St Joseph’s Private Schools is set to expand beyond Kuching with the establishment of a new campus in Kota Samarahan, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s 134-year history and responding to the rapid growth of one of Sarawak’s fastest-developing urban corridors.
The proposed St Joseph’s Private School – Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng Campus will be developed at Marina Peninsula following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Crestview Development Sdn Bhd and the Archdiocese of Kuching.
The agreement signals a strategic collaboration to integrate quality education into the township’s long-term development while extending the St Joseph’s educational legacy to a new generation of students.
Archbishop of Kuching Most Reverend Datuk Dr Simon Poh described the partnership as more than a property development project, saying it reflects a shared conviction that education remains one of the most valuable investments for families and society.
The expansion comes as Kota Samarahan continues to evolve into a major residential, educational and healthcare hub, attracting young families seeking quality living environments.
According to Poh, establishing a St Joseph’s campus in Samarahan is a timely response to the area’s demographic growth and increasing demand for quality private education.
The permanent campus will occupy approximately six acres within the 400-acre Marina Peninsula township and is designed to accommodate around 1,000 students.
Scheduled to open in 2030, the school will comprise a purpose-built private primary and secondary school featuring 38 classrooms—18 for primary education and 20 for secondary education.
The new school campus is not expected to replace the current St Joseph’s Private School at Jalan Nagor, but rather cater and serve families from Stutong Baru, Sungai Tapang, Tabuan Jaya and the wider Samarahan growth corridor.
The project represents an estimated RM40 million investment, with Crestview Development contributing RM10 million towards the construction of the school building.
Crestview Development Sdn Bhd Director Dr Choo Chung Ho said the collaboration demonstrates how education can become a cornerstone of sustainable township development.
The new campus will be guided by the philosophy of “The Learning Confluence”, which focuses on knowledge, discovery, expression and motivation to create an environment that inspires excellence, encourages innovation and prepares students for future challenges.
St Joseph’s Schools in Kuching
The Samarahan campus represents the latest chapter in the continued expansion of St Joseph’s Private Schools, which has experienced significant growth in recent years.
The institution currently comprises St Joseph’s Private Primary School, St Joseph’s Private Secondary School and St Joseph’s International School in Kuching, providing a continuum of education under the Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching.
In 2024, the Sarawak Government, through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), contributed RM5 million towards the expansion of the existing Kuching campus, supporting the construction of new facilities to accommodate growing enrolment and enhance teaching and learning.
Earlier this month, the school officially opened its new RM17 million extension block in Kuching, featuring smart classrooms, science laboratories, multimedia learning spaces, STEM facilities, performing arts rooms, a library extension and sports amenities.
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