As our National Day is just around the corner, Kuen Cheng High School announces our lineups to usher in Malaysia’s 69th Merdeka Day! For this joyful occasion, on the 22nd of August, Jr1 and Jr2 students arrived early and made their way into the Lee Shin Cheng Hall at 8 a.m.
Soon, the celebration began with the emcees reciting a traditional Malay rhyme, known as a pantun. Following this, the students watched a video clip about Malaysia’s journey to independence and the transformation of Kuala Lumpur into a modern city. Then, student Denise Lai Yu En from Sr2ComB sang Sehati Sejiwa, while the students clapped and waved their hands along to the rhythm.
Next came the award-giving ceremony to congratulate the winners of the competitions held by the Malay History Group. The first award was for the Creating Merdeka Postcard Competition, with Cheah Kai Toong from Sr2A securing first place, followed by Ho Yu Xuan from Sr2ComA in 2nd place, Jayden Yap Tze Wen from Sr2ScE in 3rd place, Koh Jer Ming from Sr2ComD in 4th place and Tan Kai Xuan from Sr2ScG in 5th place.
The second award was for the Drawing the Biographies of Prominent Figures During the Independence Era Competition. Hew Yee Wen from Sr1ComC took first place, followed by Tai Yi Ching from Sr1ScD in second place, Lim Sim Yen from Sr1ScD in third place, Lew Hui Tian from Sr1ScD in fourth place, and Adela Tew Yu Yang from Sr1ComB in fifth place.
The third award was for the Creation of Traditional Malay Male Headwrap (tanjak) Competition. Cheah Chen Shen, Dason Yee, Lee Zheng Hin from Jr2Z(4) won first place, followed by Poon Qian Ling, Chong Li Xuan, Ashley Tan from Jr2Z(5) in second place, Leong Weng Qing, Cheah Zhi Yi, Yuet Yi Toong from Jr2Z(6) in third place, Chua Jia Hui, Chan Qian Yee, Tan Zi Jean from Jr2Z(2) in fourth place, and Wong Kayna, Anya Leong Xin Ya dan Shivonne Lai Sze Voon from Jr2Z(3) in fifth place.
The last award was for the Class Bulletin Board Design Competition. Class Jr1Z(4) was awarded first place, followed by class Jr1Z(2) in second place, class Jr1S(1) in third place, class Jr1Z(1) in fourth place and class Jr1M(1) in fifth place.
Next, students Siew Zhao Long, Chay Yi Teng and Eunice Neoh Zi Yi performed Saya Anak Malaysia, energising the crowd and creating a lively atmosphere. Following this, student Kah Wai recited a poem (sajak) entitled “The Vow of the Children of Independence” (Sumpah Anak Merdeka). Afterwards, student Leow Jing Ru sang Aku Berjanji. To energise the audience once more, students from Jr1 led everyone in an Aerodance Merdeka session, with the teachers and students of Jr2 happily following the students’ dance movements on stage.
Following this, students Poon Wison and Yeo El Xy sang Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama, a song that celebrates Malaysia’s rich diversity and the teamwork among Malaysians. Next, students Chee Yu Tung and Yap Jun Long sang Budi Bahasa Budaya Kita, while six students danced to the song in traditional Malay clothing.
Afterwards, a Merdeka-themed quiz was held for the Jr2 students. Representatives from each class came up to the stage and sat in a long row. During the quiz, a container filled with questions was passed from one student to another while music was playing. When the music stopped, the student holding the container had to take a question from the container and answer it. The activity was well received, as the students watching from below the stage enjoyed the exciting and entertaining game.
To sum up the event, every student sang Ali, Ahkau dan Muthu and Keranamu Malaysia together. The school hall was filled with different voices, and everyone enjoyed singing these patriotic songs with their friends. The performers were also invited onto the stage to wave small Malaysian flags to the rhythm of the songs. The celebration ended with a joyful and patriotic atmosphere, leaving everyone with a greater sense of pride in being Malaysian.
