Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School marks official launch with student accolades

KUCHING (Jan 31): The Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) in Kuching is beginning to reap the fruits of its establishment after just over a year, with students achieving impressive recognition in academics, innovation, and sports at both local and international levels.

State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn highlighted the school’s achievements in his welcoming speech at the official launch of YSISS here.

“While our doors first opened for classes on 11th March 2024, today is about more than just a building or a date on a calendar. It is a celebration of the heart and soul that has gone into creating this sanctuary for learning,” he said.

“Standing here at this 12th Mile campus, I don’t just see a school; I see the bright, hopeful faces of our future, and I am deeply moved by the possibilities that lie ahead for every student calling this campus home.”

Sagah said the school was founded on the principle that every child, regardless of their family’s background, deserves a fair chance at success, with a focus on nurturing well-balanced, disciplined, and compassionate future leaders for Sarawak.

YSISS currently hosts 318 students across Years 7, 8, and 9, supported by 32 academic teachers and 19 non-academic staff.

Using the Cambridge curriculum and English as the medium of instruction, the school aims to equip students with globally recognised qualifications and essential 21st-century skills, including problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

“Our Year 7 students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in English as a Second Language (ESL), Global Perspectives, and Geography in the Year-End Progressive Tests provided by Cambridge.

“Our Year 8 students maintained a 100 per cent pass rate in ESL and Art and Design, with an impressive 95 per cent in Science,” Sagah noted.

Beyond academics, YSISS students have excelled in Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), innovation and sports.

At the 8th Technology and Innovation International Conference (TECHON 2025), Hasfyliyana Hajrol was named Best Presenter for her project on a Solar-Powered Automatic Drying Arm.
At the national level, Valerie Chuo Yu Ern and Ashton Jembu Hillyard reached the finals of the RERO: Micro Coding Competition.

In the Young Innovators Challenge 2025: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Social Good, Boyce Ng Goe, Rynn Avisthra Amber, and Naomi Celeste Timas Marcos won a Silver Medal at the state level.

In sports, Immanuel Thomas emerged as champion in the SEDC Rapid Chess Competition 2025, while Emmanuel Prince and Aiedid Danial secured first place in the ‘Merentas Desa’ (cross-country running) and MSSB Kuching Long Jump competitions, respectively.

To further support students, YSISS provides 20 smartboard-equipped classrooms, six science laboratories, and free laptop assistance for B40 students, promoting multimedia learning and reducing reliance on heavy textbooks.

Sagah acknowledged the contributions of Yayasan Sarawak, YSIE Sdn Bhd, school staff led by Principal Jimali Sunang, and parents in making the school a success.

“Without your commitment to deliver an international curriculum and provide an international setting for the students, we would just be another school, not much different from any other,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the vision behind the international schools initiative.

“Thank you for your visionary idea in mooting these schools and for trusting the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development to turn this vision into a living legacy for our children,” he added.