Emphasising the balance between embracing heritage and fostering a global perspective, Ruzina Hasan, Political Counsellor (Global Issues) at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and a Governor on the Alice Smith School Council, shared her unique insights with Head of School Sian May on how British identity can be both preserved and reimagined through diplomacy, education, and personal experience. This was the focus of a recent podcast conversation, where Ruzina and Sian explored how these themes shape individuals and communities in an increasingly interconnected world.
As British families live, work, and raise children across the globe, the conversation underscores the importance of honouring one’s heritage while cultivating a global perspective. The conversation examined how traditional British values, when combined with open-minded internationalism, can form a strong foundation for the next generation of global citizens.
Britishness as a Source of Pride and Identity
Britishness, Ruzina reflects, is deeply rooted in a proud history and a set of enduring values - fairness, resilience, respect, and a sense of responsibility. These values continue to resonate globally, shaping how British citizens represent themselves and their country abroad. For families living outside the UK, instilling these values becomes a way of staying connected to their roots, providing children with a stable identity amidst cultural diversity.
True British identity can evolve in harmony with new experiences, especially in culturally diverse cities like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Importance of Collaboration in Education
Education is fundamental in shaping our sense of self and identity. British international schools, such as Alice Smith School, are uniquely positioned to preserve the strengths of the British educational tradition while actively engaging with a diverse, global community. Ruzina highlights that British education is globally respected for its emphasis on critical thinking, personal growth, and academic excellence.
A hallmark of many British international schools is personalised learning, which goes beyond academic achievement to nurture each student as an individual. This approach is especially vital for children growing up in multicultural environments, as it supports their journey of self-discovery while encouraging them to embrace and appreciate the rich diversity around them.
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Global Citizenship and Environmental Awareness
In today’s interconnected world, a strong sense of citizenship transcends national boundaries. Ruzina believes that British identity is enriched—not weakened—by global engagement. Whether through understanding diverse cultures, learning new languages, or participating in international collaborations, these experiences deepen a child’s awareness of their place in the wider world.
This global perspective is particularly crucial in environmental education. As climate change presents a collective challenge for all nations, schools bear the responsibility of cultivating environmental awareness and stewardship from an early age. By instilling a sense of care for the planet, schools are equipping students to become conscientious and effective leaders for the future.
Raising Third-Culture Children
For families raising children abroad whose children are often referred to as ‘third-culture kids’, often find the blending of cultures brings both unique challenges and valuable opportunities. These children navigate multiple identities, a journey that can be both enriching and complex. The conversation between Sian and Ruzina underscores how a strong educational foundation combined with a clear connection to heritage can empower third-culture children to develop confidence and a well-defined sense of self.
Drawing from her own experiences as a parent and diplomat, Ruzina also shares how embracing British traditions alongside openness to local customs has helped her children become adaptable, empathetic individuals capable of thriving in diverse environments
A Balanced Approach to Identity
The conversation between Ruzina and Sian ultimately reinforces a central message: embracing heritage and cultivating global horizons are not opposing forces - they are complementary. In fact, a grounded sense of Britishness can provide the resilience and confidence young people need to explore, contribute to, and lead in an increasingly globalised world.
At a time when cultural identity can often feel fragmented or politicised, this dialogue is a reminder that it is possible - and indeed essential - to find strength in both tradition and transformation.
As the world continues to change, so too does the meaning of British identity. What remains constant, however, is the value of education, the power of cultural connection, and the importance of raising globally aware, environmentally conscious, and personally confident individuals.
British families abroad, and the schools that support them, have a unique opportunity: to honour where they come from while embracing where they are and where they are going. In doing so, they not only preserve British identity - they enrich it.
Listen to this Pod on Purpose episode on Spotify or Apple.
