Sarawak Tertiary Education Services (STES) Inks Bilateral Cooperation with CfBT Education Services

MIRI, 15 May 2006 – In supporting the Government’s efforts in making Miri a regional centre for educational excellence, Sarawak Tertiary Education Services Sdn Bhd (STES), a subsidiary company of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) Education Services, witnessed by YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Modernization of Agriculture and Minister of Industrial Development, Sarawak in the presence of representatives from CfBT Education Services and senior management of Curtin Sarawak.

In his official address, YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said, “Collaborative effort to initiate this international school is the latest development to unfold on the education front in Miri, making education and tourism as the main engine for its growth.

The MOU Signing between Sarawak Tertiary Education Services and CfBT Education Services today is the beginning of a partnership that would bring significant rewards to Miri. It would allow for a successful establishment of a business plan for a setup operation, management and financing of an International School development in Miri,” he added.

“Sarawak Tertiary Education Services (STES), as a diversifying arm of Curtin Malaysia through the establishment of Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), is constantly working with the government and has been committed to maintaining high academic standards in offering a unique international and cross-cultural learning experience. CfBT’s reputation as a leading independent provider of education and training services in the UK and internationally will certainly compliment Curtin Sarawak in making Miri achieve its mission as centre of educational excellence,” continued YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri George Chan.

The MOU was signed by YB (Dr) Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, Sarawak on behalf of Sarawak Tertiary Education Services (STES), and CfBT Education Services was represented by its Director of South East Asia, Mr Christopher Bell.

Among those present at the occasion were Mr Michael Gibbs, Director CfBT Brunei and Professor John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak.

About CfBT:

Founded in 1965 as the Centre for British Teachers, CfBT today is a leading independent provider of education and training services. With its headquarters in Reading, UK, CfBT works with clients worldwide to develop high quality, innovative and cost effective solutions to their needs. It is a not-for-profit organisation and a UK registered charity. All surpluses generated from the servicing of contracts are reinvested in education. CfBT, through its development fund, invests in ideas by supporting research and innovative projects; it invests in people through grants and scholarships.

CfBT’s overarching commitment is to education which enables individuals, institutions and communities to achieve their maximum potential. CfBT recognises that, in teaching and learning, clients and beneficiaries are often not the same people. CfBT aims to meet the needs of beneficiaries and communicate perceptions of those needs to their clients.

Picture 1: The MOU was signed by YB (Dr) Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, Sarawak on behalf of Sarawak Tertiary Education Services (STES),and CfBT Education Services was represented by Mr Christopher Bell, Director of South East Asia witnessed by YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Modernization of Agriculture and Minister of Industrial Development, Sarawak