Kuching Archbishop Launches New School Project to Expand Church's Educational Mission

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak has announced plans to establish a new St. Joseph's Private School campus, with Archbishop Simon Poh describing the project as a continuation of the Church's longstanding mission of forming young people through faith-based education.

The announcement was made on July 28 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Archdiocese of Kuching and Crestview Development Sdn. Bhd. for the construction of St. Joseph's Private School – Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng Campus at Marina Peninsula in Kota Samarahan, a rapidly developing district near Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Archbishop Poh said the initiative represents more than the establishment of a new school.

"Today's ceremony represents more than a formal agreement between organizations," he said. "It reflects our shared commitment and common belief that education is one of the greatest investments families can make for their children."

The archbishop said the new campus would continue the legacy of St. Joseph's School in Kuching, one of Sarawak's oldest Catholic educational institutions. Founded in 1892 by missionary priests after Rajah Charles Brooke granted land for the school, it has educated generations of Sarawakians who have gone on to serve as professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders.

Archbishop Poh said the Church's vision for Catholic education extends beyond academic excellence.

"More importantly, former students have become men and women of integrity, compassion and service," he said. "It is our conviction that education transforms lives, strengthens families and contributes to nation-building."

Archbishop Simon Poh announced that the new campus will be named St. Joseph's Private School – Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng Campus in recognition of the Sarawak businessman and philanthropist whose generosity and support helped make the project possible.

The archbishop noted that Kota Samarahan has become one of Sarawak's fastest-growing urban centers, attracting increasing numbers of young families. He said the new school would help meet the growing demand for quality education while supporting the area's development as a family-friendly community.

Crestview Development will contribute RM10 million toward the construction of the school and provide the site as part of its Marina Peninsula development.

Dr. Choo Chung Ho of Crestview said education has been a key component of the township's master plan from the outset.

"A successful township should not be measured only by its physical infrastructure but also by the opportunities it creates for future generations," he said.

The planned six-acre campus is expected to cost about RM40 million and will include purpose-built primary and secondary school facilities with 38 classrooms—18 for primary students and 20 for secondary students. When completed, it will accommodate about 1,000 students.

The school is scheduled to open in 2030 and will serve families in Kota Samarahan and surrounding communities, including Stutong Baru, Sungai Tapang, and Tabuan Jaya.

For the Archdiocese of Kuching, the project continues a Catholic educational tradition that has contributed to Sarawak's development for more than a century. Catholic schools have long served not only as centers of learning but also as places where students of different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds learn together, reflecting the Church's enduring commitment to education, social development, and the common good.