KUCHING: Admission to Yayasan Sarawak International Schools is determined by merit, not racial background, said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He said applicants must achieve at least a Band 5 in their Year 6 examinations and receive recommendations from their headmasters to be considered.
"After passing the examination, we assess their socio-economic backgrounds, identifying whether they belong to the B40, M40, or T20 income groups," he told reporters after addressing questions raised in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly's sitting.
He said admissions are based on academic performance and socio-economic standing.
Currently, 259 students are enrolled at the Yayasan Sarawak International School in Petrajaya, and 144 are studying at the school located in Batu 12 along Kuching-Serian Road, he said.
"The student demographic comprises 36.2 per cent Malays, 19.1 per cent Bidayuh, 18.7 per cent Iban, 12.2 per cent Chinese, 7.9 per cent Melanau, 3.7 per cent Orang Ulu, with other ethnic groups making up the remaining 2.2 per cent.
"The enrolment numbers reflect the population distribution in Sarawak's southern zone," he said.
Dr Annuar said the ethnic composition may change as new international schools open in Betong, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.
Notably, 55.4 per cent of students in the current international schools come from rural areas, with only 12.3 per cent from urban areas.
The next enrolment is scheduled for January next year, with students preparing to sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) under Cambridge University in their Form 5 year this June.
"Students passing the IGCSE may pursue studies abroad, but we are also considering having them take the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, held from November to early December," Dr Annuar said, adding that only a minimum of five subjects would be required for SPM.
"This dual option allows students the flexibility to study overseas with the IGCSE or remain in Malaysia and complete their SPM," he said.
The state government plans to sponsor two top students each from B40, M40, and T20 families to study in countries such as Australia.