By Marlynda Meraw
“Our intention is to produce excellent students who can compete in the global arena. That is why we will set up five international boarding schools in Sarawak with syllabus based on Cambridge University. Students from this school will compete against each other and the best would be able to pursue their studies at Cambridge University or any other top university in the world, with the financial assistance of Yayasan Sarawak.” Abang Johari (November 20, 2019)
IN a bold and thoughtful move to transform Sarawak’s education landscape, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced in 2019 the State government’s intention to establish five international schools that would offer the globally recognised Cambridge syllabus. This was not merely an exercise in prestige, but a deliberate step to bridge educational disparity and provide high-performing students from all backgrounds, especially those from low-income and rural communities, with access to world-class education.
The idea was brought forth by Abang Johari, who envisioned nurturing a new generation of Sarawakians equipped with the intellectual foundation and confidence to thrive globally. At the heart of this mission lay inclusivity: the schools would be open to those from the B40 income group, while students from M40 and T20 families would pay fees scaled to their household means. The syllabus, derived from the University of Cambridge, would prepare students to sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in addition to the local Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination. The goal was clear—no child with potential should be denied access to quality education simply because of where they come from or what their parents could afford.
From Vision to Infrastructure: Building the Schools
In December 2019, the plans crystallised into action. The first international school was slated for development at Mile 12, Kuching-Serian Road, with construction set to begin in 2020. By the end of that year, advisor to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong revealed that the overall development budget for the five schools which are located in Kuching (two campuses including Petra Jaya), Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri, would come under the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) budget, with each school estimated at RM60 million.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on December 6, 2019, between the Sarawak Research Development Council (SRDC), Curtin Biovalley Sdn Bhd, and the University of Cambridge to formalise the partnership. At full capacity, each school would house up to 500 students, though staggered operational timelines were planned to ensure quality control and efficient staffing. In April 2022, the first Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) opened its doors at the former Tunku Putra School premises in Petra Jaya, which had been acquired by the State. The debut intake comprised 111 students selected from over 1,200 applicants, of which 761 sat for the specially designed YSISS entrance assessment. Of those admitted, 60 per cent came from B40 families, while 30 per cent and 10 per cent were from M40 and T20 groups, respectively. This ratio has since remained central to the school’s admission policy.
An Education Within Reach
The establishment of YSISS represented a significant shift in how the Sarawak government approached educational equity. No longer was international education the preserve of the elite. Children of farmers, fishermen, and rural dwellers, many of whom had never stepped into a classroom that followed a global syllabus, could now dream of universities abroad. Admission is merit-based, requiring candidates to score at least Band 5 in classroom assessments for core subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, Science, and Mathematics—and to sit for the YSISS entrance test. A key condition is that at least one parent must be Sarawakian, ensuring the schools remain a dedicated investment for local talent.
By late 2024, two YSISS campuses—Petra Jaya and Mile 12 had enrolled a combined total of 403 students, with 259 at the former, and 144 at the latter, as shared by Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee during the Sarawak Budget 2025 debate on November 13, 2024. The Sibu campus is progressing steadily, with 84 per cent completion as of August 2024, and is projected to admit over 100 students by 2026. Meanwhile, campuses in Bintulu and Miri remain in the planning and pre-tender stages. When operational, all campuses will follow the established quota system: 50 per cent B40, 40 per cent M40, and 10 per cent T20.
The current student body reflects Sarawak’s rich ethnic diversity. As of November 2024, the demographic breakdown included 36.2 per cent Malay, 19.1 per cent Bidayuh, 18.17 per cent Iban, 12.2 per cent Chinese, 7.9 per cent Melanau, 3.7 per cent Orang Ulu, and 2.2 per cent from other ethnicities. Such diversity not only embodies the spirit of Sarawak but also enriches the academic and social fabric of the school communities.
Sarawak’s Educational Momentum
While five campuses are currently in development, discussions are underway to expand this model further. On June 5, 2024, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas requested the establishment of a new international school in Betong Division, aimed at catering to students from Sri Aman to Sarikei, with the Sarawak government taking it under further consideration. Abang Johari said that the proposed school within the Betong Division would continue the Cambridge-based model and serve as a strategic investment in the next generation of Sarawakians, particularly those in a position to enter emerging fields such as compound semiconductors and hydrogen technology.
The State’s commitment remains steadfast. RM16 million was allocated under the Sarawak Budget 2024 to support operational costs for YSISS Petra Jaya, and future budget adjustments will be made necessary to maintain and expand these institutions. These schools are more than just successes in the State’s pursuit towards educational excellence. They are living proof of what is possible when a government prioritises equity, foresight, and the transformative power of education. Sarawak is not merely catching up; it is carving a path for others to follow.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd. All information contained herein is accurate as of the first quarter of 2025.
