John Gwyn Jones

CEO FOBISIA

John Gwyn Jones MBE is a proud Welshman from Brynamman in the Amman Valley, whose journey from the hills of Carmarthenshire to the heart of international education in Asia has been anything but ordinary. John began his working life in the Midland Bank, where he quickly realised that counting other people’s money wasn’t quite his calling. Trading spreadsheets for school books, he trained to be a teacher at The University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen—a decision that would take him around the world. His first overseas adventure came in 1986, when he was seconded to the British Forces Schools in Hong Kong. One plane ticket later, John found his passion in international education—setting up schools, leading learning communities, and mentoring teachers across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Laos. He’s opened campuses, chaired boards, and occasionally even found time to do some educational coaching. John was a founding member, and the inaugural Chair of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), where he now serves as CEO. From his base in Bangkok, he supports over 100 premier British schools across the region—though he remains firmly grounded in his values of community, humour, and good old-fashioned Welsh resilience. In 2020, John was appointed MBE for services to British education overseas, an honour he received at Buckingham Palace from Princess Anne. He has also been recognised with a Leadership Award presented by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.