Envision a bustling schoolyard filled with students at SMK Tanjong Bunga. This national secondary school began its journey long ago. Originally named Tanjong Tokong English School, it marked its presence in Tanjung Bungah.
But how did SMK Tanjong Bunga evolve into what it is today? In 1960 the school relocated to Tan Jit Seng Road. It was then known as Tanjong Bungah English School. Initially a primary school, secondary classes began in 1965. By 1968 the school officially split. There was Tanjong Bunga Primary School and Tanjong Bungah English School Secondary.
The secondary section eventually transformed. It gained a new identity. It was renamed Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tanjung Bunga. Meanwhile the primary school became Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Bunga. A significant change occurred in 1991. Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Bunga moved to Jalan Lembah Pantai. The secondary school then expanded. It took over the vacated buildings.
Let’s delve deeper into SMK Tanjong Bunga’s history. In 1965 Mr. G. L. Johnson became the first headmaster. The school had three transition classes and two form one classes. These classes were held in the afternoon. They used the primary school’s building.
Then in 1968 the school registered as two separate entities. There was Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjong Bunga. There was also Tanjong Bunga English School Secondary. That year the secondary school acquired its own buildings. It officially operated as Sekolah Menengah Tanjong Bunga. Tan Sri Mohd Khir Johari the Minister of Education at the time inaugurated it.
Additional facilities were added to accommodate growth at SMK Tanjong Bunga. A new block provided a library, classrooms, and science labs. Later the Sri Anggun block was built. This addressed the increasing student population. In 1990 a surau was established. This was thanks to the efforts of PIBG and JKKK Tanjong Bunga. It served the Muslim students’ needs. The school also created several sports courts.
The takeover of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Tanjong Bunga’s buildings in 1991 marked a turning point for SMK Tanjong Bunga. The buildings were then named Blok Sri Diwangsa. This allowed the school to operate in a single session.
In 1997 YAB Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon inaugurated the Multimedia Room and Computer Lab. The school also registered a cooperative. It had one hundred and fifteen members. A Sales and Shop Management Committee was formed.
The school continued to improve its facilities. In 2001 the gates and walls were repaired. A security guard post was built at the main entrance. A new building was constructed in 2002. It included a science lab, multipurpose hall, administration building, and motorcycle parking area. The school field was also renovated. A separate dining room for teachers was also created.
“Bintang Harapan” became the school anthem. Pn Nancy Teng, En Teh Yew Teik, and En Chew Siew Ghee wrote the lyrics.
Dataran Sri Tanjung was named in 2003. The headmaster Tuan Haji Shafie b. Hashim did this. The new administration office opened. Two new computer labs were adapted. In 2004 the sports house names changed. They became Rumah Jati Yellow, Rumah Cengal Green, Rumah Merbau Blue, and Rumah Meranti Red. SMKTB established a war room. This was for teacher meetings. Form 4 students could study interior design.
The school pledge was drafted in 2005. Air conditioning was installed in the staff room. A covered parking area was completed for school administrators. In 2006 the PIBG donated air conditioning. This was to benefit student health. Staff began using a punch card machine. This recorded arrival times. The Library Management Automation System began. This used computers donated by PIBG SMKTB. SMK Tanjong Bunga was among 40 schools. These schools were selected for the School Smart Program in Penang. The Ministry of Education Malaysia organized this. In 2007 an Access Center was created. The school also provides a Special Education Integration program.
SMK Tanjong Bunga stands as a testament to the community’s dedication. It provides quality education and fosters growth.