Page 23 - 2019 SEM 2

Exchange Program

A Meeting in Music of Sister Schools with

– Kuen Cheng High School & National Magong High School, Taiwan Tzu Chi Senior High School

Jointly reported by: Ashley Chin Li Yi Sr1ScD Michael Ng Choon Hau Sr1A Yee Wen Shuen Sr1C

On Friday, 2 August 2019, Kuen Cheng High School welcomed They had a blast mingling with one another through play-
a visit from Wind Orchestra of National Magong High School, ing Congkak, drumming on Kompang, trying on Malay and
Taiwan. Our friendship dates back to 2017 when both parties Indian traditional attire, as well as getting Henna tattoos on n the 5th of August 2019, our school proudly invited
became sister schools. The relationship has since benefited their hands. Teachers of the Malay and Indian ethnics were Oteachers and students from Tzu Chi Senior High
both schools. This prestigious school situated in Penghu, Tai- glad to partake in this activity by providing their respective School to Kuen Cheng for an exchange program. After
wan, held a concert entitled ‘Music-Harmony-Peace’ hand in traditional clothing and doing the drawing of Henna for our the Sr1 Talk on Gratitude earlier in the day, Jr1B, Jr1C and
hand with our school’s Wind Orchestra on the following night. female guest students. The students gleefully showed the intri- Sr1ScC students quickly gathered in the auditorium in
cate patterns on their hands as they posed for a group photo. preparation of this special event. The Tzu Chi teachers and
A warm welcome address was delivered to our special guests Lunch was served immediately. A horde of students students came in at around 9 a.m., greeted by thunderous
by the Principal, Dr Chua Lee Lee when she took upon the flocked to the canteen, with plates in their hands heap- applause, thus starting the event.
stage. Following her speech, Ngew Ze An, a student repre- ing with chicken rice and bean sprouts with a side of satay.
sentative, gave a briefing on the school system. After that, our Students of both schools chatted, enjoyed the great meal
school teacher, Mr Yao Chee Bing talked about the history of while they were relishing the moment of joy and delight. Our Principal, Dr Chua Lee Lee commenced the event with a speech welcoming our guests from Tzu Chi to Kuen Cheng
development of Chinese independent schools in Malaysia. With all bellies filled, the group of students went into the High School. Tzu Chi Principal, Madam Li Ling-Hui was the next to give a speech, who experessed her desire to visit all 50
Then, Mr Huang, who has recently retired as the headmaster Wind Orchestra Room for a brief rest to prepare for the set- Independent Chinese High Schools in Malaysia and praised Kuen Cheng’s astounding teacher and student quality.
of Magong High School went onstage to introduce the Nation- ting up of the stage for the concert on the following night.
al Magong High School, which has a history of 76 years. Both
parties made an exchange of gifts, including some local snacks After a while, all students moved into the hall carrying their
and specialty. Refreshments of local delights were also served. musical instruments. While students of the Kuen Cheng Wind An exchange of souvenirs between the schools took place 30
Orchestra arranged the chairs, preparing for their big day, the minutes into the event. Gifts to Tzu Chi included a pennant with

All students returned to the auditorium after a short break, members of the Magong Wind Orchestra rehearsed their set list the badge of Kuen Cheng, a framed golden congkak board, some
where a member of the Kuen Cheng’s Wind Orchestra gave to get accustomed to the hall’s setting. Alluring chords rever- baju kurung, traditional Malaysian delights and veggie snacks for
an introduction on Malaysia’s unique culture and even taught berated throughout the hall. After about a 2-hour practice, both the students. Our school received souvenirs such as a rose marble
their new Taiwanese friends simple phrases of Bahasa Me- bands grouped together and started doing their rehearsal. All souvenir, signifying a long and beautiful relationship between the
layu, in which our guests have responded with great enthu- of them have worked hard to ensure that the concert would be two schools, and an intricate quilt of the Kuen Cheng badge. A
siasm. Students of both schools were also given the chance a striking success and memorable one. This visit from our sister group photo was then taken.
to experience the local culture through a variety of activities. school had not only brought the members of both orchestras
Our guests were then introduced to some interesting games. closer, but had also enhanced a strong bond in our friendship.
Jointly reported by: Isabel Goh Ern Zi Sr1ScB, Thian Yi-Ming Sr1ScD & Ming Xuen Amelia Sr1A

20 21