We are honored to share that YBS has been recognized with the newly established Education For Good Award at the Brands For Good Awards 2026 in Singapore, becoming the first educational institution from Japan to receive this distinction.
This award celebrates organizations that create meaningful social impact through education. YBS was recognized not only for the quality of its educational programs, but also for our long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating an environment where every child and every member of our community can feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.
The award ceremony was held in Singapore, bringing together more than 600 distinguished guests from over 25 countries—leaders in education, business, and social innovation who share a common vision of building a better future.
Representing YBS, our Founder, Fumi Inoue, and Brand Manager, Aya Anglin, had the privilege of attending the ceremony. It was an inspiring opportunity to connect with people from around the world who are working toward the same goal.
The event reminded us that education has the power to transcend borders, cultures, and languages. More than ever, we felt inspired to continue contributing not only to our local community, but also to the broader global community.
This Award Belongs to All of Us
As we walked onto the stage to receive the award, the first faces that came to mind were our students, graduates, dedicated staff, supportive families, and everyone who has believed in YBS over the years.
This award is not ours alone.
It belongs to every teacher who pours their heart into the classroom, every family who has trusted us with their children, every graduate who carries the spirit of YBS into the world, and every child who fills our school with curiosity, kindness, and joy.
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build this community together.
Words That Stayed With Us
One message from the ceremony deeply resonated with us:
“This award is not for a business, not for a product, but for people.”
Another phrase echoed throughout the evening:
“Together For Good.”
Together, these words beautifully captured what the event was truly about—not competition, but a shared commitment to creating a better future.
As we accepted the award, one final phrase was quietly spoken to us:
“All for the Best.”
Those simple words immediately brought back thirteen years of memories.
Working with children, families, and educators from diverse backgrounds is one of the greatest joys of YBS—but it also means that there is rarely one simple answer.
Different cultures, languages, and perspectives often require us to pause and ask ourselves:
“What is truly the best choice for this child?”
That question continues to guide everything we do.
No matter how challenging the decision may be, we always return to the same purpose:
To create a brighter future where every child can grow, belong, and shine as their authentic self.
Regardless of nationality, language, culture, or beliefs, this hope is shared by our families, our staff, and our community.
By listening to one another, respecting our differences, and continuing to learn together, we strive to create the best possible environment for every child.
When we heard the words “All for the Best,” it felt as though our thirteen-year journey had been gently affirmed.
Where YBS Began
Thirteen years ago, YBS began in a small preschool.
One day, we watched children happily playing with LEGO brocks while naturally mixing Japanese and English.
In that moment, one simple thought changed everything:
“Learning a language in order to make friends—what a beautiful reason to learn.”
That became the foundation of YBS.
Since then, with the support of countless families, staff members, and community partners, that small dream has continued to grow.
For us, bilingual education has never been simply about learning English.
It is about developing the ability to embrace different perspectives, understand people who are different from ourselves, and build meaningful relationships across cultures.
That is the kind of world we hope our children will help create.
At YBS, those moments happen every day.
Children laugh together, solve problems together, and grow together—even when they speak different languages or come from different backgrounds.
We truly believe that when children have friends around the world, the world itself becomes a kinder, more peaceful place.
This Is Only the Beginning
Receiving this award is not our destination—it is a new beginning.
There have been moments over the years when our educational approach was not always fully understood. Like many organizations pursuing something different, we have faced challenges and uncertainty.
But this experience reminded us of something important:
Think outside the box.
When we step beyond familiar boundaries, new possibilities appear.
That is exactly the kind of mindset we hope to inspire in every child who walks through our doors.
As educators, we know there is still so much to learn, improve, and challenge ourselves to do.
We will continue striving to build a school unlike any other—a place where every child feels they belong, where they are encouraged to dream boldly, and where they gain the confidence to make a positive impact on the world.
Finally, to all of our YBS families, graduates, staff, and supporters:
Thank you for believing in the same future that we believe in.
Together For Good.
All for the Best.
We look forward to continuing this journey together and creating a brighter future for every child.