THE Penang government celebrated the achievements of 52 students who excelled in the 2023 Malaysian Chinese Independent High School Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) examination by presenting them with certificates and a token monetary reward at Komtar today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who congratulated all the students for their hard work and perseverance, said the state government allocated RM41,600 as incentives, with each student receiving RM800.
This marks the sixth year of the award ceremony. Out of the 52 students who obtained from 7As onwards, 29 hailed from Chung Ling Private High School, 14 from Jit Sin Private High School, six from Han Chiang Private High School and three from Penang Chinese Girls Private High School. Sixteen of the students scored 9As, 19 received 8As and 17 obtained 7As.
“My sincere gratitude also goes to all the teachers and parents. It is your hard work, meticulous teaching and selfless support that have shaped these outstanding students and enabled them to achieve remarkable academic success.
“Of course, we cannot forget to thank the school board directors, family associations, alumni and other supporters of Chinese education. You are the vital driving force behind their achievements and the strongest pillar of support in their growth. Let us collectively applaud them!
“Today, we not only commend the achievements of outstanding students, but also impart a spirit – the spirit of diligence, entrepreneurship, and resilience in the face of challenges. This spirit will accompany these students into the future, serving as a motivation to attain even greater accomplishments,” Chow said in his speech at the certificate presentation ceremony.
Chow also shared encouraging news with the attendees, highlighting the interest of sister cities in China and Penang to establish partnerships amongst secondary schools and universities. These collaborations aim to provide international exchanges and cooperation.
Interested schools, he said, can actively match up with Chinese counterparts to conduct inter-school exchanges and promote educational exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
He said in addition, Chinese colleges and universities also provide full scholarships for Chinese students, enabling them with broader development space and learning opportunities.
“I hope that all the achievers won’t stop here. Continue to study hard, pursue excellence, become a pillar of society, and contribute to the development of the family, society, and country. I believe you will be able to create a more brilliant future!” he concluded.
Lee Tiam Lim, who serves as chairman of the Penang and Province Wellesley United Chinese School Management Association and vice-chairman of Dong Zong, thanked the state government for recognising the students with awards. He expressed hope for an increase in monetary reward.
Additionally, Lee revealed that Dong Zong has a 10-year plan aimed at enhancing Chinese education.
Notable guests present included state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim; Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng; Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng; Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen; Datuk Kho Hai Meng, committee member of Chinese School Affairs and Government Missionaries; Lee Joo Ping, vice-chairman of Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association; Bu Sheau Wei, vice-principal of Han Chiang Private High School; Ng Jooi Seah, principal of Chung Ling Private High School, Teng Chew Hoe, deputy chairman of Chung Ling Private High School board of governors.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissa Thian
Video by Siew Chia En