Asia Pacific International School vs Sri Bestari International School

	A Asia Pacific International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	S Sri Bestari International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 17,424 - 53,892	Fees / year MYR 17,575 - 38,555
Age range	Age range 2 - 16 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 1,700	Pupils 830
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Sri Bestari International School is located in Bandar Sri Damansara, a township in Kuala Lumpur. It is situated conveniently between several popular residential areas, including Desa ParkCity, Kepong, and Petaling Jaya, making it accessible for families living in these neighborhoods and well-connected to major highways.
Stages	Stages —	Stages The school is divided into three main sections: Early Years for children aged 3 to 5, Primary School for ages 5 to 11, and Secondary School for students aged 11 to 16.
School type	School type —	School type SBIS is a co-educational day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides tailored support for students with additional learning needs through small group sessions and personalized learning plans. Specialist staff work with teachers to help students overcome learning challenges, particularly in areas such as literacy and numeracy. Specific facilities for additional support are integrated within the school environment to ensure inclusivity.	Additional learning support The school has an "Education and Learning Support Academy" (ELSA) that provides support for students with mild autism, mild dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not formally affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation SBIS is a Malaysian school and does not have a specific affiliation with another country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation and offers a secular education environment.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically begins around 8:00 AM and finishes by 3:30 PM. There are scheduled breaks in the morning and a lunch period around midday to allow students time to rest and eat. After-school activities and co-curricular programmes usually run following the core academic day.	School day structure The school day starts at 7:45 AM for all levels. The end of the day varies by year group. Lower Primary ends at 2:35 PM from Monday to Thursday and 12:15 PM on Fridays, while Upper Primary and Secondary end at 3:20 PM from Monday to Thursday and 12:15 PM or 12:50 PM on Fridays. The day includes a morning break and a lunch break.
Bus service details	Bus service details Asia Pacific International School offers a school bus service for families within Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas. The buses are managed by a contracted provider with scheduled pick-up and drop-off points to cover key residential zones. The service aims to provide convenience and safety for students commuting to and from school. Parents can request routes and timing details directly from the school admissions team.	Bus service details The school offers a school bus service for students. This service is provided by an independent company. Information on routes, costs, and how to apply are not available publicly.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Early Years (Ages 2-4) Pre-Nursery: - Deposit: RM 5,808 - Tuition fee per term: RM 17,424 - Annual tuition fee: RM 52,272 (3 terms) - Note: Fees exclude toiletries, diapers, and milk formula Nursery & Reception: - Tuition fee per term: RM 7,280 - Resources fee per year: RM 1,300 - Annual tuition fee: RM 21,840 - Total annual fee: RM 23,140 Primary Years (Ages 5-11) - Year 1: RM 7,952 per term, annual total RM 25,156 - Year 2: RM 9,200 per term, annual total RM 28,900 - Year 3: RM 10,320 per term, annual total RM 32,260 - Year 4: RM 11,592 per term, annual total RM 36,076 - Year 5: RM 12,536 per term, annual total RM 38,908 - Year 6: RM 13,336 per term, annual total RM 41,308 All primary years include a RM 1,300 annual resources fee. Secondary Years (Ages 11-16) - Year 7: RM 14,196 per term, annual total RM 43,880 - Year 8: RM 15,400 per term, annual total RM 47,500 - Year 9: RM 16,700 per term, annual total RM 51,400 - Year 10: RM 17,068 per term, annual total RM 52,504 - Year 11: RM 17,964 per term, annual total RM 55,192 Secondary years include a RM 1,300 annual resources fee (except Year 7).	Fee details Application and Registration Fees * Application Fee: MYR 1,200 (non-refundable, payable before assessment). * Registration Fee: MYR 8,000 (one-off, non-refundable, payable upon acceptance). * Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s school fee, refundable with one term’s written withdrawal notice. Tuition Fees (3 terms per year) * Reception 1–2: MYR 5,858–5,860 per term / approx. MYR 17,575 per year. * Year 1–2: MYR 7,197 per term / MYR 21,590 per year. * Year 3–4: MYR 7,666 per term / MYR 23,000 per year. * Year 5–6: MYR 8,174 per term / MYR 24,520 per year. * Year 7: MYR 11,615 per term / MYR 34,845 per year. * Year 8: MYR 11,995 per term / MYR 35,985 per year. * Year 9–11: MYR 12,851 per term / MYR 38,555 per year. Other Fees * Meal Plan: MYR 750 per term (Reception to Year 6). * Society Fee: MYR 150–180 per term (compulsory for Reception to Year 3). * Additional costs (not included): uniforms, books, special activities, trips, laptops, lockers, and external exam fees. Payment Terms * Fees may be paid annually or termly (September, January, April). * A 2% discount applies for full-year payments made two weeks before term start. * Sibling discount of 5% applies to younger children. * Payments accepted via cash, cheque, bank draft, online transfer, or major credit cards. * A 5% late fee applies to overdue payments. Refund Information * Application and registration fees are non-refundable. * Deposits are refundable in line with the school’s withdrawal policy.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements No boarding services. All students must reside with at least one parent/legal guardian, and expatriate students and parents/guardians must hold a proper visa.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Reception and Year 1 to Year 4 are under a compulsory meal plan with minimal processed food. The meal plan is charged for primary students. For Year 5 and Year 6, the meal plan is optional. Secondary students can purchase food and drinks on the spot in the cafeteria.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Asia Pacific International School (APIS) is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network. On the Subang campus, APIS offers two curricula: the British international APIS curriculum leading to IGCSE exams, and the Malaysian national APSS curriculum leading to SPM exams.	Governance and ownership Sri Bestari International School is part of Lang Education Sdn. Bhd. (LESB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Land & General Berhad (L&G). The campus sits on a 15-acre green site in Bandar Sri Damansara.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details APIS' curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, tailored to an international context. For Early Years (ages 2-5), the program focuses on purposeful play and foundational life skills within a trilingual environment, incorporating English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. In the International Primary School (ages 5-11), students follow an enhanced English National Curriculum alongside the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), fostering skills for life through theme-based learning. The International Secondary School (ages 11-16) comprises Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11). Key Stage 3 builds a strong academic foundation, preparing students for their two-year International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program, which begins in Year 10. Students then sit for the Cambridge IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11, with options across Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.	Curriculum details Sri Bestari International School offers a curriculum based on the British system, which is structured into three distinct stages. The Early Years (ages 3-5) follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), which is designed to be engaging and play-based. Following this, the Primary School (ages 5-11) implements the Cambridge Primary curriculum, covering Key Stages 1 and 2, which provides a broad and balanced education. For Secondary School students (ages 11-16), the curriculum is structured across Key Stages 3 and 4. This phase of their education prepares them for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations, a globally recognized qualification. The school offers a range of subjects for the IGCSEs, allowing students to choose a variety of subjects based on their interests and future academic plans.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning APIS incorporates SEL through dedicated pastoral care programs and counseling services. Teachers are trained to monitor student wellbeing and provide support where needed. The school encourages open communication between students, parents, and staff to address social and emotional development. Regular workshops and activities promote skills like empathy, resilience, and teamwork. Additionally, peer mentoring initiatives help students develop confidence and build positive relationships.	Social & emotional learning SBIS emphasizes the development of social and emotional skills to foster well-rounded individuals. The school has a life skills education program that has been in place for 20 years for students from prep to grade 10. This program, developed by teachers and counselors, aims to equip students with self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and interpersonal skills. The school also has a "Tutor-Ward System" to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students. The student council is actively involved in creating a positive and happy school environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school supports a range of SEN, including mild to moderate learning difficulties and behavioral challenges. While it is not a specialist SEN institution, the school offers targeted interventions and works closely with external specialists as required. SEN coordinators collaborate with classroom teachers to adapt learning materials and assessments to individual needs. Parents are involved in planning and reviewing support, ensuring a partnership approach. The school focuses on inclusion and strives to create a supportive environment for all students.	Special educational needs (SEN) Information regarding support programs for SEN are not readily available publicly.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school provides support for students who speak English as an Additional Language through dedicated EAL programmes tailored to different proficiency levels. Specialist teachers work with students individually or in small groups to develop language skills across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The school integrates EAL support with classroom learning to help students access the full curriculum. Progress is regularly assessed to adapt the support as needed. Parents are kept informed of their child’s development through regular updates.	English as an additional language The school offers an "English Boost" after-school program for students in non-exam years who are not fluent in English. However, the school has stated that it does not have a formal English as an Additional Language (EAL) program at the moment.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a pastoral care system that includes trained counselors and a wellbeing team. The school offers workshops and activities focused on stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Students have access to confidential counseling services to address personal or academic concerns. Staff are trained to recognize early signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support or referrals. Regular communication with families helps maintain a supportive environment. The school encourages a community culture where students feel safe discussing their wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing The school places a significant emphasis on the mental and emotional well-being of its students, which is integrated into their "Tutor-Ward System". The school's leadership and teachers are trained to foster a growth mindset, helping students to be resilient and to face challenges with a positive attitude. They also have an in-house counselor available to students. The school aims to provide a nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is managed through clear policies aligned with national regulations, including child protection protocols. The school has designated safeguarding officers responsible for implementing procedures and training staff regularly. All staff undergo background checks and receive safeguarding training to identify and respond to concerns promptly. The school promotes a safe environment through supervision, secure premises, and awareness programs. Communication channels are in place for students and parents to report issues confidentially. The school works closely with external agencies when necessary to ensure student safety.	Safeguarding A specific, detailed safeguarding and child protection policy document for the international school is not readily available online.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Asia Pacific campus in Subang hosts both the International British and Malaysian national curricula on a single site. APIS follows an enhanced UK curriculum leading to IGCSE exams, while Asia Pacific Smart School (APSS) follows the Malaysian national curriculum. The campus features specialised ICT labs, science labs and makers labs, as well as art workshops, and modern sports halls accessible to all students. These facilities support both international and national pathways on the same campus. The environment supports multilingual learning with English, Malay and Chinese or French as language options.	Facilities overview The campus sits on a 15-acre green site in Bandar Sri Damansara. It moved to a purpose-built modern campus in 2019 with specialised labs, performing arts studios, sports facilities and a 25-metre swimming pool. The campus provides a cafeteria, a library, learning spaces and other facilities that support academic and holistic development.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities There are modern sports halls on campus for physical education. The spaces are accessible to all students across both international and national school pathways. Co-curricular sport activities are integrated into the school program. The facilities are designed to support both international and national streams.	Sports facilities A multipurpose indoor sports hall, an outdoor field and a 25-metre swimming pool are available on campus.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus includes specialised ICT labs, science labs and makers labs that support hands-on learning. Art workshops are provided to foster creativity across both curriculum pathways. These facilities support teaching and learning aligned with the International and Malaysian curricula. The multilingual environment is facilitated by language offerings and classroom practices.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a dedicated ICT lab; junior and senior science labs; a library and library reading corner; learning spaces; and music and piano rooms. The Early Years area has its own classroom spaces, and a green screen broadcasting space supports media activities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular life includes sports, arts, clubs and global learning opportunities. APS participates in the International Schools Partnership (ISP), which provides access to global skill-building programmes. This network supports students in developing life skills beyond the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Signature programmes include M.A.D Together Outreach Programme; SBIS Tag Talk; and S.T.E.A.M Education. Mandarin is a compulsory subject with HSK alignment. EduVenture and Book Character Day are also featured student activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History APIS in Kuala Lumpur was established in 2012 as part of the Asia Pacific Schools network. It operates under the APIIT Education Group, which also includes Asia Pacific University (APU). APIS is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of schools committed to enhancing educational experiences.	History Sri Bestari International School (SBIS) was established in 2017. It is part of the wider Sri Bestari brand, which began with the founding of the national private school, Sri Bestari Private School, in 1995. Both schools are located on the same 15-acre site and are operated by the Langsari Group of companies. The establishment of the international school was a response to growing demand for an international curriculum option within the Sri Bestari educational family.
Community	Community The school fosters a vibrant community through various events and activities. Students participate in cultural celebrations, language festivals, and international exchanges, promoting a global perspective. These initiatives encourage students to appreciate diversity and develop a sense of belonging within the school community.	Community The school fosters a sense of community by hosting a variety of events throughout the year. These include celebrations for major cultural festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, which often involve student performances and activities for families. The school also encourages community spirit through academic showcases, sports days, and other extra-curricular events that bring students, parents, and staff together.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association APIS has an active Community Support Committee that plays a crucial role in building strong home-school partnerships. The CSC organizes events such as parent-teacher meet-ups, cultural celebrations, and community-building activities. These events provide opportunities for parents to engage with teachers and contribute to the school's development.	Parent teacher association The school encourages parental involvement through a Parent Support Group and it aims to foster a collaborative relationship between the school and families to support student learning and well-being. The school also communicates with parents through various channels, including newsletters and parent-teacher meetings.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual APIS follows an enhanced UK curriculum leading to IGCSE exams. Two distinct curricula are available on the Subang campus: APIS (British international) and Asia Pacific Smart School (APSS, Malaysian national). Students consistently achieve top IGCSE and SPM results and gain entry to top universities in Malaysia and around the world. The learning framework uses a research-backed approach with high-impact assessments to monitor progress and guide learning.	Academic & intellectual S.T.E.A.M. is offered as a signature programme. S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. The programme develops problem-solving, critical thinking, computational thinking, project management, and creativity.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Co-curricular life includes arts, sports and clubs as part of the overall learning experience.	Arts & creative Arts- and creative-focused ECAs include Creative Arts, Dance Society, and Master Chef, with Production available in the secondary. The school also provides Artist Hub, Music Band, Sewing Club, and other creative activities as part of the ECAs. These offerings run after school and span primary and secondary levels.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Early Years provides a tri-lingual environment with English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia. APIS promotes multilingualism by developing proficiency in multiple languages while supporting home language development; students also learn additional languages such as Chinese or French as first or additional languages.	Cultural & language Mandarin is a compulsory subject and Chinese language learning is supported by integrating HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) with six levels from I to VI. The HSK levels assess listening, reading, and writing, and students prepare to sit for the test according to year level. Chinese culture is further represented in ECAs such as Chinese Drum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Students engage in clubs, sports and international opportunities. They participate in experiences such as Model United Nations, international chess competitions and collaborative projects that build teamwork and leadership.	Social & hobbies Lower Primary Societies and Upper Primary Societies run within school hours to foster social engagement. Secondary ECAs include Artist Hub, Editorial Board, Malaysian Red Crescent, and Young Enterprise, among others. Additional social and hobby clubs include Game Masters Club, Malay Society Hub, Eco Club, and Wellness Club.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service M.A.D. Together Outreach Programme embeds community outreach, charity, and the habit of giving within students; the SBIS boutique supports ongoing charitable fundraising. The programme also promotes recycling and reducing fabric waste to build social responsibility.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Future Pathways provides personalised guidance for university and career choices and access to specialist opportunities and scholarships. The school uses the Cambridge-based Life Competencies framework (through Camtree) to develop essential skills for learning, collaboration and leadership. Being part of International Schools Partnership expands international opportunities and networks for student leadership and global engagement.	Leadership & professional SBIS Tag Talk invites successful people to share real-life experiences with students to broaden their ambitions and authentic self-discovery. Young Enterprise provides entrepreneurship opportunities within the school's extracurricular activities, and the Editorial Board offers student leadership in communications.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical activity are integrated into co-curricular life through clubs and opportunities beyond the classroom. The Life Competencies framework also fosters self-leadership, reflection and resilience to support students' wellbeing and readiness for life beyond school.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellness Club supports health and wellbeing as part of ECAs. Sports options include Badminton, Basketball, Football, and Taekwondo, with Gymnastics and K-pop Dance also available as physical activity choices.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Across the international curriculum, English and Malay are taught, with French or Mandarin offered as first or additional languages, while home languages are supported. In Early Years, learners are in a trilingual environment with English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia. In the International Primary School, students can choose between Chinese or French for foreign language classes. In the International Secondary School, languages include Malay, Chinese or French.	Language provision Mandarin is a compulsory subject from Early Years through Secondary. Starting from Year 2, Mandarin is assessed and divided into 2-3 groups – Beginner, Intermediate and/or Advanced.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school provides a multilingual framework. Early Years features a trilingual environment of English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia. In the international curriculum, students fast-track English fluency while maintaining home languages, with Malay and Mandarin or French offered as first or additional languages. In the national curriculum, Malay and English are taught, with Mandarin or Arabic as options.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Languages rooms provide specialised immersive classrooms designed to enhance the language learning experience. These immersive spaces support language acquisition across English, Malay, Mandarin and other languages offered. Multilingual learning is emphasised across the school to develop proficiency in multiple languages. Immersion environments are integrated across campus to facilitate language-rich learning.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards International Schools Partnership (ISP) Awards: APIS has received recognition within the ISP network for its outstanding educational practices and student achievements.	Awards Eco-School Green Flag Award: This award, from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognizes the school's commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices. The Green Flag is the highest level of the Eco-Schools award, indicating a long-term dedication to environmental management and education.
Accreditations	Accreditations Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): This accreditation ensures that APIS meets rigorous standards of academic quality and continuous improvement. Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS): Membership in AIMS indicates APIS's commitment to high standards in international education within Malaysia. Microsoft Showcase School: This designation reflects APIS's innovative use of technology in education, integrating Microsoft tools to enhance learning experiences. 5-Star Quality Standards Award (SKIPS) by the Ministry of Education Malaysia: This award recognizes APIS's excellence in curriculum delivery, teacher development, and overall educational standards.	Accreditations Cambridge International School: This accreditation from Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) signifies that the school is authorised to offer Cambridge curriculum and qualifications, such as the IGCSE. It demonstrates that the school meets the high standards of educational quality and rigour set by Cambridge.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Attend an open house or school tour. The school regularly organizes open house events and individual tours, providing an opportunity for families to visit the campus, meet staff, and learn more about the curriculum and facilities. Booking a visit helps parents assess if the school environment fits their child’s needs. Submit an application form. After deciding to proceed, parents complete the application form, providing relevant documents such as previous school reports, birth certificates, and passport copies. The school may require additional information depending on the applicant’s age and program. Assessment and interview. The school conducts an age-appropriate assessment and an interview with the student and family. This helps evaluate the child’s academic level, language proficiency, and readiness to join the school community. Offer and acceptance. If successful, the school sends an offer letter outlining terms, fees, and enrollment conditions. Parents confirm acceptance by completing necessary paperwork and paying any required deposits or fees. Orientation and enrollment. Once accepted, the school provides orientation information to help new students and families settle in smoothly, including details on school uniforms, timetables, and support services.	Admissions 1. Application Submission Submit the completed and signed Application Form, Personal Data Protection Act Notice, and SBIS Fee Category & Agreement, along with the required documents on the checklist. Pay the Application Fee; it is non-refundable and non-transferable. 2. Assessment Round Admissions will schedule an entrance assessment and interview. Reception (Early Years): written assessment, interview with Deputy Principal/Head of School, and classroom observation. Primary: English & Mathematics test, interview (Year 1 includes classroom observation). Secondary: English, Mathematics & Science tests plus interview. Placement depends on space availability, prior records, and assessment performance; international students must have a valid Student Pass or Dependent Pass before enrolment. 3. Review Once assessments (and any necessary reference checks) are complete, the admissions committee reviews the application. Decisions are typically made within 5–7 working days, though peak periods may take longer. The school may contact previous schools or relevant professionals to verify information. Final placement level is determined by the school based on age and readiness. 4. Confirmation of Acceptance Successful applicants receive a Letter of Offer (or Conditional Letter). To secure the place, pay the Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable), the Refundable Deposit, and the Term Fee by the deadline stated in the offer. If an application is unsuccessful, a place is not offered and the family is informed of the outcome.
Scholarships	Scholarships Asia Pacific International School offers a limited number of scholarships based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Interested families must submit a scholarship application alongside the admissions form, providing supporting documents and references. Scholarships are reviewed by a committee and awarded annually, potentially covering part of the tuition fees. Specific criteria and deadlines are shared with families during the admissions process.	Scholarships There is no specific information available on the Sri Bestari International School website about scholarships. Although, they do post about scholarships on their socials.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school operates a waitlist system when places are limited. Applicants who meet entry criteria but for whom immediate places are unavailable are placed on a waiting list. The school contacts families in order of the waitlist as spaces open up, typically prioritizing siblings and earlier application dates.	Waitlist The school does operate a waiting list. If a place is not available at the time of application, successful applicants will be placed on a waiting list. The school will then contact parents/guardians when a place becomes available.
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