Beijing, China — Friday, 16 January 2026 — The Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) welcomed senior representatives during the first official visit to China by The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China.
During the visit, CISB senior Board Directors, Dr. Charles Pang and Mr. Andy Truong, were honoured to meet with Prime Minister Carney and members of the visiting Canadian delegation. At this meeting, a 20th Anniversary Recognition Plaque was exchanged, and commemorative photographs were taken to mark the launch of CISB’s anniversary year.
The Honourable Shawn Graham, former Premier of New Brunswick, also visited the CISB campus and met with students and staff as part of the anniversary launch, formally marking this important milestone in the school’s history.
Leadership Engagement and Community Celebration
The anniversary celebrations included a VIP reception attended by representatives from AKD International and CISB’s School Leadership, reflecting the strong governance and institutional partnerships that have supported the school’s growth over the past two decades.
Members of the Board and School Leadership in attendance included:
– Dr. Charles Pang, President of AKD International; Chairman and Executive Director of CISB
– Mr. Andy Truong, Executive Director of AKD International; Board Director of CISB
– Mr. Flynn Boyle, Middle/High School Principal, CISB
– Ms. Lucila Maria Zornosa-Sanchez, Early Years/Elementary School Principal, CISB
The anniversary launch also brought together students from across Grades 1-12, alongside Canadian staff, underscoring CISB’s vibrant international community and its commitment to global citizenship.
Celebrating 20 Years of International Education
Founded in 2005 as a State-Level Education Project, CISB was established through a landmark partnership involving the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, the Government of Canada, and the New Brunswick Department of Education. The school formally opened its doors and welcomed its first cohort of students in 2006, during the 2005-06 Academic Year, beginning its mission to deliver high-quality Canadian education in Beijing.
CISB is a fully licensed international school, registered with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Education, and operates in full compliance with all Chinese laws, directives, and statutes. The school is also accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education, authorising CISB to deliver Canadian educational programmes overseas. In addition, CISB is an IB World School, authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
This dual recognition continues to position CISB as a leading example of international educational cooperation.
Looking Ahead
Over the past two decades, CISB has provided quality international education to students representing more than 70 nationalities, equipping generations of learners to think critically, engage globally, and lead with integrity and heart.
The official launch of the school’s 20th Anniversary celebrations served both as a reflection on past achievements and as a reaffirmation of CISB’s mission for the future. As CISB enters its third decade, the school remains committed to serving as a bridge between cultures and communities, preparing students to contribute meaningfully in Canada, China, and the wider world.
