THE 120th anniversary of SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian and the 100th anniversary of the school’s alumni were celebrated in a grand fashion by hosting a joint Gala Dinner at its school compound last night.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, congratulated both the school and its alumni on reaching this milestone and celebrating their anniversaries together in a joyous atmosphere.
He also announced some good news for the school, pledging a contribution of RM50,000 from the state government to its education development fund.
“The 120-year journey has certainly not been easy, but under the guidance of the Chinese education sages, and the love and support of the Chinese community, the school has continued to produce generations of students.
“Some of the outstanding talent have gone to serve the country, in the fields of politics, economics, literature and education. The alumni have shown remarkable persistence and efforts over the past century, contributing significantly to Penang and Malaysia.
“As far as I know, Chung Hwa School has always been committed to cultivating the comprehensive quality of students’ all-round development. The school also strives to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education, strengthen students’ scientific abilities and cultivate innovative abilities, which is very worthy of encouragement,” Chow said in his speech.
Chow highlighted that the Penang government attaches great importance to the development of science and technology while continuing to support the advancement of Chinese education.
As an industrial state, Penang continues to actively establish more industrial parks. Over the past 50 years, it has attracted a lot of high-quality investment, even leading to talent shortage, especially in the STEM field.
He expressed hope that schools will strengthen TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) and STEM courses to improve students’ comprehensive quality and competitiveness to meet future social challenges.
Chow recently announced plans to establish the Penang Chip Design Institute to support the state government’s plan to develop integrated circuit design and digital parks.
“The academy is also an important part of Penang’s STEM talent blueprint, which will be launched in June this year. This programme will develop talent for the IC design ecosystem through upskilling and reskilling through academic training and practical experience.
“In addition, the Penang state government and private institutions are also actively planning to cooperate with several well-known foreign universities to jointly develop a modern international university focusing on TVET and STEM.
“The university will focus on the fields of medicine, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, big data, artificial intelligence and renewable energy. It will also provide students with comprehensive training to train them to become future technological and vocational skills talents to assist Penang,” Chow added.
The attendees were treated to a wide range of performances at the dinner, such as a Chinese orchestra, Ten Immortals celebration, gong beating, Zhi Wei’s solo song (Whats Up!), Chinese diabolo, Tang-hup Mu by SJKC Chung Hwa Confucian ‘A’, a dance by SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian, Britney’s solo song (Rolling in the Deep), a Festive Drum performance, a dance by SJKC Chung Hwa Confucian ‘B’, a K-pop dance and a performance by the military band.
At one point, Chow, the school board of directors, and other guests were invited to perform the cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the joint anniversary event.
Among those present were Connie Tan, assemblyman of Seri Delima; Joshua Woo, assemblyman of Pulau Tikus, Wong Yuee Harng, assemblyman of Pengkalan Kota; Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai, chairman of Penang Chinese Town Hall; Datuk Tan Hiang Joo, deputy president of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Lee Tiam Lim, the Penang and Province Wellesley United Chinese School Management Association; Loh Hock Joo, chairman of the Board of Directors of Chung Hwa Confucian Schools; Datuk Goh Teng Whoo, president of Penang Chung Hwa Confucian Alumni Association; Tan Kok Chye, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of Chung Hwa Confucian Schools; Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng, organising chairman; Yeoh Kye Hock, principal of SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian; and Alan Lim Wei Lun, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting