Building Tomorrow's Leaders: Learning Through Partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Laurus Leadership Panel | 2026
Event Overview
Partner: British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ)
Students: Student Council members
Theme: Leadership, Global Citizenship & Professional Engagement
Activity: Laurus Leadership Panel
Bringing Learning to Life
The audience took their seats, the panellists were ready—and it was our Student Council members leading the event.
Laurus International School of Science is proud to be a member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ). Through our membership, we have built connections across the Chamber's international business community, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with experienced professionals and business leaders.
The Laurus Leadership Panel was one example of how this relationship can bring learning to life. Far more than a guest speaker event, Student Council members spent several weeks planning and delivering the programme, from researching panellists and preparing introductions to developing questions and rehearsing their roles.
📷 Moderators welcoming guests to the Laurus Leadership Panel.
On the day of the event, students confidently welcomed guests, introduced each panellist, moderated discussions and facilitated audience questions. Working alongside senior professionals challenged them to communicate clearly, think on their feet and adapt to unexpected situations while maintaining professionalism throughout.
Among the panellists was Sarah Backley, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, whose participation reflected the BCCJ's commitment to strengthening connections between education and industry. Through open discussion and personal stories, students gained valuable insights into leadership, collaboration and embracing future opportunities.
Student Voice
"Heading into the Leadership Panel transformed how I view teamwork. Though we had multiple challenges initially, working together as one team alongside my peers helped us overcome the setbacks. It became one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences in my learning journey."
— Vibhu, Year 8 [
Why It Matters
Our membership of the BCCJ gives students opportunities to engage with professionals from across the international business community and develop a deeper understanding of leadership, collaboration and the many pathways available beyond school.
By taking ownership of a professional event, students experience these qualities first-hand and discover that leadership is built through initiative, communication, empathy and a willingness to contribute to others.
Looking Ahead
The Laurus Leadership Panel represents just one chapter in our growing partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Last month, Laurus welcomed members of the BCCJ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group to our campus, creating further opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and explore how schools and businesses can work together to build a more inclusive and globally minded future.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and creating even more opportunities that inspire leadership, curiosity and global citizenship.
📷 Group photo of the Student Council and Leadership Panel speakers.
Thank You
It has been a privilege to work alongside Sarah Backley and the wider BCCJ community.
Through our involvement with the Chamber and opportunities such as the Laurus Leadership Panel, the BCCJ has helped our students build confidence, strengthen their communication skills and experience leadership beyond the classroom.
We look forward to continuing to play an active role within the Chamber and finding new ways to connect our students with its diverse community of professionals and organisations.
Next Generation Community Partnerships
Through our Next Generation Community Partnerships, Laurus connects students with leading organisations across science, technology, engineering, business, healthcare, sustainability and the arts.
Together, we create authentic learning experiences that inspire curiosity, broaden horizons and help prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
