Brief history of the SASS / SMAT Tamparuli Sabah

A Brief summary of the article from the Encyclopedia of Seventh-Day Adventists (ESDA) dated January 31, 2021, written by Konis Gabu and Abednigo Yau Shung Chow:

The article discusses the history and development of the Sabah Adventist Secondary School (Sekolah Menengah Advent Sabah), a private Seventh-day Adventist school in Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia. Established in 1939, the school offers education from Grade 1 through high school, focusing on physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth.

The article covers the early missionary work in British North Borneo (now Sabah) starting in 1913, the events leading to the establishment of the school, and its development over the years. It also highlights the challenges faced during World War II, the societal impact of the school, and its contributions to the Adventist Church in Sabah.

Read more about this article from this link ESDA

1. The search for a site began in 1933, either in Tamparuli or Keningau.

2. In 1935, a new proposal was made by BNBCC to establish a training school.
3. In 1936, the new director, Pastor Gustavus Benson, directed the search for a new location for the training school around the Tamparuli Bridge.
4. In 1939, the training school began operations.
5. In 1966, the training school was given a new name, Sabah Adventist Secondary School (SASS)

6. The first batch of SPM students was in 1980.

Walk down memory lane.

That's me on the right during the Form 6 farewell ceremony... haha. 

Sekolah Menengah Advent Tamparuli (SMAT), formerly known as Sabah Adventist Secondary School (SASS), changed its name to better represent its expanded educational goals and its connection with the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission in Sabah.                      

Note: The picture below was taken before the farewell ceremony for Form 6 when I was studying at SASS Tamparuli during the 91-92 session. The principal at that time was Pastor Konis S. Gabu. 

Hopefully, there will be an opportunity to meet again in the future.

SDA's Tamparuli School Magazine in 1974. Credit to Jonee Hiew