KUCHING: A new chapter in Sarawak’s education landscape is set to unfold with the proposed establishment of St Joseph’s Private School – Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng Campus at Marina Peninsula, Kota Samarahan, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Crestview Development Sdn Bhd and the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Archbishop of Kuching Most Reverend Datuk Dr Simon Poh said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to making education an integral part of community development, while continuing the long-standing legacy of St Joseph’s School in producing generations of Sarawakians with strong values and academic excellence.
He said the MoU was the culmination of more than a year of discussions between both parties, which began from a shared vision on the importance of providing quality education for future generations.
“Today’s ceremony represents more than a formal agreement between organisations. It reflects our shared commitment and common belief that education is one of the greatest investments families can make for their children,” he said during the MoU signing ceremony held here today (July 28).
Poh said the establishment of the new campus would continue the legacy of St Joseph’s School, which began in 1892 when missionary priests arrived in Kuching and were granted land by Sir Charles Brooke where the current St Joseph’s Primary and Secondary Schools are located.
He said over the years, generations of educators, religious brothers, sisters, school leaders and teachers had contributed to shaping students who went on to serve Sarawak and the country as professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants and community leaders.
“More importantly, they have become men and women of integrity, compassion and service. It is our conviction that education transforms lives, strengthens families and contributes to nation-building,” he said.
He added that the expansion into Kota Samarahan was timely as the area has developed into one of Sarawak’s fastest-growing communities, with many young families choosing to make the township their home.
He said access to quality education would further complement the growth of Kota Samarahan as a complete community where families could live, work, recreate and raise their children.
He expressed appreciation to Crestview Development for making the school site available and committing RM10 million towards the construction of the new school building.
Poh also said that the Archdiocese of Kuching would dedicate the campus as the St Joseph’s Private School – Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng Campus in recognition of Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng’s vision and contribution in making the project possible.
Meanwhile, Dr Choo Chung Ho of Crestview Development Sdn Bhd said the MoU represented more than an agreement, as it brought together education, community and sustainable development to create lasting value for Marina Peninsula, Kuching and Sarawak.
He said a successful township should not only be measured by its physical developments, but also by the opportunities it creates for future generations.
“Spanning approximately 400 acres, Marina Peninsula is envisioned as an integrated waterfront community comprising quality residences, healthcare, education, retail, commercial and recreational components. From the very beginning, education has been one of the cornerstones of this master plan,” he said.
Dr Choo said Crestview is honoured to collaborate with the Archdiocese of Kuching in establishing the St Joseph’s Private School campus, which would carry forward the institution’s long-standing reputation for academic excellence, character formation and service to the community.
The proposed campus, estimated to cost about RM40 million, will comprise a purpose-built private primary and secondary school with 38 classrooms — 18 for primary education and 20 for secondary education.
He said the school would be guided by the philosophy of “The Learning Confluence”, focusing on knowledge, discovery, expression and motivation to create an environment that inspires excellence, encourages innovation and prepares students for future challenges.
Dr Choo also thanked the Archdiocese of Kuching, the St Joseph’s Private School Board of Management, the Sarawak State Education Department, Yee, RHB Commercial Sarawak and all parties involved in bringing the project to this milestone.
He said the collaboration reflects a collective belief that education remains one of the greatest investments for future generations.
“It is our sincere hope that this partnership will grow from strength to strength, and that the proposed St Joseph’s Private School – Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng Campus will become a place where young minds are nurtured, future leaders are inspired and lifelong values are formed,” he said.
The school is targeted to open in 2030 and the permanent six-acre campus is planned for approximately 1,000 students across its primary and secondary schools. The school is intended to serve families from Stutong Baru, Sungai Tapang, Tabuan Jaya and the wider Samarahan growth corridor.
Meanwhile, the Marina Peninsula is connected by Samarahan Road and the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, where education, healthcare, retail and recreation are all within easy reach. Across approximately 400 acres, the master plan responds to the peninsula’s natural form framed by Sungai Kuap, Sungai Sajiram and Sungai Merdang.
