14-07-2025
Tawau school marks 100th jubilee
Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025
By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Nizam burying the 25- year time capsule. TAWAU: SK Bandar Tawau, one of the oldest schools in Tawau, originally established by the British North Borneo Chartered Company under the name Government Vernacular School (GVS) Tawau celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday. Officiating the event, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, described the celebration as a historic occasion for all its alumni. It was even more meaningful for him as his grandfather, Kee Sulaiman Kee Abdullah, the father of his mother, was the first headmaster of the school, and he himself is among the alumni of SK Bandar Tawau. According to him, formerly known as SRK Pekan Tawau before being renamed SK Bandar Tawau, the school produced many outstanding individuals who have become doctors, lawyers, accountants and others, including politicians. Therefore, he hopes that the oldest school, which has greatly served the Tawau community since its establishment in 1925, will continue to excel and remain a centre of knowledge for the children of Tawau in the future. 'We're counting on everyone in charge of this school to keep up its great standards and run it smoothly so that the school remains respected and admired. 'Personally, I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all the teachers and staff since the establishment of this school 100 years ago for their sacrifices. 'Indeed, some may have had to leave their families to help make this school one of the best in Tawau,' he told the media after officiating the 100th anniversary celebration of SRK Pekan Tawau @ SK Bandar Tawau, which was held in a lively and nostalgic atmosphere at Dewan Sri Pekan, SK Bandar Tawau. Also present were the Chairman of the SRK Pekan @ SK Bandar Tawau Alumni Association, Datuk Hamisa Samat; the Headmaster of SK Bandar Tawau, Abidin Moen; and members of the alumni, including former headmasters and former students. Touching on the school's achievements, Nizam expressed pride as the Tawau District Education Office (PPD) reports have shown significant improvement over the past four years in Primary School Assessment Reporting. 'My hope is that the students studying at this school will remain focused and uphold the good name and reputation of SK Bandar Tawau,' he said. For the record, GVS Tawau was regarded as the most advanced school of its time, and after the post-World War II era, the school was renamed Government Primary School (GPS) Tawau. Over the course of 100 years, a total of 28 headmasters have been recorded to have served at the school, up to the current one. As part of the celebration, Nizam honored Sulaiman Abdul Rahman with a Special Award for being the longest-serving teacher, dedicating 30 years of service since 1995. He also officiated the event by burying a 25-year time capsule and planting a tree at the school. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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