Principal Messages-
From the Principal Ms. Katherina Lee
Welcome to Asia American International Academy (AAIA).
It is my pleasure to welcome you to a vibrant learning community where every student is inspired to think critically, embrace challenges, and discover their unique potential.
At AAIA, we believe education extends beyond academic achievement. Our mission is to cultivate curious minds, strong character, and a lifelong passion for learning while preparing students to become confident, compassionate, and responsible global citizens.
As an American-curriculum international school, we provide a rigorous, student-centered education that combines academic excellence with meaningful real-world learning. Through inquiry, collaboration, innovation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, our students develop the knowledge, skills, and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
As a proud member of the College Board, AAIA offers internationally recognized Advanced Placement (AP) courses and comprehensive SAT preparation, creating pathways to leading universities worldwide. Our pursuit of Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation further reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and internationally recognized standards of educational excellence.
Everything we do is guided by six strategic pillars: Academic Excellence, Character & Well-being, AI & Digital Fluency, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Global Citizenship, and Leadership Through Service. These pillars shape a learning environment where students are challenged to excel academically, grow personally, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Education is most successful when built on strong partnerships. Together with our dedicated faculty, supportive families, and global community, we are creating an inclusive and caring school where every learner is empowered to flourish.
Whether you are considering AAIA for your family or are already part of our community, I warmly invite you to discover a school where excellence is pursued with purpose, diversity is celebrated, and every student is prepared to lead with confidence, integrity, and compassion in an interconnected world.
Respectfully submitted,
Ms. Katherina Lee
Principal
About the Principal- Ms. Katherina Lee
Principal Katherina Lee brings more than 25 years of experience in international education, higher education, and academic leadership. She has held key leadership positions in Singapore and international educational institutions, possessing extensive expertise in academic governance, international curriculum development, global educational collaboration, and holistic student development.
Principal Lee previously served as Head of International Academic Programs at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where she played a key role in the establishment of international MBA programs, international curriculum planning, and cross-border educational collaborations. NTU has consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia and the world, where Principal Lee gained extensive experience in world-class educational management, academic quality enhancement, and international talent development, while also building strong partnerships with global universities and industry leaders.
Before entering the field of international education, Principal Lee also served as Deputy Director at the National Library Board of Singapore, where she led nationwide education, digital learning, and lifelong learning initiatives. She later served as Executive Director and Chief Consultant of its international subsidiary, Cybrarian Ventures, overseeing educational and knowledge-development projects across Asia and the Middle East, demonstrating exceptional international project leadership and cross-cultural management capabilities.
In addition, Principal Lee previously served as Director of the Taipei Center of the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). During her tenure, she oversaw international academic programs and school operations, led teams of teachers and students from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostered a highly international and multicultural learning environment, and actively promoted cross-cultural exchange and global learning experiences to help students build international perspectives and global competitiveness.
Over the years, Principal Lee has remained deeply committed to:
• Building core competencies for future-ready students
Having worked extensively within Singapore’s highly internationalized and world-class educational system, Principal Lee possesses a deep understanding of the expectations global top-tier education places on students’ core competencies and future readiness. She is dedicated to creating a learning environment that combines academic rigor, international perspective, innovative thinking, leadership, humanistic values, and cross-cultural understanding, enabling students not only to achieve academic excellence, but also to develop the competitiveness and influence needed for the global future.
She firmly believes:
“Truly outstanding education is not just about grades, but about nurturing individuals who can learn, think, and lead confidently on the global stage.”
Vice Principal – Ms. Marie-Louise Burden
Ms. Marie-Louise Burden joins AAIA as Vice Principal, bringing extensive experience as both an educator and academic leader in international schools. Originally from South Africa, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Movement Science and Recreation from North-West University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa, and a Master’s in Education from The College of New Jersey. Much of her career has been spent teaching science, an experience that shaped her belief in the power of curiosity and critical thinking.
As Vice Principal, Ms. Burden leads curriculum development and academic quality across the school, working closely with teachers to ensure instruction is rigorous, engaging, and centered on student growth. She has led curriculum reviews and accreditation initiatives that strengthened teaching practices and drove continuous school improvement. For her, strong leadership means setting high expectations while building the kind of trust that allows students, teachers, and families to do their best work together.
Outside of school, Ms. Burden has a lifelong love of sport and enjoys spending time outdoors, whether relaxing at the beach or exploring somewhere new. That same curiosity continues to guide how she leads today.
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” — Albert Einstein
Director of Academic and Student Affairs – Mr. Roger Bros
Mr. Roger Bros, the Director of Academic and Student Affairs, is originally from Barcelona, Spain, and brings a broad and distinguished background in education, history, and international teaching to his role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education, with a major in foreign language teaching, and a master’s degree in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations. He also holds teaching qualifications from Spain and England, including Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. His professional experience spans over a decade in international school settings in Spain, the Netherlands, China, and Taiwan, where he has served as a teacher, head of department, student support coordinator, and middle school director.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bros has taught five different languages and developed extensive experience in language instruction, the humanities, curriculum planning, academic support, and student development. Since joining AAIA, he has contributed to the strengthening of rigorous and engaging classroom instruction, authored the middle school Spanish textbooks, supported the expansion of the Spanish language program, and helped introduce new academic offerings, including AP European History, for which he is certified.
His educational approach emphasizes thoughtful curriculum design, meaningful assessment, and the creation of learning environments that challenge and support students. He is committed to helping students develop confidence, curiosity, intellectual independence, and the skills necessary for long-term academic growth.
“All people by nature desire to know.” — Aristotle
Future Focus
·Enhancing curriculum quality and academic development
·Strengthening teacher collaboration and professional growth
·Building a positive and supportive campus culture
·Promoting student responsibility, discipline, and life skills
·Improving student support systems and parent-school communication
·Preparing students with the skills needed for future global challenges
Director of CCR (College & Career Readiness) – Ms. Claire Lin
Claire holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and earned a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia. She has dedicated many years to college counseling, career exploration, and student personal development, with extensive experience supporting students through both academic and emotional growth.
Claire believes that every student possesses unique strengths and potential. For her, education is not simply about helping students gain admission to prestigious universities, but also about guiding them to discover their passions, develop confidence, and build meaningful long-term goals.
Known for her thoughtful, organized, and student-centered approach, Claire has earned the trust of both students and families. In her new role, she will continue leading the CCR program to provide students with comprehensive guidance in university preparation, career planning, leadership development, and personal growth.
Future Focus
·Strengthening college counseling and career planning systems
·Supporting students in exploring interests and future pathways
·Developing leadership, confidence, and global competitiveness
·Guiding students in building strong academic portfolios
·Providing comprehensive support for students and families
·Helping students establish long-term goals and self-growth skills
Director of the Center for Admissions and International Education- Ms. Lilian Ho
Lilian is from Hong Kong and completed her secondary and college education in Canada before graduating from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom. Her diverse international educational background has provided her with strong cross-cultural communication skills and a deep understanding of global education environments.
Having personally experienced studying and adapting to different cultures and educational systems, Lilian understands the importance of providing students and families with guidance, communication, and support throughout their educational journey.
As Director of the Center for Admissions and International Education, Lilian will lead efforts to strengthen the school’s global partnerships, international student support systems, and admissions services. She will also continue expanding opportunities for student exchange, overseas collaboration, and international learning experiences to further enhance the school’s global vision and international community.
Future Focus
·Strengthening international partnerships and global engagement
·Expanding student exchange and cross-cultural learning opportunities
·Enhancing admissions and international student support systems
·Building relationships with sister schools and overseas institutions
·Improving communication and support services for families
·Creating a more diverse, inclusive, and globally minded school environment