Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has become the first alumnus of Cheltenham Ladies’ College in England to have a building named in her honour. The institution’s new sixth form centre, unveiled last Tuesday, was officially designated the Zarith Sofiah Centre.
Raja Zarith Sofiah attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College from 1972 to 1977 before pursuing further education at Oxford University. The naming marks a significant milestone for the college, which has not previously dedicated a building to a former female student.
The announcement was made public through a post on the Facebook page of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, highlighting the distinguished recognition by the British educational institution.
Eve Jardine-Young, executive principal of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, expressed the school’s pride in commemorating Raja Zarith Sofiah’s lifelong contributions and service. She remarked that on behalf of the college community—comprising parents, pupils, and staff past, present, and future—the school was pleased to inaugurate the new centre bearing her name.
The Zarith Sofiah Centre will serve as the college’s primary sixth form facility, set to welcome new students in 2027. Jardine-Young indicated that the college looks forward to sharing the centre’s ongoing development with Her Majesty.
This honour reflects Raja Zarith Sofiah’s enduring legacy and connection to the institution, underscoring her role as a distinguished alumna and a prominent figure in Malaysian public life.