Music is more than notes and rhythm—it is the heartbeat of connection, creativity and emotion. At Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS), singing and music education play a vital role in shaping confident, joyful, and empathetic learners. Under the inspiring leadership of Ms Sara Ngooi and Mr Junaidi Kusnong, winner of HoneyKids’ Teacher of the Year award 2025, SMMIS demonstrates how music can truly fuel the soul and enrich the international school experience.
Singing: The Language of the Soul
Singing is humanity’s oldest form of expression—a way to connect hearts and minds beyond words. Research shows that group singing boosts emotional wellbeing, releases endorphins and builds social bonds, allowing students to feel connected and uplifted even during academic challenges. It fosters calmness, resilience and happiness, helping children focus better and express themselves freely. In essence, singing serves as an emotional anchor, promoting belonging and joy across the school community—values that lie at the heart of SMMIS.
The Role of Music in the International Curriculum
Music education is a cornerstone of holistic development. It strengthens both hemispheres of the brain, enhancing memory, spatial awareness, and creativity while nurturing cultural empathy through exposure to global musical traditions. In international schools, where cultural diversity thrives, music becomes a unifying language that celebrates difference and encourages mutual understanding. A robust music curriculum provides a balance to academic rigour, allowing students to develop emotional intelligence, self-discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Teaching with Heart and Rhythm
At SMMIS, Ms Sara and Mr Junaidi Kusnong bring this philosophy to life. With decades of experience between them the Music Team seamlessly weaves music, compassion and innovation into every lesson. Their dynamic approach extends beyond the classroom: from directing school concerts to curating lunchtime performances and even launching parent-teacher music sessions that bridge school and home life. Their inclusive teaching style exemplifies the power of music as a vehicle for confidence, collaboration and joy—embodying the SMMIS ethos of educating both the mind and the heart.
Why SMMIS Gets It Right
What sets SMMIS apart is its holistic philosophy—academics are balanced with arts, ethics, and emotional wellbeing. The school recognises that creativity fuels cognitive and social growth, making music not an extracurricular but an integral part of every child’s education. Under Ms Sara and Mr. Junaidi’s leadership, SMMIS’s music programme nurtures confident global citizens who sing not just with skill but with soul—a reflection of the school’s commitment to fostering a community where every voice is valued, every note matters, and every heart resonates in harmony.
SMMIS proudly joined the global celebration of World Singing Day, singing ‘All of Us’ uniting students, staff, and families through the universal language of song. Guided by the music staff, the school community gathered in joyful harmony to promote peace, connection, and positivity through music. This event reflects SMMIS’s holistic ethos—celebrating creativity, inclusion, and unity across its vibrant international community
In the words of a timeless truth: when children sing, they don’t just make music—they make meaning. And at SMMIS, that meaning resonates in every classroom, concert, and smile.
Get in touch with our friendly team to learn about how SMMIS’s unique approach to education can support your child’s development. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community and sharing how we help students build lifelong connections and a foundation for success.
