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A Chinese school in Negeri Sembilan has become Malaysia’s first Chinese language primary school to be attended by a Malay-majority student population.
SJK(C) Chi Sin is located in Batu Kikir, Bahau, about 54 km away from Seremban.
Out of the total student population of 66, 62 are Malays, which is about 93% of all students. There are 4 non-Malay students in the school.
In Malaysia, this is considered unusual, as Chinese schools are usually filled up with majority Chinese Malaysians.
Once suffering from low enrollment, SJK(C) Chi Sin is bouncing back
Image via Sin Chew Daily: In the Standard One class, of which there are 20 students, 100% of the students are Malay.
10 years ago, the school’s enrollment had declined drastically, as many Chinese parents moved away from Batu Kikir, bringing their school-going children with them. At one point, it had only 20 students enrolled in the school.
But in recent years, it has grown in reputation amongst Malay parents, and the enrolment has swelled to 66 this year, up from 60 in 2023, said Won Siew Knew.
“Even the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia or Dong Zong visited the school with researchers to identify how teachers helped the Malay students to master the Chinese language,” she said.
For many Malay parents, they cited academic excellence and a disciplined learning environment as the main reasons for sending their children to Chinese schools. This trend challenges the ongoing debate over the necessity of vernacular schools in Malaysia.
Is there a growing demand for vernacular schools in Malaysia?
The increasing enrollment of Malay students in Chinese schools is sparking more reflection in Malaysians about the place of vernacular schools in Malaysia’s education system.
For background context, Malaysian government schools are split into SK and SJK(C). Both share the same syllabus and all students sit for SPM. In SJK (C), most of the subjects are taught in Mandarin, except Bahasa Malaysia and English.
Critics of the Chinese schools call for their abolishment in favor of a streamlined national school system, with all students to be enrolled in SK.
Furthermore, Chinese schools receive support from gaming and beer companies, which might conflict with the values of Muslim communities. These considerations bring religious factors into the debate, adding another layer of complexity around the ethical implications of accepting donations in a diverse society like Malaysia.
SJK(C) Chi Sin’s teaching methods are catered to Malay students
Image via Sin Chew Daily: Headmistress, Won Siew Knew (right), with students and a local policeman.
Despite these challenges, SJK(C) Chi Sin embraces cultural diversity, participating in various celebrations and adjusting teaching methods to suit Malay students.
According to the headmistress, Won Siew Knew, the teachers at the school adopt a special approach to teach Chinese to the Malay students.
Celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, the mooncake festival and others are jointly celebrated with the Muslim parents, who actively participate with decorating and preparing the venue for the celebrations.
As Malaysia continues to navigate its diverse educational landscape, examples like SJK(C) Chi Sin provide hope for a future where all students can access quality education and learn to appreciate different cultures.
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Read also: I Studied in Chinese School as a Malay Boy, Here’s What I Learnt
I Studied In Chinese School As A Malay Boy, Here’s What I Learnt
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