Australian Islamic College’s Executive Principal and CEO was honoured before an audience of 450 principals and board chairs from across Western Australia, in recognition of two decades of transformative leadership in independent education.
Australian Islamic College (AIC) is proud to announce that its Executive Principal and CEO, Br. Abdullah Khan OAM FACEL, has been awarded the prestigious AISWA Distinguished Service Award at the 2026 Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) Leaders Conference — one of the most significant honours in Western Australian independent schooling.
The award was presented at the annual conference before an esteemed gathering of 450 principals and board chairs representing independent schools from every corner of the state. It recognises Br. Abdullah’s profound and sustained contribution to education over a career spanning more than twenty years.
Under his leadership, AIC has grown into a network of six schools across Western Australia, collectively serving over 6,000 students and employing more than 600 dedicated staff members. Throughout this journey, Br. Abdullah has been a consistent and influential voice for Islamic schools and culturally diverse communities at both state and national levels.
“This recognition reflects the support and contributions of many people throughout my journey in education over the past twenty years. I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues, staff, students, parents, and Board members at Australian Islamic College for their trust, dedication, and shared commitment to educational excellence and student wellbeing.”
— Br. Abdullah Khan OAM FACEL, Executive Principal & CEO, Australian Islamic College
In his acceptance speech, Br. Abdullah spoke with characteristic humility, sharing the honour with the broader AIC community and acknowledging the collective effort that has underpinned the college’s growth. He reflected on the values at the heart of the institution’s mission, reaffirming that true education extends well beyond academic results.
“I strongly believe that education is not only about academic achievement, but also about nurturing values, character, compassion, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. At Australian Islamic College, our vision remains ‘Academic Excellence and Islamic Values.'”
— Br. Abdullah Khan OAM FACEL
Looking to the future, Br. Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to the communities AIC serves and to the broader landscape of independent schooling in Western Australia, stating his continued dedication to supporting students, families, and the future of independent education across the state.
The AISWA Distinguished Service Award stands as a recognition by peers — the leaders of Western Australia’s independent school sector — of an individual whose work has made a measurable and lasting difference. Its presentation to Br. Abdullah is a testament not only to his personal leadership, but to the collective spirit of the AIC community that has walked alongside him over these two decades.
Australian Islamic College congratulates Br. Abdullah Khan on this richly deserved recognition and looks forward to continuing to serve its students, families, and the wider community under his visionary guidance.
