Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

MORE than 1,000 educators and representatives from over 50 international schools across the Asia‑Pacific region gathered at the International School Services Education Expo 2025 (ISS Edu Expo 2025) at the Bay campus of Shekou International School on Sunday.

Organized by International School Services Asia (ISS Asia), the expo included a job fair, exchanges, and professional development panels and workshops. More than 20 companies showcased innovative ideas and platforms for education.

“Shekou International School and International School Services have collaborated to create this expo,” said Greg Smith, vice president of ISS Asia. “It offers teachers opportunities to explore new jobs, gain fresh ideas, and engage in professional development — all in one day and in one place. The expo enables educators from across the region to connect with outstanding schools here in China.”

Smith opened the expo with a keynote speech and was accompanied by a robot dog.

“Kicking off the event with the robot dog was our way of demonstrating how technology enhances education and drives improvement. Here in Shenzhen, we’re at the heart of a technology hub, and that plays a key role.”

“I came to this gathering to meet other educators, expand my network, and deepen my understanding of the education system so I can improve as an educator,” said Alexis Brown, an American participant who traveled from Guangzhou.

School leaders at the event outlined clear recruitment priorities. Emma Jane, principal of Malvern College Pre‑School Hong Kong, noted that her school looks for teachers who embrace play‑based learning, thrive in open‑plan settings, and share the school’s core values.

Mike Livingston, director of Yangon International School in Myanmar, came all the way to China to join the expo. He explained that given the cultural and development differences in Myanmar, he seeks teachers who are “interested in new experiences and a bit of adventure.”

When discussing the strengths of international and bilingual schools, organizers and participants emphasized multilingual environments, cultural exchange, and broader perspectives that complement more traditional education systems.

“International and bilingual schools provide opportunities to understand the world in different ways,” Smith said, adding that they “open minds and create future possibilities.”

The Legans — Scott, with 25 years in education, and Katarina, with 12 years — shared their insights on international education. They highlighted that its unique value lies in fostering empathy and giving children opportunities to interact with peers from different cultural backgrounds.

According to Jane, the school she works for is committed to nurturing children to be open‑minded, resilient, and willing to take risks.

Smith also emphasized that despite the growing role of educational technology and artificial intelligence in reshaping classrooms, teachers remain at the heart of education.

“So, one piece of advice we give every family is [to] make sure your school has excellent teachers who build strong, personal relationships with their students.”