The Difference in Thinking Skills Revealed at an IB Experience Event

Parent-Child IB Experience Events Are Gaining Attention

Recently, a news article caught my eye. It was about an event where parents and children could experience International Baccalaureate (IB) education together—shifting from “memorizing answers” to “thinking and acting independently.”

Reading this news immediately brought back memories of our daily life in Penang. At the international school my eldest daughter Hikari attends, this very approach of fostering independent thinking is a part of everyday learning.

The Decisive Difference Between Japanese Education and IB

I myself obtained a Japanese elementary school teaching license and have firsthand experience in the classroom. From that perspective, I can say the biggest difference between Japanese education and IB lies in “how questions are framed.”

In Japanese classrooms, “memorizing the correct answer and reciting it” tends to be what’s valued. In contrast, IB’s inquiry-based learning starts with “what kind of question to ask” as the foundation of learning.

I remember a project Hikari brought home when she was in first grade. The theme was “Where does water come from?” She came up with her own questions, researched in the library, and created a presentation. The focus wasn’t on being given the answer, but on the process of finding it herself.

Insights Gained from Participating in the Event

Opportunities like this event, where parents and children can experience IB together, are incredibly valuable. That’s because IB requires not just a change in children, but also a shift in parents’ mindsets.

I, too, initially felt anxious about the lack of homework and test scores. But seeing my daughter research topics she was genuinely interested in and present them in English made that anxiety disappear.

In IB, “what you can do with knowledge” is emphasized more than “memorizing knowledge.” I think this aligns with what many business owners practice every day.

The Reality of IB Education in Malaysia

An increasing number of international schools in Malaysia are adopting the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). In Penang, several schools, including Uplands, offer IB programs.

In terms of tuition, the average range is approximately 80万 to 150万円 per year (roughly $5,300 to $10,000 USD). Compared to international schools in Japan, it’s said you can receive the same quality of education for about half the price.

At the latest exchange rate (1 MYR = 40.04 JPY as of June 5, 2026), education costs in Malaysia are very reasonable even when converted to Japanese yen.

The Effects of IB Seen Through Our Family’s Experience

Three years have passed since Hikari started attending the international school. Recently, I noticed a change in her thinking.

One evening at dinner, she asked, “Why is the sky blue?” When I replied, “Hmm, I wonder why,” she immediately said, “I’ll look it up at school tomorrow!”

I felt this was a direct result of IB education. Instead of expecting to be given the answer, she had naturally developed the habit of researching things herself.

Meanwhile, my son Zen (born in 2020) also attends the same international school, but his growth has taken a different path. He’s the type who keeps expanding his interests through inquiry-based learning.

Advice for Those Considering Education Migration

For those interested in IB education, I recommend starting with an experience event or a school visit. Seeing your child’s reaction firsthand will help you decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Also, when considering an education migration to Malaysia, a gradual approach can be effective. One strategy is to first test adaptability in a lower-pressure environment like Penang, and then move to a more competitive school in KL later.

Our family also started in Penang. Now, both Hikari and Zen have no trouble communicating in English and are enjoying their school life.

Summary

From “memorizing answers” to “thinking and acting independently.” This shift is an essential skill for children living in the coming era.

IB education is one effective way to achieve this. And Malaysia offers an environment where you can access this education at a reasonable cost.

Education migration is a big decision, but I am confident that when viewed as an investment in your child’s future, it is well worth it.

I encourage you to experience IB education for yourself. I’m sure you’ll discover something new.