sectarian international school offering the Cambridge Curriculum for lower and upper secondary from Years 7 to 11 (IGCSE), A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It is part of the Soka education system, which comprises Soka Preschools to High Schools in Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia, as well as universities in Japan and the United States of America.
