His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim was born on 30 June 1984 in Johor Bahru and is the eldest among six siblings of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah.
His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail received his early education at Sri Utama School Johor Bahru and at St. Joseph Primary School, Johor Bahru and subsequently went to study at the Australian International School Singapore. In 1999, His Royal Highness furthered his studies at Hale School, Perth, Australia until the end of 2002.
As the heir to the throne, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail’s education as well as discipline were very much emphasized. With the consent of his grandfather, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail underwent military training as a Cadet Officer in the ‘Indian Military Academy’ (I.M.A), Dehradun, India on 17 July 2003 to 11 December 2004 and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the graduation ceremony. His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail was later sent to the 61st Calvary Unit in Jaipur, India for two years commencing from 15 December 2004 until 14 December 2006. His Royal Highness’s excellence in cavalry was evident when His Royal Highness Tunku was awarded ‘Best in Riding’ which further bringing honor to the ‘Indian Military Academy’ (I.M.A.).
His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail made history when he became the first foreigner to join the Indian military cavalry regiment to salute the President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in conjunction with the India’s 58th Republic Day celebration on 26 January 2007. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries including the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. On 14 July to 23 September 2008, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail further underwent a Special Forces Course at the Iskandar Camp, Mersing and between 9 October to 19 November 2008, he underwent Basic Parachuting Training at the Special Warfare Training Centre (PULAPAK). On 1 August 2010, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail was awarded the Honorary Green Beret of the Special Forces Group (GGK) for his leadership skills and his outstanding contribution in improving the Special Forces Group.
Among His Royal Highness’ Tunku Ismail favorite sports are polo and football. His Royal Highness Tunku’s skills in polo is very evident. Currently, HRH the Crown Prince of Johor is active in football. As the President of the Football Association of Johor since 16 February 2012, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail has developed, led, and elevated the Johor football team’s performance to a higher level acknowledged by all. His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail’s excellence in football became more prominent when he was appointed as the FAM President in 2017.
His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail tied the knot with Her Highness Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda Binti Bustamam on Friday, 24 October 2014. The royal couple was blessed with their first child, a daughter named Her Highness Tunku Khalsom Aminah Sofiah who was born on 25 June 2016. Their second child, the eldest son named His Highness Tunku Iskandar Abdul Jalil Abu Bakar Ibrahim who was born on 14 October 2017. The third child and second son, named His Highness Tunku Abu Bakar Ibrahim who was born on 17 July 2019. The fourth child and second daughter, named Her Highness Tunku Zahrah Zarith Aziyah who was born on 21 April 2021.
