JOHOR BARU: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin officially launched the Crescendo-HELP International School in Taman Desa Cemerlang here today.
Established by two leading organisations – developer Crescendo Corporation Bhd and the HELP Education Group – the international school with a capacity of 2,000 students is set to enhance the educational landscape in southern Johor.
Khaled said that Crescendo-HELP International School will fulfil the demand for quality education among the growing middle-class and expatriate community in Johor, and the aspirations of Malaysians who want their children to be taught globally-recognised school curricula.
The new school, which begins its primary and lower secondary-level intake in February, will also help the state government's push towards making Johor a regional education hub.
"With the expansion of lifestyle facilities and a highly-liveable environment, Johor will attract foreign students from Asean and Asian countries.
"I foresee Johor developing into an educational hub that attracts students from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Singapore, and other Asian countries by offering affordable and high-quality education," said Khaled in a speech.
Also present were Crescendo Corporation Bhd chairman and managing director Gooi Seong Lim, and HELP University co-founder and vice chancellor Datuk Dr Paul Chan.
Khaled also sang the praises of the founders of Crescendo Corporation Bhd and HELP Education Group, for their collaboration in establishing the new institution.
He said that in 1998, Crescendo Corporation Bhd diversified into education by setting up Crescendo International College (CIC).
"Mr Gooi of Crescendo Corporation Bhd is known for his reliability and prudent investment.
“He has a good partner in the HELP Group. I know Datuk Paul Chan and Datin who are passionate educationists.
"Starting with (just) RM25,000, they (developed) HELP into a globally-renowned education institution," Khaled said, adding that HELP university college was accorded university status when he was the higher education minister.
Meanwhile, Chan said it is the education group's goal to provide affordable, excellent education and to develop the potential of students.
"Crescendo-HELP International School will play a key role in supporting the nation to educate its younger generation and to nurture global citizens who are rooted in the multicultural background that makes our country unique," said Chan.
Meanwhile, Gooi said the new campus encapsulates Crescendo's philosophy that learning should be a wholesome and joyful experience.
"Providing a holistic and excellent education for our children is the best investment (that will) help them develop their talent and skills," he added.
In keeping with the international school's promise of offering world-class education to Malaysian students at an affordable price, it was announced in a statement that (high-scoring) Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) students from Johor Baru will be awarded the Principal's Scholarship.
Chan said with the aim of encouraging more students in Johor Baru to enrol, the school is offering a continuing 30 per cent bursary to all founding students who enrol for next year's intake.