FOLLOWING the closure of SK Assumption in 2022 after 89 years in operation, the mission school will now be reborn as Assumption International School.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held at the St Joachim Church in Bukit Mertajam today to facilitate this transformation.
This tripartite MoU that was signed by the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, the Assumption Butterworth Alumni Association (ABAA) and Wing International Education Group Sdn Bhd (WIE) will see the rebirth of Assumption as an international school with a heart for the needy.
The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang was represented by Vicar General of Northern Deanery Henry Louis, ABAA was represented by its honorary secretary Mohd Aminudin Baqy and WIE was represented by its senior executive director Shawn Yee.
The tripartite MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Bishop of Penang Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, ABAA chairperson Dr Anthony Ng and WIE chief executive officer Emily Ang.
Assumption School, well-known in Butterworth, as a school of excellence, started in 1933 as an English school for boys by two Japanese, Mr Kuzumo Nishikawa and Mr Shogo Nakayama.
It moved into the premises of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary two years later, and into its own buildings in 1949 till 1995.
When the land was sold, the school then squatted at nearby SK Sg Nyior for more than ten years. A developer later housed the school on its premises in Bagan Dalam in 2008 until its closure in March 2022 by the Ministry of Education.
Dr Ng said this MoU will pave the way for Assumption to be reborn as an international school.
“The new Assumption International school will be situated on a 2.7-acre site along Jalan Kulim in Bukit Mertajam (next to SRJK (C) Kim Seng).
“The first phase will involve the building of a new two-storey classroom block with 24 rooms and an administrative block.
“The existing hall at St Joachim Church will be its new multi-purpose hall with adjoining laboratories and other amenities.
“Subsequent phases will include a half Olympic-size swimming pool and hostel as well,” he said.
Dr Ng added that the building plans have been submitted to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2024 and be completed in the third quarter of 2024, with an estimated cost of RM3 million for the first phase.
“We expect to raise around RM3 million by the end of this year for the construction of the first phase of the school.
“Donations in cash and kind (as in professional services and material) from the public are welcomed.
“All donations also will be managed by ABAA and professionally audited and all the donors will be duly acknowledged as well,” said Dr Ng.
Dr Ang added that the strategic cooperation will render private education affordable to cushion economic challenges and yet will enable eligible students from B40 families to attain quality education under scholarships as part of WIE’s corporate social responsibility.
She added that the proposed Assumption International School will be the first international school providing the Cambridge syllabus in north and central Seberang Perai.
Chow also announced an RM50,000 allocation for the school.
“The significance of this MoU goes beyond the ink on paper. It signifies a promise to provide quality education that empowers our youth to make a difference in the world.
“It also represents an investment in the future, a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations once again to the three parties involved in this monumental effort to re-establish Assumption as a premier educational institution.
“And I hope to see more collaborative initiatives like this that contribute to the betterment of our society,” he said.
According to Chow, Assumption School has embarked on a remarkable 90-year journey, a journey marked by resilience in the face of numerous challenges, including relocations at least five times and temporary closures three times.
“This institution, like a phoenix, has risen time and again, fulfilling its unwavering commitment to providing quality education in the Butterworth and Seberang Perai region.
“Thus, I would like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Assumption Butterworth Alumni Association (ABAA), led by Dr Anthony Ng, for their unwavering dedication over the years. Their commitment to reviving the Assumption name and heritage is truly commendable.
“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Eminence, Cardinal Dato Seri Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, for his unwavering support in the pursuit of education’s social responsibility within the community. His generous offer of 2.7 acres of prime land for this noble cause speaks volumes about his and his Diocese’s long-term commitment to education.
“Furthermore, I am delighted to acknowledge the role of WIE, under the leadership of Ms Emily Ang, as the third party in this collaboration. They will operate the international school, making private education accessible and affordable while also contributing to a corporate social responsibility programme by providing scholarships to deserving students from B40 families.
“I am particularly encouraged to see a new generation of leaders who are passionate about education and helping those in need,” said Chow.
Chow added that the significance of education cannot be understated.
“It is the most powerful tool we have for shaping the future and driving progress.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
“Thus, every parent must recognise this and guide their children toward this noble goal.
“Nonetheless, the choice of education channel and language stream can be a source of concern for many parents. As a result, offering an alternative to government and private schooling is a valid and viable approach, and I applaud today’s efforts to expand educational opportunities in our state,” he said.
Chow also reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening education and human capital development in Penang to propel the state to even greater heights.
“We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress, and we are dedicated to ensuring that education is accessible to all,” said Chow.
Also present during the MoU signing ceremony were state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
For those who would like to donate to the school fund, please check out the details below:-
Assumption Butterworth Alumni Association
Acc number: 3203917203
Bank: Public Bank
For further information, contact Simon Ng (ABAA treasurer) at 012-4668502.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud