Saint Xavier's Institution, George Town

Saint Xavier's Institution in Penang holds a distinguished place in Malaysia's educational landscape, tracing its roots back to 1787, soon after the founding of George Town by Captain Francis Light. Initially established as a Malay school by Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Garnault, the institution evolved over the years, eventually becoming known as the Catholic Free School. In 1852, it came under the administration of the De La Salle Brothers and was renamed in honor of Francis Xavier, a Spanish Catholic missionary who is revered to this day for his extensive missions in Asia during the 16th century.

The school's relocation to its present grounds on Farquhar Street occurred in 1858; however, during the tumultuous period of the Second World War, the building faced destruction when it was repurposed as Marine barracks by the Imperial Japanese Navy and subsequently bombed by American forces. With the main building wiped out, a new one, visible today, was completed in 1954.

Throughout its long history, Saint Xavier's Institution has remained committed to providing a well-rounded education that encompasses both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. A strong emphasis is placed on character development, encouraging students to excel not only in their studies but also in sports, arts, and community engagement.