
Mr Luke Kevin Blackburn
A dedicated school leader with a rich background in education. Mr Luke holds a BA in Sociology and a PGCE in Secondary Citizenship from Leeds Beckett University in the UK, bringing a strong academic foundation to our school. His experience as a GCSE and A-Level examiner offers valuable insights into the assessment and examination processes.
With 15 years of teaching experience, including a decade as a middle leader within Humanities and PSHE departments, Mr Luke is committed to student and subject development. Recent secondments in leadership initiatives and four years of experience in Kuala Lumpur have provided him with a global and national perspective, enhancing our school’s cultural diversity and awareness.
Mr Luke excels in curriculum development and uses coaching techniques to enhance teaching and learning. He is well-versed in 21st Century Learning Design and Digital Literacy as a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, ensuring our students are prepared for the future. Additionally, he had led the successful execution of whole-school events, creating engaging and memorable experiences for students and families, as well as developing pastoral initiatives that have contributed to developing the personal growth and attitude to learning of our students.
Beyond his professional achievements, he embodies personal attributes that make them him, an exceptional leader. He prioritises clear and consistent routines, ensuring a structured learning environment, and his organisational skills keep our international secondary school running smoothly. Mr Luke is known for his unwavering support and encourages collaborative growth among our staff, all the while prioritising student and staff wellbeing.

Mr Liong Hong Kit
Mr Liong Hong Kit is a dedicated and accomplished educator and leader, holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Marketing) from Curtin University and a Master of Education (Education Management) from Open University Malaysia. Over his career, he has made significant contributions to the field of education, inspiring students with his knowledge and passion.
With over two decades of experience, Mr Liong has held various key roles, including 14 years as the Head of Humanities, 8 years as Vice Principal, and 2 years as Principal. In each of these positions, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
As a skilled and enthusiastic teacher of Sejarah across all secondary levels, Mr Liong is dedicated to creating a joyful and engaging learning environment. His teaching philosophy, “When students are happy, they learn better,” underscores his belief in making education both meaningful and enjoyable.
Mr Liong’s leadership and expertise in education management are enriched by his academic background in both commerce and education. This unique combination equips him with a holistic perspective on fostering the academic and personal growth of students and staff alike.
Beyond the classroom, Mr Liong is actively involved in co-curricular activities. For over a decade, he has served as an official in leading the Miri and Sarawak badminton teams to the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) badminton competition. Since 2017, he has also been the treasurer of the Miri Division Amateur Athletics Association (MDAAA), showcasing his dedication to sports and community development.

Mr Kong Khei Siang
Mr Raymond is an experienced Corporate Trainer, who has provided training for the retail operation industry in the past, and throughout his training, he has managed to upskill staff to be more competent in their jobs. He also has experience in different industries, such as Road Construction Management, retail, and training, for the past 10 years.
Mr Raymond holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Marketing from Curtin University Malaysia. He is also a Certified HRDCorp Trainer who has completed the ‘Train the Trainer’ course, and he has been using his skills to train staff to upskill their work competencies.
Mr Raymond believes that teamwork and lifelong learning can ensure that a team works effectively in order to produce excellent outcomes. He is dedicated to bringing new change to the current working environment and to having both academic and non-academic staff be skillfully trained in order to serve the community better.

Ms Anna Theresa Jaul
With 19 years of experience in human resource roles, Ms Anna Theresa is a skilled and dedicated professional who excels in fostering strong workplace relationships and driving organisational excellence. Known for her competence and approachable nature, she has played a key role in creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture at KGS, uniting staff from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
Ms Anna Theresa began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science before discovering her passion for human resources. Her blend of technical expertise and HR acumen enables her to bring innovative solutions to her role. She has further strengthened her credentials by attending comprehensive training courses in human resource management, equipping her with advanced skills and insights.
Well-versed in the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, she serves as a crucial representative between employees, the organisation, and external authorities, ensuring compliance and addressing concerns with professionalism and empathy.
Ms Anna Theresa remains committed to supporting the growth and wellbeing of KGS’s workforce, ensuring the organisation thrives as an inclusive and dynamic workplace.

Ms Michelle Malarn
Ms Michelle is thrilled to be here with all of you. With nine years of teaching experience, including her work at private schools in Miri, she believes every student deserves not just an education, but also compassion and understanding. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics from UPM, Serdang, along with a postgraduate Diploma in Teaching.
Ms Michelle is passionate about creating a supportive environment where each student feels valued and encouraged to grow. She empowers learners by incorporating technology into teaching, enhancing engagement and fostering creativity.
Ms Michelle is here to guide and inspire, believing in every student’s potential. She looks forward to a positive and enriching experience together.

Mr David Wong Kheng Loong
Mr David holds an impressive educational background, including a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Administration, a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Methodology (PGCTM), a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (Honours), and a Diploma in Business Studies. His diverse qualifications provide him with a well-rounded perspective on educational practices, enabling him to blend technology, business insight, and administrative skills into his teaching approach.
With 23 years of rewarding experience in private school education, Mr David has honed his skills and deepened his understanding of various pedagogical methods. His previous role as a Senior Assistant in another private school has not only broadened his professional expertise but also sharpened his leadership abilities, giving him valuable insight into the complexities of school administration.
In addition to his academic and teaching achievements, Mr David takes great pride in serving as the Whole School Events Coordinator. In this role, he leverages his academic training and practical experience to create engaging and memorable school activities that foster a strong sense of community. His event planning incorporates creativity and organisation, ensuring that each event celebrates the school’s diversity and strengthens collaboration among students, staff, and stakeholders.
Driven by an unwavering passion for education, Mr David is committed to enhancing the learning experience for every student. His dedication to creating an inspiring learning environment and striving for educational excellence is evident in all he does.

Mr Howard Mamat
Mr Howard Mamat is a proud native of Miri, Sarawak. He holds a Foundation in Management and a Bachelor’s in Education from Unitar International University, qualifications that reflect his dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a passion for learning.
With over 9 years of teaching experience, including in government schools across the Miri region, Mr Howard has played a significant role in supporting students’ academic and personal growth. For the past 4 years, he has been a valued member of the Knewton family, where he has embraced innovative teaching methods and collaborated with inspiring educators to help students unlock their full potential.
For Mr Howard, teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge. It is about igniting curiosity, cultivating creativity, and helping students discover their best selves. He firmly believes that every student has the potential for greatness, driven by their unique strengths, determination, and creativity.
Mr Howard’s mission is to inspire students to view challenges as opportunities, embrace lifelong learning, and confidently pursue their dreams, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to achieve success.

Ms Katrisha Lee
Ms Katrisha is a dedicated and experienced leader in the field of Art Education, with 16 years of teaching experience across Primary and Secondary levels. She holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts from the University of Tasmania, Australia, and a Master of Teaching from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, providing a solid academic foundation to her role at Knewton Global Schools, Miri
Throughout her career, Ms Katrisha has remained committed to nurturing students’ creativity, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering an environment where artistic expression can thrive. As Head of Arts, she is responsible for the development and implementation of the school’s arts curriculum, ensuring that it remains dynamic, inclusive, and engaging for all students
Beyond the classroom, Ms Katrisha is a prominent figure in the arts and creative communities of Miri. Actively involved in local art initiatives, she plays a pivotal role in organising and curating community art events, exhibitions, and festivals that promote artistic engagement and collaboration. Her work outside of the school serves as an extension of her passion for the arts, contributing to the cultural fabric of the local community and providing platforms for emerging artists to showcase their talents.
Ms Katrisha’s approach to education goes beyond teaching technique; she believes in the power of art as a tool for self-expression, personal growth, and social understanding. Her holistic vision for art education ensures that students at Knewton Global Schools develop not only as artists but also as thoughtful, creative individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Ms Pepita Cheery Kones
Ms Pepita serves as the Head of Physical Education for the entire school. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, with a major in Coaching, from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Ms Pepita brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to her role.
Since joining the school in 2017, Ms Pepita has been a driving force in promoting sports activities across both the private and international schools. She actively encourages students to participate in sports events, fostering confidence, resilience, and a spirit of inclusivity. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she takes pride in nurturing young athletes and providing them with opportunities to excel in both internal and external competitions.
Ms Pepita is responsible for developing and enhancing the Physical Education curriculum, organising dynamic sports events, and identifying and training potential athletes to reach their full potential. Her patience and commitment as a coach have led to the successful formation of school teams, most notably the netball team, which she trains with unwavering enthusiasm.
In addition to her role in Physical Education, Miss Pepita serves as an Award Leader for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme and was promoted to Award Coordinator in 2022. In this capacity, she oversees the programme’s implementation, guiding students through its challenging and rewarding framework. This programme plays a key role in helping students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.

Miss Lau Siong Siong
Miss Siong Siong is a dedicated and experienced educator with a passion for teaching and student development. She has been teaching Mandarin at the school since 2011. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Belfast, a Master of Education from the University of Canterbury, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education (majoring in Guidance and Counselling, with a minor in Bahasa Malaysia) from Universiti Putra Malaysia.
With over two decades of experience in education, she has worked as a primary school teacher and a school counsellor in various government secondary schools in Malaysia. She also gained experience as a relief teacher at KinderCare Learning Centre in Christchurch.
Miss Siong Siong’s love for the Chinese language initially motivated her to pursue a career in education. However, as she spent more time with students, she came to realise that every child is unique, each with their own talents and potential. Even if some may not excel in certain subjects, they can still shine in other areas. This understanding led her to focus on student guidance, aiming to provide the right support and encouragement to help students discover their potential, build confidence, and find a path that suits their individual growth.

Ms Hailing Ajus
With a deep passion for education and 16 years of experience in secondary and tertiary education, Ms Hailing is a dedicated educator specialising in Economics and Commerce. She believes that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and student-centred, and she takes pride in creating an environment where students feel inspired to think critically and achieve academic growth.
Ms Hailing holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from Open University Malaysia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics (Honours) from International Islamic University Malaysia. Her teaching journey has been diverse, from guiding secondary school students in their academic progress to preparing college students for A-Level and Diploma programmes, she is committed to equipping them with not just knowledge, but also the confidence and skills to navigate the real world.
For Ms Hailing, teaching is more than just imparting knowledge—it’s about inspiring curiosity, fostering resilience, and empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. She remains dedicated to continuous learning, always seeking new ways to make education both impactful and meaningful.

Mr Michael John Evans
Mr Michael is an experienced educator with a strong background in Humanities and a commitment to fostering excellence in education. He graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a degree in Religion, Culture, and Society, a programme designed to prepare educators for teaching Humanities. He later completed a PGCE in Religious Studies at Edge Hill University, which marked the start of his teaching and leadership journey.
Throughout his career, Mr Michael has led Humanities departments in diverse and dynamic school settings, gaining valuable experience in teaching and leadership. He has taught Religious Studies and Philosophy at GCSE and A Level, as well as other Humanities subjects, and has worked to deliver engaging lessons and support strong academic outcomes at KS4 and KS5. His work in curriculum development includes creating resources that encourage meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences for students.
Mr Michael brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership, aiming to support colleagues and enhance the quality of Humanities education. Joining Knewton International School represents an exciting new chapter in his career, where he looks forward to contributing to the school community and embracing the opportunities of international education.
As Head of Humanities, Mr Michael is dedicated to nurturing a love of learning, supporting students in reaching their potential, and promoting a well-rounded understanding of the Humanities.

Ms Rachel Renee Wright
Ms Rachel brings over 12 years of international teaching and leadership experience, having worked in schools across Malaysia, Georgia, and Mexico. She specialises in English, English Literature, and ESL, and is particularly passionate about active learning, inquiry driven classrooms, and creating learning environments where students feel confident to think, speak, and write independently. She has previously served as a Cambridge History and English Literature Coordinator and IB MYP Team Leader, supporting curriculum development and collaborative teaching practice.
She holds a Master of Education in Globalization and Educational Research, a PGCEi from the University of Nottingham, and postgraduate certification in Secondary Education. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Cultural Anthropology. Her academic background supports an interdisciplinary and reflective approach to teaching and learning.
Ms Rachel is committed to fostering a strong reading culture and developing students’ confidence and craft in creative writing, with an emphasis on voice, imagination, and thoughtful engagement with texts. She values the integration of local culture into learning and enjoys drawing on the work of Sarawakian artists and writers to enrich students’ understanding of place and identity. Alongside this, she has supported learning experiences connected to wildlife research and conservation initiatives in Malaysia, helping students make meaningful connections between literature, culture, and the world around them.

Ms Nur Amanina Binti Zakaria
Ms Amanina holds a Master of Education (TESL) from Universiti Teknologi MARA and a Bachelor of Education in TESOL (Honours) from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. With a strong academic foundation in English language teaching and learning, she brings over 10 years of professional teaching experience across Malaysian national (KSSR/KSSM) and international (Cambridge IGCSE) curricula.
She previously served as the Head of English and Performing Arts Department at a reputable private school in Subang, Selangor, where she led curriculum planning, departmental strategy, teacher mentoring, and academic performance improvement across English, Music, and Speech & Drama. In this leadership role, she was actively involved in assessment moderation, examination preparation, and the development of high-quality teaching practices within the department.
Ms Amanina began her teaching career at Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM), where she taught English under the KSSM syllabus while also preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations. She has served as an IGCSE English as a Second Language Speaking Examiner and SPM examiner, and has extensive experience designing assessments aligned with both national and international standards.
Her professional credentials include Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Apple Teacher, and Gemini Certified Educator, reflecting her commitment to integrating technology, digital literacy, and innovative pedagogy into classroom practice. Beyond the classroom, Nur Amanina has coached and guided students in debate, public speaking, drama, and storytelling, and has supported pupils in national and international competitions. She is also deeply committed to teacher development, providing structured mentoring and professional support to educators at different stages of their careers.
Passionate about student-centred learning, Ms Amanina strives to create inclusive learning environments that foster critical thinking, creativity, and confident communication, while continuously contributing to the growth and excellence of the school community.

Ms Rayna Aman
Ms Rayna is a passionate and dedicated educator with nearly a decade of experience teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL). She holds a Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from University Selangor (UNISEL). After completing her studies, Ms Rayna gained valuable experience as a teacher trainee and English teacher at several government schools in Malaysia, including SK Puchong Perdana in Selangor and SK Senadin in Miri. She joined Knewton Global Schools Miri in 2016 and has been committed to teaching EAL ever since. She is currently in the final year of her Bachelor of Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) with Honours at Open University Malaysia.
Ms Rayna finds joy in creating inclusive learning environments where students from diverse cultural backgrounds feel valued and inspired. For her, teaching EAL is more than just language instruction—it is about fostering connections, celebrating milestones, and embracing the richness of different cultures in the classroom.
Her mission is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. She is committed to developing effective strategies, fostering collaboration among teachers, and promoting best practices to help EAL learners succeed in their educational journey.

Miss Chak Siaw Teng
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree, Miss Chak began her teaching career in Brunei. In 2020, Miss Chak moved to Malaysia and joined Knewton Global Schools, where she continued her journey in education. Along the way, she further expanded her expertise by completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with the University of Essex.
Miss Chak teaches Mathematics and Chemistry while also serving as the International School Examinations Officer, acting as the primary point of contact for all Cambridge examination enquiries. She oversees the registration process for both school and private candidates and ensures that every aspect of the examination process is conducted smoothly and efficiently. Her expertise contributes to the seamless administration of examinations within the school.

Ms Stephanie Liu
Ms Stephanie Liu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Biotechnology) from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. With four years of teaching experience, she brings passion and expertise to her role as a teacher of Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry at SSK. Her dedication to student development and academic excellence has made her a valued member of the school’s teaching faculty.
As the Examination Officer, Ms Stephanie is responsible for planning, organising, and managing both internal and external examinations at SSK, including the national Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Her duties encompass ensuring the smooth execution of examinations, maintaining examination integrity, and adhering to academic timelines. She liaises closely with the Principal and Head of the National School to address examination-related concerns, resolve issues, and plan effectively for upcoming assessments.
Ms Stephanie is dedicated to fostering an efficient and transparent examination environment that upholds academic standards and supports student success. Her expectation for this role is to ensure that students are well-prepared and confident during exams while promoting a well-organised and stress-free examination experience for both students and teachers.

Miss Amella Chong
Ms Amella is a Registered Counsellor with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors. She holds a Master of Science in Counselling from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Gaya (IPG). Coupled with her medical degree from Kursk State Medical University, Russia, Ms Amella brings a multidisciplinary perspective to students’ wellbeing. In her role as a Whole-School Counsellor, Ms Amella supports students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing through individual and group counselling sessions, assessments, and school-based mental health programmes.
Ms Amella has extensive experience working with students with diverse learning and emotional needs, and places strong emphasis on understanding each student within their individual, cultural, and school context. Her experience as a Teach for Malaysia Fellow in Semporna, Sabah, has deepened her awareness of the varied challenges students face across different communities. Drawing her experience from both her educational work experience and medical background, Ms Amella strives to take a thoughtful and structured approach in creating a safe space where students feel heard and supported.

Ms Michelle Loi
A passionate educator with over 7 years of teaching experience in secondary school, specialising in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, and Business Studies. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to boosting student performance in Cambridge IGCSE examinations and the ability to adapt teaching styles in both international and national curricula settings.
Prior to her teaching career, she spent 12 years in the oil and gas industry, with a broad experience spanning across Engineering, Hydrocarbon Production Planning, and Economics & Scheduling, as well as coaching technical graduates and upskilling junior staff. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from Curtin University of Technology and was a JPA scholar then. In her pursuit of becoming a qualified teacher, she earned her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCEi) from Queen’s University of Belfast, UK, and was awarded top student in her cohort for the Educational Studies & International Perspectives Module and the Post Primary Mathematics Education Module.
In the last few years, she also spearheaded the implementation of the Work Experience (WEX) Programme in KIS Secondary to support Year 10 students in their personal growth journey. Ms Michelle is committed to advocating for lifelong learning and hopes to inspire every student to live up to their potential. Currently, she is focusing on devising Business modules for KS4 learners who wish to undertake Business as an optional IGCSE subject, using thoughtfully planned resources to empower self-directed learning. Since October 2025, she has been appointed as the whole-school CIS Accreditation Coordinator.

Mr Rywen Chak Wang Yung
As the Whole School Co-Curricular Activity Coordinator, Mr Rywen is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students through a diverse and engaging co-curricular programme. With over five years of teaching experience in ICT and Mathematics across primary and secondary levels, he brings a comprehensive understanding of student needs and educational practices.
In this role, Mr Rywen is responsible for the production of a termly CCA programme, ensuring it provides a stimulating range of activities for all year groups. This involves close collaboration with the Principal, Heads of School, academic staff, and external coaches to avoid scheduling clashes and ensure all activities meet safety and quality standards. He manages a significant CCA budget, monitors student attendance and behaviour during activities, and maintains accurate records that adhere to the Ministry of Education’s Pentaksiran Aktiviti Jasmani dan Kokurikulum (PAJSK) system and requirements.
Mr Rywen’s educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from Open University Malaysia and a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, with a double major in Accounting and Entrepreneurship. Adhering to a transformational leadership philosophy, Mr Rywen sets clear goals and challenges for the team while actively providing solutions and support. He encourages teachers to propose their own CCAs and seek assistance whenever needed, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. His initiatives, including INSET sharing and direct meetings, inspire teachers to explore new ideas and improve their CCA offerings.
A key achievement includes maintaining over 90+ CCAs, a significant increase from the 20 available during the pandemic. This diverse array of clubs, sports, and uniformed groups enriches student life and contributes to their achievements in various competitions at local, national, and even international levels. Looking ahead, Mr Rywen’s vision is to continually expand the number of CCAs available to students and create more opportunities for them to represent the school on a global scale. He is committed to ensuring that the school is recognised for its diverse co-curricular offerings that contribute to students’ soft skills development, complementing their academic journey.



