Chung Hua Secondary School celebrates 110 years of legacy

SIBU: Chung Hua Secondary School’s 110-year legacy is reflected not only in its achievements, but in generations of students who have contributed to society here.

Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said the most rewarding aspect of his eight years as the school’s principal from 1975 to 1983 was seeing former students grow into successful professionals, businesspeople and community contributors.

“Whenever I see former students achieve success and use their abilities to serve others, I feel an indescribable sense of pride and consolation,” he said at the school’s 110th Anniversary Celebration dinner at a leading hotel here on Saturday (Oct 10).

Wong, who returned to his alma mater for the celebration, said education had given him the greatest personal fulfilment, even after he ventured into business and subsequently entered politics.

He said while politics could deliver infrastructure such as roads, bridges and hospitals, and business could generate wealth, employment and economic growth, education played a more fundamental role in shaping people’s minds, character and future.

Its returns might not always be immediate, he said, but its impact could endure across generations.

Recalling his tenure as principal, Wong said the school underwent significant expansion, progressively developing its class structure to include the ninth, 10th and 11th class streams.

Student enrolment eventually exceeded 2,400 at the height of its development, marking a significant milestone in the school’s growth.

Beyond expanding its capacity, he said the school also placed strong emphasis on academic performance, teaching quality, discipline and extracurricular development.

Its students achieved commendable academic results and distinguished themselves in sports, cultural activities, music, public speaking and uniformed groups, helping establish Chung Hua as one of the leading schools in Sibu and Sarawak.

Although more than four decades had passed since he left the school, Wong said those eight years remained among the most memorable and meaningful periods of his life.

He said many of the students he once taught had since established careers, raised families and contributed in different fields, reinforcing his belief that an educator’s legacy was measured by the lives influenced rather than the facilities built or activities organised.

Turning to the school’s 110-year history, Wong called on the school community to remember the generations of board members, principals, teachers, staff, parents, alumni and community leaders whose sacrifices and commitment had laid its foundations.

He said the anniversary should serve not only as a celebration of present achievements, but also as an occasion to honour those who had helped build the institution, including pioneers who were no longer alive.

“The achievements of today were built upon the sacrifices of yesterday,” he said, stressing that their contributions continued to live on through the school and the people it had educated.

Wong also highlighted the role of alumni in sustaining Chung Hua’s development, describing former students as an important source of experience, support and inspiration.

He welcomed the proposal to develop a covered sports court that could also function as a multipurpose activity centre, saying the initiative reflected the alumni’s commitment to giving back to their alma mater.

Beyond providing additional facilities, he said such efforts represented a sense of belonging, responsibility and a desire to leave something meaningful for future generations.

He encouraged more alumni to contribute their expertise, ideas, time and resources to support the school’s continued progress.

“Our alma mater has helped shape who we are today. We should, in turn, help shape its future,” he said.

Looking ahead, Wong said Chung Hua must continue to uphold academic excellence while adapting to a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, digital technology, semiconductors, green energy and emerging industries.

He said students needed to develop not only academic knowledge, but also creativity, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, strong character and social responsibility to navigate an increasingly complex future.

He expressed hope that the school would nurture young people with strong cultural roots and the confidence to embrace opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.

He said an appreciation of culture, language, history and values should go hand in hand with the courage to pursue ambitions and engage confidently with the wider world.

Wong stressed that the school’s next chapter would require a collective effort involving its board of directors, principal, teachers, parents, alumni and the wider community.

No single individual or generation could secure the institution’s future alone, he said, underscoring the importance of unity and a shared commitment to its educational mission.

As Chung Hua marks its 110th anniversary, Wong expressed hope that the school would preserve its proud traditions while embracing innovation and continue to serve as a leading educational institution in Sibu and Sarawak.

He congratulated the school on the milestone and called on its community to honour the past, strengthen the present and build a lasting foundation for generations to come.