Boarding Schools & Living in Malaysia

As CHRIS WILSON begins his tenure as the new Head of Prep School of Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM), he shares what he’s looking forward to. Plus, he recounts his experience of living in Malaysia for the past year with his wife Hayley and children Amelia (13) and Florence (10), who are in Year 8 and 6 respectively at the boarding school.

Where are you from originally?

I’m from the UK, although both my parents were expats until their late twenties, living in Hong Kong and Kenya. My early years were based in Africa and France, before we relocated to the UK when I was about 7.

What do you miss about it?

There are little aspects of day-to-day life that I miss – the flavours of certain foods, the well-developed friendship groups or the proximity to family. As a keen cricketer, I also miss the cricketing landscape that is prevalent in the UK, from the village games to the County and International matches.

How have you come to be living in Malaysia?

Prior to moving to Malaysia, we had been living in Norwich, a city about 90 miles north of London. Like my parents, I have always been keen to go abroad and was looking for a school that understood the value of an all-round education – one that marries the importance of the teachings that happen inside the classroom with the development that takes place across the co-curricular and boarding strands.

Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) is a boarding school that shares my passion for developing rounded and well-balanced individuals. It also allowed me to experience teaching abroad, in a vibrant part of the world.

What does a typical work day at Marlborough College look like for you?

I oversee the running of the Prep School at MCM for ages three to 13 years. While there are aspects of my role that will be familiar to everyone – emails and various meetings – I carve out time to see the children. It could be in the classroom, on stage, playing sports, learning music, at Forest School or just generally around school.

I also prioritise seeing the children arrive at the start of the school day. I will also sit with a different group of children for lunch, hearing all about the day they have had.

What can the boarding school’s community look forward to in 2025?

The children can look forward to a future that excites them about learning in the classroom and beyond. They will discover passions and interests that will last them a lifetime. They can benefit from the space and environment in school. There will be opportunities to make connections and friendships, and there will be time to think and be themselves. The children will also benefit from understanding more about the local environment and community, and the important role they play in modern society.

What do you like about living in Malaysia?

The food culture of Malaysia is wonderful to explore! I thoroughly enjoy discovering new restaurants around Johor Bahru. The blends of cuisines from Southeast Asia are a delight and very much to my liking. I also enjoy playing golf and am delighted at the number of excellent golf courses in and around the region.

As a family, we also enjoy exploring the region. This includes the beaches and islands nearby, all the time learning about the wonderful culture of this diverse country.

What are you looking forward to most in 2025?

I’m looking forward to continuing my exploration of the country while living in Malaysia and potentially neighbouring countries as well. I’m also looking forward to several events at work; experiencing the full calendar year at MCM, and all the festivals and events that take place.

About Chris

Chris was educated at Oundle School, Newcastle University and Cambridge University. His teaching career started at Winchester House, a Prep School in Northamptonshire. He taught mathematics, ran the boys boarding house and was head of cricket. Chris also took top age group teams for rugby and hockey, as well as running the squash teams. He was heavily involved with the outward-bound programme where he headed up the annual Year 3 and 4 residential camping trips, while also running summer camps, canal trips and the school ski trip.

In 2012, he moved to Lockers Park, a Prep School in Hertfordshire. He was Deputy Head for a year before becoming Headmaster. In 2021, Chris moved to Town Close as Headmaster.

Chris has a love for the outdoors, including playing cricket and golf. He has been Chair of alumni for his Prep School and secretary of the Old Oundelian Cricket Club.

Marlborough College Malaysia
Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org

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