Technology has dissolved many barriers, making high-quality education accessible from nearly anywhere. Increasingly, Southeast Asian families are turning to online learning to offer their children an education that opens new doors across the globe. While online education has existed for many years—almost two decades in the case of King’s InterHigh, the UK’s leading global online school—there’s recently been a noticeable increase in families opting for this modern educational route.
“We have the systems and technology to operate just like a traditional bricks-and-mortar school. Students still attend live lessons, complete homework, and sit exams,” explains Tahoora Khalil Urehman, Head of Middle East and Southeast Asia at King’s InterHigh. “But we also offer opportunities that physical schools simply can’t match.”
Families are drawn to online education for numerous reasons, from accessing a top-tier curriculum to enjoying greater flexibility for travel or pursuing hobbies.
The Growing Appeal of a British Curriculum
More Southeast Asian families are attracted to the extensive and versatile British curricula and qualifications. Emphasizing the development of critical skills through analysis and interpretation, and offering a wider range of subjects that includes creative arts and modern foreign languages, the British curriculum enables young people to delve into their passions, broaden their knowledge, and gain a global perspective.
International schools often present the most straightforward option for studying a British curriculum. However, these schools are bound by physical infrastructure and locations that may not be easily reachable for all families.
“Families increasingly prioritize a globally recognized education that can open doors to universities worldwide. At King’s InterHigh, we provide that opportunity without the need for relocation or the high costs often associated with international schooling,” Tahoora adds.
Rino Kawahara is one among many students who turned to King’s InterHigh in search of a more flexible, high-quality education. Based in Japan, Rino found herself in a common predicament: local schools couldn’t offer the globally recognized programs she desired for her future aspirations. Having already attended international schools abroad, she recognized the value of continuing her education through a British curriculum.
“I decided to join King’s InterHigh because there were no international schools in my local area offering globally recognized programs,” Rino shares. “I felt relieved knowing that I could now access prestigious and high-quality education remotely.”
Gaining the Flexibility to Learn and Follow Other Passions
A vital reason why more Southeast Asian families are choosing online education is the flexibility to learn regardless of location. This is particularly crucial for families living in remote or poorly connected areas where educational options are limited. Online schools effectively remove these geographical barriers, making quality education accessible to everyone.
Mrs. Kanagasabai, a parent of two King’s InterHigh students, experienced this firsthand. She and her husband had to live apart due to the lack of quality schools where he worked. In 2020, her sons joined King’s InterHigh, and the family reunited in Malaysia. Not only is the family together again, but her sons are also receiving the high-quality education they had long sought.
Another aspect of flexibility is time. At King’s InterHigh, live lessons are recorded, allowing students to watch them whenever convenient. Whether they travel or have other personal or professional commitments, they can still keep up with lessons. These recordings are invaluable for exam preparation, enabling students to revisit content and study effectively by hearing from the teacher firsthand instead of relying solely on their notes.
For Rino, online learning allowed her to balance her studies with ballet and travel. “Thanks to remote classes, I’ve been able to pursue my passion for ballet again, something I hesitated to do before due to academic commitments,” she notes. “The flexibility of remote learning has also allowed me to travel, something I’ve always loved! During school breaks, I could enjoy visiting Thailand without worrying about additional assessments.”
Accessing Personalized Support
An appealing feature of online schools for Southeast Asian families is the personalized support available to students. With small class sizes and advanced technologies like AI and VR, which create tailored exercises and immersive learning experiences, students are motivated to learn and thrive on their own terms.
Rino has ambitious goals—she wants to study law at a Russell Group university in the UK and later establish her own law firm—and she feels supported by her teachers in achieving them. “At King’s InterHigh, we encourage students to follow their passions, and all our teachers and staff truly want to see them succeed,” Tahoora says.
The structure of online learning, which promotes independence and self-management, has equipped Rino with skills that extend beyond academics. “Teachers actively encourage us to create our revision schedules and engage in independent learning outside class. These skills will transform me into a well-organized, disciplined individual,” Rino adds.
Joining a Global Community
Online schools transcend tech capabilities and expert teaching resources by enabling students to form a global community and build relationships with their peers worldwide. King’s InterHigh hosts students from 133 countries, creating a unique blend of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Socialization is also encouraged. “We have various clubs and extracurricular activities that our students can join to have fun, make new friends, and strengthen their connections,” Tahoora shares. This is something Rino appreciated. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from King’s InterHigh is the importance of staying connected. It enhances my overall learning experience and helps me build a strong support system.”
Breaking the Boundaries of Traditional Education
Rino’s story is but one example of how online learning can unlock doors for students, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and flexibility to pursue their dreams—whether inside the classroom or beyond. As the online education market expands in Southeast Asia, access to a school that understands the unique needs of its students can make all the difference.
Online education sounds like a great idea in theory, but what about the social skills that children will miss out on? In-person interactions are crucial for development.
Grace, I understand your concern, but online schools like King’s InterHigh also offer various clubs and extracurriculars to ensure students still get ample social interaction.
The social experience is definitely different, but it doesn’t have to be inferior. Virtual interactions can prepare kids for the increasingly digital world they will work in.
Grace, you forget that many kids in physical schools still struggle with socialization. Online education might actually provide a safer space for those children to make connections.
You both make a point, but what about the long-term mental health effects? Kids need real-life experiences, not just online friendships.
This sounds like just another way for rich families to monopolize good education. What about poorer families who can’t afford this kind of setup?
Max, online education can be more cost-effective than moving and paying for international school fees. It’s not just for the rich.
Henry, even if it’s cheaper than international schools, it’s still not affordable for many. Plus, it requires good internet access, which isn’t universal.
I love how online education allows for flexibility. My niece could really benefit from this as she is an aspiring gymnast, and physical school schedules are too rigid for her training.
Agreed! My son is a musician, and online education has allowed him to travel for performances without falling behind in his studies.
Flexibility is great, but don’t you think it’s too much freedom for kids to handle?
It all comes down to discipline and time management. Teachers guide students in these areas. It could actually make kids more responsible.
Doesn’t this just create a situation where parents have to micromanage their kids’ education? Seems like it could be overwhelming.
King’s InterHigh and similar programs still do a lot of the heavy lifting. Parents don’t need to micromanage as much as you think.
Emily, if it’s that hands-off, how do parents ensure that their kids are really learning and not just goofing off online?
I think this whole online education idea is overrated. Traditional schools have worked just fine for centuries. Why change now?
Because the world is changing, and education needs to keep up. Traditional schools can’t offer the same global perspective.
Relying on centuries-old methods is how you get left behind. Innovation is the key to progress.
Maybe, but not all change is good. We’re risking our children’s well-being for convenience and tech obsession.
Do these online schools even provide the same level of academic rigor as traditional schools? It’s easy to think they might be a bit lax.
Online schools like King’s InterHigh follow the same rigorous curricula as their traditional counterparts. Don’t underestimate them.
That’s reassuring to hear. Still, I wonder how well they prepare students for hands-on careers like engineering or medicine.
Many online programs include virtual labs and simulations, and even partnerships with local facilities for practical experiences.
I appreciate how online education can benefit families needing to relocate often. It’s a stable factor in an otherwise unstable life.
Yeah, military families could really benefit from this. Consistency in education despite moving a lot is a huge plus.
Isn’t there a risk of creating a digital divide? Only those with access to good internet can benefit, leaving others behind.
Zhang, that’s a valid point. Governments and NGOs need to step in to ensure wider access to internet and tech for educational purposes.
I agree. Hopefully, this can be addressed so the benefits of online education can be more evenly distributed.
I’m skeptical. The lack of face-to-face interactions might lead to a disconnection from cultural and historical contexts that are important for well-rounded education.
That’s a fair point, but online curriculums also include cultural studies and history, and they incorporate diverse global perspectives.
This sounds like it’s just paving the way for robots to replace teachers entirely. Not sure I’m comfortable with that.
It’s not about replacing teachers, Tommy. It’s about empowering them with better tools to reach more students effectively.
I personally believe that a hybrid model would be the best approach. Combining the strengths of both online and traditional education.
Honestly, I feel sorry for the kids. They’re going to miss out on so many school memories, field trips, and the whole school life experience.
Grower, but they’ll gain unique experiences too. Travel, personal growth, and a global perspective are invaluable.
My cousin goes to an online school, and he has made friends from all over the world. It’s amazing to see his confidence grow through this medium.
For specialized subjects, traditional schools often lack resources. Online platforms can really shine in providing these niche educational opportunities.