KUCHING: St Joseph’s Private Secondary School (SJPS) has marked a historic milestone with the official opening of its newly constructed building extension, strengthening its role in providing quality education for Sarawak’s younger generation.
The new extension was officially opened by Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as the Guest of Honour at the ceremony.
The St Joseph’s family of schools, which has a history spanning more than 145 years in Sarawak, has played an important role in educating tens of thousands of Sarawakians since its establishment in 1881. Over the decades, its alumni have contributed significantly across various sectors, including politics, public service, civil society, business, professional fields and entrepreneurship.
The St Joseph’s education legacy began with St Joseph’s Secondary School (SMK) in 1881, followed by the establishment of St Joseph’s Private School in 2012 and St Joseph’s International School in 2017.
Since its opening in 2012, SJPS has experienced rapid growth and currently has more than 1,600 students. The expansion of its facilities became necessary to support the increasing student population and provide a more suitable learning environment.
The RM19 million building extension project represents a major achievement for the school, with the Sarawak Government contributing RM5 million in financial assistance towards the development.
In his speech, Premier Abang Johari said the opening of the new building was not merely about adding another structure, but about celebrating a shared commitment towards investing in the future through education.
He said education remained one of the most powerful tools to transform lives and shape the future of Sarawak, adding that every classroom built today would create opportunities that could benefit generations to come.
The Premier emphasised that the Sarawak Government views education not simply as an expenditure, but as a long-term investment in the people. He highlighted that private schools such as SJPS play an important complementary role in strengthening the state’s education ecosystem.
According to him, SJPS has consistently nurtured students with strong values, including discipline, integrity, compassion, service and leadership. These qualities, he said, remain essential in an era of rapid technological advancement.
The newly completed extension features modern classrooms, multimedia learning spaces, upgraded science laboratories, performing arts facilities, a music room, dance studio, expanded library, gallery, student amenities and a multipurpose hall.
The facilities are expected to provide students with a more engaging and future-ready learning environment, encouraging creativity, innovation and holistic development beyond academic achievement.
The school continues to uphold its motto, “Ora Et Labora”, which means “Pray and Work”, reflecting its long-standing commitment to developing students with knowledge, character and a strong sense of responsibility.
The opening of the new extension marks another important chapter in St Joseph’s long educational journey and reinforces its contribution towards building Sarawak’s future generations.
