Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau

The Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) was established in 2011 by the MTT Learning Academy, a private Malaysian education group led by Datin Seri Saisunee Ong. The school was founded with a vision to provide a British-style education in Penang, offering both day and boarding options within a rural campus in Balik Pulau. The ownership group has personal ties to British education and intended POWIIS to follow the structure and curriculum of UK independent schools, combining academic qualifications with character development. The original Balik Pulau campus was designed to serve secondary students (Years 7–13), and in 2019, the school expanded with a second campus, POWIIS Tanjung Bungah, catering to primary-aged children (ages 3–11). Together, the two campuses offer a full-through British curriculum pathway from Early Years through A Levels.

POWIIS Balik Pulau has a diverse and engaged school community consisting of local and expatriate families, boarding students, day pupils, academic staff, and alumni. The school emphasises participation across all groups, and community life is enriched through regular school-wide events, such as International Day, musical and drama productions, science and arts exhibitions, and fundraising initiatives. The House System builds camaraderie through house competitions in sports, academics, and service activities. Students and families are also encouraged to take part in service learning projects and sustainability initiatives, particularly under affiliations such as Eco-Schools and The Alliance for Sustainable Schools. POWIIS promotes intercultural awareness and collective engagement by marking festive and cultural events from multiple traditions, reflecting the international makeup of its student body. Alumni events, parent forums, and university fairs further expand the community's reach beyond school life.

The school invites parents to engage through the POWIIS Supporters Club. This is a voluntary group of parents who support school events and initiatives throughout the year. Any parent may join, and meetings are held once per term on Saturday mornings. The Supporters Club works closely with staff to enhance the student experience and community life, particularly around performances, enrichment events, and co-curricular activities.