Future school leaders gain real insights from AIU and AIUIS governance
ALOR SETAR, 23 May 2025 – A group of 41 passionate future school leaders from across Kedah, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Perak and Kelantan embarked on a benchmarking visit at the Albukhary International University (AIU) on 21 May 2025.
These aspiring principals and headteachers, currently serving as teachers, participated in a dynamic leadership development session that’s part of a 10-month intensive training programme organized by the Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) under the Ministry of Education.
The briefing session gave participants a unique opportunity to observe how AIU manages its operations, offering valuable lessons in efficiency, innovation, and leadership. The visit focused on more than just daily tasks; it delved into organizational structure, staff motivation, handling performance issues, and fostering a culture of excellence.
Held at the Senate Meeting Room, the session began with a comprehensive briefing by Mr. Abdul Shakur Abdullah, Deputy Registrar and Director of the Centre for Corporate Planning and Communication. He provided an insightful overview of the university’s governance structure, strategic direction, and day-to-day operations, offering participants a clearer understanding of how AIU is managed at the institutional level.
Following this, Ms. Nurul Fadhilah Syahirah binti Ismail, Acting Principal of AIU International School (AIUIS), shared her experiences and perspectives on school management. She highlighted key aspects of leadership within the school setting, including academic planning, staff coordination, and student development. Her sharing offered valuable context on how educational leadership principles are put into practice in a real-world school environment.
Participants, aged between 35 and 55, were handpicked through a rigorous selection process designed to identify educators with strong leadership potential. The goal is to groom capable individuals who can take on administrative roles in schools across the country and lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
The programme encouraged these future school leaders to compare public and private education management styles. By studying how private institutions optimize their resources and maintain high service quality, participants gained fresh insights that can be adapted to the public-school context.From operational efficiency to staff development, these insights are expected to spark meaningful improvements in school leadership.
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