On May 9, a foundation ceremony in Yizhuang to kick start the construction of the first BP International Education Park (IEP) in China marked the beginning of a new era for Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area 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-Technological Development Area Administrative Commission and Co-Founders of BP International Education Park Dr. Betty Chan Po-king (also Director of Yew Wah International Education Foundation and Yew Chung International School) and Professor Paul Yip Kwok-wah (also Chairman of the Board of Yew Wah International Education Foundation and Board Director of Yew Chung International 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 Yew Wah and Yew Chung gave musical and dance performances to illustrate the richness of both Eastern and Western cultures of IEP.

IEP is composed of three parts: the Yew Wah International Education School (YWIES) which provides education mainly for Chinese students; the Yew Chung International School (YCIS) which admits foreign students; and the Scholars International Conference Centre with public and social spaces for educational and cultural interchanges. YWIES will be set up in IEP in 2013 offering a full stream education from Early Childhood to Primary to Secondary Sections.

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 Yew Wah and Yew Chung 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."

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.

To read the full speeches from Dr. Betty Chan Po-king and Professor Paul Yip Kwok-wah, please click here.

More about IEP: www.bpiep-bj.com/en/