Ground broken for Epsom College in Malaysia

A high-profile groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday 2nd August 2010 to mark the start of construction of the College's new sister school, Epsom College in Malaysia.

Officiating at the event was Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Tan Sri Dato' Hj Muhyiddin Bin Hj Mohd Yassin, who delivered a keynote address and conducted the groundbreaking ceremony.

Also present was Old Epsomian Tony Fernandes, who has been the driving force behind the establishment of the new school. The founder and CEO of AirAsia and the Tune Group and owner of the Lotus Formula 1 racing team, Tony is a Governor of Epsom College and has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of Epsom College in Malaysia.

The new, British-style boarding school, which is being built on a 50-acre site at the Kuala Lumpur Education City (KLEC) development in Bandar Enstek, close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is Epsom College's first venture outside its home country.

With a long history of providing education to Malaysian and other international students in the UK, the move is seen a natural extension designed to further the College's international reputation and increase the number of pupils who can benefit from an Epsom education.

An estimated RM140 million (£28 million) is being invested in the project, which has been made possible through the joint funding and support of KLEC and the College's network of alumni living and working in Malaysia.

Scheduled to open in September 2012, Epsom College in Malaysia aims to attract around 1,050 students from all over Asia, ranging in age from 3 to 18. It will comprise a day preparatory school and a predominantly boarding senior school, including a sixth form. Pupils will follow the British National Curriculum, with all subjects taught in English.

"The establishment of Epsom College in Malaysia reflects the rising importance of quality education. Drawing on our rich heritage, the intention is for Epsom College in Malaysia to offer the same excellent all-round education as that provided by Epsom College in the UK," said Stephen Borthwick, Headmaster of Epsom College.

"There will be real pollination between the two schools through pupil and staff exchanges, which will better equip future generations for an increasingly global social and business environment," he added.

For further information visit the Epsom College in Malaysia website: http://www.epsomcollege.edu.my/