Reported by:
Sr1ComA Lim Zu Ling
Photography by:
Jr2D(3) Shakira Eleina Binti Shukri
Kuen Cheng High School is an independent Chinese secondary school predominantly attended by Chinese students. Recently, the school has made efforts to welcome more students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, aiming to foster greater inclusivity. To gain insight into what it’s like to study at Kuen Cheng as a student from a different ethnic group, I had the privilege of interviewing Shakira Eleina Binti Shukri, a Malay student who is currently in Jr2D(3).
Eleina began her journey with the Chinese language at the age of four, attending a Chinese primary school in Johor. This early exposure has made her quite proficient in Mandarin. Initially, she considered enrolling in a government school, which offered a curriculum in a language she was more comfortable with. However, her parents believed that Kuen Cheng would provide her with better opportunities, leading her to choose this school for her secondary education. Thanks to her previous experiences with the language, Eleina found it relatively easy to adapt to the school’s environment. Nonetheless, relocating from Johor to Kuala Lumpur presented her with challenges in adjusting to daily life.
During the interview, we learned that Eleina excels in rhythmic gymnastics, a discipline she began at the age of seven. She holds a gymnast certificate from International Gymnastics Federation, FIG (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) and has participated in various competitions. Eleina shared that her team often faced conflicts with their leader due to her strictness and perceived favouritism towards younger members. Fortunately, through open communication and guidance from their coach, the dynamics improved. Eleina noted that her teammates come from various ethnic backgrounds, and they often communicate in a mix of languages, adapting their speech to suit their audience.
Unity in grace: Eleina and her teammates at a rhythmic gymnastics competition
One of Eleina’s notable achievements is her participation in SUKMA (Sukan Malaysia). Prior to the competition, selections were held to choose teams, and she felt honoured to be selected for this year’s event in Sarawak, where she competed both individually and as part of a team. She expressed excitement about collaborating with her teammates in pursuit of victory.
Reflecting on her time at Kuen Cheng, Eleina recalled her first experience with finals, describing the anxiety and stress she felt during that period. Balancing her gymnastics training and competitions with her academic responsibilities has proven challenging, especially as the curriculum for junior two is more demanding than that of junior one. She continues to strive for a harmonious balance between her sports and studies. She believes that enjoying her pastime, involving in gymnastics helps her have a positive self-image and a sense of who she is. Not only Kuen Cheng builds her education foundations, but also it justifies her existence in this beloved school.
Social integration can be a significant hurdle for students from different ethnic backgrounds attending a Chinese school. Cultural differences, language barriers, and unfamiliar social norms can complicate the formation of friendships. However, Eleina has never felt alienated; on the contrary, she has experienced warmth and acceptance from her peers. There are many things that give her a sense of identity. Being part of Kuen Cheng community makes her feel supported and understood. She believes that more students from diverse ethnic groups should consider Kuen Cheng to broaden their horizons.
In closing, Eleina encourages future students from various ethnic backgrounds to not let language barriers deter them from making new friends. She emphasizes that engaging with different cultures can lead to enriching experiences and invaluable learning opportunities.
