In the year 1996, an ambitious educational joint project between The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) and the Sarawak State Government created Institut Teknologi Riam (RIT)

 

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) and Sarawak State Government allocated a funding of RM4 million to conduct vocational / technical training in 14 Chinese independent schools in Sarawak to cater for the needs of developing more skill workforces for Malaysia.

 

Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS) in Miri received RM800,000 funding in 1997 to set up a technical department called RIAM AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (RIAMTEC). Initially, RIAMTEC conducted "Heavy Machineries Mechanics Training Courses" and started with 40 students in June 1997

 

In these few years, RIAMTEC has maintained a very close relationship with major local industrial companies. Multi-million Ringgit industrial groups such as Samling Corporation, Tractors Malaysia (TMB), Shin Yang Group, Woodman Group and other companies have sponsored our operations to develop more technical expertise. Millions of Ringgit of scholarships and financial assistance have been given to students to pursue their higher education.

 

In March 2002, RiamTec successfully registered with the National Vocational Training Council of Malaysia (MLVK) to conduct P-115 Motor Vehicle Technician / Supervisor course. Once again, RIAMTEC maintained the quality of the course and there were more than 200 students in a single course (P-115) in 2002 and 2003.

 

There was a high demand for higher level technical education. In view of that, the Board of Management decided to apply for an Institute of Higher learning License with more Advanced Programmes. RiamTec was officially registered as Institut Teknologi Riam.

 

In September 2003, The Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Private Education (JPS) granted permission for "Institut Teknologi Riam" under license KP(JPS)5195/IPTS/1215 to conduct higher levels of Technical and Engineering courses.