Finnish-inspired education is gaining popularity in Asia for its focus on creativity, well-being, and inclusivity. A key reason why Finnish education works is its focus on student well-being. Finnish schools recognize that emotional and physical health are essential for learning. With regular breaks for physical activity, and manageable homework, students are encouraged to recharge and maintain a balanced life. This approach reduces stress and helps children stay focused. As more Asian parents look for ways to reduce the pressure on their children and prioritize their health, happiness, this model is becoming increasingly appealing. As more Asian schools adopt this model, it is reshaping education by offering a balanced, nurturing environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth for students.
Here are some schools in Asia offering the Finnish curriculum:
1. Campus Rangers International School, Kuala Lumpur
Campus Rangers International School has partnered with FEDS (Finnish Education Solutions) to integrate Finnish modules into its curriculum. This partnership emphasizes 21st-century skills such as data analysis, IT, communication, creativity, and emotional intelligence. With a “No One is Left Behind” mission, the school combines Finnish educational practices with the British framework, ensuring a balanced, personalized learning experience from preschool to secondary school. This approach helps students develop the skills needed for success and fulfilment. Established in 2023, the school offers a comprehensive Finnish syllabus alongside the Cambridge IGCSE Programme, beginning from preschool. Our experienced and dedicated teachers provide a personalized approach to learning in small class sizes, supported by well-resourced facilities. With an excellent track record of IGCSE results and affordable fees, we ensure quality education for all students.
2. Cempaka International School, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Located in the tranquil suburb of Damansara Heights, Cempaka International School is Malaysia’s pioneering institution offering a comprehensive Finnish education model. With experienced Finnish faculty and a teaching approach that aligns with Finnish pedagogy, the school provides a solid foundation for students, guiding them to achieve outstanding results in the country’s top IGCSE and A Level programmes. Catering to students aged 2 to 18, the school’s unified campus includes early childhood, primary, secondary and pre-university education, promoting a sense of community and growth.
3. Finnway International School Phuket
Formerly known as Rainbow Trout International Kindergarten,it now offers Kindergarten and Primary education from Pre-K to Grade 6. They focus on English instruction while following "The Finnish Way," a curriculum of academic excellence that fosters the holistic development of each child. Their approach includes personalized, project-based, and active learning, emphasizing 21st-century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. As Phuket's first Finnish-inspired school, they offer a global perspective and tailor the Finnish curriculum to meet the needs of our community. Their students are fully prepared for secondary school exams in Thailand and worldwide, regulated by Finnish Global Education Solutions.
HEI Schools, founded by the University of Helsinki and Professor Lipponen, is a global leader in research-based education. With 26 schools worldwide, including 16 in Asia (China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and soon Timor Leste), HEI Schools educates 1,670 students and supports 1,120 educators. Additionally, 1,611 teachers participate in HEI Diploma programmes. They continue to advance the curriculum through strong academic partnerships, showcasing Finland’s innovative and high-quality education globally. HEI Schools offer a renowned Finnish early education model focusing on holistic learning, play-based pedagogy, and 21st-century skills. It supports children’s growth through interaction, fostering communication, collaboration, and inclusion. The HEI Schools K-12 Concept blends Finnish principles with the IB curriculum, offering holistic education from Early Years to Grade 12. Focused on well-being, academic excellence, and 21st-century skills, it is globally recognized.
5. Lil Unicorn Preschool by Dwi Emas
Lil Unicorn is the first Finnish-Asian hybrid preschool, combining ACE EdVenture’s 26 years of experience with Finland’s early childhood education expertise. It offers a unique curriculum focused on exploration, curiosity, and emotional engagement. Children learn in a stress-free, holistic environment with subjects like English, Chinese, Science, Mathematics, and life skills. The program encourages creativity, social intelligence, and entrepreneurship, nurturing kids' natural passion for learning. Lil Unicorn is located at Dwi Emas Gallery and Menara Hap Seng, offering an enriching educational experience for young learners. TinyApp, the Finnish pedagogical assistant for early childhood education, is used to ensure the entire learning process is clearly tracked for the ease of reference of the children’s parents and teachers.
6. Qatar Finland International School (QFIS)
QFIS combines Finnish educational expertise with Qatar's unique needs, offering top-tier education focused on student well-being and individual growth. They aim to create active global citizens dedicated to sustainability. The curriculum, based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum with local adaptations, serves students aged 5-17 (Grades 0-12). Teaching is in English, emphasizing holistic education, cross-curricular themes, and active learning. They focus on developing students' social, cognitive, and problem-solving skills while fostering participation. Continuous assessment provides valuable insights for students, parents, and teachers, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized learning experience for life, beyond just academic success.
7. Spectrum Islamic Preschool (Spectrum Wonders)
Spectrum is proud to be the first Islamic & Finnish preschool in Malaysia accredited by the University of Helsinki. Their Early Childhood program combines the renowned Finnish HEI curriculum with Islamic studies, offering a strong foundation for holistic development. Through play-based and inquiry-based learning, they foster creativity, curiosity, and social-emotional skills. Their experienced educators create a nurturing environment where children develop essential skills and explore their potential. By blending Finnish pedagogies and Islamic values, they ensure a joyful, supportive space for children to grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively, preparing them for a bright future.
UCSI Schools Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's first Finnish Experience Flagship School, offering four tech-based modules: Code School Finland, Eduten Playground, Grapho Game, and School Day. These programs teach 21st-century skills like coding, robotics, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Code School Finland provides lesson plans and materials for programming and robotics in primary education. Eduten Playground offers math exercises co-designed by Finnish teachers. School Day uses AI to support social-emotional learning and wellbeing. Grapho Game focuses on literacy through phonemes, helping students build language skills in a fun, interactive way with personalized avatars.
9. Vietnam Finland International School (VFIS)
In 2021, VFIS became the first Finnish IB school in Asia, authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme. Committed to high-quality international education, VFIS encourages students to lead fulfilling lives. As an IB World School, it shares a philosophy of challenging, rewarding education for a global future. VFIS is the first Finnish international school in Southeast Asia, adhering to Finnish education standards. It offers two programs: a 100% international program and an English-Vietnamese bilingual program for students in Grades 1-12. The school recruits educators based on Finnish teaching standards and promotes future-oriented learning.
To find out more about international schools, make sure to use the powerful School Finder and School Comparison tool on www.EducationDestinationAsia.com.
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