Leadership

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Our Management Team plays a crucial role at Knewton Global Schools, Miri. A dedicated group of leaders committed to nurturing, inspiring, and empowering both educators and students. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the management team ensures that our school not only meets its educational goals but also cultivates a supportive community that encourages growth and excellence.

Ms Lee Fun Nee

An experienced senior leader with over 20 years of teaching experience, Ms Lee Fun Nee has an impressive educator portfolio that includes numerous leadership positions in a reputable international school in Kuala Lumpur, as well as state and private secondary schools. Additionally, she has also held leadership positions in the corporate world before deciding to commit to education as a lifelong career. Ms Lee is an accomplished leader and educator who specifically focuses on building organisations and systems, developing leaders, and closely aligning and ensuring the consistency of curriculum content to meet the learning needs of students.

Ms Lee holds a Master of Arts in Education qualification from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and has also been mentoring teachers in the PGDE programme. She earned her Bachelor of Business with a major in Marketing and a minor in Human Resource Management.

Her other professional pursuits include an IB in Teaching and Learning Certificate, a Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers, an Advanced Diploma in Business & Management and an LCCI Diploma in Accounting. Currently, she serves as an authorised IB Diploma examiner for the Mandarin Ab Initio subject.

Ms Lee strongly believes in preparing students for the real world by nurturing and inspiring them towards academic and non-academic excellence. She is passionate about developing students’ leadership capacity and providing opportunities for young people to step out of their comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment. Ms Lee is a visionary leader who turns her words into action.

Ms Danielle Elisabeth Snyder

Ms Danielle is an experienced school leader in both primary and secondary schools. She has been working in education for 20 years in Canada, Korea and in Malaysia. Most recently Ms Danielle was the Assistant Head of International School for two years at KGS, and prior to working at KGS she was the Deputy Principal at an international school in Johor.

Ms Danielle has experience teaching in various subjects from primary through lower secondary. She has worked and taught the Canadian, IB and Cambridge curriculum. Ms Danielle has earned her Bachelor of Arts in French at the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor’s in Education from Nipissing University and her Principal’s Qualifications from Lake Head University.

Ms Danielle recognises that each child is unique and has different needs at each stage of their development. She is committed to providing all students with an education that meets their current needs while preparing them for the opportunities of the future. By allowing students to explore their passion, voice and talents within school life this will complement their academic progress. Ms Danielle is committed to providing an adaptive, inclusive and creative curriculum in order to meet the needs of our students and their future.

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.

MIDDLE LEADERS

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, Ms 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. 

Mr Michael Lian Gau

Mr Michael is a dedicated maker, programmer, and mentor with a passion for innovation. With three years of teaching experience, he specialises in Digital Literacy, Computing, IGCSE ICT, and Computer Science. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from Open University Malaysia, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (Hons), and has recently completed a Master’s Degree in Computing from the University of Technology Sarawak. 

As the Whole School Digital Literacy Coordinator, Mr Michael leads a range of projects that inspire creativity and problem-solving among students. His work spans from 3D design and printing solutions to constructing RC cars, planes, and drones. With unwavering guidance, he mentors students to approach challenges with innovation and determination, empowering them to achieve their goals and excel in their endeavours. 

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 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. 

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.