Jointly reported by:
Rachel Koh Huey Shin Jr3Z(2)
Ho Chia Chien Jr3Z(4)
Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Photography Club
On the 30th of August, Kuen Cheng High School held the celebration at the basketball court a day earlier, for our 65th Merdeka Day (National Day), welcoming all students and teachers to participate in this joyous gathering. The sole aim of this once-in-a-year celebration was to educate the younger generations on how our country has come to this far.
The celebration was set to commence at 7:30 a.m. but the Kuen Cheng Broadcasting Club and students from the Sejarah Club started setting up the place beforehand at 7 a.m..‘Tanggal 31 Ogos’ was played as background music to hype up the atmosphere. After the preparations were done, teachers entered and made their way to the seats.
Students setting up the chairs.
At 7:35a.m, St.John Ambulance, Girl Guides, Police Cadets, Air Scouts and Prefectorial Board marched their way in holding the national flag of Malaysia, the flag of Federal Territories as well as the flag of Kuen Cheng High School.
The Prefectorial Board marching their way in.
St.John Ambulance, Girl Guides, Police Cadets, Air Scouts and Prefectorial Board stood holding their respective flags.
Up next was a speech presented by the Principal, Dr Chua Lee Lee. She talked about how the people in Malaysia with different cultural backgrounds can unite together as one and help each other during the pandemic regardless of their race. These heartwarming actions show nothing but the theme of our national day celebration this year, ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’. “This spirit of standing united as one no matter what should be carried on,” she emphasized.
Madam Chua giving her speech.
After the enthusiastic speech from the Principal, Teacher Fatin from the Sejarah team recited a poem written by herself named ‘Family’. Through her passionate voice, she expressed the fact that although we have already gained independence, she feels that our minds and souls are still colonized. She hopes for the people of Malaysia to appreciate and maintain this hard-earned peace by respecting all races.
Teacher Fatin reciting her poem passionately.
At 7.50 am, the President of the Music Composing Society, Seow Hui Yeng and Austin Yap Ze Xuan from Jr1S1 along with Junior 1 students and Kuen Cheng Kindergarten’s children sang two songs, ‘Jalur Gemilang’ and ‘Sejahtera Malaysia’ together. These songs were performed flawlessly by all the performers. Thunderous applause from other students occurred after the song ended.
After the performance, the two leading performers accepted an interview.
1. Time for preparing this performance?
The preparation of the song ‘Sejahtera Malaysia’ started a month ago. However, they were informed to perform another song ‘Jalur Gemilang’ two weeks before the performance.
2. Have you faced any difficulties?
They both agreed that it was the lyrics. Although they have heard these songs from a young age, they were not familiar with the lyrics. So, they need to work hard on memorizing the verses.
3. Feeling nervous when performing? Or any other feelings?
They both felt nervous since it has been a long time since they performed in front of a multitude of audiences. However, Hui Yeng said her nervousness had eased a lot after completely immersing herself in the music.
4.Satisfied with the performance? Rate from 0-10.
Hui Yeng rated it 8. Although the performance turned out with some small mistakes like inaccurate tempo, after all, it was still considered successful. The part harmonizing with Austin and the rest of the students was the most enjoyable part for Hui Yeng.
Later at 8.00 a.m., the part that excites most of the students finally started. A representative from Air Scouts shouted ‘Merdeka’ seven times sonorously as a tribute to the Founding Father of our Nation, Tunku Abdul Rahman who shouted at Stadium Merdeka in 1957. In this celebration, the students get to understand that our country’s independence has not come easily. So, we must cherish the harmony our country has now. Besides, our School should be thanked for hosting such a meaningful celebration, we hope it can be held next year too. Before ending, the performers, students, teachers and the Principal then took a group photo.
A representative from Air Scouts.
Group photo.