Sherman Jen

Honorary Degree

Spring 2013 Convocation

Sherman Jen is a recognized leader in providing education that connects the Chinese and Canadian communities. He is the founder and CEO of Maple Leaf Educational Systems and Maple Leaf International Schools.

Born and raised in China, Jen has worked in Hong Kong and Vancouver. It was during his time in Canada that he developed the idea of creating an educational system that blends the best of the Canadian and Chinese models. He opened his first school, Dalian Maple Leaf International School, in Dalian, Liaoning Province in 1995 with 14 students. The school marked the introduction of B.C. Canadian Grade 10 to 12 curriculums to China. Classes are taught in Chinese and English and graduates receive high school diplomas from China and British Columbia.

Maple Leaf Educational Systems has since expanded to 30 schools spanning preschool to high school with a student population of more than 12,500. The programs are delivered by more than 1,500 staff members; including more than 300 teachers and principals certified by British Columbia.

Under Jen’s direction, Maple Leaf Educational Systems opened the first international school recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education; the first offshore school accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education; the first international school to offer bilingual teaching and dual diplomas in China’s foundational education; the first international school to offer direct admission to foreign higher education institutions; and the first separate high schools for girls and boys in China. As the largest foreign-China joint venture school network, Maple Leaf Educational Systems has become a recognized and respected education brand in the country.

In 2011, Jen was identified as one of China Times’ Top Ten News Figures and was elected as the honorary deputy chair of the Liaoning Society of World Economy. In 2008 he was presented the award of recognition from the Province of British Columbia for 10 years of Excellence in Education. In 2005 he received the Overseas Chinese Professionals’ Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award granted by Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China and the "Liaoning Friendship" award granted by Liaoning Provincial Government. In 2003, he was named in the first session of Top 10 Figures of All China Private Education and in 2001 he was awarded Dalian Honorary Citizenship by the Dalian Municipal Government. Jen holds a BA in English studies from Beijing Foreign Languages University and a MBA from the University of Wales, Newport College.

Convocation speech

Sherman Jen is a visionary. Eighteen years ago, he identified China’s emerging educational needs to prepare the Chinese workforce with the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly global context.

As founder and CEO of Maple Leaf Educational Systems, Sherman built on the best the Chinese education system has to offer by reaching out to Canada, and specifically B.C. The result was a cross-cultural experience that prepares bright and inquisitive Chinese students to participate effectively in the global community.

Maple Leaf Educational Systems is the largest private international school system in China and Canada’s largest offshore school system. Under Sherman’s direction, Maple Leaf opened the first international school recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the first offshore school accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education.

Sherman’s innovative education model offers Chinese and English bilingual teaching from the preschool to high school level. Graduates of Maple Leaf schools are awarded both Chinese and British Columbian high school diplomas. The Maple Leaf school network has grown from one school with 14 students in 1995 to 30 schools teaching more than 12,500 students today.

The educational concept of blending the best of Chinese and Western educational practice, first introduced by Sherman, has been at the forefront of the trend of globalization in education. The approach has satisfied the educational demands of the growing Chinese middle class.

Sherman’s entrepreneurial and pioneering approach to his business aligns with Royal Roads University’s vision to connect people, ideas and experiences to change lives and the world. He truly gives his students a unique and innovative learning experience that offers the promise of opportunity.

For his contribution to education and cross-cultural understanding, Royal Roads is honoured to present Sherman Jen for the honorary degree, Doctor of Laws.