“Obedience, Bravery, Moral, Knowledgeable.” That’s the motto emblazoned in yellow and blue at Chong Hwa Secondary School. These words aren’t just a motto. They’re a guiding principle. They shape the students within these walls.
Chong Hwa Secondary School began humbly. It started with three rented double-story buildings in Jalan Genting Klang in 1919. A group of sages who cared about Chinese education founded it. They valued cultural heritage above all else.
As student numbers grew, the Board of Directors acted. They raised funds to purchase land. This land is where Chong Hwa Primary School stands today. In 1922, a new campus emerged. It had four classrooms, an office, and a library.
To accommodate even more students, a two-story brick building was erected in 1938. In 1939, something special happened. Chong Hwa became a coeducation school. It was officially named Selangor Chinese Primary & Secondary School. Mr. Liang Long Guang became the first principal. Soon after, the school anthem was composed. Mr. Chen Luo Han, the music teacher, helped create it.
The secondary school expanded its offerings. It introduced art and science streams. The school’s reputation grew. It attracted over 900 students. Students came from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
In 1940, Mr. Liu Jing Sheng took over as principal. This followed Mr. Liang’s resignation. Due to the Education Act, the secondary school had to move to Jalan Gombak.
The Pacific War brought devastation in 1941. The school was forced to close. It was destroyed during the war. Only ruins remained. Books, instruments, and teaching aids were lost. Years of effort were shattered.
After the retrocession of Malaya in 1945, the primary school reopened. This was on 1 November 1945. The secondary school followed on 26 March 1946. The secondary school was temporarily set up on the field opposite the primary school.
By 1954, under Mr. Ye Shao Chun, the school had 2,000 students. However, classrooms were lacking. The construction of a new campus was delayed. In 1955, the secondary school borrowed 16 classrooms from the primary school. This was a temporary fix.
Construction finally began in 1957. The new Gombak Road secondary school was completed in July 1958. It expanded to 30 classrooms. Student numbers rose to over 1,300. The primary school accepted government subsidies. It became a standard Chinese primary school. Thus, the secondary school was separated.
In 1962, the school split. It became the Chinese Government Secondary School (SMJK Chong Hwa) and Chong Hwa Independent High School. Each had morning and afternoon sessions. Mr. Chen Di Long became the principal of SMJK Chong Hwa in 1979.
In 1982, Chong Hwa Independent High School moved to Jalan Ipoh. SMJK Chong Hwa remained in Jalan Gombak. The school continued to grow. Computer classes were introduced in 1985. The Students’ Federation was formed. This encouraged collaboration and autonomy.
Throughout the years, Chong Hwa Secondary School constantly improved. In 1994, three air-conditioned auditoriums were added. This created a better learning environment.
Mr. Li Yu Chai became acting principal in 1994. This followed Mr. Chen Di Long’s retirement. Mr. Chen Bao Wu officially became principal in 1995.
In 1999, four air-conditioned classrooms were prepared for Form Six students. The basketball courts were refurbished. Mr. Zhou Fu Chai was appointed principal on 16 October 1999.
Mr. Zhou Fu Chai brought SMJK Chong Hwa to a higher standard. He retired on 19 April 2008. Ms. Liu Yue Yao became the first female principal.
In 2017 Chong Hwa NTSS joined the DLP Program. This allowed STEM subjects to be taught in English. The school’s multi-purpose hall and classrooms were completed in 2016.
Today, Chong Hwa Secondary School stands tall. It is a testament to the dedication of its founders. It reflects the perseverance of its staff and students. Its motto continues to inspire. It shapes future generations in Kuala Lumpur.