Reported by:
Chloe Soh Ke Er Sr1ScH
Photography by:
Danial Lau Hui Kang Jr3S(6)
Have you ever wondered how non-Chinese students navigate a predominantly Chinese environment in an independent Chinese school? Join us as we explore the school life of Danial Lau Hui Kang, a student of Malay and Chinese descent attending Kuen Cheng High School.
Danial’s father is Chinese, while his mother is Malay. His family places a strong emphasis on Chinese culture while also incorporating elements of Malay traditions into their daily life. As a male believer in Islam currently studying in Junior Middle Three, he adheres to Islamic guidelines by wearing long pants to school, as the short pants typically worn by male students at junior level do not comply with the requirement to cover the knees.
Growing up in a multicultural environment, Danial chose Kuen Cheng High School not only for its strength in unity but also for its vibrant school spirit, which was highly recommended by his parents. He is passionate about volleyball and is a member of the school’s volleyball training team. During our interview, he advised non-Chinese juniors considering Kuen Cheng to have a background in Mandarin, as the school predominantly uses Mandarin for communication.
Danial and his Kuen Cheng teammates meet new friends at the Wenzhou International Summer Camp 2024, led by Teacher Mr. Ooi Hun Huang.
We also discussed his passion for cooking, particularly his love for Western cuisine. Danial aspires to attend culinary school after completing his high school education, with the ultimate goal of operating his own restaurant and leading his kitchen as head chef.
