Ideas International Secondary School

About IDEAS International Secondary School

IDEAS International Secondary School in Sungai Dua, Gelugor, Penang, has an unusual origin. The school grew from a partnership with UNHCR to provide education for refugee communities in Malaysia, eventually becoming the first Cambridge examination centre for refugee students. Following investment from DreamsAsia and renovations supported by IKEA, IDEAS expanded into a full international school open to all students.

The school now offers Cambridge IGCSE with a focus on technology skills, student well-being, and socially responsible leadership. A second IDEAS campus operates in Kuala Lumpur.

Curriculum at IDEAS International Secondary School

IDEAS delivers the Cambridge IGCSE programme for secondary students. Confirmed subjects include Science, English, Mathematics, ICT, and Accounting. The curriculum is supported by extracurricular activities in physical education, arts, crafts, dance, and coding.

The school’s social mission background means it continues to serve students from varied backgrounds, including refugee and underprivileged communities alongside mainstream international students. This gives IDEAS a different student community profile compared to most international schools in Penang.

Fees at IDEAS International Secondary School

IDEAS publishes a fee schedule for 2025/2026 on its website but the amounts are not publicly accessible outside the portal. The school is positioned as an affordable IGCSE option in Penang, consistent with its social mission origins.

For context, international secondary schools in Penang with published fees range from RM 14,000 to RM 85,000 per year. The school fees guide covers typical fee components. Contact: admissions.penang@ideasacademy.org.my or WhatsApp +6019-560 7798.

Admissions at IDEAS International Secondary School

IDEAS accepts secondary students for Cambridge IGCSE. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The school year and intake periods should be confirmed directly with the admissions team.

IDEAS International Secondary School in Penang

IDEAS is at 66 Jalan Murai, Taman Pekaka, Sungai Dua, 11700 Pulau Pinang. Penang has 20 registered international schools and 26 private schools total. The Penang international schools directory lists all options.