In Her Britannic Majesty’s New Year Honours list announced on 30th December 2006, Mr. John Nixon, CEO of Taipei European School (TES), has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to education in Taiwan.

Mr. Nixon has been working as CEO of Taipei European School since 2000. Under his leadership and determination, the German, British, French and High School Sections of the school were combined into one entity and he has overseen the growth of the school to become the second largest international school in Taiwan, with almost 1,000 students.

Mr. Nixon’s tireless effort and enthusiasm during his six years as CEO at Taipei European School have made a huge contribution to the school’s continuing development. He has overseen many and major changes in the school environment and structure. The school is really proud that his achievements have led to this award being bestowed upon him.

Michael Reilly, Director of British Trade and Cultural Office, said “John's award is tremendous news. It is well-deserved recognition not only for the superb job he has done and continues to do at TES but also for the huge contribution TES makes to education here in Taipei”.

Dr. C. V. Chen, Chairman, Board of Directors, Taipei European School Foundation, congratulates to Mr. John Nixon for receiving an MBE. It is indeed a well-deserved recognition. He further added that ‘Taipei European School has nurtured European students with profound understanding of both eastern and western cultures, enabling them to serve as integrators of various cultures. Ever since I first met John about 6 years ago, I have been deeply impressed by his enthusiasm for and commitment to education, as well as his humanistic spirit and insightful perspectives’.

Mr. Nixon is absolutely delighted to receive the MBE from the Queen but stresses that the development and success of Taipei European School has been “an enormous team effort of staff, students and parents.” Mr. Nixon explains that TES has “the best school community he has been fortunate enough to work with. The students are fantastic, hard working and eager to learn, the staff are talented, committed colleagues, and the parents are tremendously supportive.”

He adds: “I am extremely proud to lead TES and guide its growth, development and aspirations for the future. It is a unique school in that it has German, British, French and High School sections and over 50 different nationalities represented in its student body.” “We are truly “a Piece of Europe in Taiwan” and we are very grateful to the ROC and local Governments for their support and encouragement.”

After having completing the High School building in 2002, Mr. Nixon has been deeply involved with the development and construction of the TES New Primary Campus which will be ready for opening in the summer of 2007.

Mr. Nixon is clearly passionate about education, in particular for international students who come to learn, understand and appreciate different languages and cultures. “The young people of today are our citizens and leaders of tomorrow – TES is definitely preparing students to try their best to make the world a better and more tolerant place for the future.”

When asked who has helped him to gain his prestigious award as well as the TES community, Mr. Nixon firmly replies: “My wife, Luiza, has been a constant source of support strength and encouragement. She is always by my side with everything I need to do and I owe her so much.”