Reported by:
Sr1B Ting Isabelle
Photography by:
Jr1Z(2) Kiu Ee Lim
There are students from diverse racial backgrounds increasingly enrolling in Chinese private schools. This trend can be attributed to the institutions’ strong emphasis on discipline and cultural values. A notable example is Iris (Iris Zahra Binti Mohamed Affendy), a Malay student studying at Sr1B Class who chose to attend Kuen Cheng at her parents’ desire. They hoped she would acquire proficiency in another language, facilitating communication with her peers.
Iris shared that she did not feel alienated at Kuen Cheng, having previously attended a Chinese primary school. She praised the warmth of her classmates, who welcomed her without prejudice towards her ethnicity. Their inclusive attitude fostered a sense of belonging, allowing Iris to integrate seamlessly into the school community.
Iris happily sharing her views about studying in a Chinese school
During the interview, Iris discussed the challenges she encounters, particularly during group projects. When a group member struggles to complete their tasks, she and her peers collaborate to resolve issues together. This approach highlights the absence of communication barriers for Iris, who feels empowered by the support of her friends to overcome any obstacles.
Regarding her current class, Sr1B, Iris described her classmates as bubbly, cheerful, and easygoing. This collective trait contributes to a harmonious classroom environment, regardless of external differences.
Iris, center, and her classmates at the Sports Day
Despite her fluency in Mandarin, Malay, and English, Iris’s parents remain concerned about her choice to pursue the arts in her senior years. They worry that the predominantly Mandarin syllabus may hinder her ability to memorize crucial information. Nevertheless, Iris has adapted to this learning environment swiftly, as she has been using Mandarin since childhood.
Iris, Malay student, is a fluent Mandarin speaker