Arvind: A Flourishing Diverse Learner at Kuen Cheng
Reported by:
Sr1ScE New Zhi Xuan
Photography by:
Jr1Z(2) Kiu Ee Lim
Malaysia is renowned for its multicultural environment, where people from various races coexist harmoniously. Kuen Cheng High School, though an independent Chinese secondary school, warmly welcomes students from all backgrounds. To gain insight into the experiences of our diverse student body, we interviewed one of our Indian students, Arvind Shaawn Suresh, about his journey at Kuen Cheng High School. Let’s explore his unique path!
Arvind, currently a student in Class Sr2ScD, began his educational journey at Kuen Cheng Kindergarten and SJK (C) Kuen Cheng 1. As an Indian student in a predominantly Chinese school, his experiences throughout his academic years differ significantly from those of his Chinese peers.
Building new friendships after the MCO
Just three months into his first year at Kuen Cheng High School, the government implemented the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This limited Arvind’s opportunities to forge friendships. However, during his time in Junior Middle 3, he returned to school and began to develop more connections. By the time he reached his Senior Middle years, he had cultivated a supportive circle of friends who encouraged him in various English and Bahasa Melayu speaking competitions.
(Photo 1: Arvind showcasing his skills at the English Speaking Competition)
(Photo 2: Arvind celebrating his victory at the English Speaking Competition)
Despite being one of the few Indian students, Arvind has earned the respect of his classmates and is glad about the warmth of positivity. Nevertheless, he admits to occasionally feeling inferior and shy when trying to make new friends. He is eager to expand his social circle and is open to forming friendships with his classmates.
(Photo 3: Arvind cherishing every moment with his friend)
To Learn and Adapt
Initially, Arvind was not fond of learning Chinese in primary school. However, with encouragement from his teachers to use the language more frequently, he adapted and eventually excelled. He achieved remarkable results, securing 6 A’s in his Junior Unified Examination (JUEC) in 2022. “Studying in a Chinese school has instilled in me a sense of discipline and competitiveness,” Arvind reflects. Being surrounded by diverse races has taught him adaptability and tolerance. He acknowledges that while studying in a different cultural environment can be challenging, it equips him for future interactions with people from various backgrounds.
Arvind also suggests that the school should provide English or Bahasa Melayu translations for notices sent to parents. This would not only benefit students and their families but also make parents from different ethnic backgrounds feel more included. Additionally, he hopes for a more diverse halal food selection to cater to non-Chinese students.
Grasp the Opportunity: Arvind’s Encouragement
In conclusion, for non-Chinese parents contemplating sending their children to Kuen Cheng High School, “if you’re thinking about it, take the leap!” Arvind advises. He emphasizes that while navigating a different educational environment can be tough, it fosters adaptability, resilience, and a spirit of tolerance.
We hope that Arvind’s experiences will inspire students from all races to consider enrolling in Chinese schools. Challenges are not just obstacles; they are what make the journey unique and valuable. As Arvind wisely stated, “If you’re thinking about it, don’t hesitate!”
