QIAN WANG and ALAN ERICKSON from Stamford American School Hong Kong (SAIS) look back on a decade of growth, innovation and community, including the evolution of learning spaces such as iLearn, as the school marks a major 10-year milestone.
Give us an insight into how SAIS Hong Kong looked in its first year. What were the “early days” like?
Qian: When I joined Stamford in 2017 as one of the founding staff members, we had 325 students and a lot of big dreams. Back then, everyone seemed to have at least three jobs, and meetings often involved figuring things out as we went!
What I remember the most was the energy, optimism and determination of the team. We were building more than a school; we were building a community. Since then, we’ve expanded our programmes, welcomed many more students and families, and created countless opportunities for learning and connection.
While many things have changed, the heart of Stamford remains the same: a commitment to students, innovation and a strong sense of belonging. That’s something I’ve always been proud to be part of.
How has the school grown since then?
Alan: The most obvious growth would definitely be our campus expansion. From our original Ho Man Tin campus to the expansion into a second campus in West Kowloon, Stamford’s physical growth reflects its educational ambition.
The eight-storey Ho Man Tin campus is a vibrant hub for Elementary and Middle School students, with dynamic facilities that inspire exploration and creativity. And the West Kowloon High School campus reimagines traditional learning environments through a philosophy of “turning every corner into an intentional learning space.” Wide hallways, a multi-purpose atrium, the harbour-view open study area, communal spaces of various settings and an open-plan café – these foster collaboration and innovation, mirroring the interactive atmosphere of leading universities worldwide.
What have been some of the main milestones and achievements over the first 10 school years?
Qian: Academic achievement continues to set new benchmarks. Last academic year marked the school’s fourth graduating cohort and saw the celebration of our first-ever IB perfect scorer, Shreeniket, who earned the maximum 45 points. During his time at Stamford, he cultivated his passion for our STEMinn and Design Technology programmes, and he now aspires to launch his own industrial robotics startup. Shreeniket will be studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, which has been ranked the top programme in the United States for 25 consecutive years.
Today, our graduates go on to study at world-renowned institutions including the University of California, Los Angeles; New York University; Georgia Institute of Technology; University College London; University of Southern California; University of Michigan; University of Sydney; University of Toronto; The University of Hong Kong; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This is a testament to the strength of Stamford’s academic foundation and its commitment to preparing students for global success.
What hasn’t changed at Stamford American School Hong Kong?
Alan: Innovation remains central to Stamford’s mission. Our signature STEMinn programme is embedded in the curriculum from age five; it adopts an interdisciplinary, inquiry based approach that nurtures critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. By cultivating cross disciplinary mindsets and essential soft skills, the school prepares students not only for academic success but also for resilience and leadership in an uncertain future.
Qian: We have long-term commitment to the Hong Kong community and to shaping the next generation of global citizens, and we are reaffirming that. Stamford nurtures creativity, collaboration and critical thinking, and we continue to equip students with the skills and confidence to excel at university and beyond – and to make meaningful contributions to the world.
What are some things that SAIS does differently compared to other schools?
Alan: The school has built an impressive robotics programme in just 10 years, with student teams competing internationally in the US, China, Macau and Singapore, including participation in the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship 2025 finals in the United States.
These global experiences have provided students with far more than competition accolades; they have fostered cultural exchange, teamwork under pressure, and lifelong friendships. We also established our first all-female robotics team, which not only demonstrated an commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, but also challenges stereotypes and champions diversity in STEM fields.
How will the 10-year anniversary be celebrated?
Qian: We’re hosting an exciting 10th Anniversary Open Day in October. We will welcome prospective students and families and give them a chance to experience our learning community firsthand.
What else is new or notable at SAIS Hong Kong?
Alan: As part of the 10-year milestone, Stamford American has unveiled a reimagined Elementary learning space designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and collaboration.
At the heart of it is iLearn. This is a flexible exhibition and lecture hub where furniture and layout can be easily reconfigured for student showcases, guest talks, workshops and performances, helping children build confidence in public speaking and storytelling.
Connected to this is a dedicated Makerspace for Lower Elementary students. This is another vibrant zone – a place where young learners can experiment, prototype and problemsolve safely, seeing themselves as inventors and designers. Linking the two is The Common, an open collaborative area that extends learning beyond classroom walls. Students can create and share work and receive peer feedback, all in a seamless flow.
These spaces reflect our investment in experiential, future-ready education; we’re turning every corner into a place where students not only learn, but actively build, present and lead.
A bit more about the interviewees
Qian Wang is the Principal of Multilingual Education and Community Educational Engagement while Alan Erickson is the Principal of Extracurricular & Enrichment Programs at Stamford American School Hong Kong.
Ho Man Tin Campus
25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
West Kowloon Campus
G/F to 2/F, Imperial Cullinan, 10 Hoi Fai Road, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
