Greater Kuala Lumpur (GKL) is becoming the world’s epicentre for innovative education. The recognition parallels Malaysia’s sustainable development in industrial technology, mobility and the global economy, among other key areas.

To be equipped to face and expand this globalised renaissance, young minds of today must become qualified leaders of tomorrow. Want the best education for your children’s consistent growth? Then consider the following top 10 schools and universities in GKL.

Primary and secondary schools

1. The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

With its ethos around planet Earth’s sustainability, ISKL aims to cultivate emotional intelligence among its students. As a Green Flag Award recipient, the eco-school has been developing and disseminating environmental-friendly educational initiatives that align with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) since its inception. The school was also the first to receive Malaysia’s Green Building Index Platinum rating for its sustainable design. One would not expect less from a learning institution whose Eco-School Model of education is a leading example for other schools.

ISKL is located at 2, Lorong Kelab Polo Di Raja, Ampang Hilir, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.

2. Mont’Kiara International School (MKIS)

MKIS is a recognised American school accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school is among the best in Malaysia and GKL; the Ministry of Education recognises it as a five-star school. Using its intensive curricular and co-curricular structures, the school motivates enrolled students to complete its well-integrated IB Diploma Programme with honours.

MKIS is located at 22 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

3. Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park

Available throughout Malaysia with a location in GKL’s Setia Eco Park, Tenby Schools are eco-friendly for all intents and purposes. The institution follows the global Eco-Schools Programme; the result of this devotion is a lush campus equally green in function. All Tenby Schools come equipped with solar panels, a rain harvesting system and a biodiversity garden, among many other sustainable features. If your children are inclined to become environmental experts of the future, this institution is where you should consider enrolling them in. WWF Malaysia did not award it the Green Flag status for nothing!

Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park is located at 1, Jalan Setia Tropika U13/18T, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam.

4. Garden International School (GIS)

Founded in 1951, GIS is one of the oldest and most prestigious private learning institutions in Malaysia. The school is an active member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). Like many other international schools in GKL, GIS offers both primary and secondary education; its latter structure is the academic driver for its status as a top-performing international school in Asia.

GIS is located at Jalan Bukit Kiara Off Jalan Kiara 3, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

5. Alam Shah Science School (ASiS)

ASiS is a top public high-performing secondary school whose main aim is to produce global leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Established in 2003, the school has since received numerous awards for its students’ consistent performance and visibility in nationwide, multi-industrial outreach programmes. ASiS also has an excellent exchange programme called the Internationalisation Programme; developed in partnership with Indonesia, Japan, Australia, England and more, the programme enables students to cultivate globally sensitive mindsets.

ASiS is located on Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.

Tertiary education institutions

1. University of Malaya (UM)

UM is Malaysia’s oldest and highest-ranking tertiary education institution and research centre. Located in Petaling Jaya, between Bangsar and central Kuala Lumpur, the prestigious university is known for producing excellent leaders with a propensity towards innovative, research-based multidisciplinary work. Many Malaysian politicians had graduated from here, including Tun Mahathir Mohamad, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin and Anwar Ibrahim. The university is currently in the 65th position on the globally acclaimed QS World University Ranking 2022.

UM is located at Jln Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, 50603 Kuala Lumpur

2. University of Technology Malaysia (UTM)

UTM is known for utilising Islamic theology and philosophy as its driver for academic distinction. On its website, the university states that divine, microcosmic attributes of the universe provide the stage for knowledge attainment. With this grand blueprint in mind, the university commits to helping students achieve excellence in science, technology and engineering for humanity’s overall well-being and prosperity. Historically, the school has produced top talents in the engineering field. It’s an impressive feat coming from an institution once named the Treacher Technical School after Sir William Treacher, the resident general in charge of technical education for the Federated Malay States Departments of Railways, Survey and Public Works in the early 1900s.

UTM is located on Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur.

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Students with a multidisciplinary interest in nature should consider enrolling in UPM. The university started as the educational epicentre for agricultural sciences after its birth in 1931 but has since branched out into other scientific pillars of natural sciences such as medicine, engineering, computer science and technology. With its persistent traction as a top university in Malaysia, enrolled students will be off to an elevated start in the global scientific community. After all, the university is ranked 143rd on the QS World University Ranking 2022.

UPM is located on Jalan Universiti 1, Serdang, 43400 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

4. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

The concept for the original Heriot-Watt University was established way back in 1821 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Back then, this prestigious public research university was called the School of Arts of Edinburgh. Its new title gathers the surnames of two great Scottish philanthropists and inventors: George Herriot and James Watt. The university has five main branches worldwide, including in Malaysia, and offers state-of-the-art British education preparing its students for global working opportunities.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is located at 1, Jalan Venna P5/2, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya.

5. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)

You cannot seal the list of GKL’s best educational institutions without UniKL. The learning institution is officially recognised as Malaysia’s leading entrepreneurial technical university. As a recognized title in the QS World Ranking 2022’s top 1000 universities, UniKL offers world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programmes enabling its students to develop critical thinking as future entrepreneurs and carve their paths in global business marketplaces.

UniKL is located at 1016, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.