Sarawak will be opening an International Islamic Secondary School in Kuching which is expected to begin operations in early 2027.
The new school will combine international academic standards with Islamic education to develop students who are academically capable and grounded in religious knowledge.
Known as Sekolah Menengah Agama Antarabangsa Sarawak (SMAIS), the school is intended to provide Muslim students with opportunities to pursue quality education through a combination of the Cambridge international curriculum and Islamic studies.
It is also expected to welcome students from across Borneo and Muslim minority communities in Pacific island nations.
SMAIS to Begin With 60 Students in January 2027
According to reports by Utusan Borneo Online, the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) plans to enrol an initial intake of 60 students in January 2027.
The first group will be temporarily accommodated at Sekolah Rendah Datuk Murtada Haji Daud in Kuching while the school’s permanent premises are completed.
The permanent building is expected to be ready by March 2027, according to MIS secretary and Sarawak Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) director Datu Mual Suaud.
The initial intake is expected to involve students from Ma’had Tahfiz Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub (MATTARY), a tahfiz institution in Kuching.
The phased opening will allow the school to begin accepting students while preparations for its permanent campus continue.
DayakDaily reported that an initial allocation of RM3 million had been approved for the preparatory phase of school which will be under Yayasan Sarawak. The report also stated that boarding facilities were also planned.
Combining Cambridge Education With Islamic Studies
One of the defining features of the Sarawak International Islamic Secondary School will be its dual educational approach, combining the Cambridge international syllabus with Islamic education.
The curriculum is intended to equip students with academic knowledge, religious understanding and international language proficiency.
The collaboration with Singapore’s Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah has also been highlighted in earlier reports concerning the development of the school’s educational programme.
The approach aims to prepare students for further education and future careers while maintaining a strong foundation in Islamic teachings.
Opportunities for Students Across Borneo and the Pacific
The school is also expected to serve a wider regional purpose beyond Sarawak.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the institution would provide educational opportunities for Muslim students from across Borneo and minority Muslim communities in Pacific island nations.
He said bringing together students from different backgrounds would encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences while strengthening relationships among Muslim communities.
The school is also intended to help students develop the knowledge and communication skills needed to contribute to their respective communities after graduation.
This regional dimension could position Kuching as an important centre for Islamic education, subject to the school’s admission arrangements and implementation plans.
Sources:
- The Borneo Post: Sarawak’s new international Islamic school to offer opportunities to students from Borneo, Pacific island nations
- Utusan Borneo: Sekolah Menengah Islam Antarabangsa Sarawak beroperasi awal 2027
- DayakDaily: Preparatory works for Sarawak’s first Islamic international school to start this year