Borneo International School vs Riam Hill International Secondary School

	B Borneo International School Sarawak, Malaysia	R Riam Hill International Secondary School Sarawak, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,680 - 33,300	Fees / year MYR 15,000 - 24,000
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 600	Pupils 52
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 2022
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Borneo International School is situated at Jalan Setia Raja in the Tabuan Laru area of Kuching. This is a well-developed suburban neighborhood that hosts a mix of residential, commercial, and educational facilities. The school’s campus is part of the Saradise development, a modern township with a focus on urban lifestyle, dining, and community spaces. The location is approximately 10 minutes by car from Kuching International Airport and about 15 minutes from the Kuching city centre. It is also within reach of prominent areas like Tabuan Jaya and Stutong, both established residential zones.	Location Riam Hill International Secondary School is located at Jalan Riam Willow, in the Riam suburb of Miri, in northern Sarawak. The school sits in a peaceful residential area near Taman Tunku and Taman Jelita, about 15 minutes by car from Miri city centre. It is easily accessible via Jalan Miri–Bypass and Jalan Riam, which connect the school to central Miri and major transport routes.
Stages	Stages Borneo International School is divided into Primary School, Secondary School and Sixth Form.	Stages RHISS provides education for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary.
School type	School type Borneo International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type The school is a co-educational day school and it does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Students benefit from career counseling services and assistance with university applications through partnerships with organizations like MABECS and UCAS. A-Level students take part in a four-week work experience programme that provides exposure to professional environments. The school also runs masterclass seminars featuring guest speakers to connect classroom learning with real-world insights. Community service is a key part of student life, with regular activities promoting social awareness and civic responsibility. Small class sizes allow for individual attention, ensuring that students receive guidance tailored to their learning needs.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not have a country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Borneo International School is a secular institution. There is no any religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation RHISS is a non-denominational school with no specific religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure General School Hours (by level and day): Primary School Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Secondary School (Years 7–9) Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Years 10 & 11 (IGCSE) Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Structure of the School Day: Primary Level: 1.The day is divided into three sessions of approximately two hours each. 2.Includes scheduled morning breaks and a lunch break. 3.On two days per week, students can choose from a variety of activities or clubs, extending their day by one hour. Secondary Level: 1.The regular day runs slightly longer than primary. 2.Two days per week include extended time for extracurricular activities (ECAs), adding 30 minutes to the day. 3.Students engage with teachers and coaches in settings beyond the classroom, fostering broader personal development.	School day structure Monday to Friday 7:45am – 3:00pm Reading and Attendance Taking 7:45am – 8:00am Morning Break 10:00am – 10:30am Lunch Break 12:30pm – 1:00pm Extra-curricular Activities 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Thursday and Friday) The school day begins with reading and attendance taking from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., followed by classes and scheduled breaks. Extra-curricular activities are held in the afternoons on Thursdays and Fridays.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not offer a bus service.	Bus service details The school does not offer a bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One-Time Fees Application Fee: RM200 Non-refundable; payable upon submission of the student application form. Assessment Fee: RM150 Non-refundable; applicable to students required to sit for a written assessment before admission. Admission Fee (One-time, non-refundable): 1st Child: RM4,000 2nd Child: RM2,000 3rd and subsequent children: RM1,500 Security Fee: RM3,000 per student Refundable only if a written notice of withdrawal is submitted at least one full term in advance. Annual and Per-Term Tuition Fees Malaysian Students Year 1: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term Year 2: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term Year 3: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term Year 4: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term Year 5: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term Year 6: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term Year 7: RM12,052 annually / RM3,013 per term Year 8: RM12,052 annually / RM3,013 per term Year 9: RM13,916 annually / RM3,479 per term Year 10: RM18,876 annually / RM4,719 per term Year 11: RM18,876 annually / RM4,719 per term A-Level (Years 12–13, 18 months): RM27,750 total / RM4,625 per term Non-Malaysian Students Year 1: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term Year 2: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term Year 3: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term Year 4: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term Year 5: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term Year 6: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term Year 7: RM14,464 annually / RM3,616 per term Year 8: RM14,464 annually / RM3,616 per term Year 9: RM16,700 annually / RM4,175 per term Year 10: RM22,652 annually / RM5,663 per term Year 11: RM22,652 annually / RM5,663 per term A-Level (Years 12–13, 18 months): RM33,300 total / RM5,550 per term Refund Policy 1.All fees are non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise. 2.The Security Fee (RM3,000) is refundable only when a student withdraws with a full term’s written notice. 3.Late payments will incur a surcharge as determined by the school. Payment Methods All payments must be made to Borneo Covenant Sdn Bhd and can be processed through the following options: Cheque Bank draft Direct bank deposit Online banking Telegraphic transfer Credit card (in person at the Finance Payment Counter)	Fee details The school does not have their fee structure publicly available.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform.
Food options	Food options Lunches are offered daily at a marginal cost; meals vary by day. Packed lunches are allowed with tables set aside in the refectory.	Food options The school has a canteen run by dedicated operators with ongoing efforts to improve healthy meals through collaborations.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a house system with houses named after planets (Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn) and conducts House Sorting events.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a private international educational institution established in 2017 and located in Kuching, Sarawak. It is governed by a Board of Governors.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Borneo International School offers a unified academic programme based on the Cambridge International Curriculum, providing a continuous educational journey from Year 1 through A-Level qualifications. In the primary years (Years 1–6), the school follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, which emphasizes English, Mathematics, and Science, along with additional subjects such as Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu. This foundation prepares students for the structured progression into the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme in Years 7 to 9. For students in Years 10 and 11, the focus shifts to the Cambridge IGCSE, a globally recognized qualification assessing academic knowledge across a broad range of subjects. Following this, students may enroll in the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme (Years 12 and 13), which prepares them for university admission both in Malaysia and internationally.	Curriculum details RHISS offers a Cambridge International Curriculum for secondary education, specifically from Year 7 to Year 11. The school prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, which are conducted at the end of Year 11. During Years 7 to 9 (lower secondary), students are introduced to a broad curriculum that includes subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Life Skills, Coding, and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11, students select subjects aligned with the IGCSE syllabus and focus on exam preparation. In addition to Cambridge standards, RHISS incorporates elements of the Chinese curriculum, offering a bilingual and bicultural learning experience. This integration supports Mandarin language proficiency and cultural knowledge, particularly for students from Chinese-speaking backgrounds. The curriculum is designed to build strong academic foundations and prepare students for global tertiary education, though the school currently does not offer a pre-university programme like A-Levels or AUSMAT.
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 View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school incorporates social and emotional learning through character-building programmes that are designed in-house. These programmes aim to help students understand their roles and responsibilities within the school and wider community. It integrates key principles like empathy, cooperation, and ethical behavior into regular school life. For example, students are involved in school-organized community outreach and charity events, such as food drives and local fundraising activities. These allow them to engage directly with real social issues and reflect on their own actions and responsibilities. In the classroom, teachers promote respectful communication, teamwork, and accountability through group-based learning activities and class discussions. Students are often encouraged to present ideas, work collaboratively, and take part in decision-making during projects. Leadership is also developed through student council participation and class representative roles, where students practice problem-solving, negotiation, and organizing school-related initiatives. These everyday practices support emotional development by helping students manage emotions, understand others’ perspectives, and work constructively in group settings.	Social & emotional learning RHISS has a dedicated school counsellor available to students who need support with stress, social issues, or other emotional challenges. Students can schedule one-on-one time with the counsellor during non-class periods like lunch breaks. This provides a structured outlet for talking through personal problems and developing self-awareness or coping strategies. In daily school life, Life Skills is a specific subject in the lower secondary years (Years 7–9). It covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Through class discussions and roleplay activities, students learn to recognize and express emotions, resolve disagreements, and understand others’ perspectives. RHISS also places students in regular group assignments and project work where they must take on shared responsibilities, handle peer feedback, and navigate group dynamics, which helps practice emotional regulation and cooperation.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have a dedicated SEN programme.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have any specialized support for students with special educational needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not offer EAL.	English as an additional language RHISS offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support, particularly for students preparing for the IGCSE examinations. The school includes English as a Second Language in its curriculum, ensuring that students develop the necessary language skills to succeed academically.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs, providing students with opportunities to explore interests beyond academics allowing students to build confidence, develop social skills, and manage stress.	Mental wellbeing RHISS offers direct support for students' mental health through an on-campus counsellor available during breaks and lunch hours. The counsellor assists students with social, emotional, and academic concerns, providing a safe space for them to discuss personal issues.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policies.	Safeguarding Health and Medical Support: RHISS provides a sick bay where students can rest if they feel unwell during lessons. However, parents are advised to take the student to a medical center for proper treatment. Students’ allergies and health issues are recorded upon admission, and First Aid Kits are available on-site to treat minor injuries. School Security: The campus is secured with full perimeter fencing and a guarded school gate, ensuring controlled access to maintain a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. Data Protection: The school takes data privacy seriously and ensures all personal information processed by the school is safeguarded.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school moved to a new all-purpose built campus at Saradise in 2022, located 3 km from Kuching International Airport. The campus houses ICT laboratories, science laboratories, and a comprehensive library. It includes an indoor Multipurpose Hall and a Performing Arts and Drama Academy Centre. The sporting facilities include an indoor badminton hall with four full-sized courts and outdoor courts for futsal, basketball, and volleyball; lockers are provided for secondary students and primary students have designated storage areas. The campus is protected by 24-hour in-house uniformed security guards and CCTV cameras, and transport can be arranged through a third-party school bus operator.	Facilities overview The school uses 21st Century Learning Technology with student-owned laptops for coursework, collaboration and research. All classrooms are equipped with smart interactive whiteboards to enhance teaching and engagement. Riam Hill maintains two ICT laboratories with desktop PCs for classes (ratio 1:1) including coding, and the desktops support online examinations in the future. The school is located at Block D, Lot 1305, Jalan Riam Willow, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, and operates Monday to Friday – 7:30 am – 16:00 pm, Saturday – 7:30 am – 12:00 pm.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has an indoor badminton hall with four full-sized courts and outdoor courts for futsal, basketball, and volleyball.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school provides ICT laboratories, science laboratories, and a comprehensive library.	Academic facilities The school is an officially registered Cambridge examination centre enabling Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Lower Secondary. It uses 21st Century Learning Technology with student laptops and smart interactive whiteboards across classrooms, and has two ICT laboratories with a 1:1 student-to-PC ratio for coding and other coursework; the desktops support online examinations in the future.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extra-Curricular Activities includes: Sports & Games (Badminton, Basketball, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Chess and Board Games, Football/Futsal, Netball, Table Tennis, Pickleball); Clubs & Societies (Animal Welfare, Arts and Crafts, Bible Reading, Cheerleading, Crocheting, Cookery, Debate, Eco-Club, Entrepreneur, Gardening, Geopark, Korean Culture, Music and Choir, Psychology, Quilling and Handicraft, Quilling and Papercraft, Young Doctor Club, Robotics); Uniform Groups (Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, Red Crescent).	Extra curricular facilities Riam Hill offers a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities (CCA & ECA). Activities include Art & Craft; Board Games; E-Sports; Public Speaking; Entrepreneurship; STEM; Coding & Animation; Handicrafts (Sewing & Crochet); Baking; Gardening; and sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Track & Field, Table Tennis and Swimming. CCA and ECA develop resilience, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and self-esteem.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Borneo International School was founded in 2017 in Kuching, Sarawak. It was established to provide quality international education using the Cambridge International Curriculum, covering Year 1 through A-Level qualifications. Initially based in a different location, the school moved to its current campus in Saradise in 2022. The new purpose-built facility supports a growing student population and expanded academic offerings. The school is part of a larger Malaysian education group that also oversees other institutions like Nobel International and United International schools. While relatively young, Borneo International School has steadily expanded its programmes, student body, and infrastructure since its founding.	History Riam Hill International Secondary School (RHISS) was established in 2022 in Miri, Sarawak, by the management of Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS). The school aims to provide quality international education by offering a curriculum that combines the Cambridge syllabus with elements of the Chinese syllabus. This approach is designed to prepare students for global opportunities while maintaining cultural relevance.
Community	Community Borneo International School serves a growing community of over 600 students representing more than 20 nationalities. The school environment is designed to reflect this cultural variety, with a focus on global-mindedness and inclusion. Students participate in international day celebrations, charity drives, and cultural appreciation activities that highlight traditions from Malaysia and abroad. Parents are frequently invited to school events, where they engage with staff and other families, creating a collaborative atmosphere.	Community RHISS prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive learning community. The school hosts various cultural events, such as Chinese New Year celebrations featuring lion dance performances, to honor and educate students about different traditions. Students also participate in activities like Chinese calligraphy competitions and wildlife ambassador programs, which promote cultural awareness and environmental stewardship.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.	Parent teacher association The school does not have PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a broad range of clubs and societies to develop academic inquiry and critical thinking. Students can join Robotics, Debate, Young Doctor Club, Geopark, and Entrepreneur to practice analytical collaboration and problem solving. These activities apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts and foster teamwork.	Academic & intellectual The school offers Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE as part of its curriculum. Students in Year 10 and Year 11 participate in the Cambridge IGCSE programme. The upper secondary and pre-University years include Advanced (A) Level as part of graduation pathways. The school is an official Cambridge Examination Centre and uses educational technology, including interactive E-Classrooms and a 20-computer laboratory, to support teaching and learning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Clubs and activities include Arts and Crafts, Music and Choir, Crocheting, Quilling and Handicraft, Quilling and Papercraft, and Cookery. Students pursue creative expression through these clubs and have opportunities to perform, exhibit, or share their work. The program supports craftsmanship and artistic development.	Arts & creative The school offers a broad suite of co-curricular activities focused on creativity and expression. These include Art & Craft, Handicrafts (Sewing & Crochet), Baking and Public Speaking, as well as Coding & Animation. Entrepreneurship and STEM activities provide avenues for creative problem-solving and collaboration.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Korean Culture is offered as a cultural club. Bible Reading is available as a club. The school fosters cross-cultural understanding through diverse cultural activities and clubs.	Cultural & language The school develops linguistic skills in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. The learning environment is multicultural and fosters respect for cultural diversity.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Animal Welfare, Eco-Club, Gardening, Crocheting, Quilling, Debates, and Cookery provide hobby and interest-based groups. Chess and Board Games, Table Tennis, and other leisure activities are offered as part of after-school options. The range supports social interaction and personal interests beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies A broad range of social and hobby activities is available, including Board Games and E-Sports. Sports offered include Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Track & Field, Table Tennis and Swimming. These activities build resilience, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and self-esteem.
Community & service	Community & service Community Service is an established part of the school's holistic education. Students participate in charity work and community events, helping others while developing gratitude and personal growth.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Entrepreneur and Debate clubs develop leadership, communication, and enterprise skills. Uniform Groups such as Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, and Red Crescent offer youth leadership experiences and service opportunities.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated into co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Public Speaking and Entrepreneurship are among activities that build leadership and professional skills. The program emphasizes teamwork and resilience as part of student leadership.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and Games include badminton, basketball, Brazilian Jiujitsu, chess and board games, football/futsal, netball, table tennis, and pickleball. Nutritious lunches are provided daily, with packed lunches accommodated as needed. Extracurricular activities extend the school day on two days each week, supporting students' wellbeing and balance between academics and activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and safety are prioritized with a sick bay and campus security measures. The school provides a counsellor to support students' social, emotional and academic wellbeing. Sports and fitness activities are available across multiple disciplines to support physical wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Malay and Mandarin are the languages taught. English is the medium of instruction for all other subjects. Malay and Mandarin appear as language subjects across Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE curricula. Language learning is integrated within the Cambridge framework.	Language provision Linguistic development includes English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese as part of Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school uses English as the language of instruction for the majority of subjects. Malay and Mandarin are taught as language classes. Malay and Mandarin are listed as language offerings in the Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary curricula.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Eco-Schools Bronze Certificate: The school received a Bronze Certificate from the Green Growth Asia Foundation for its efforts in promoting environmental sustainability within the school and the broader community.	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International Examination Centre: Borneo International School is accredited by Cambridge International Education (CIE), allowing it to offer Cambridge Primary, Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes.	Accreditations Officially registered as a Cambridge examination centre in Miri, Sarawak, enabling students to acquire international qualifications in Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Lower Secondary.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Submission. Download and complete the school’s Application Form. Attach a copy of your child’s most recent school report card and exam results when submitting the form. 2. Entrance Assessment. Schedule an appointment for your child to sit for the school’s entrance assessment examination. 3. Assessment Outcome. Within one week of the assessment, the school will notify you of the results and recommend an appropriate Year Group placement for your child. 4. Offer and Enrollment. If your child is successful, the school will issue an Offer of Acceptance letter. You will then be asked to complete and submit the Admission Form to finalize the enrollment process.	Admissions 1. Complete the student registration form available on the school's website. Submit the form along with the required documents, which include: A copy of the student's birth certificate A copy of the student's MyKad or passport Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the parent's MyKad or passport 2. Applicants for Years 7–11 are required to sit for an entrance test to assess their academic readiness. rhiss.edu.my 3. An interview may be conducted to further evaluate the applicant's suitability for the school's environment and curriculum. 4. The completed application and assessment results will be reviewed by the Principal. Parents or guardians will be notified of the admission decision upon completion of the review process.
Scholarships	Scholarships Borneo International School offers scholarships for its A-Level programme.	Scholarships Currently, RHISS does not offer a formal scholarship program. However, the school emphasizes providing affordable quality education, particularly targeting students from the M40 and T20 income groups. Additionally, the Sarawak government has expressed intent to collaborate with RHISS to support eligible Sarawakian students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, in accessing education at the school.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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