Driving force behind school
FOR many years, Kuen Cheng High School has been a familiar sight along the Federal Highway.
Celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, Kuen Cheng High School has come a long way since its inception in 1908.
Formerly known as Kuen Cheng Girls School, it was located at number 13 Kampung Attap in a rented double-storey shoplot. There were 18 students when the school was first set up.
In 1936, Kuen Cheng was commissioned by the Selangor Department of Education to establish a four-year training programme to produce outstanding and well-trained teachers.
The school was subsequently closed down in 1941 due to the Japanese invasion in World War II until they surrendered in 1945. It reopened in 1946.
The school which started as an all girls’ school, moved to its current location along Jalan Syed Putra in 1956.
In conjunction with its anniversary, the school has launched a re-developed campus comprising new buildings and facilities — including a state-of-the-art library, grand hall, auditorium, and more — which are fully equipped and up-to-date with the latest software. It cost RM100mil to build, mainly from donations.
Appointed in 1990 as the principal of Kuen Cheng High School, Gooi Swee Gaik has since contributed to its re-development and expansion projects.
She helped grow the school’s population from about 1,300 female students, to roughly 4,500 female and male students through her diversification project, as well as pushed for the redevelopment of the entire school, phase by phase. She was also the force behind Kuen Cheng’s conversion into a co-educational school in 2008.
Despite being diagnosed with colon cancer, Gooi works hard to improve the school, with support from the board of directors.
A firm believer that education is a stepping stone that opens multiple pathways, Gooi said a conducive, comfortable study environment and up-to-date facilites are important factors for the students.
“Most of our student spend a lot of time here. They stay back after school and some stay in the dorms.
“It is our responsibility to nurture generations of children who have wisdom, are knowlegeble, and know how to live life to the fullest,” said the dedicated principal, 74, who has served as an educator for the past 43 years.
Kuen Cheng which is an Independent Chinese School, welcomes all students.
“The board of directors have said that non-Chinese students get a 100% waiver on their tuition fees,” she said.
Ranked as one of the Best Schools of Excellence by the Education Ministry in 2015, many of its graduates have gone onto continue their studies in renowned tertiary institutions such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, the London School of Economics, the National University of Singapore and more.
The school has always practised a dual examination system and the medium of instruction for Science and Maths is in Chinese and English.
The students are trained to master the three main languages, Malay, Chinese and English.
“We run a dual system where our students sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC),” she said.
She said parents send their children to the school to learn more about Chinese traditions and culture as well.
“Counting our blessings and being appreciative and grateful is an important aspect in the Chinese culture.
“We always encourage our alumni to come back, and take care of their younger brothers and sisters,” she said.
Gooi is thankful to have a cooperative team as well as supportive board members who have contributed to the popularity of the school.
“Without my staff and teachers’ hard work, the school would not be successful.
“The board of directors also gave me a free hand to run the school,” said Gooi, who will be retiring on June 30 — leaving big shoes to fill.