An overall view of Riam Road Secondary School and Riam Institute of Technology.

MIRI: Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS) and Riam Institute of Technology (RIT) will soon have a state-of-the-art building – the first of its kind in the state.

The RM10 million project is expected to be completed by end of 2015, RRSS chief executive officer Datuk Dr Fong Onn Min disclosed to The Borneo Post recently.

With the completion of the new block, RRSS and RIT would have four large lecture theatres with capacities from 80 to 300 students each.

“Riam Road Secondary School and Riam Institute of Technology must keep abreast with the times.

“And the state-of-the-art building will bring both schools to greater heights at the forefront of education in the country,” Fong said with pride.

RRSS is the only school in Sarawak that was accorded 5-star status by the  Ministry of Education last year, and it excels in all areas and aspects of education, notably in academics, sports and student discipline, he acknowledged.

It was noted for its unique curriculum which adequately prepares students to achieve excellence in the Chinese Independent School Exam (UEC), Government School Exams (SPM/STPM), as well as in Cambridge A-Level exam.

Outstanding students had also won JPA scholarships, Shell and University scholarships to pursue tertiary education in the world’s top-notch universities including Cambridge, Imperial College and so forth.

RRSS college, RIT, offers 12 courses up to Advanced Diplomas, two up to Bachelor’s degrees, and one Master’s degree in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

“Riam Insitutue of Technology is the only college in East Malaysia authorised by the Ministry of Education to take in outstanding SPM students.

“These students have been awarded bursary to pursue Cambridge A-Level course prior to entering to university,” Fong acknowledged.

RRSS currently has a student population of 1,700 while RIT has 1,000.

Meanwhile, the new building will have a six-level block, serviced by two lifts and includes an auditorium with a seating capacity for 300, dance studio, computer labs and library.

There will also be a college gallery, VIP lounge, besides the classrooms.