STS 33rd Graduation 2022

While Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) finally has the opportunity to hold the 33rd Graduation Ceremony at its own Auditorium on 5th November 2022 without any restriction, I couldn't help but remember what a challenging time STS have encountered since 2020. First, it was the Covid 19 pandemic and then followed by a few major land slides.

Ever since the opening of the newly completed Multi-Purpose Education Centre in STS in early 2010 (Read here), STS has not had any major land slip until late 2020 and early 2021. Incessant heavy rainfall in late 2020 triggered four major land slides around the hill slope of the Multi-Purpose Education Centre. Getting these failed slopes repaired was the toughest challenge I faced since taking charge of the maintenance of all STS buildings and external infrastructures from the inception day of STS in late 1980's.

Aerial photo of two of the four land slides which occurred at the southern part of the hill.

After repair in late July 2022,

Northeast corner immediately after land slide.

After repair in mid-June 2022.

29 October 2022.

By the end of October 2022, creepers have literally overgrown over the whole concrete shotcrete reinforced with soil nails.

Repair of the landslide next to the Old Chapel (Read here) was equally challenging because the land boundary with the neighbouring land is midway along the hill slope. Any construction of permanent repair structure from the bottom of the hill beyond the boundary would be deemed encroachment into the neighbouring property. In the end, we were left with the option of constructing a new retaining wall founded on bored micro-piles along the hill slope as a remedial solution.

Land slide next to the Old Chapel's car park.

Aerial view of the new retaining wall taken in late July 2022.

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The repair of the failed slopes was completed well before the 33rd graduation ceremony on 5th November 2022. The ceremony in the afternoon proceeded smoothly from the beginning all the way to the end without any hitch. Eighty four students came on stage to receive their diplomas/degrees. Recipients include full time students, part-time students, online students and senior citizens.

STS Choir.

Ir. Chong Vun Fah, a professional engineer and an elder of BCCM KK(E) was conferred Master of Christian Ministries in the November 2022 graduation.

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STS is now recognized in Asia region as a reputable theological study institution. It is now accredited to offer doctorate degree. Many of my peers and friends have gone through this institution on part-time basis to secure training in Church Ministry, Christian Ministries among others.

Quite a number of BCCM KK(E) members received their scrolls in the November 2017 graduation.

In the Library after the graduation on 4 Nov 2017.

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Audience who were present in the 2018 graduation on 3 Nov 2018.

Group photo of the Board of Governors, faculty and graduating students after the November 2018 graduation.

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A few more BCCM KK(E) members with their scrolls after the November 2019 graduation.

Joseph Wong, Violet Liew and Theresa Wang.

Joseph Wong with friends and supporters.