Reported by:
Tham Yu Ning Jr2S(5)
Photography by:
Lim Yi Tong Jr2D(1)
On 12th July 2025, Kuen Cheng High School organised a special talk for the students in conjunction with the Chinese Education Week. On the event day, students entered the Lee Shin Cheng Hall in an orderly manner. Before the talk began, Madam Chong Siew Fah, Vice Principal of Kuen Cheng High School presented a souvenir to Mr. Bock Chek Lim, our speaker of the day, as a token of appreciation.
(Photo 1: Students walking towards the assigned row in the hall)
(Photo 2: Madam VP Chong presenting a souvenir to Mr. Bock before the talk)
Mr. Bock began to share a story about a local Chinese primary school. He explained that last year, only two students left and continued in this particular school. He also mentioned that the first Chinese primary school in Malaysia was situated in a temple, showing the deep historical and cultural roots of Chinese education.
(Photo 3: Students listening attentively to Mr Bock)
Next, Mr. Bock introduced an important figure in Malaysian Chinese history—- Mr. Lim Lian Geok. He described Mr. Lim was a pivotal Malaysian Chinese educator and activist who played a crucial role defending the Chinese education and cultural rights in Malaysia. Mr. Lim is often revered as the “Soul of the Chinese Ethnic Group” in Malaysia.
Mr. Lim Lian Geok preserved mother-tongue education; he strongly opposed plans by the British and later the Malaysian government to use only one language like English or Malay in schools. Next, he was the founder of national Chinese teachers’ organisations. In 1949, he founded the Kuala Lumpur Chinese School Teachers’ Association. In 1951, he started the United Chinese School Teachers’ Association of Malaya, which brought teachers together from across the country and became the main group speaking up for Chinese education.
(Photo 4: Mr. Bock sharing the history of Mr. Lim Lian Geok)
He also fought for citizenship rights, before Malaya became independent, most Chinese people were not given citizenship. In 1956, he started the “Citizenship Movement” and said that everyone born or living in the country should be treated equally. Because of his efforts, the government gave a one year chance for many local Chinese people to apply for citizenship. Mr. Lim strongly believed that all races should have the same right to keep and grow their own languages, cultures and religions.
