BEIJING,May,9,2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- A foundation ceremony to kick start the construction of the first BP International Education Park (IEP) in China marks the beginning of a new era for Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone and the economic zones around Beijing. The education park will provide an exceptional new experience combining international education with creative modern living.

Attending the ceremony were government officials from Beijing Daxing District, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone Administrative Commission and Co-Founders of BP International Education Park Professor Paul Yip and Dr. Betty Chan, the Director of Yew Chung International School (YCIS) and Yew Wah International Education School. The event was attended by more than 300 guests including students, parents, government officials and media. The foundation ceremony was opened by two children - one Chinese and one foreign - to represent the sharing of one dream to learn more about the world. Students from both YCIS and Yew Wah gave musical and dance performances to illustrate the richness of both Eastern and Western cultures of IEP.

The IEP has three main components: Yew Chung International School, which admits foreign students; Yew Wah International Education School, which admits only domestic students; and the Scholars International Conference Centre with public and social spaces for educational and cultural interchanges.

Dr. Chan, Co-Founder of IEP said, "The age of globalisation is a reality and technology has transformed our daily lives. The balance of economic power is moving to the East, especially after the financial tsunami. This confluence of forces represents a paradigm shift that is affecting people in all professions, industries and fields of endeavour, and education, of course, is no exception. Both YCIS and Yew Wah share the same international education philosophy, and are committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders in today's globalised world. Our unique education programmes represent the best of both Eastern and Western cultures and values, equipping our students with a truly global mindset. We also actively promote strong biliteracy skills in Chinese and English, and place great emphasis on students' character formation and personal growth."

The schools include the best of both Eastern and Western education in early childhood, primary and secondary schools, and prepare students for university.

"Our unique cooperative model, which combines Chinese and Western Co-Principals and Co-Teachers, creates a dual-culture learning environment and exemplifies acceptance and tolerance of diverse ideas, values and customs," explained Dr. Chan.

On the decision to build the first IEP in Yizhuang, Co-Founder Professor Yip said, "We were the first organisation to build international schools in China during the early 1990s and now the achievements are obvious. This is the beginning of another historic stage. The main objective of IEP is to educate people further on the quality of life in a globalising society."

The first phase of IEP will be completed in 2013. It will serve the community by providing an all-round international education and leisure facilities and services covering music, culture, arts and sports plus entertainment. IEP aims to develop high-quality international citizens and Chinese nationals and to promote culture and material civilisation.

The closing of the ceremony included a performance highlighted by students leading the guests in singing "We Are the World" to underscore the spirit of an increasing connected and globalised society.

 
Notes to Editors:

1. IEP occupies a total of 178 acres of land and is located in a green zone.
2. The foundation ceremony was jointly officiated by the government officials from Beijing Daxing District, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone Administrative Commission, Dr. Betty Chan, Professor Paul Yip, two parents and two students from YCIS and Yew Wah.
3. The IEP project is supported by Beijing Daxing District and Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone Administration Committee.

SOURCE BP International Education Park