Head of School
Forest City International School is pleased to welcome Matthew as Head of School, beginning in April 2026.
Matthew brings over 30 years of experience in education, with extensive leadership experience across respected international schools. Prior to joining FCIS, he served for nine years as Head of King’s College, Madrid, where he successfully led the school to achieve an “Excellent” rating in all categories by the British Schools Overseas Inspectorate on two separate occasions, marking a historic achievement for the institution.
Earlier in his career, Matthew held the role of Deputy Head at Malvern College in China, where he contributed significantly to the academic development and strategic direction of the school.
In addition to his leadership in education, Matthew is also an accomplished scholar. He is the author of several bestselling textbooks on the Philosophy of Religion, widely used in academic settings. His contributions to education and scholarship have been recognised through his appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Matthew holds a BA (Hons) and MA (Oxon) from the University of Oxford, as well as an MA from King’s College London.
As Head of School, he is committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and strong character development. He looks forward to working closely with students, parents, and staff to continue strengthening Forest City International School as a vibrant learning community.
His personal philosophy is reflected in the words:
ms Undrea
Ms. Undrea Conley brings over 22 years of experience in education, both in the United States and internationally. Originally from Texas, USA, she began her professional journey in the military and law enforcement before discovering her true calling as an educator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington, along with certifications in generalist education (EC – 8) and English as an Additional Language.
Throughout her career, Ms. Conley has been recognized multiple times as Teacher of the Year and has also received the Regular Educator of the Year award. She is known for designing engaging learning opportunities that spark students’. interests in STEM and develop a deep love of learning. Her leadership experience includes roles as Department Chairperson, Lead Teacher, Teacher Mentor, and professional development facilitator across a wide range of topics in instructional excellence. Her work is rooted in a deep belief in student potential, and she remains committed to fostering academic growth, curiosity, and character in young learners while supporting a strong and collaborative teaching culture.
mr Fred
Mr. Fred Li, originally from Taiwan, China and having spent part of his childhood in the U.S., is a distinguished educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and administration. He began his career as a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering before transitioning into education in 2000, bringing scientific precision and academic rigor to his leadership roles. As Principal and Academic Supervisor at three international schools, he led them to recognized excellence. Now at FCIS, he serves as Upper School Principal, guiding curriculum development, faculty training, and sustainable school growth.
Fred has been instrumental in guiding students through the college application process, particularly those aiming for top-tier universities such as UC Berkeley and Oxford. His mentorship and expertise have been critical in helping students achieve their academic aspirations and secure placements at prestigious institutions.
His commitment to education, exceptional teaching abilities, and dedication to student success have earned him high regard and respect from both students and the broader educational community.
ms Annie
Ms. Annie Zhao is a highly accomplished professional holding a Master of Science in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University, USA, and a Global EMBA from the China Europe International Business School. With over two decades of experience in school operations, mergers and acquisitions, and post-acquisition management of K12 international schools, she brings a wealth of expertise to her current role as Acting Head of School Operations at Forest City International School.
In this capacity, Annie is responsible for overseeing key functional departments, including Marketing & Admissions, IT, Facility and Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources. Her primary objective is to ensure the seamless coordination of these departments to improve operational efficiency and support the organization’s buy-and-build strategy for school expansion in Southeast Asia and other potential markets
ms Lindsey
Ms. Lindsey Liu is a seasoned Human Resources professional with extensive experience in HR leadership and strategy across diverse industries, including education, hospitality, and corporate management. Currently serving as Human Resources Director for the School, that specializes in talent acquisition, organizational development, and compliance management.
Lindsey previously held key HR leadership roles at Nord Anglia Education Group, and Marriott Hospitality Group, where she successfully led HR operations, policy development, and employee engagement initiatives. Lindsey holds a Master’s degree from Shanghai International Studies University China, showcasing a strong academic foundation in her field. With a proven track record of driving employee-centric strategies and fostering high-performing teams, Lindsey continues to excel as a strategic HR partner to leadership teams.
mr Jack
With over 15 years of experience in the finance and accounting industry, Jack currently serves as the Financial Controller at Forest City International School, a role he began in 2020. He graduated from Inti International University & College Malaysia in 2007 with a degree in Banking & Finance and earned his Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) certification in 2022. Additionally, he is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. He is focused on delivering effective financial management and strategic insights to support the continued success of the institutions he works with.
Ms. Undrea Conley brings over 22 years of experience in education, both in the United States and internationally. Originally from Texas, USA, she began her professional journey in the military and law enforcement before discovering her true calling as an educator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington, along with certifications in generalist education (EC – 8) and English as an Additional Language.
Throughout her career, Ms. Conley has been recognized multiple times as Teacher of the Year and has also received the Regular Educator of the Year award. She is known for designing engaging learning opportunities that spark students’. interests in STEM and develop a deep love of learning. Her leadership experience includes roles as Department Chairperson, Lead Teacher, Teacher Mentor, and professional development facilitator across a wide range of topics in instructional excellence. Her work is rooted in a deep belief in student potential, and she remains committed to fostering academic growth, curiosity, and character in young learners while supporting a strong and collaborative teaching culture.
Mr. Fred Li, originally from Taiwan, China and having spent part of his childhood in the U.S., is a distinguished educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and administration. He began his career as a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering before transitioning into education in 2000, bringing scientific precision and academic rigor to his leadership roles. As Principal and Academic Supervisor at three international schools, he led them to recognized excellence. Now at FCIS, he serves as Upper School Principal, guiding curriculum development, faculty training, and sustainable school growth.
Fred has been instrumental in guiding students through the college application process, particularly those aiming for top-tier universities such as UC Berkeley and Oxford. His mentorship and expertise have been critical in helping students achieve their academic aspirations and secure placements at prestigious institutions.
His commitment to education, exceptional teaching abilities, and dedication to student success have earned him high regard and respect from both students and the broader educational community.
Ms. Annie Zhao is a highly accomplished professional holding a Master of Science in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University, USA, and a Global EMBA from the China Europe International Business School. With over two decades of experience in school operations, mergers and acquisitions, and post-acquisition management of K12 international schools, she brings a wealth of expertise to her current role as Acting Head of School Operations at Forest City International School.
In this capacity, Annie is responsible for overseeing key functional departments, including Marketing & Admissions, IT, Facility and Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources. Her primary objective is to ensure the seamless coordination of these departments to improve operational efficiency and support the organization’s buy-and-build strategy for school expansion in Southeast Asia and other potential markets
Ms. Lindsey Liu is a seasoned Human Resources professional with extensive experience in HR leadership and strategy across diverse industries, including education, hospitality, and corporate management. Currently serving as Human Resources Director for the School, that specializes in talent acquisition, organizational development, and compliance management.
Lindsey previously held key HR leadership roles at Nord Anglia Education Group, and Marriott Hospitality Group, where she successfully led HR operations, policy development, and employee engagement initiatives. Lindsey holds a Master’s degree from Shanghai International Studies University China, showcasing a strong academic foundation in her field. With a proven track record of driving employee-centric strategies and fostering high-performing teams, Lindsey continues to excel as a strategic HR partner to leadership teams.
With over 15 years of experience in the finance and accounting industry, Jack currently serves as the Financial Controller at Forest City International School, a role he began in 2020. He graduated from Inti International University & College Malaysia in 2007 with a degree in Banking & Finance and earned his Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) certification in 2022. Additionally, he is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. He is focused on delivering effective financial management and strategic insights to support the continued success of the institutions he works with.
PTD 5093 (PLOT 62)
JALAN FOREST CITY 9
FOREST CITY
81550 GELANG PATAH
JOHOR, MALAYSIA.
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Forest City International School Welcomes A New Head of School
We are thrilled to announce that Matthew will be joining FCIS as Head of School this April!
With over 30 years of international education experience, Matthew brings leadership, vision, and passion to our community.
A bestselling author and Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and the Royal Society of Arts, he is ready to inspire, empower, and guide our students toward excellence.
Join us in welcoming Matthew and get ready for an exciting new chapter at FCIS!