History of S.T.S
1. Early Beginnings: The Forerunner of STS
In 1980, the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM) established a Bible Training Centre in response to the growing need for mission work among Sabah’s indigenous communities. The centre, known as Pusat Latihan Alkitab Kota Kinabalu (PLAKK), was located in the former Lok Yuk School on Jalan Pinggir, Bukit Bendera.
Initially, the centre provided one year of elementary theological training in Malay for lay leaders from rural areas. In 1982, the program was extended to two years due to increasing demand for full-time evangelists. Between 1980 and 1987, 64 students completed training under two full-time and several part-time teachers.
2. The Vision for STS
As Christianity grew in Sabah, there was a pressing need for well-trained, indigenous pastors and church leaders. In 1985, BCCM proposed upgrading the Bible Training Centre into a full theological institution. This plan, led by Bishop Thu En Yu, was approved by the BCCM General Assembly and supported by the Anglican Church of Sabah. The new institution aimed to provide theological training alongside agricultural skills, enabling pastors to be self-sufficient while contributing to community development.
3. Establishment and Development
A preparatory board was formed in 1986, including representatives from BCCM and the Anglican Church. Dr. and Mrs. Gam Seng Shae from the American Baptist Church were invited to help develop the academic program. STS officially opened in January 1988 with 21 students across different programs. The first graduation ceremony was held on November 10, 1990, where three students received Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degrees.
By 1989, STS had enrolled 44 full-time students, representing different denominations. The seminary continued expanding, offering new theological programs, evening classes, and courses in multiple languages.
4. Accreditation
Since 1988, STS has been a member of the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA). The seminary received accreditation for the following programs:
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Master of Theology (M.Th.)
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Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
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Master of Christian Studies (MCS)
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Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)
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Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
5. Family Ministry
STS began its Family Ministry program in 1988, offering training for students’ wives and children. A Women’s Centre and Children’s Centre were established in 2000, providing skills training, biblical courses, early childhood education, and student support services.
6. Senior Citizens Program
Under the leadership of Bishop Datuk Luke Chhoa, a Senior Citizen Class was launched in 1994. The program offers theological education for older adults, awarding certificates, diplomas, and honorary degrees based on years of study.
7. Short-Term Mission Program
In 2001, STS introduced a 3-month short-term mission program for young people, particularly from Chinese-speaking churches. In 2006, the program was expanded to include the Bahasa Malaysia Department, offering spiritual and practical mission training.
8. Shoresh Bible Centre
The Shoresh Bible Centre was launched in 2012 to enhance biblical studies through historical, archaeological, and visual resources. Located on the second floor of the administration building, it provides maps, digital resources, and seminars for churches and students.
9. Lutheran Study Centre
Established in 2012, the Lutheran Study Centre (LSC) serves as a hub for Lutheran theological education in Southeast Asia. It offers courses in English, Malay, and Chinese, provides theological research, and collaborates with international Lutheran institutions.
10. Intercultural Studies Centre (ISC)
Originally the Asian Centre for Mission, ISC was established in 2012 to promote mission training, leadership development, and intercultural research. It offers courses, missionary training, and forums on cross-cultural ministry.
11. STS Campus & Facilities
STS is located on 10 acres of land on Signal Hill, Kota Kinabalu. Despite its urban setting, the campus provides a peaceful environment for study and meditation. Expansion projects have led to:
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A 3-floor administration building
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Student hostels
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A multipurpose Education Centre (2010) with:
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A 900-seat auditorium
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Counseling & recreation halls
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A 2-story library
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An IT resource centre & multimedia studio
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The STS Library contains resources in English, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous languages, while the Computer & Multimedia Centre supports online learning.
12. STS Partner Institutions
STS has partnered with numerous theological and mission organizations worldwide. Below is a list of key partner institutions along with their official websites:
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General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church
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Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (Website Pending)
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Tsung Tsin Mission in Hong Kong (Website Pending)