THE TEAM

The “soul” of SMPAA belongs in its team of internationally qualified, industry-leading educators who have undertaken intensive training to become part of the SMPAA team. We are driven by our student-centered approach to nurture and foster excellence in our students through a comprehensive program that embraces strong pedagogy foundations with strong academic values.

MARK BELL

Principal

“The power of music and the performing arts is undeniable. It has been proven that students who study music / performing arts achieve higher results in their regular school program. Being an educator for almost 30 years, particularly in the role of Coordinator of Music for the Toronto District School Board (Canada) where I was responsible for the music programs in 420 Elementary schools and 120 Secondary schools (instrumental and vocal music of all descriptions from Kindergarten to Grade 12), I witnessed first-hand the transformative ‘power’ of music and the performing arts. Here in Vietnam, as Principal of the Canadian International School in Ho Chi Minh City, I have observed the artistic potential of every child and particularly of the Vietnamese children that I worked with here. In an ever-changing and dynamic country such as Vietnam, we must prepare and empower our next generation to think ‘globally’ while maintaining their sense of Vietnamese culture, and I truly believe that there is no means more effective to achieve this, than through strong music / performing arts education programs. I believe the health of a society or culture can be measured by its collective artistic expression.”

BUI TRIEU YEN

Vice Principal of Music

“Music is the breath of life, a reflection of the culture of today’s society. I believe music preserves the values of life and nurtures humanity each day. Therefore, music education is a long-term process of development. I believe the technical focus of Classical music combined with the free spirit of Contemporary music are the key elements of a comprehensive music education – these standards play a key role in the music education process in order to enrich the characteristics of an individual.”

ALEXANDER TU NGUYEN

Vice Principal of Performing Arts

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

“I am really fortunate to have completed a PhD in Occupational Therapy investigating the benefits of dance to the well-rounded development of Vietnamese youth, as well as to pursue my passion for the performing arts. With years of professional training in dance and performing arts, I am certain that performing arts education facilitates children’s physical development, provides them a unique means of expression, releases their emotions, and allows them to explore new ideas. As such, I have long believed that performing arts are a crucial component of a comprehensive education for all students. My desire is to build a proper performing arts education that can assist the growth of students’ minds and bodies, while providing them with internationally recognised qualifications.”