Our Story

ISS International School, once known as the International School of Singapore, is closely linked to Singapore’s vision and evolution as a regional and global leader.

ISS was founded in 1981 by the late visionary Singaporean politician, Mr. Chan Chee Seng. He was a founding member of Singapore’s post-colonial government. His belief in the newly founded Singapore and his commitment to his country resulted in many of years of service to Singapore as a Member of Parliament, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary.

At the time Mr. Chan retired from politics, Singapore was ready to take its place on the world stage and sought to attract foreign investment. A critical obstacle to this was the limited number of international schools in the country. Mr. Chan combined his deep-rooted love of learning with his understanding of his country’s needs and created the vision for an inclusive international school with a cosmopolitan outlook, and named it the International School of Singapore. Today this school is ISS International School.

In 1993, Mr. Chan’s wife, Mrs. Chan Ching Oi, a pharmacist by profession, left her position with the Singapore Ministry of Health and joined him in furthering his passion and vision. She currently serves as our Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

As a family owned school that is also a not-for-profit institution, we function as a big family. We are blessed with a culture in which all students are valued and included. In keeping with our Founder’s vision, we aim to make a difference in Singapore and in the global arena, and help students realise their individual potential.