MapleBear, a global leader in bilingual and international education, announces plans to expand its footprint in Malaysia as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.
This expansion is part of MapleBear’s regional growth plan, as the brand accelerates efforts to bring high-quality, globally recognised education to fast-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
The move reflects MapleBear’s mission to prepare students to thrive as global citizens, equipping them with the academic excellence, bilingual fluency and life skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Meeting Malaysia’s Demand for Quality Education Through Regional Growth
As of October 2024, Malaysia welcomed 120,183 expatriate professionals, primarily from the IT and professional services sectors, including 27,460 expats from China who are contributing to a growing demand for world-class, globally recognised education options for their families.
With over RM170 billion in foreign investments secured in 2024 and a record RM64.1 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education under the 2025 Budget, the highest in Malaysia’s history, Malaysia is positioning itself as the hub for future-ready education.
As Malaysia continues to expand with a global outlook, more parents are exploring bilingual education options that combine international standards with local values.
“Malaysia is a key growth market for us, driven by its dynamic economy, increasing demand for innovation, and strong interest from families seeking world-class, bilingual, and international education,” said Patricia Koh, CEO of MapleBear Asiawide.
“With operations in 40 countries and a strong presence across Southeast Asia—particularly in Singapore, where we operate 58 schools—MapleBear is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional academic standards while leveraging operational synergies to exceed students’ needs and meet parents’ expectations,” Koh continued.
MapleBear has set its sights on opening 40 schools nationwide by 2030. This ambitious expansion plan spans from Preschool to full K–12 offerings, reflecting the brand’s commitment to making quality bilingual education more accessible to families across Malaysia.
The brand’s expansion strategy places a strong emphasis on community engagement, regional integration and sustainable local partnerships, ensuring that growth brings long-term value to students, families and educators.
Through strategic partnerships and franchise opportunities, MapleBear is actively collaborating with local stakeholders to co-create education solutions tailored to Malaysia’s evolving needs.
“We are committed to empowering the next generation through immersive bilingual learning and equipping them with the global competencies they need to thrive both locally and internationally,” Koh added.
Empowering Future-Ready Students Through World-Class, Bilingual Education
With nearly 70,000 students across more than 40 countries, MapleBear delivers education through a trusted model that combines Canadian academic rigour with Singaporean teaching excellence. The school’s curriculum, which spans from Preschool to Secondary levels, awards students the Canadian High School Diploma (OSSD) and/or recognised local certificates, depending on the region.
MapleBear aims to foster strong foundations and global competencies through an engaging, experiential approach that empowers students to take leadership of their own lives. Its bilingual immersion model enables students to master English alongside a second language, while developing leadership, creativity and problem-solving skills that are crucial for the 21st-century learner.
Rooted in experiential and play-based learning, the MapleBear programme encourages curiosity, collaboration and decision-making. All educators at MapleBear undergo rigorous training and receive ongoing support, ensuring the curriculum is delivered to international standards while remaining adaptable to local cultural and educational contexts.
With ambitious expansion plans and unwavering commitment to excellence, MapleBear is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Malaysia. By delivering a globally recognised, bilingual curriculum rooted in innovation and inclusivity, MapleBear is not only meeting the evolving needs of families but also nurturing a new generation of confident, future-ready global citizens.