doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
Y

Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School - Petra Jaya

Malaysia, Sarawak

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 0 - 4,200
Ages 12 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2022
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum
Taught languages Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 25
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School is a government-supported secondary school for Sarawakian students. It follows the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Students study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, along with other subjects based on their interests and strengths. The school is equipped with modern facilities including science laboratories, computer labs, sports areas, a library, and multipurpose halls to support both classroom learning and extracurricular activities. Lessons are taught in English, and students are encouraged to participate in school events, team projects, and cultural programs. YSISS is managed by Yayasan Sarawak, a state education foundation that has supported students and schools in Sarawak since 1971. The school currently has campuses in Petra Jaya and Sibu.

Lot 449, Block 15, Jalan Casuarina, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

The Essentials

Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School - Petra Jaya has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
YSISS is located along Jalan Casuarina in Petra Jaya, on the northern side of Kuching, Sarawak. The school sits within a quiet suburban area near government offices and residential neighborhoods, including Semariang and Kampung Gita. It is accessible via the Satok Bridge and Petra Jaya Bridge, linking it to the Kuching city center. The location offers a peaceful environment while remaining well-connected to key parts of the city.

Stages
Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) is divided into Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary sections. Students begin in Year 7 and continue through to Year 11, following the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum.

Type
Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) is a co-educational school offering both day and boarding options. It serves students from Year 7 through Year 11. Boarding facilities are available for students who require on-campus accommodation, while others attend as day students.

Additional learning support
The school uses a merit-based system to admit students and offers full funding for those from low-income families, making sure that financial background does not limit learning opportunities. Teachers focus on developing not just academic knowledge but also life skills, such as confidence, communication, and discipline.

YSISS also provides learning support through hands-on experiences. For example, students from the Sibu campus visited the TEGAS Digital Village to explore technology and science in real-world settings. Activities like these help students apply what they learn in class and gain interest in areas like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The school also has modern facilities such as science labs, computer rooms, and study spaces to help students stay engaged in their learning.

Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any religion. It is secular, and students from all religious backgrounds are welcomed.

School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.

Bus service
The school does offer a bus service.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding on campus with male dormitories, female dormitories and wardens' rooms.

Food Options
Daily meals are provided on campus and included in the fees. A Dining Hall is available on site.

Governance and Ownership
Yayasan Sarawak owns and operates Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School as a state-supported international secondary school network. It began as a government initiative and operates multiple campuses, including Petra Jaya (Kuching), Kuching (12th Mile), and Sibu.
Fees

Annual tuition at Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School - Petra Jaya ranges from up to MYR 4,200 for 2026/27.

Fees include:
School tuition
Textbooks
Daily meals
Exercise books are not included for M40 and T20 students.

By Economic Group:
B40 Group
Income: RM 4,850 and below
Fee per quarter: RM 0
Fee per year: RM 0
Status: Fully funded (free)

M40 Group
Income: RM 4,851 – RM 10,970
Fee per quarter: RM 300
Fee per year: RM 1,200
Status: Partially funded

T20 Group
Income: RM 10,971 and above
Fee per quarter: RM 1,050
Fee per year: RM 4,200
Status: Full fee paying

Academics

Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School - Petra Jaya teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum for students aged 12 to 17.

Curriculum
Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) offers the Cambridge International curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11, which is equivalent to secondary school levels in Malaysia. The program prepares students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a globally recognized qualification typically taken at the end of Year 11.

The Cambridge curriculum at YSISS covers core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, as well as Geography, History, ICT, and languages like Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. In addition to academic subjects, students also participate in physical education, arts, and values-based education. While the school follows an international curriculum, it also allows students the option to sit for Malaysian national exams (SPM) as private candidates. This dual-path approach supports students' flexibility in pursuing higher education locally or abroad.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
YSISS supports social and emotional development by encouraging students to express themselves, work in groups, and take part in activities that help build confidence and cooperation. These include classroom discussions, group projects, and daily routines that focus not just on academic tasks, but also on how students interact with one another.

The school also gives students chances to take responsibility and develop leadership through roles in school events, group activities, and service-based projects. These experiences help students learn how to manage emotions, solve problems, and understand different points of view.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized program for special education needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.

Mental Wellbeing
YSISS supports student mental wellbeing through structured programs and partnerships. On 15 March 2025, the Petra Jaya campus held a Mental Wellness Workshop for all Year 8 students, organized in collaboration with Hope Worldwide and Swinburne University of Technology. The workshop aimed to help students better understand mental health, manage everyday stress, and build emotional resilience.

During the session, students took part in interactive activities focused on identifying emotions, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and developing self-awareness. These exercises were designed to teach practical coping strategies and to encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing. By offering this kind of support, the school helps students prioritize their mental health and fosters a caring school community where they feel safe reaching out for help or supporting one another.

Safeguarding
YSISS does not publicly provide a detailed safeguarding policy.
Parent Experience

History
Yayasan Sarawak, established in 1971 by the Sarawak state government, was created to promote education and social development for the people of Sarawak. Its original mission focused on providing scholarships, loans, and financial support to help students pursue higher education both locally and abroad. Over the years, the foundation has expanded its role, becoming a key player in the development of educational infrastructure and opportunities throughout the state. It works closely with public and private sectors to support students from various socio-economic backgrounds.

In 2022, Yayasan Sarawak launched the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) as part of a broader initiative to improve access to quality education. The school was founded to offer internationally recognized education specifically the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum to Sarawakian students, particularly those from B40 and M40 income groups.

The first campus opened in Petra Jaya, followed by a second campus in Sibu, which began operations in 2025. These schools reflect the foundation’s commitment to providing affordable, high-standard education to prepare students for global opportunities.

Community
Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) has a diverse community made up of students and staff from various parts of Sarawak. The school brings together learners from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the rich diversity of the state. Events such as Gawai celebrations, Hari Merdeka, and school-wide gatherings allow students to share and learn about one another’s traditions in meaningful ways.

In addition to celebrating local culture, the school community emphasizes teamwork, kindness, and mutual respect. Activities like house competitions, group projects, and service events help students form strong connections with peers and teachers.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school does not have a PTA.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
YSISS Petra Jaya provides a conducive learning environment in a tranquil area of Petra Jaya. Halls and other spaces include a Multipurpose Hall, a Sports Hall, a Dining Hall, a Dance Studio, an Art Studio, a Music Room, a Library, and a Workshop. Classroom and labs comprise 24 subject-based classrooms, 6 science labs, 2 ICT labs, and 1 tinkering lab. Living quarters include male and female dormitories and a wardens' room.

Sports Facilities
The campus has a Multipurpose Hall and a Sports Hall to support physical education and indoor activities. These spaces support a range of sports and PE programs.

Academic Facilities
There are 24 subject-based classrooms. There are 6 science laboratories. There are 2 ICT laboratories and 1 tinkering laboratory. Additional academic spaces include a library, an art studio, a music room, a dance studio, and a workshop.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts and performance spaces include a dance studio, an art studio, and a music room. A library and a workshop support co-curricular activities and project work.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum for Year 7 to Year 11. Lower Secondary subjects include English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Science, Computing, Global Perspectives, Art & Design, Geography and Physical Education. Cambridge IGCSE subjects include English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Information & Communication Technology, Malay as a First/Foreign Language, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Economics, Global Perspectives, Geography and Art & Design. Bahasa Melayu, Sejarah and Pendidikan Islam (Muslim students) or Pendidikan Moral (non-Muslim students) are compulsory. Teaching and learning is pupil-centred.

Arts & Creative
Arts & Design is a Cambridge curriculum subject. Extracurricular offerings include Dance, Drama, Literary/Debating and Music; clubs include Chess and Scrabble.

Cultural & Language
Malay is taught as a first/foreign language; Cambridge IGCSE includes Malay as a First/Foreign Language. Compulsory subjects include Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah, with Pendidikan Islam (Muslim students) or Pendidikan Moral (non-Muslim students).

Social & Hobbies
Extra-curricular activities comprise clubs: Chess, Scrabble, Dance, Drama, Literary/Debating and Music. Sports include Archery, Badminton, Basketball, E-Sports, Futsal, Football, Hockey and Rugby. Compulsory activities include Public Speaking, Musical talents, Performing arts, Leadership and Volunteering.

Community & Service
Service options include YSISS Volunteers and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, reflecting the school's emphasis on community involvement and social responsibility.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is included as a compulsory element within activities; participation in leadership-focused programs and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award supports student development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Facilities include a Multipurpose Hall, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Dance Studio, Art Studio, Music Room, Library and Workshop; Classrooms include 24 subject-based rooms, 6 Science Labs, 2 ICT Labs and a Tinkering Lab. Living quarters comprise Male and Female Dormitories and a Wardens' Room. The campus is located in Petra Jaya, Kuching.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11. English is offered as a Second Language and Malay is taught as a First/Foreign Language. All students must take Bahasa Melayu, Sejarah, and Pendidikan Islam (Muslim students) or Pendidikan Moral (non-Muslim students). Cambridge IGCSE subjects include ESL, Mathematics, Information & Communications Technology, Malay as a First/Foreign Language, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Economics, Global Perspectives, Geography, and Art & Design.
Reputation

Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.

Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
YSISS is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education, enabling it to offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum. This accreditation ensures that the school's academic programs meet international standards and that students are eligible to sit for globally recognized Cambridge examinations.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, families should confirm that the student meets the basic eligibility criteria. The school only accepts Malaysian citizens, with priority given to Sarawakian students. Applicants should currently be in Year 6 (Standard 6) and planning to enter Year 7 the following academic year. In addition, the student must have obtained at least Band 5 in their school-based assessments (Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah). Financial eligibility is also considered, with categories divided into B40, M40, and T20 income brackets, though admission is ultimately merit-based.

2. Register for Entrance Assessment
Applications must be submitted through the Yayasan Sarawak official portal or school’s online registration system. Parents will need to complete a form and upload necessary documents, including MyKad copies, academic results, and income verification documents such as payslips or income declarations. These details help determine economic grouping and eligibility for financial support.

3. Attend the Entrance Assessment
All applicants must sit for an entrance examination that assesses their readiness for the school’s Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. The exam typically includes sections on English, Mathematics, and General Reasoning. This is a crucial part of the selection process, as admission is based on academic merit rather than background alone.

4. Interview Stage (if applicable)
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief interview, either in-person or online. This step helps the school assess the student’s communication skills, attitude, motivation, and overall suitability for the school environment. Not all applicants will be interviewed; this step is usually reserved for candidates on the borderline or where more insight is needed.

5. Receive Admission Results
Results are communicated to parents via email or phone. Successful applicants will receive an official offer letter, which will also outline next steps for accepting the place and registering the student. Those who are not accepted may still apply again the following year if eligible.

6. Accept Offer and Submit Registration
Families who wish to accept the offer must confirm enrollment by submitting signed forms and additional documents, such as medical records, emergency contact details, and consent forms. The school may also request payment of any applicable fees for M40 or T20 groups during this stage.

8. Orientation and Start of School
Before the academic year begins, new students take part in an orientation session. This is designed to help them become familiar with the school environment, meet their classmates and teachers, and understand daily routines. Orientation may also include ice-breaking activities or school tours.

Scholarships
YSISS does not offer scholarships in the traditional sense like competitive awards based on excellence alone, but it fully or partially funds tuition based on household income:

B40 group (RM 4,850/month and below): Fully funded (no fees)

M40 group (RM 4,851 – RM 10,970/month): Heavily subsidized (RM 1,200/year)

T20 group (RM 10,971 and above): Full fee paying (RM 4,200/year)

All groups receive support in the form of free textbooks, daily meals, and school resources, with only exercise books excluded for M40 and T20 students.

Waitlist
YSISS follows a merit-based admission system, and seats are limited each year. When applications exceed available slots, qualified students who meet the academic and eligibility criteria but are not immediately offered a place may be placed on a waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Malaysia View all schools in Sarawak View all schools in Malaysia British curriculum schools in Malaysia Open days & tours in Sarawak What is the British curriculum? View all schools Search all schools