Epsom College in Malaysia Makes Grand Entrance

Bandar Enstek – 1 December 2014: Joined by a group of highly-distinguished guests, the prestigious Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) today celebrated its official grand opening, formally marking the 159-year-old British institution’s first overseas campus in Asia.

Present to witness this historic event were Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, and Tunku Zain Al'Abidin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz from the Royal Sultanate of the State of Negeri Sembilan. The mementous occasion was also graced by the presence of the Mayor of London himself, Mr. Boris Johnson. They were joined by Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Chairman of the Board of Governors, P. Kamalanathan P. Panchanathan, Deputy of Education Minister II, and Mr Martin George, Headmaster of Epsom College in Malaysia. Also present amongst the esteemed group were specially invited guests including HE Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO, and Epsom’s Board of Governors, alongside parents, faculty members, students, Old Epsomians and members of the media.

In his speech, Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes spoke of his immense pride at the arrival of Epsom College in Malaysia. A fellow Old Epsomian himself, Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes shared how he had harboured the desire to recreate the all-round holistic education and character building journey that he had experienced whilst studying at Epsom. He remarked, "It is truly a dream come true for me. Today represents a win not just for Epsom College and education in Malaysia, but a win for families across Asia, who now have access to a first-class British education right on their doorstep."

Tunku Ali and Mr. Boris Johnson posing for pictures after jointly signing on a special plaque to commemorate the official opening of Epsom College in Malaysia. Looking on at the background are Mr. Martin George, Headmaster of Epsom College in Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Chairman of the Board of Governors, HE Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO, and Tunku Zain

Opened for the September 2014 intake, Epsom College in Malaysia has steadily emerged as one of the top international schools of choice for parents from across Asia. The co-educational boarding school began its academic year in September to some 150 students aged between 3 and 18 years old, and will have 180 students by January 2015.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in his congratulatory speech said, "I am truly delighted that a first class British institution like Epsom College has made Malaysia its first overseas campus. Epsom is an embodiment of excellence and tradition, having had a long standing legacy of producing bright young minds that have and still continue to make a mark in the world."

(L to R)- HE Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO, Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Tunku Ali, Mr. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, Tunku Zain and P. Kamalanathan P. Panchanathan, Deputy of Education Minister II presented with their very own personalised Epsom jerseys following the official opening of Epsom College of Malaysia.

Mr. Martin George, Headmaster of Epsom College in Malaysia, said, "Students at Epsom College in Malaysia will be given all the tools and resources they need to go on and become tomorrow’s future leaders. In just the same way that Epsom has been the breeding ground for academic excellence for the past 150 years, Epsom College in Malaysia will continue the tradition and nurture our own students on the importance of personal values, teamwork and living within a tightly-knit community."

After a string of inspirational speeches in the school auditorium, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Tunku Ali, and Boris Johnson, the specially invited guests were taken on a grand tour of the school’s facilities. The group was shown an impressive collection of art installations and pieces that adorned the college walls, showcasing the already remarkable talents and skills emerging from the minds of young Epsomians.

Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes and Boris Johnson walking the hallways of the newly opened Epsom College in Malaysia.  A collection of art installations and pieces adorned the college walls, showcasing the already remarkable talents and skills emerging from the minds of young Epsomians.

Meanwhile, Mr. Boris Johnson, himself a graduate of the prestigious Eton College, also took time off from his busy schedule to meet with several Epsom A Level politics students during the visit.

Epsom College in Malaysia sits on a vast 50-acre site, about an hour south of Kuala Lumpur. Epsom College in Malaysia is committed to promoting an inclusive, family-orientated and supportive boarding culture that is nurtured by dedicated and experienced UK Boarding House staff twenty-four hours a day. This ‘home away from home’ setting has become an integral part of college life and ensures that students receive the guidance and support they need in a safe and supportive environment. Part of the school’s extensive curriculum includes an advanced language-assisted programme, to support non-English speaking students assimilate with their new surroundings.

The Mayor of London, Mr Boris Johnson, being guided by an Epsom student to perform a dissection. Looking on are Tunku Ali and P. Kamalanathan P. Panchanathan, Deputy of Education Minister II.

In addition to the impressive state-of-the-art learning facilities, Epsom College in Malaysia also boasts a stunning 600-seat theatre, recital hall, dance studio, 20 music rehearsal suites, 5 ensemble rooms and a specialist Art and Design Technology Centre. Meanwhile, Epsom’s excellent sporting facilities include 2 astro turf football pitches (2 x FIH approved), 2 rugby pitches, 3 squash courts, specialist fields for football, cricket, athletics events, a swimming pool and a sports hall accommodating 10 badminton courts, 2 basketball courts and a fitness centre.

"We are living in an ever-changing and globalised environment. At Epsom, our state-of–the-art facilities and highly-skilled teaching faculty prepare our students both mentally and emotionally for entry into the world’s top universities” remarked Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes.