ACS Bali Launches in Kura Kura Bali SEZ, Blending Academic Excellence with Community Values

Serangan, Bali – July 28, 2025 — The prestigious Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) officially opened its new campus in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) today, marking a major milestone in Bali’s educational landscape. This expansion brings a 139-year tradition of holistic learning from Singapore to Indonesia, where the school aims to nurture not only academic achievers but also future leaders grounded in character and service.

Founded in 1886, ACS has become one of Asia’s most respected school networks, known for producing alumni who have gone on to excel at top-tier institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and leading universities across Asia and Australia. The launch of ACS Bali is seen as a key part of Kura Kura Bali SEZ’s broader transformation strategy — shifting the island from mass tourism to a knowledge-based, sustainable economy centered around community engagement.

Located in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ), ACS Bali officially opens its door to students on Monday July 28, 2025. Photo: internal source.

“This is not just the opening of a school. It’s the realization of a vision,” said Tuti Hadiputranto, President Director of PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), the developer behind the SEZ. “We believe ACS Bali offers children the opportunity to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially, while being deeply connected to the unique cultural and ecological richness of Serangan Island.”

Situated just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, ACS Bali’s initial 3-hectare campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, a sports hall, a library, and a 300-seat canteen. Future expansions are planned across nearly five hectares, featuring additional learning spaces, student dormitories, and facilities inspired by Bali’s natural and cultural heritage.

This academic year, ACS Bali welcomes students in Grades 1–5 and Grade 7, with additional levels to be introduced annually. The school’s curriculum integrates the globally recognized Cambridge International and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, enriched with ACS’s signature approach that emphasizes leadership, character development, and community service.

Rob Burrough, Executive Principal of ACS Bali, emphasized that academic results are only part of what makes ACS unique. “Our families choose ACS not only for rigorous academics but because we foster resilience, humility, and strong character in our students,” said Burrough, a seasoned educator who previously led ACS (International) Singapore and has held leadership roles in New Zealand, Kenya, and Singapore.

The school’s first cohort includes students from Indonesia and countries as diverse as Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Philippines, the UK, and Singapore. Its teaching staff reflects this international mix, with educators hailing from Australia, the UK, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Among the first to enroll were local families excited by the school’s balanced philosophy. “We believe our children will not only receive an excellent education but also grow up to be well-rounded individuals,” said Prami, a parent from Bali. “They’re learning with students from different cultures, supported by a strong educational system. That makes us very happy.”

In line with its mission, ACS Bali will foster close relationships with the surrounding community of Desa Serangan. Students will participate in cultural exchanges, engage in service projects that support local livelihoods — especially those related to the ocean — and study coastal ecosystems together with their Serangan peers. This community-based learning reflects the school’s integrated approach to education, rooted in respect, compassion, and stewardship.

The school’s opening day was marked by a series of warm welcome activities, teacher introductions, and community-building exercises — a reflection of the school’s values of service, integrity, and faith. BTID has ensured the surrounding infrastructure supports a safe, smart, and welcoming environment for the school to thrive.

Established as a national priority in 2023, the Kura Kura Bali SEZ represents a new model for Bali’s development — one that places knowledge, sustainability, and local culture at the center. Over the next five years, the SEZ will grow to include an international marina, wellness resorts, creative industry spaces, and educational institutions that together aim to redefine the island’s economic future.

As ACS Bali begins this new chapter, its leaders and supporters hope to cultivate more than just scholars. They aim to shape future changemakers — grounded in tradition, equipped for a complex world, and inspired to make a difference. (Tim)