In response to the needs of mission outreach among the indigenous people of Sabah, the BCCM set up a Bible Training Centre (Pusat Latihan Alkitab) in 1980 situated at the former Lok Yuk School on Jalan Pinggir, Bukit Bendera. The initial purpose of the training centre was to provide a one-year elementary theological training in Bahasa Malaysia, which would prepare the lay leader of the rural areas to assist in evangelism and pastoral work. In 1982, the programme, which was modified to improve the training and preparation of the workers, became two-year long. As the membership in the churches grew and the need for well-quipped workers for the ministry became more acute, the suggestion was made to turn the Bible Training Centre into a seminary that offered a degree in theology in bahasa Malaysia, and included agriculture in its curriculum. In January 1988, Seminary Theological Sabah (STS) opened with 23 students and 6 lecturers.