KUCHING: The establishment of the Sarawak Foundation International Secondary School (YSISS) Kuching reflects the Sarawak Government’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality international education to promising students, particularly those from low-income families.

Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said that although the school officially began operations on 11 March 2024, Saturday’s launch marks a significant milestone and demonstrates a long-term vision to nurture Sarawak’s future generations to be knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competitive.

He explained that YSISS was founded on the principle that every child, regardless of their family background, deserves fair and quality educational opportunities as a pathway to social mobility.

“We believe that education is the most powerful tool for families to change their life trajectories and achieve upward social mobility.

“Our mission is to reach out to those with great potential but limited means, and to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, as well as between urban and rural communities,” he said.

He was speaking at the official launch of the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS), officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, in Kuching on Saturday.

Dato Sri Roland further elaborated that YSISS emphasises holistic student development through the use of English as the medium of instruction, the implementation of the internationally recognised Cambridge curriculum, cultivation of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and creativity, and empowering students from low-income backgrounds to become Sarawak’s future leaders.

Currently, YSISS Kuching accommodates 318 students from Form 1 to Form 3, supported by 32 academic teachers and 19 non-academic staff.

Academic achievements are also impressive: Form 1 students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in English as a Second Language (ESL), Global Perspectives, and Geography, while Form 2 students recorded full passes in ESL and Art & Design, and 95 per cent in Science.

Beyond academics, YSISS students have brought honour to the school at state, national, and international levels in innovation, STEM, technology, and sports, including winning awards at the International Technology and Innovation Conference (TECHON 2025), national micro-programming competitions, and chess and athletics championships.

To support modern learning, the school is equipped with 20 smart classrooms, six science laboratories, and provides free laptops to B40 students to reduce reliance on physical textbooks.

Also present were 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