A week of celebrations in March punctuated the impressive platinum 70th anniversary of Penang’s oldest international school!
The International School of Penang (Uplands), the oldest international school in Penang, proudly marked its 70th anniversary with a week of celebrations from 10th to 15th March 2025. This milestone event brought together alumni, former teachers, governors and principals from around the world, alongside the current Uplands community, to reconnect and reminisce.
Uplands began its journey in 1955 on Penang Hill, housed in the historic Crag Hotel, originally built by the renowned Sarkies Brothers. It was established as a school for the Incorporated Society of Planters’ children, providing boarding facilities in the surrounding buildings. Over the decades, the school evolved and relocated – first to Pulau Tikus in 1977 and later to its purpose-built Batu Ferringhi campus in 2006.
Dr. Marc Mesich, Principal of Uplands, reflects on this momentous occasion, saying, “As we celebrate 70 years of Uplands, we reflect on our journey from the top of Penang Hill to our vibrant campus in Batu Ferringhi. This school has always been more than just a place of learning; it is a community where students, past and present, form lifelong connections. Our commitment to excellence remains as strong as ever as we prepare the next generation of global citizens.”
A WEEK OF UPLANDS CELEBRATIONS
To commemorate this historic anniversary, Uplands planned an exciting lineup of events:
- 10th, 12th, and 14th March 2025: School Tours & Photographic Exhibition: A guided journey through the school’s past and present, showcasing its transformation from Penang Hill to Batu Ferringhi.
- 12th March 2025: a memorable Penang Hill alumni afternoon tea, hosted by the Penang Hill Corporation.
- 13th March 2025: Cultural Fusion Concert: A sold-out evening of international cuisine and cultural performances by students and parents, celebrating the diversity of the Uplands community.
- 15th March 2025: Platinum Nights Gala Dinner at the Penang Marriott Hotel – A grand reunion bringing together alumni, past and present staff, and special guests.
Dr. Mesich highlights the significance of the anniversary, saying, “This milestone is an opportunity for our entire Uplands family—alumni, students, parents, and staff—to come together and celebrate the rich history and bright future of our school. We are honoured to welcome back so many members of our global community to reconnect and reminisce.”
LOOKING AHEAD: UPLANDS’ BRIGHT FUTURE
While honouring its proud past, Uplands continues to evolve. As the only IB Continuum School in Penang, it remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, internationally recognised education. The school is also expanding its horizons with ongoing campus enhancements, including sustainability initiatives like solar panels.
With deep roots in Penang’s history and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, Uplands will continue to nurture future global leaders while staying true to its core values of Respect, Integrity, Inquiry, Diversity, Collaboration, Resilience, and Balance.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PENANG (UPLANDS)
The International School of Penang (Uplands) is a non-profit, co-educational school for students aged 4 to 18. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Marc Mesich, Uplands offers the IB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma Programme, High School Diploma, and IGCSE qualifications. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), and the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), among others.
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