In an increasingly globalised world, many Malaysian parents are searching beyond local borders for the best education for their children—specifically, in the distinctive academic and cultural landscape of American boarding schools. Beyond chasing prestige, these offer a pathway to universities, offer connections with peers around the world that last a lifetime, provide small classes for personalised attention, and extensive facilities and programmes that nurture every side of student life—academic, athletic, social, and personal.

However, selecting the right school that fits and navigating the complex admissions process can be daunting. This is where Sesameed Education comes in. The premier education consultancy offers personalised mentorship, support during the school applications process, and long-term educational planning to expatriate, high-net-worth, and internationally minded communities across Asia and the Middle East. Sesameed has a stellar track record: 93 per cent of their applicants have received offers from the top 30 schools in America.

In addition to their year-round advisory services, Sesameed also hosts the American Boarding School Fairs, now in its third year, to guide families with children in Grades 5 through 11. Previously hosted in Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai, which drew more than 550 families and 55 leading schools, the circuit expands this year to include Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. At the fair, families will have the opportunity to meet directly with school representatives, including admissions officers, alumni, and current students, which will allow them to gain insight into the unmatched opportunities of studying at an American boarding school. There will also be informative seminars on admissions, tests preparations, and student life, as well as guided school discovery sessions to find the right fit for your child.

Robb Report Malaysia recently spoke to Daniel Szeto, Founder and Head of Sesameed Education, and its Director, Rae Kuang, to find out more about Sesameed’s vision and the American Boarding School Fairs.

What are the American Boarding School Fairs? 

Szeto: The American Boarding School Fairs is an annual showcase of US boarding schools. It’s an exclusive platform that connects families in Asia and the Middle East with admissions officers from the most distinguished boarding schools in the US, including Choate Rosemary Hall, Deerfield Academy, The Hotchkiss School, The Lawrenceville School, St. Paul’s School, and more. At the fair, parents and students can meet directly with school representatives, explore signature and summer programmes, and learn what sets American boarding schools apart. More than just an event, it’s a curated experience designed for families who want world-class education and a meaningful pathway to top universities.

The American Boarding School Fairs is now in its fourth year. Could you share some success stories from past editions?

Szeto: We’ve seen many families begin their journey at our fairs and then enrol their children at schools such as Phillips Academy Andover, The Thacher School, Berkshire School, Blair Academy, and Northfield Mount Hermon, which are institutions renowned for their rigorous academics, leadership opportunities, and global alumni networks. These students are now thriving in fields ranging from STEM to the arts and athletics, with many progressing to leading universities worldwide. What we hear most often is that the fair was the ‘turning point’, that moment when families spoke directly with admissions officers, and realised how transformative and personalised the American boarding school experience could be.

Could you share examples of the world-class facilities or opportunities available at the schools featured in this year’s fair?

Kuang: The opportunities are truly extraordinary. Some schools feature professional-grade arts centres, where students stage full-scale productions. Others offer cutting-edge innovation labs for robotics and coding, as well as Olympic-level equestrian facilities, or signature programmes such as aviation and marine science, which place students in real-world environments. There are even schools with research affiliations with NASA, opportunities for political internships in the United States Congress, and various Einstein Scholars programmes for advanced studies in the sciences. These aren’t ‘add-ons’, but they are integral to the student experience, designed to help young people discover their passions, build resilience, and cultivate leadership.

For Malaysian parents who may not have considered American boarding schools before, why should they explore this option for their children?

Kuang: American boarding schools offer something unique: the ability to combine academic excellence with holistic growth. Students are encouraged to pursue multiple interests—whether in the arts, sciences, or athletics, while receiving strong preparation for the world’s top universities. The environment is diverse and international, providing Malaysian students with the opportunity to build global networks, while small class sizes and close faculty mentorship ensure they never feel lost in the crowd. For parents who want their children to be both challenged and supported—to develop independence, resilience, and leadership—the US’ model is a powerful option.

How do you help families who are torn between the US and UK boarding school systems make the right choice?

Szeto: We always begin with the child—understanding their strengths, goals, and temperament. The UK system specialises earlier, with students focusing on A-Levels from age 16, which is ideal for those who already know their academic direction. The US’ system, by contrast, is more exploratory, with options such as Advanced Placement (AP) and independent studies, providing students with a more comprehensive education that enables them to solve interdisciplinary problems in this ever-changing world.

Both systems are excellent, but the experience is very different. The UK’s schools are structured, tradition-rich, and more uniform, while the US’ schools vary widely, ranging from classical to progressive, with a strong emphasis on leadership and extracurricular activities. Families often find clarity when we explain how these differences align with their child’s aspirations. Sometimes, that means a UK school is the best fit; sometimes it’s a school in the US. Either way, our role is to guide families toward the environment where their child will truly thrive.

What common misconceptions do Malaysian parents have about boarding schools in the US, and how do you address them?

Szeto: A common misconception is that boarding schools in the US emphasise sports or extracurriculars at the expense of academics. The reality is that these schools are academically demanding, preparing students exceptionally well for global universities. Another misconception is that the American system lacks structure compared to the UK. In truth, American schools provide both: a rigorous academic foundation alongside the flexibility for students to pursue individual passions.

We address these concerns by sharing concrete success stories and, most importantly, connecting families with admissions officers, alumni, and current parents. When they see how well American schools balance academic depth with personal growth, the misconceptions quickly fade.

2025 American Boarding School Fairs Schedule

• Singapore: Saturday, 25 October 2025 | PARKROYAL on Beach Road (1.30pm to 4.30pm)

• Jakarta: Thursday, 30 October 2025 | Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria (7.30pm to 8.30pm)

• Bangkok: Sunday, 2 November 2025 | The St. Regis Bangkok (2.00pm to 5.00pm)

• Kuala Lumpur: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 | JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur (7.30pm to 8.30pm)

• Dubai: Tuesday, 9 November 2025 | Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park (3.00pm to 5.00pm)

Enjoy complimentary access to the fair by registering here today! Waive the admission fee (per family) with the code SesameedxRobbReport. For enquiries, contact +65 8218 6167 or email [email protected].