Sustaining international schools in a changing policy and market environment

Stakeholder perspectives from Shanghai, China

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/tkvyx710

Keywords:

International schools; Sustainability; Challenges; Qualitative content analysis; Stakeholder perspectives; Educational leadership.

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability challenges facing international schools in Shanghai, China, within a rapidly evolving policy, demographic, and market context. Drawing on qualitative data from administrators, teachers, and parents, the study employs qualitative content analysis to explore stakeholder perspectives on the key factors influencing institutional sustainability. The findings reveal that challenges are multifaceted and interconnected, including financial pressures, regulatory uncertainty, difficulties in talent recruitment and retention, and complexities related to cultural integration within diverse school communities. Guided by sustainable leadership theory, the study proposes a context-sensitive framework that emphasizes leadership adaptability, integrated curriculum and learning environments, stakeholder collaboration, strategic resource management, and responsiveness to external market dynamics.

 

Author Biographies

  • Yihong Peng, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

    Yihong Peng is a senior researcher in China’s international education industry and has been in the industry for more than 10 years. She received her M.Ed. from Shanghai Normal University, China; an MBA from East China Normal University, China; and an EMBA from the University College of Yayasan Pahang, Malaysia, and she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia. She is committed to in-depth research on China’s international education industry and contributes to the development of the industry. 

  • Bity Salwana Alias, Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia

    Bity Salwana Alias served in the Planning and Research Division of Education Policy, Commentary on Education Malaysia, from 2009 to 2018 after graduating from Doctor of Philosophy Degree as Assistant Director in the Research and Evaluation Sector. She started serving as a Senior Lecturer at UKM in 2018. The study specializes in the field of administration and noble values, including unity and integrity. 

  • Xinyu Wan , Jingdezhen Ceramic University, China

    Xinyu Wan is currently studying product design at Jingdezhen Ceramic University. With a fervent dedicated to the confluence of art, education, and sustainable development, Xinyu Wan’s research pursuits revolve around pioneering approaches to embed sustainable practices into art and design education. She has engaged in comprehensive literature reviews and data analysis concerning sustainable design methodologies. 

  • Azlin Norhaini Mansor, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

    Azlin Norhaini Mansor received her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and a Master of Education and Bachelor of Science (Biology) from New York State University at Albany, New York, USA. She is currently an Associate Professor and a member of the Centre for Shaping Advanced and Professional Education (UKMShape). Her publications and research interests include educational leadership, educational management, policy evaluation, and various fields involving teaching and learning.

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Published

2026-04-14

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 13 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Yihong Peng, Bity Salwana Alias, Xinyu Wan , Azlin Norhaini Mansor

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How to Cite

Peng, Y., Alias, B. S. . ., Wan , X. ., & Mansor, A. N. . . (2026). Sustaining international schools in a changing policy and market environment: Stakeholder perspectives from Shanghai, China. Journal of International Students, 16(13), 193-218. https://doi.org/10.32674/tkvyx710