Datin Freida Pilus, the founder of Cempaka Schools is untiring in her efforts to nurture the young.

Looking at the growth of the Cempaka Schools, of which Datin Freida Pilus is founder and mentor, it’s touching to discover that it all began because she wanted to give her sons a headstart in education. Today, the six Cempaka schools have become a recognised pathway to the finest universities in the world.

A RISK THAT PAID OFF
“I have always believed that academic excellence should exist alongside, and not in place of, a happy and enjoyable school life – busy, productive and above all, meaningful. I brought my sons up with the same principles I instil in all Cempakians, which is to be better than they think they can be. I’m constantly challenging myself to improve,” says the tenacious 62-year-old. What Freida is especially thrilled about is the Cempaka International Ladies’ College, the country’s first all-girls boarding school located at Enstek Technology Park, near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. “I want them to know that I am their mum of sorts while they are away from home.”

MUCH TO DO
She recalls the time when teaching was a noble profession and she would like to take it back to that level – change the mindset of teachers and retrain them. Even with the success of her schools, Freida says she still has a long way to go. Among these include transforming Cempaka Schools into centres of education which are constantly relevant to the times. “There was once, a while ago, when I said to my family, ‘maybe I should sell everything and go on a cruise!’ Then my son, Rizal said, ‘But this is your cruise.’ I never thought about it that way. I guess I am having the time of my life and this is my working holiday as I help my students in their life’s journey.”