Senior Leadership

Ms Shabeena is an experienced educational leader with a strong passion for nurturing young minds and empowering teachers. As the Head of National Primary at REAL Schools, Permas Jaya, she leads the academic development of students while fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Bringing years of experience from REAL Schools, Cheras, she is committed to continuous improvement in teaching and learning, ensuring students receive a holistic education that prepares them for the future.Her role involves overseeing curriculum implementation, enhancing teacher development, and strengthening student engagement through innovative teaching strategies. She actively collaborates with educators and stakeholders to cultivate a school culture that prioritizes both academic excellence and character building. Dedicated to leadership in education, she believes in motivating and supporting teachers to create meaningful learning experiences for students.With a Master of Education and currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Ms Shabeena is deeply invested in research on leadership strategies that enhance student performance and teacher effectiveness. Her work focuses on transformational leadership in education, developing strategies that inspire both educators and learners.Beyond her professional endeavors, she is an avid reader, movie enthusiast, and passionate swimmer who believes in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life outside of work. As a certified diver, she explores the underwater world with the same curiosity and enthusiasm she brings to education—constantly seeking new challenges and experiences. Whether diving into the depths of the ocean, immersing herself in a compelling book, or pushing her limits through adventure sports, she embraces every opportunity for personal growth and discovery. Her love for exploration and continuous learning extends beyond the classroom, shaping her perspective as a leader who encourages both students and teachers to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.“Great leadership in education is about inspiring both students and teachers to reach their fullest potential. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we empower individuals to create a lasting impact on the world.”

Joanne Chong is an inspiring leader in the realm of performing arts, currently serving as the Head of Student Services and Performing Arts at REAL Schools, Johor Bahru. With a profound commitment to nurturing creativity and artistic expression, she shapes the music department into a vibrant hub of inspiration.A graduate of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Joanne earned her degree in Business with a major in Tourism and Hospitality Management and a minor in Music. While completing her studies, she also taught ballet, further enriching her expertise in the performing arts. This unique educational foundation enables her to harmonize artistic vision with management skills.She started offering private music lessons while she was completing her SPM, and with over eight years of experience teaching in international schools, Joanne brings a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic approach to music education. Joanne is passionate about instilling a love for the arts in her students, encouraging them to explore their musical talents and learn instruments. By providing opportunities for students to perform at major school events, she creates platforms that not only showcase their abilities but also foster confidence and stage presence.In addition to her teaching expertise, Joanne holds a Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance in the UK, enhancing her understanding of the performing arts. She is also an accomplished pianist and violinist, having achieved certification through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM).Her dedication to cultivating a nurturing and inspiring environment allows students to flourish in their musical journeys. As she eloquently states, "Music is the universal language of mankind, and through it, we can find our voices and express our true selves." Joanne is a cherished asset to the REAL community, inspiring the next generation of artists and performers.

Mai Fen has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources, working across the full range of HR functions. Currently serving as the HR Partner at REAL Schools, Permas Jaya Campus, she focuses on creating a supportive and efficient environment for both staff and leadership, aligning HR practices with the school’s goals.In her role, she manages areas such as recruitment, employee relations, performance reviews, and career development. She works closely with department heads to ensure smooth operations and meaningful staff engagement. With her background and experience, she also provides career guidance to help individuals grow both personally and professionally.Mai Fen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Winnipeg, Canada, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. She is also a certified career guidance professional, giving her the skills to support individuals in navigating their career paths with confidence.Over the years, she has built a deep understanding of both human behavior and the needs of organizations. This has helped her foster meaningful relationships with colleagues and leadership teams. Her approach emphasizes care, continuous learning, and a positive work culture where people feel valued and motivated.“Every career path is unique, and through shared learning and growth, we move forward together. As a team, we strive toward our goals and celebrate success as one.” – Mai Fen

Jackie Hoo is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in banking operations and management. Currently serving as the Head of Administration & Operations at REAL Schools, Permas Jaya Campus, Jackie brings a wealth of expertise in managing school operations, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of multiple departments. Her responsibilities encompass overseeing school finance, IT, the library, infirmary, administration, science laboratories and facilities management, all while upholding high standards of service quality and operational efficiency.With a strong leadership background, Jackie previously held the role of Customer Service Operations Manager at Hxxg Lxxxg Bank Berhad, where she championed service performance, staff management and compliance with both internal controls and external audits. She demonstrated her ability to optimise operations, increase customer satisfaction and drive growth through strategic initiatives. Her career at Hong Leong Bank also involved managing staff capacity planning, cross-selling banking products and overseeing branch financial transactions to prevent fraud and errors.Jackie holds a Diploma in Professional Supervisory Management, which she completed part-time at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). She is known for her self-motivation, independent work ethic and ability to multitask under pressure. Her strong interpersonal skills, coupled with her sense of responsibility and leadership, have been instrumental in her success across both the banking and education sectors.Her personal philosophy is grounded in the belief that “Attitude determines behaviour, and behaviour develops competencies. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” This mindset has enabled her to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and she remains committed to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. Jackie’s approach to leadership is both strategic and compassionate, as she seeks to foster teamwork and guide her team towards achieving shared goals.In her role at REAL Schools, Jackie continues to prioritise efficiency, collaboration and innovation, ensuring the smooth operation of the school while promoting the well-being of the entire school community.

Diyanah Abdullah is an integrated marketing communications professional and certified digital marketer with extensive expertise in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies. As the Campus Head of Admissions and Marketing at REAL Schools, Johor Bahru, she leads the admissions and marketing team in driving student enrollment, enhancing brand visibility, and creating impactful campaigns. With a data-driven approach and a deep understanding of storytelling, Diyanah ensures that each brand she manages tells a unique and compelling narrative.Her role at REAL Schools involves overseeing the entire admissions pipeline, from generating leads to ensuring a seamless enrollment process for prospective families. She also spearheads major events such as open days and roadshows, collaborating with academic staff to showcase the school’s strengths. Diyanah is skilled in digital marketing, leveraging her expertise to boost the school’s online presence and building the relationships with engage the community effectively. Diyanah also is a Campus Lead Equality (DEI), she plays a key role in fostering an inclusive school culture where students, teachers, and staff feel valued and respected.In her previous roles, including as Regional Head of Marketing and Enrollment at Beaconhouse Malaysia and Advancement Manager at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, Diyanah demonstrated her leadership in managing multi-school campaigns, strategic admissions, and marketing efforts. Her achievements include increasing enrollment, optimizing SEO rankings, and developing successful social media strategies.Diyanah holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia Advertising Design from Multimedia University. Her passion for nurturing relationships with parents, students, and community stakeholders continue to contribute to the growth and success of the institutions she serves.“Every student’s journey is unique, and I believe in guiding families with empathy and care through the admissions process. I see my role not just as a marketer, but as a connector—someone who ensures that each child finds the right fit for their educational journey. Agility is key in our fast-evolving world, and I strive to be adaptable, leading with a balance of strategy and heart. By fostering strong relationships within the community, I aim to create an environment where growth and success flourish together.” – Diyanah Abdullah

Ms. Tan See Yee is a dedicated educator with 15 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for shaping young minds. Holding a Master of Education degree from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, she combines academic excellence with a heartfelt commitment to student development. Throughout her career, she has gained invaluable experience working in well-known private and international schools.Ms. Tan firmly believes that education plays a crucial role in shaping students' character and future. Beyond her passion for teaching, she is known for being a compassionate listener, always available to support and guide her students. By fostering a nurturing and open environment, Ms. Tan ensures that students feel heard, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential both academically and personally."Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing character and igniting a passion for lifelong learning."

Ms. Meera Perumal, Head of International at R.E.A.L Schools, holds a strong conviction that learning should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all students. She is dedicated to fostering confidence in every child, encouraging them to realize their potential and achieve their goals. Her vision is for no child to give up on their dreams, and she believes that with the support of teachers, families, and peers, each child can succeed.With a Bachelor of Education (Hons) in TESL and over 18 years of experience in education, Ms. Meera is deeply passionate about working with children. She has taught across a wide range of levels, from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Pre-Tertiary education. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the personal and academic growth of her students, which has reinforced her belief in the transformative power of education.Ms. Meera has played a pivotal role in the educational sector, including setting up two pioneer international schools and heading the International Primary Curriculum for 7 years. Her contributions also extend to designing specialized courses aimed at helping non-native English speakers grasp scientific and mathematical terminology used in both international and national curricula. Ms. Meera has not only trained numerous teachers but also mentored them, helping them grow into more effective educators.As a certified Child Safeguarding Lead, children's safety remains her utmost priority. Her involvement in project-based learning initiatives demonstrates her commitment to dynamic and practical approaches in education. Ms. Meera is a firm believer that education is a lifelong journey, and she strives to create an environment where collaboration between home and school builds students' self-esteem, trust, and resilience.

Ong Pei Tee, also known as Joane, is a highly accomplished education professional with over 15 years of experience in teaching, school management, and leadership within both private and international schools. As the current Head of International Secondary at R.E.A.L International School, she demonstrates strong expertise in strategic planning, team supervision, and operational management. Her vast experience reflects her passion for nurturing collaborative environments and enhancing the educational experience for both staff and students.Throughout her career, Joane has successfully led diverse teams and implemented professional development initiatives that improve teaching quality and students outcomes. She is known for her exceptional ability to manage complex tasks, balance competing priorities, and foster productive relationships with parents, teachers, and students alike. In her leadership roles, Joane has been instrumental in executing strategic policies, overseeing staff recruitment, and managing school operations efficiently.With a solid academic foundation, Joane holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Asia Metropolitan University and a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL from the TESOL Training Centre, UK. Additionally, she has attained multiple credentials in business and teaching practice, reflecting her dedication to continuous professional growth and excellence in education.With her comprehensive knowledge of education management, dedication to continuous improvement, and ability to inspire and lead teams, Joane is a dynamic leader committed to ensures that every learner is prepared for future challenges while fostering a love for learning."Every child is a masterpiece in progress, each gifted with unique talents waiting to unfold. Just like flowers, some may bloom early, while others take a little longer – but each blossom is equally beautiful in its own time. As parents and educators, it is essential to nurture with patience, love and understanding that success comes at different stages for everyone. Trust the process, encourage wholeheartedly, and watch them flourish in their own beautiful way!" ---- Joane Ong Pei Tee