Introduction

About Us

Established in 2017, Borneo International School, is a private international educational institution located in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Our comprehensive curriculum spans Primary, Secondary, IGCSE and A-Level education catering to a student population of more than 600 and representing over 20 nationalities worldwide. Committed to offering a holistic education, we strive to equip students with the skills needed for life, fostering an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. In 2022, we moved to our new all-purpose built campus at Saradise, a new urban township in Kuching which is located 3 km from the Kuching International Airport.

Governing Body & Senior Management

Mr. Mark Tan

Chairman of the Board of Governors and Director of Borneo International School

Mr Mark Tan brings a wealth of experience and vision to his role as Chairman of the Board of Governors. A Chemical Engineering graduate of Salford University, UK, Mr. Tan's academic foundation laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in the corporate world.

With decades of leadership experience in global corporations, Mr. Tan has demonstrated exceptional acumen in strategy, innovation, and operational excellence.

In 2017, Mr. Tan co-founded Borneo International School, driven by his passion for education and his belief in the transformative power of learning. Under his leadership, the school has become a beacon of excellence, emphasizing holistic development and nurturing future leaders equipped for the challenges of a dynamic world.

YB Datuk Gerawat Gala

YB Datuk Gerawat Gala is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in law, government, and community service. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B) degree from the University of Malaya and has served as an Advocate and Solicitor at the High Court of Borneo in Sabah and Sarawak.

Currently, he is the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, overseeing labour, immigration, and project monitoring. His previous roles include Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Founder and Managing Partner of Gala & Tomik Advocate Kuching (2003–2016), General Counsel for Shell Malaysia (2001–2003), and Independent & Non-Executive Director of Petra Energy Berhad (2007–2010).

Datuk Gerawat is also a dedicated community leader. He served as President of the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (2012–2015) and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (2006–2013). Since 2017, he has been a Board Member of the Sarawak Higher Education Fund Charitable Trust (HiED) and Yayasan Sarawak, as well as a Member of the Advisory Board at the UNIMAS Institute of Social Informatics and Technology Innovation. Additionally, he has been the Advisor of the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sarawak, since 2020.

With his wealth of experience and leadership, YB Datuk Gerawat will play a vital role in guiding the strategic development of Borneo International School, aligning with its commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.

Dato Chris Chung

Dato Chris Chung is the Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Titanium and Saradise Group of Companies, and the Founder and Executive Chairman of Grand Olie Sdn Bhd and TSG Green Sdn Bhd. He is also a member of University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) Industry Advisory Council (UNIAC). He holds a BA in Business Administration from London International College, United Kingdom, a Master Degree in Finance from Birkbeck College, University of London and a Post Graduate Degree in Management (DMS) from the University of East London.

Mdm. Florence Chew

Mdm. Florence Chew holds an honours degree from the University of Salford, England. She began her professional journey in the business sector before discovering her passion for education. Over the past 37 years, she has gained extensive experience teaching at various levels, from Primary to Adult education.

As the founding Principal of Borneo International School, Mdm. Chew was instrumental in establishing the school and has spent the last seven years dedicated to its growth and success. She envisions the school as a dynamic institution where every child’s education and personal growth are prioritized. With her vast experience and strong leadership, Mdm. Florence will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Borneo International School.

Ms Cherry Chiaw

Ms Chiaw obtained her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Lincoln, New Zealand. She is the Managing Director of Major Plastic Sdn Bhd. She actively promotes the creation of a warm and nurturing atmosphere at BIS for students to build a strong foundation of academic skills and explore their talents in other areas of the broader curriculum.

SUZY CHOO - HEAD OF PRIMARY

After completing her Master's Degree in Science (Chemistry) at University Science Malaysia (USM), Suzy transitioned into a role as a process engineer at a manufacturing company in Kuching, Sarawak. Later, she shifted her focus to education, initially teaching at a private international school before joining Borneo International School in 2021, where she specialized in teaching Upper Primary Mathematics. Alongside teaching, Suzy assumed various leadership roles, including overseeing the School’s Student Ambassadors, Upper Primary Pastoral Care, and Environment Conservation Initiatives. Central to her teaching philosophy is the cultivation of confidence and resilience among Primary students. Outside of work, she serves as a Sunday School teacher in her church and indulges in baking and exploring new culinary delights.

DR XR MA – HEAD OF SECONDARY

Dr. Ma Xiang Ru, a graduate in molecular biology from University Malaysia Sarawak, specializes in cancer pathogenesis. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Technology Malaysia, she was honoured with the Dean's Award. Scholarships from the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation supported her Master's and Ph.D. studies, and she was granted the IFCB Scholarship for an International Training Program in Cell and Molecular Biology in Taiwan in 2009.

Since joining Borneo International School in 2018, Ma has served as the Head of Science and the Head of Sixth Form. Her teaching portfolio encompasses lower secondary Science, IGCSE Biology, and Chemistry. Prior to Borneo International School, she taught Science in both government and private schools, and held a part-time lecturing position at Swinburne University (Sarawak campus). Additionally, she worked in technical support for a local company and contributes as a member of the Swinburne Sarawak Course Advisory Committee.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Ma advocates for the transformative potential of education. She volunteers as a Sunday school teacher and storyteller for young children. In her leisure time, she indulges in reading, watching movies, meditating, and taking leisurely strolls in the park. An avid enthusiast of paper quilling, she is self-taught and holds accreditation with the UK Quilling Guild.

Message from Chairman

Welcome to Borneo International School where education goes beyond academics—it is a meaningful journey of discovery, growth, and purpose.

Our vision is to be a leading school synonymous with quality education. At the core of our mission is creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every child can excel academically, develop personally, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning. Through our globally recognized UK Cambridge programmes, from Primary stage to Secondary, IGCSE and A-Level, we prepare our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive on the global stage while ensuring education remains affordable and accessible for all.

At Borneo International School, we believe in holistic education. Our focus extends beyond academics, emphasizing values like respect, integrity, responsibility, and a reverent fear of God. These principles help shape students into compassionate global citizens who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Learning at our school happens everywhere—in classrooms, on sports fields, and through a vibrant array of extracurricular activities. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer students opportunities to discover their passions, build resilience, and foster meaningful friendships. Through community service, environmental awareness, and social responsibility, we inspire students to think beyond themselves and contribute to creating a better, sustainable future.

We firmly believe that every child holds immense potential. It is a privilege to walk alongside them, celebrating their achievements and supporting them through challenges. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education and future. Together, let’s cultivate a generation of learners who embody excellence, character, and service to others.

DECEMBER 5TH, 2024

Our Vision, Mission and Philosophy

Vision

Borneo International School aims to be the leading international school in Sarawak, synonymous with high quality education and a model of excellence for lifelong learning.

Mission

We endeavor to provide the best environment for unparalleled learning and instill in our students the School´s 5 tenets namely:

  • Academic Excellence
  • Character Building
  • Social Responsibility
  • Passion for Lifelong Learning
  • Communication and Engagement
We aim to achieve these aims through impeccable teaching practices that leverage on innovative technologies and teaching pedagogy.

Philosophy

We believe that every child is unique, valued and given the right environment, have the capacity to develop to his or her fullest potential. We aim to ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment and to teach the children to value themselves, respect others and be responsible, caring and helpful at all times. We subscribe to the provision of quality education which is affordable and accessible.

School Emblem

T he school emblem is a shield which exemplifies honorable virtues. Embodied in the shield is:

School Calendar

There are four (4) terms in an academic year.

Term From To
1st term January Mid-March
2nd term End March Mid-May
3rd term June Mid-August
4th term End August November

Facilities

O ur School comes fitted with the latest innovations in academic facilities, including ICT laboratories, science laboratories, and a comprehensive library.

We also have an indoor Multipurpose Hall and a Performing Arts and Drama Academy Centre. Our extensive sporting facilities , an indoor badminton hall with four full-sized courts, as well as outdoor courts futsal, basketball and volleyball.

Lockers are also provided for Secondary-level students, whilst Primary-level students have designated areas to store their personal items.

To ensure round-the-clock safety of the students in our care, the School employs 24-hour in-house uniformed security guards who patrol the School on a regular schedule. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are also installed at strategic areas around the School to enhance our security efforts.

For parents/guardians wishing to make transport arrangements for their children to and from our School, we can recommend a third-party school bus operator. Please contact our Administration team for further details.