KUCHING: Sarawak has made history as the first state in Malaysia to develop international schools owned by the state government, thereby expanding access to world-class, quality education for children across the state.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that a total of five international schools have been developed under Yayasan Sarawak, with two of them, located in Petra Jaya and Batu 12, Kuching, already in operation.

According to him, the initiative reflects the state government’s long-term commitment to strengthening human capital through high-quality education of international standards, regardless of students’ socio-economic backgrounds.

“In our policy, we want to provide sufficient knowledge to Sarawakian children who have potential, regardless of their background and status, whether they come from low-income, middle-income or well-to-do families.

“Because in my view, if we want to develop a society with international standards, they must possess up-to-date knowledge that is aligned with global levels, which will form the foundation for you to develop this state,” he said.

He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) here on Saturday.

The Sarawak Premier added that the adoption of the Cambridge syllabus in these international schools is intended to expose students to international standards while opening pathways for them to compete at the global level.

However, he explained that in addition to using the Cambridge syllabus, namely the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the school also adheres to national education policies, which require students to sit for subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, History and Moral Education or Islamic Education under the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.

Meanwhile, when asked by reporters about the status of international schools in Miri and Bintulu, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari revealed that one project has already entered the implementation stage, while another remains at the planning stage.

“At present, construction is underway. For Miri, the school will be built in the Bekenu area, where work has already begun and the tender process has been finalised, and the same applies to Bintulu.

“We have five international schools in total, with one more still in the planning phase,” he explained.

Also present were Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yayasan Sarawak International Education Sdn Bhd Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, Sarawak Federal Secretary Dato Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, Director of Yayasan Sarawak Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Reporter: Jonnie Kiew
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographers: Hazrin Sunaini, George Embie & Shahril