Top 10 Leaders from Education Industry in Malaysia

Michael Kok Fook On Pkc, CEO, Soka International School Malaysia (SISM)
Michael Kok Fook On Pkc: Manifesting the Importance of Humble Leadership in Education

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).

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Top 10 Leaders from Education Industry in Malaysia - 2025

Leadership in Malaysian education is a key in shaping and driving the future of the country through innovation, leading practice, world-class institutions, and global competitiveness. Today, so many leaders in education, whether in public or private institutions, have positioned themselves to transform their practice of teaching in ways that align with the expectations of international education standards, actively leading the change towards digital learning, and responding to a changing and diverse student demographic. The time is ripe for educational leadership that pays attention to active participation in human and organizational leadership, with the goal of shaping the future of educational leadership in Malaysia and standing up to accountability, which is a necessity.

From universities and colleges to vocational and international schools, education leaders in Malaysia are establishing partnerships, creating opportunities for research, and reforming curricula that promote inclusive practices, critical thinking skills and skills development. They lead the way in quality learning, advancing technology and learning environments with smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and artificial intelligence technology, preparing students for a digital economy. These education leaders not only engage in academic leadership but also contribute to organisational policies, professional development of educators, and the overall governance of the institution.

With a vision of becoming the education hub for the region, Malaysia's education leaders are now focused on internationalising themselves, engaging with talents from abroad, and exploring new avenues for cross-border partnerships. Several institutions of education involved are led by dynamic leaders with international experience and local context to expertly bridge competing regulatory and cultural regimes. In times of competition and rapid change, education leadership in Malaysia is characterised by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to knowledge creation for nation-building. These leaders will play a significant role in influencing not only the organisational development but also socio-economic development on a broader scale, with sustained budgets and investing in education and research.

CEO Insights Asia in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Leaders from Education Industry in Malaysia - 2025' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.

Top 10 Leaders from Education Industry in Malaysia - 2025

Company Management	Company Name	Company Description
Adam Chan Eu Khin, Deputy Chairman	Help International School	His focus lies in creating inclusive, dynamic learning environments that integrate global perspectives and foster critical thinking and leadership skills in students
Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor	University of Putra Malaysia	He is a distinguished academic and engineer specializing in transportation studies, with expertise in road safety, public transport, and traffic engineering
Dr. Aishah Ong, Pro Chancellor	Universiti Malaya	She specializes in medicine and has a strong background in academics, healthcare and social work, and has held significant roles, including leadership positions in medical and charitable organizations
Djohann Iskandar Kwan Abdullah, Principal	Seven Skies Islamic International	He specializes in integrating Islamic values with modern academic curricula, and his leadership emphasizes character development, holistic education, and fostering responsible and faith-driven global citizens
Dr. Idris Jala Pro, Chancellor	Sunway University	Specializing in business, academic leadership and socioeconomic transformation, he excels in implementing innovative, results-driven strategies for organizational and national development
Michael Kok Fook On Pkc, CEO	Soka International School Malaysia (SISM)	With a background in financial planning and management, he is dedicated to professional development and leadership in the field of financial planning and management
Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Ariffin, Abu Hassan Director	UTM International Malaysia	With over two decades as an academic, his efforts not only enhance the university’s global engagement but also strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred global education hub
Dr. Mohd Shafry Bin Mohd Rahim , Vice-Chancellor	University of Technology Malaysia	With over two decades as an academic, his efforts not only enhance the university’s global engagement but also strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred global education hub
Peter Ng, Chairman	UCSI International School	His expertise in strategic business development and educational management has transformed the school into a premier institution offering diverse programs from early childhood to tertiary education
Prof. Dr. Sufian Jusoh, Vice-Chancellor	The National University of Malaysia	Specializing in international trade and investment, with expertise in public policy, ASEAN integration, and international law, his leadership focuses on advancing UKM’s academic excellence, research innovation, and more

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