Reported by:
Yong En Zi Jr2Z(2)
Photography by:
Bock Fhuan Jr2Z(2)
Loke Tzi Fong Zyril Jr2Z(2)
On 15 August 2026, warm and well-designed Holistic Learning Day designated on Saturdays, Kuen Cheng High School organised a talk to foster students’ thorough understanding of Chinese literature. This project was led by Mr Lim Yu See from the Academic Department, who is also a Chinese Language Teacher. This event was held in partnership with the Xiaosheng Literary Award, a school contest to promote and celebrate creative writing in Chinese. Four classes from Jr2Z were selected to attend.
On the day of the occasion, after singing the national anthem, each class formed a line outside of their classrooms in an orderly manner, and were instructed to gather on the fourth floor of the Multi-purpose Activity Complex. Upon arrival, the teachers in charge told the students to take their seats in the given space of the meditation room.
At approximately 8:00 a.m., one of the teachers began with an introduction of our guest speaker, Fang Lu (pen name of Mr Lee Seng Hu), an esteemed Malaysian writer. Fang Lu earned a number of nominations, including a standout achievement: winning gold in the 2002 Nantah Flash Fiction awards. After that, a photo was taken where he accepted a token of gratitude from the school.
(Photo 1: From left to right: Mr Goh Meng Soon, our Chinese Language Teacher, presenting a token of appreciation on behalf of the school to Fang Lu)
Fang Lu commenced with explaining the origins of Chinese poetry and briefly introduced the many famous poets that were birthed along these ancient dynasties. He then proceeded to teach the fundamentals of writing Chinese poetry, encouraging students to use metaphors and similes to bring their writing pieces to life.
“Hai Zi and Gu Cheng are one of the finest writers that I admire.” said Fang Lu, as he introduced two of the most influential modern Chinese poets of the 20th century.
(Photo 2: Fang Lu offering his sincere, warm encouragement and guidance to young students as they learn to write poetry)
As the event was coming to an end, the students were asked to write their own brief but meaningful poems, on the test pad papers they prepared prior to the event. All participants completed their works within the given time frame and submitted their poems to the teachers.
After careful consideration, a few outstanding poems were selected to be read aloud, each student-writer having received a generous gift – a book written by Fang Lu himself, commended them for active participation. The event was soon concluded with a warm group photo of Fang Lu together with the Junior Two students.
(Photo 3: Students enjoying every moment as they write poetry)
