RIS Swiss Section

Maturaball 2026 – One Last Night in Bangkok

On Saturday, June 6th, 2026, we invite everyone to celebrate the successful completion of high school for the graduating class of 12 at RIS Swiss Section with the highly anticipated Maturaball.
This prestigious event will bring together our school community and guests from Thailand, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, creating a festive atmosphere in which everyone is warmly welcomed to celebrate this special occasion.

The Maturaball will be held at the elegant Marriott Marquis and will feature the following programme:

5:30 PM: Registration
6:00 PM: Ceremony (speeches and diplomas)
7:15 PM: Dinner
8:45 PM: Ballroom Dance
9:00 PM: Dance Floor Open
11:00 PM: End of Event

Dress code: Formal

Tickets: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9YE6kjMqslaaj46PrtTE02hgSUNRrm3zKKlcjkZJO0WU5Aw/viewform

Join us for an unforgettable evening on 6 June at the Marriott Marquis as we celebrate our graduates!

Germany is one of the most attractive study destinations worldwide, recently ranked among the top four countries for international students. According to a UNESCO study, it is also the most popular study destination within Europe. Its strong academic reputation, focus on science and technology, and wide range of programmes make it a sought‑after choice for students across the globe.
At RIS Swiss Section, we prepare our students for exactly these opportunities. Through our bilingual education and internationally recognised pathways, students build strong language skills, intercultural awareness, and academic foundations that enable them to study in German‑speaking countries and around the world. Most of our graduates continue their studies in these systems, benefiting from well‑established higher education structures and internationally recognised degrees.
Studying at universities in German‑speaking countries requires more than academic ability. It requires confidence, language proficiency, and the ability to navigate international environments. These are precisely the skills our students develop throughout their school journey.
This perspective is also reflected in recent reporting in DER SPIEGEL, highlighting Germany’s continued popularity as a global study destination. RIS Swiss Section is proud to prepare students for these opportunities, enabling them to pursue top‑tier higher education worldwide and to succeed in international academic environments.

Deutschland ist weltweit das viertbeliebteste Land zum Studieren Deutsche Unis haben im Ausland offenbar einen guten Ruf: Kein EU-Land ist bei internationalen Studierenden beliebter. Vor allem drei Dinge ziehen sie an.

This week, our Grade 10 students completed their oral Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA) examinations, marking an important milestone in their educational journey and the 30th time this qualification has been conducted at RIS Swiss Section.
The MSA is the first official school‑leaving qualification in the German education system and is comparable to the IGCSE. The examinations follow the standards of the Kultusministerkonferenz in Germany, ensuring a high level of objectivity and comparability across German schools worldwide. The high quality of the examination process was last confirmed in 2025 through the visit of KMK representatives during the exams.

Examiners included subject‑specific teachers and an external specialist, Sweta Kannan, Head of the Cultural Department at the German Embassy.
Over the past 30 years, around 280 students at our school have successfully completed the MSA, reflecting both the commitment of our students and the strength of our academic programme.

The MSA confirms that students have built a solid academic foundation and are well prepared for their next steps, whether continuing into upper secondary education or pursuing other pathways.

We wish our Grade 10 students every success as they complete this important stage and continue their journey toward the Swiss bilingual Matura.

Yesterday's Extraordinary General Meeting was a clear reflection of what our community is made of. Parents and the school board came together to make decisions on budget matters, and to share updates on infrastructure and on the SOAS Games, the biennial inter-school sports competition among German schools abroad in Southeast Asia, which RIS Swiss Section will host in 2027.

Decisions made collectively and transparently, with genuine participation: that is how a school community shapes its future. What happens in a room like that goes beyond formal procedure. It is shared responsibility made visible.

Thank you to everyone who was part of it.

Last week, our Grade 2 students spent two hours exploring the Museum of Bangkok on a guided treasure hunt, organized by the National Museum Volunteers Bangkok . Three official guides led the way, supported by two parent volunteers and the class teachers. Following clues through museum halls is a quiet way to build observation, curiosity, and a genuine connection to the city around them. A warm thank you to the National Museum Volunteers and to the parent volunteers for giving their time and expertise. After the final clue was found, the group settled in for a well-earned picnic in the museum grounds.

At RIS Swiss Section, learning extends beyond the classroom. Today, our Grade 3 students visited the National Science Museum (NSM) and the Rama 9 Museum, where they explored science, nature, and biodiversity through interactive exhibits and hands‑on experiences.

These visits gave students the opportunity to observe, question, and connect what they learn at school with real‑world contexts. Exploring topics such as ecosystems, sustainability, and scientific discovery in authentic environments helps deepen understanding and spark curiosity.

Experiences like this encourage students to think critically, engage actively, and see the relevance of their learning in everyday life.

At RIS Swiss Section, learning is enriched through encounters with real‑world expertise. Recently, our Grade 12 students welcomed Christian Brunner, former delegate and head of delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for an insightful introduction to humanitarian work and international relations.

Drawing on decades of experience across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, Christian Brunner offered students first‑hand insight into humanitarian missions, international humanitarian law, and the complex ethical decisions involved in conflict and crisis situations. We thank him for sharing his experience and for enriching our students’ learning journey with such authentic and meaningful perspectives.

This week, students who took part in the Kangaroo Math Competition, consisting of a group of Primary students as well as students from Grades 7, 9, and 10, received their certificates during a handover.

Students competed in different age categories, with one top score recognised in each category among the participating RIS Swiss Section students. We congratulate the following students, who achieved the highest number of points in their respective age groups:

Carl, Grade 9
Alida, Grade 5
Lamphu, Grade 3
Jimmy, Grade 7

A special mention goes to Alida, Grade 5, who achieved the highest score relative to her age group. With this score, she is ranked third worldwide, together with all students internationally who reached the same number of points.

The Kangaroo Math Competition challenges students with creative, logic‑based problem‑solving tasks that encourage independent thinking and flexible approaches to mathematics. Taking part in such competitions helps students strengthen confidence, curiosity, and perseverance.

We are proud of all students who took on this international challenge with commitment and enthusiasm.

We were delighted to welcome Alexander Wessels, Chief Product and Technology Officer and co‑founder of SABA Hospitality Technology Solutions, for an inspiring career counselling session with our Grade 11 students.

During his visit, Alexander shared insights from his professional journey and highlighted how technology can transform the hospitality industry. He spoke about innovation, programming skills, and the importance of setting clear personal and professional goals. Such sessions offer our students valuable real‑world perspectives, help them explore possible career paths, and connect classroom learning with future opportunities. Our students valued his practical advice, open discussion, and encouragement to reflect on the kind of professionals they want to become.
Thank you, Alexander, for taking the time to motivate and inspire our students.