CEO Insights Magazine

Being humble is one of humanity's unique virtues. The stellar rep­utation of Michael Kok, CEO, Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), has been a significant factor in SISM emerging as one of the fastest-growing schools in the country. Michael is someone who con­siders his morning prayers as one of the most important aspects of his daily life and draws a sense of motivation and clarity for the day ahead from them. He finds great inspiration in the warm greetings of the children and the joyful sounds of their laughter filling the campus, something that was built under his own aegis.

Michael holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning and is also a Fellow of Chartered Financial Planning, accredited by an international financial asso­ciation, Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA). Additionally, he is a Registered Financial Planner and a Shariah-compliant Financial Planner, with credentials awarded by the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC). His qualifications also include a fellowship from the Life Underwriting Train­ing Council in the United States, a prestigious insurance program offered by the country's life underwriting professionals.

Furthermore, he is a life member of the Malaysian Institute of Management, reflecting his commitment to pro­fessional development and leadership in financial planning and management. In recognizing his contribution to the Financial Planning industry, in conduct­ing the Fellow of Chartered Financial Planning (FChFP) Courses in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines for the past ten years, he received an Award from Financial Hall of Fame Canada.

We are delighted to interview Michael, who walks us through the education­al approaches and leadership strategies within SISM. Below is an excerpt from the interview.

How would you describe the school environment and educational approach that make this environment possible?

One of the key principles I prioritize in our working environment is unity. We embrace diversity, welcoming students and staff from various backgrounds, including Chinese, Indians, Malays, and individuals from countries such as India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, U.S. and the Philippines. This diversity enriches our workplace and strengthens collaboration.

To ensure effective teamwork, I hold weekly discussions with senior management to review school operations and strategic initiatives. Additionally, we conduct regular training sessions and share insights from books we have read, fostering continuous learning and intellectual engagement within our team.

Another vital aspect of our approach is maintaining strong connections with professional academicians. By seeking their guidance and insights, we enhance our professionalism and refine our operational strategies, ensuring excellence in all aspects of school management. Furthermore, I remain committed to learning and staying updated on various operational aspects, allowing us to improve and evolve continuously.

These principles, namely unity, teamwork, knowledge-sharing, academic engagement, and operational excellence, form the foundation of our collaborative efforts, driving the success of our institution.

Over the years, SISM has carved its niche with a well-regarded pedagogy. Tell us about this.

At SISM, our founding principles are rooted in fostering global citizens who are compassionate, dedicated to lifelong learning, and embrace diversity. Recognizing that our student body comprises both Malaysian and international learners, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-evolving world.

Cultivating realistic perspectives and strong problem-solving skills is central to our approach as we prepare them to meet the challenges of an interconnected world. To achieve this, we implement a range of innovative teaching, research, and learning methodologies that enhance their learning experience and overall well-being. Among these methodologies, purpose-based learning (PBL) guides students in applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios with clear objectives, while social-emotional learning (SEL) equips them with the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills essential for personal and professional growth. Mastery-based learning (MBL) ensures a deep, lasting understanding of concepts through self-directed research and study, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey.

We are committed to preparing our students for an ever-evolving future by offering a diverse curriculum that empowers them with the knowledge and competencies needed to succeed in a technology-driven, globalized world. At the heart of SISM’s mission is humanistic education, an approach that prioritizes student happiness and personal fulfillment. We recognize the critical importance of prioritizing students' social and emotional well-being, particularly during their adolescent years from ages 12 to 18. Ultimately, our greatest aspiration is to cultivate individuals who contribute to world peace, carrying forward the values of compassion, wisdom, and global responsibility.

What is the role technology plays in ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders, including students, parents, and faculty?

One of the key tools we rely on is Toodle, a widely adopted platform that facilitates communication between teachers, parents, and students. Toodle ensures that parents remain informed about important updates, school-related matters, and any concerns that require attention. Each family with children enrolled in our school is individually connected to Toodle, allowing seamless information exchange between parents and school administrators.

For financial transactions, we use VIRCLE, a wireless payment system that enables students to make purchases at our convenience store, cafeteria, and other school facilities. This cashless solution allows parents to top up their child's account, ensuring that necessary expenses can be managed efficiently. Additionally, parents can monitor their children's spending through Toodle, providing transparency and control over school-related expenditures.

Furthermore, our library system is managed through ACCESSIT, a platform designed to facili­tate book cataloguing, borrowing, and academic re­source access. These digital tools play a crucial role in ensuring smooth school operations while enhanc­ing the experience for students, parents, and staff alike.

Building such an excellent reputation takes a lot more than technology. How would you define your leadership approach?

I believe that humility and being humble are essential in leadership, as they foster trust and approachability, enabling meaningful connections with others. Time management is equally crucial, particularly in an ever-evolving school environment where efficiency and effectiveness are key to ensuring smooth operations. Maintaining a strong relationship with top management is vital for the school's growth, as collaboration ensures that strategic plans are executed successfully.

Additionally, I prioritize open dialogue with both staff and students, recognizing that understanding personal challenges fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. Regular engagement with the management team allows me to oversee operations efficiently, ensuring that all processes are carried out effectively and without delay. These leadership principles guide my approach to creating a thriving and well-managed institution.

What are your future perceptions of SISM?

Since taking on the responsibility of leading the school from its foundation, I have witnessed its remarkable development from the ground up. Today, we have established proper facilities that support a thriving learning environment. Looking ahead, I remain deeply committed to ensuring the school's continued growth and operational success for as long as it stands. My priority is to build a lasting foundation, one designed to sustain the institution well into the future, providing enduring value and impact for generations to come.

Michael Kok Fook On Pkc, CEO, Soka International School Malaysia (SISM)

Michael holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning and is also a Fellow of Chartered Financial Planning, accredited by an international financial association, Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA). Additionally, he is a Registered Financial Planner and a Shariah-compliant Financial Planner, with credentials awarded by the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC). His qualifications also include a fellowship from the Life Underwriting Training Council in the United States, a prestigious insurance program offered by the country's life underwriting professionals. Furthermore, he is a life member of the Malaysian Institute of Management.

Hobbies: Playing Golf and Stamp Collection

Favorite Books: Books by Dr Daisaku Ikeda

Favorite Travel Destinations: United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and many Asian countries, including Japan and Thailand.

Awards and Recognition:

Fellowship from the Malaysia Financial Planning Council – A prestigious recognition given to a select few who have made significant contributions to the organization.

Best Student Award from the Malaysian Institute of Insurance – Acknowledging excellence during his early financial planning career.

Awards from Soka Gakkai International – Recognizing his contributions to cultural development, world peace, and humanitarian efforts.

Award from Financial Hall of Fame Canada – Recognizing his contribution to the Financial Planning in conducting the Fellow of Chartered Financial Planning (FChFP) Courses in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines for the past ten years.