The Project to Improve English in Rural Schools (PIERS) in Sabah was officially launched in Tawau at Shan-Shui Golf & Country Resort on 17 February 2009. PIERS is a two-year training programme to substantially improve the quality of teaching among primary English, Maths and Science teachers.

This project is run by CfBT Education Malaysia, in cooperation with the Sabah State Education Department and through sponsorship and support by Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad and HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad. CfBT Education Malaysia is part of CfBT Education Trust, a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide education for the public's benefit in the United Kingdom and internationally.