Kota Kinabalu: After a decade since its completion, Kian Kok Middle School’s eight-storey multi-purpose building finally opened, marking a major milestone in the school’s development journey.
Designed as a comprehensive education and revenue-generating centre, the RM18 million building houses modern classrooms, a library, student entrepreneurship spaces and various income-generating facilities.
The project embodies the school’s vision of a self-sustaining institution and reflects the progressive spirit of 21st-century education.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Despite facing multiple challenges, including the global pandemic, rising construction costs, material shortages and fundraising difficulties, the ambitious project was ultimately brought to fruition through unwavering perseverance and community support.
The grand opening ceremony was held at the Huang Qin Nan Grand Hall within the school grounds and officiated by Datuk Dr Tan Siu Lin, Permanent Honorary Chairman of the Board of Governors.
Chairman of the Board, Datuk Clement Yeh, expressed pride in the successful completion of the building, describing it as the result of tireless dedication from planning to execution.
“We never gave up because we knew this building represents more than just a physical structure—it reflects our mission and long-term commitment to the sustainable development of Chinese education,” he said.
Yeh also paid tribute to the late Datuk Seri Panglima Sari Tan Nuar, the younger brother of Datuk Dr Tan Siu Lin, who played a pivotal role in the school’s history.
“He dedicated his life to the school’s growth — be it school affairs, administration, fundraising, or community engagement.
“He took on countless responsibilities, never seeking recognition. One of his greatest dreams was to see a comprehensive multi-purpose building built within the school grounds as a foundation for sustainability and long-term growth,” Yeh said.
Yeh also acknowledged the major contributors whose generous donations made the building possible, including the Lee Foundation which contributed RM2 million and RM1 million donated in memory of his late father, Tan Sri Yeh Pao Tzu.
Other significant contributions came from K2 Life Water Industries Sdn Bhd (RM500,000), Superwood Industries Sdn Bhd through PJ Tan who donated all the fire-rated wooden doors, Teck Guan Sdn Bhd which donated the entire roof structure, Yu Yang Chong who contributed all the standard steel materials and Dr Shim Kah Siong who donated the complete internal air-conditioning system.
“Each act of giving reflects not just generosity but a deep sense of responsibility towards education. These contributions will be forever etched in Kian Kok’s legacy and serve as an inspiration for future generations,” he said.
