Reported by:
Sr1ScB Chloe Phang Zi Ying
Photography by:
Sr2ComC lan Syamil Soo Bin Adam Danial Soo
Have you ever wondered what life is like in a Chinese school? Are the common perceptions about these institutions accurate? Is attending Chinese school a good idea? To explore these questions, we interviewed Ian Syamil Soo Bin Adam Danial Soo, a Malay student at Kuen Cheng High School.
Ian all smiles now with high proficiency level in Chinese language
As a member of a minority race, Ian expressed appreciation for the inclusive atmosphere at our school. He noted that celebrations such as Hari Raya, Diwali, and Chinese New Year are observed collectively, fostering a sense of unity among students. These shared festivities create a friendly environment and strengthen bonds within the school community.
Ian believes that increasing the number of minority students would further enhance the school’s atmosphere. Greater diversity would encourage open-mindedness and promote a more harmonious society, as students from different backgrounds engage and learn from one another.
His motivation to attend Kuen Cheng High School stemmed from his mother’s encouragement and his prior experience at a Chinese primary school. His family was immensely proud when he became the first to gain admission to Kuen Cheng High School. This achievement inspired him to take his Chinese education seriously and strive for excellent results. Reflecting on his time at the school, he feels it is already commendable, with minimal areas for improvement. However, he wishes that Friday prayers could be conducted within the premises, instead of a surau nearby the school. Additionally, he suggested the installation of a sports field.
Ian faced challenges during his initial months, particularly a language barrier. He eventually became proficient in Chinese by putting in good effort. He also found the school’s exams to be quite demanding, requiring extensive memorization and comprehension skills. His favorite subjects are Economics and Malay History, as they are taught in Bahasa Melayu, making them easier for him to grasp and share with his peers.
For future minority students, his advice is to be discerning about their friendships, as peers can significantly influence one’s experience. He reassured them that culture shock is a normal part of adapting to a new environment, and with time, they will likely enjoy their experience. He also emphasized the importance of diligence in all subjects, particularly Mathematics, as well as acknowledging that struggles in learning Chinese are common and should not be taken personally.
