Melaka International School vs Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM)

	M Melaka International School Malacca, Malaysia	P Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) Malacca, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 11,574 - 33,540	Fees / year MYR 24,000 - 38,100
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 280	Pupils 60
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 2020
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Melaka International School is located in the residential area of Taman Siantan, Kampung Lapan, Melaka Tengah, a two-hour drive south of Kuala Lumpur. The suburb is well connected via the North–South Expressway, and the campus is near local shops, parks, and bus routes, making daily routines convenient.	Location Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) is located in Taman Pandan Indah, a residential suburb just north of central Melaka. The area is well connected by local roads and lies between Melaka’s historic city centre and the Ayer Keroh toll plaza, making it accessible for both local and commuting families. School transportation services are also available, including routes from nearby towns such as Muar
Stages	Stages The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Pre‑University (A‑Levels).	Stages PISM serves students aged 3 to 18, organized into Early Years (3–6), Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11 for IGCSE), and A‑Level (Post‑16) stages. Each stage aligns with the Cambridge curriculum.
School type	School type Melaka International School is a co-educational day school.	School type The school is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Melaka International School offers general learning support through its Counselling Services and classroom-based interventions. While it is not a specialist institution for Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school provides assistance for students who may require extra academic help, particularly in language and core subjects.	Additional learning support It is not a specialist SEN school and nor does it have a dedicated learning support centre.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal affiliation with any other country; it follows the British-based Cambridge curriculum within Malaysia’s national regulatory framework.	Country affiliation There is no official affiliation with any country, foreign government, or national education system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is non-denominational, with no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation PISM operates as a non-denominational institution and does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure The day structure at Melaka International School is as follows: Kindergarten: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Year 1 - Year 2 : 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM Year 3 - Year 11 : 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Time is allocated for breaks, lunch, and co-curricular activities.	School day structure While exact timings aren't listed, PISM follows a standard school-day format: Early Years Mon - Thu: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM Fri: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Primary School Mon – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 3:10 PM Fri: 8:30 AM – 1:10 PM Secondary School Mon – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 3:50 PM Fri: 8:30 AM – 1:10 PM *Students are required to be in the school before 8:10 AM.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school website does not explicitly state that it provides a bus service.	Bus service details Transportation is available from Muar to Melaka.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One-Time Payment Application Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, Kindergarten) MYR 800 (non-refundable, Year 1–11), payable upon application submission. Enrollment Fee: MYR 1,500 (non-refundable, Kindergarten) MYR 4,000 (non-refundable, Year 1–11) Refundable Deposit Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee. Refundable with one month’s written notice (excluding school holidays). Annual Tuition Fees Kindergarten: MYR 11,574 Year 1–3: MYR 14,532 Year 4–6: MYR 17,406 Year 7–8: MYR 18,798 Year 9–10: MYR 26,835 Year 11: MYR 33,540 Note: A 5% discount is available if the full year’s tuition is paid in advance. Sibling discounts of 5% per child are available for the second and subsequent siblings. Other Fees Miscellaneous Fee: MYR 1,200 per year (non-refundable) Student Insurance: MYR 20 per year (non-refundable) Additional Charges (not included in tuition) Uniforms, textbooks, meals, excursions, co-curricular activities (CCAs), exam fees, and transportation (if applicable) are billed separately. Payment Methods Payment can be made via cash, cheque, credit card, or online transfer. Bank Details Beneficiary: Longterm Focus Sdn. Bhd. Name of Bank: Public Bank Melaka Account Number: 3813195128 Bank Address: No. 60-68, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka. Swift Code: PBBEMYKL	Fee details One-Time Payments Application Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, payable upon application) Enrollment Fee: MYR 2,500 (non-refundable; payable upon registration) Assessment Fee: Reception - MYR 300 Primary - MYR 400 Secondary - MYR 600 Student Visa Application Fee (for international students): New Visa - MYR  2,500 Renewal - MYR  800 Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) Early Years (EY1–EY2): MYR 24,000 Years 1–3: MYR 24,000 Years 4–6: MYR 25,200 Years 7–8: MYR  29,700 Years 9–10: MYR 34,800 Year 11: MYR 38,100 Annual Tuition Fees (Malaysian Students) Early Years (EY1–EY2): MYR 19,200 Years 1–3: MYR 19,200 Years 4–6: MYR 20,220 Years 7–8: MYR  24,900 Years 9–10: MYR 30,000 Year 11: MYR 33,300 Note that the total fees per year include a fee of MYR 2,400 (annual), which covers science/ICT labs, library, and student insurance. Other Fees* Late Pick-Up Charges (Preschool Only): With Siblings: MYR 250–450/month Without Siblings: MYR 300–500/month Extra: MYR 50 charged every 15 minutes after the designated time (3:10 PM, 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM) Sibling Discounts 10% off tuition fees for the second child 15% off tuition fees for the third and subsequent children The discount applies only to tuition fees and remains valid as long as multiple siblings are enrolled. Refundable Deposit Equivalent to one full term’s tuition fee, payable upon enrolment. Refunded (without interest) after the end of the semester if a written withdrawal notice is given before the first day of the semester and all school obligations are met. Note that all withdrawals are subject to administrative charges of MYR 100 per student. Additional charges for uniforms, meals, ECAs, excursions, exam fees, textbooks, and materials may apply. Payment Methods* Payments can be made via cheque, bank draft, or online transfer. Bank Details: Beneficiary: Planetarium International Sdn. Bhd. Bank: Public Bank Melaka Account Number: 3225877611 Bank Address: No. 60-68, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka Swift Code: PBBEMYKLXXX
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school has a residential campus.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a cafeteria on site.
House system	House system The school has a house system. Ruby House is one of the houses and participates in house-based activities and competitions, including MIS Sports Day.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a CEO/Director. Shamsunnisa Ishak serves as CEO/Director.	Governance and ownership Planetarium International Sdn. Bhd. operates PISM.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Melaka International School follows the Cambridge curriculum from Kindergarten through A‑Levels. Kindergarten (ages 4–6) uses an Early Years thematic curriculum focusing on communication, numeracy, social skills, creative development, and early science via play, phonics, drama, music, and field trips. In Primary (ages 6–11), students study the Cambridge Primary Programme and International Primary Curriculum framed by the UK National Curriculum, including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, ICT, PE, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia Secondary (ages 12–16) follows Cambridge Lower Secondary through Key Stage 3 and IGCSE in Year 11, with choices in sciences, maths, English, ICT, humanities, business, economy, and languages; exams are CAIE‑administered. A‑Level (ages 17–18) offers Cambridge International A‑Levels, with subject options like Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Business, and History; IELTS preparation is also provided.	Curriculum details Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) follows the Cambridge International curriculum across all stages. The Early Years programme introduces foundational literacy, numeracy, and personal development. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary curriculum with core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSEs, typically taken in Year 11, with a range of subjects including Malay, Mandarin, ICT, and Business Studies. Post-16 students pursue the Cambridge A-Level programme, usually over two years, allowing subject specialisation in preparation for university. English is the primary language of instruction, with Malay and Mandarin taught as additional languages.
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’s Counselling Services support SEL through daily guidance on academic, personal, and social issues, along with intervention and mediation when conflicts arise. Trained counsellors help facilitate peer discussions, teach emotional resilience during exam periods, and collaborate with teachers for ongoing student check-ins.	Social & emotional learning Classroom embedding of SEL through guided reflections and group-focused activities is part of the Early Years to Secondary curriculum at PISM. Schoolwide events, such as International Day and Sports Day, foster peer interaction, empathy, and shared responsibility. Teachers include wellbeing check-ins as part of pastoral care, integrating “Well‑Being” into the weekly timetable
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) While not a specialist SEN institution, the school provides internal support for students with mild to moderate needs (e.g., learning difficulties) via the Counselling Services team.	Special educational needs (SEN) PISM is not a specialist SEN school but considers each student’s needs during admissions, with diagnostic reports reviewed before placement.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school supports non-native English speakers through small-group EAL classes designed to build language confidence. EAL-trained staff conduct placement assessments and monitor progress via termly reviews. Classroom teachers align group instruction with mainstream subjects, ensuring language learners can participate fully. MIS also provides a complimentary International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tuition.	English as an additional language While PISM does not have a separate EAL department, English proficiency is assessed during placement to ensure students can access the Cambridge curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselling Services include individual and group sessions focusing on academic and personal stress management. Staff facilitate peer support and lunchtime wellbeing activities, while counsellors coordinate with families and teachers to monitor changes in student emotional health.	Mental wellbeing Well‑Being appears as part of the weekly schedule starting in Secondary, ensuring mental health is embedded in the school routine. Teachers monitor students through Well‑Being classes and integrated activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school website does not provide a clearly detailed safeguarding or child protection policy.	Safeguarding The school doesn’t publicize a detailed safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview PISM is a purpose-built international school located at Jalan Pandan Indah, Taman Pandan Indah, Melaka. It emphasises modern, state-of-the-art facilities in a student-centred environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school provides facilities to support a broad curriculum and extracurricular activities, aligned with its 21st-century learning environment.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities PISM offers a Cambridge curriculum with resources to support learning from Early Years through A-Level, including accommodation for Cambridge IGCSE and related assessments.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The focus on CLIMATES (Communication, Languages, Innovation, Mathematics, Arts, Technology, Engineering, and Science) supports a holistic approach including arts, design, and technology within a broader educational program.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Melaka International School was established in 1993 by the late Dr Mohamed Ishak Syed Ahmed and his wife, Mrs Shamsunnisa Ishak, supported by the State Economic Development Corporation and The Melaka Foundation. It was designed based on the British school system, with students aged 4–18, and became Malaysia’s first international school in Melaka. Initially focused on early years education, MIS has since expanded its academic offerings and moved to its current Taman Siantan campus in 2008, operating under Longterm Focus Sdn. Bhd. as a licensed private school.	History Planetarium International School Melaka was founded by Planetarium International Sdn Bhd, which was incorporated on July 21, 2020. The school was designed to support Cambridge-based education from early years through A-Level, and its initial leadership team was appointed at its opening.
Community	Community The school hosts a range of community events throughout the year, including cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Hari Raya, and Christmas, along with academic competitions and sports tournaments. Annual events like the MIS Carnival welcome families and the public, featuring games, food stalls, science demos, and performance booths, often tied to the school’s anniversary	Community The school community gathers multiple times each year for events such as International Day, Deepavali, Chinese New Year celebrations, and Sports Day, fostering cultural awareness and interaction. Orientation days and cruise workshops also help new students and families feel connected and part of the school family.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent-Teacher Association organizes initiatives such as Tea Time with Teachers, offering informal Q&A sessions and discussions about programs and student progress. Parents are regularly invited to attend Parent-Teacher Meetings and the Family Carnival, collaborating with teachers and students on planning and running activities for MIS’s public events. The PTA also supports seasonal and cultural events like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year, with coordination between school, families, and student leaders to create shared celebrations for the school community.	Parent teacher association PISM encourages parent engagement through scheduled Parent–Teacher Conferences held at the end of each term (three times per academic year). These meetings allow parents to discuss their child’s academic progress and wellbeing with teachers. The school also organizes social events, such as International Day and orientation days, where parents are routinely invited to participate.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school emphasises Agile values: students are curious, embody a spirit of inquiry, and seek deeper understanding. They are keen to learn new skills and receptive to new ideas. They are engaged academically and socially, ready to make a difference.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts is part of CLIMATES, the framework guiding holistic learning. This framework includes Arts as a focus area alongside other disciplines.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language CLIMATES includes Languages as a focus area, alongside Communications, Innovation, Mathematics, Arts, Technology, Engineering and Science. The framework guides holistic learning across language and other disciplines.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Empathy is a core pillar: students understand themselves as reflective learners and show care and concern for others. They focus on both the processes and products of learning and develop strategies to be lifelong learners to share with others.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership is a core pillar: students take ownership of their learning, set targets, and uphold intellectual integrity. They collaborate and support others to demonstrate leadership by example.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Tech Savvy is a core pillar: students are innovative and equipped for future challenges by being tech-savvy. They apply knowledge to solve new and unfamiliar problems and adapt flexibly to new situations requiring new ways of thinking.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school uses Cambridge Curriculum across all levels. English is the medium of instruction for core subjects, and Malay and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. In the Early Years, the school offers English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards There is no information publicly available on the awards won by Melaka International School.	Awards No publicly documented external awards have been formally presented to the school.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International Examination Centre The school is authorised to administer Cambridge qualifications (Checkpoint, IGCSE, A‑Level), signifying compliance with Cambridge standards Licensed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MOE) It is recognised as an authorised educational institution for handling domestic and international students. Star rating under SKIPS (Private Education Quality Standard) The school received a four-star rating in the government’s Standard Kualiti Institusi Pendidikan Swasta, affirming institutional quality.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Complete the application form You'll need the student’s health record, birth certificate/passport, parent IDs, recent school reports, passport-sized photos, and a non-refundable application fee (MYR 600–800). For international students, certified documents (like a bank statement) and a letter from the Malaysian Ministry of Education are required. Attend the entrance assessment For Primary and Secondary, this includes English and Math tests and an informal chat with the Head of Primary or Secondary. It takes about 2 hours and happens on campus. Receive the Letter of Offer Admissions staff, subject heads, and school leadership review results together before confirming successful applicants. Parents receive the offer by email along with the invoice and next steps. Complete government approvals (for international students) The school applies for Ministry of Education approval (MYR 185) and a Student Pass or Dependant Pass from Immigration (MYR 250), plus a performance bond (handled on your behalf). Confirm admission and make payments To confirm the spot, settle the deposit, registration fee, term fees, insurance, and miscellaneous costs by the deadline. International students require government approvals before final placement.	Admissions Book an Open Day PISM occasionally holds open days and information sessions, allowing parents to tour the school, meet teachers, and better understand the curriculum and culture. Complete the Application Form Parents must complete the official application form, attach relevant documents (e.g. birth certificate, academic records, passport/IC copy, vaccination record, and any diagnostic reports), and pay a non-refundable application fee of MYR 600. Placement Assessment Students are required to undergo an age-appropriate placement assessment: Reception to KG: Individual interview with teachers Years 2–6: Online assessments in English and mathematics Years 7–10: Written tests in English, mathematics, and science The outcome is used to determine both academic fit and class placement. Offer and Enrolment Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer. To confirm the place, parents must pay a non-refundable enrolment fee (MYR 2,500) and the refundable deposit (equivalent to one term’s tuition).
Scholarships	Scholarships Melaka International School offers two scholarships to enrolled full-time students: Dr. Ishak’s Outstanding Academic Scholarship Eligibility: Students entering Year 7 with 80% or higher in Maths, Science, and English from Year 6. Students must pass the school's scholarship exam with 80% or higher. Awards a 30% tuition fee waiver (not a cash award). Open to Malaysian and international students. Ms. Shamsunnisa’s Outstanding Sports Scholarship Eligibility: Malaysian students who have represented at district, state, or national level (MSSD, MSSM, SUKMA, etc.), with supporting documentation. Awards a 30% tuition fee waiver, reviewed annually.	Scholarships The school’s official website does not mention any scholarships or financial aid programmes.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not operate a formal waitlist or admissions pool. Offers are based on space availability and assessment results.	Waitlist The school does not operate a formal waitlist or pool. Admission is based on placement assessment results and availability within the intended year group.
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