Exhibition Section I
Pay Fong’s Founding Aspirations and its Century-Long Journey
Sustainable Growth:
Between Challenges
and Innovation
With a history spanning over a century, Pay Fong School's journey in education development began with its embarkation into primary education. Over time, the School broadened its scope to provide a comprehensive education that encompassed both lower and upper-secondary levels. Throughout this process, the School remained committed to its role as a public educational institution while actively responding to community needs, daring to challenge and innovate, forging a unique path in education development.
1913
Embarkation into
Primary Education
On July 7, 1913, Pay Fong School took its first steps into education by setting up lower-primary classes. Initially named ‘Pay Fong Liangdeng Xiaoxuexiao’ which can be loosely translated as ‘bi-level primary school’, it differed from the idea of primary schools in present-day Malaysia. The term ‘bi-level’ reflected the educational system in China of that time, with the lower-primary level being a four-year programme. This system implemented a composite class format, where students from Standards One and Two (newly enrolled students who had not yet entered school) were grouped into one class, and students from Standards Three and Four (students who had entered school in a sishu or 'old-style private school') were combined into another class. Later, a two-year upper-primary level was introduced. With that, a well-rounded education programme that emphasised on ‘virtue, wisdom, physical fitness, civics, and aesthetics’ was born.
Images and Items on Display
1. Group Photograph of the Third Graduating Class of Pay Fong School Higher Primary Division with Board Members and Teachers, February 1920
2. Due to the growing number of students in 1919, the Board resolved to construct a new school building to accommodate the increasing enrolment, and subsequently launched a fundraising campaign. Evidence of this can be found in the article “A Commendable Effort in Support of Education” published in Yiqun Bao on 26 January 1920.
Reproduced by Special Collections, National University of Singapore Libraries.
3. List of Early Upper Primary Graduates
4. 1920 Pay Fong School Higher Primary Graduation Certificate [replica]
1925
Expansion into
Lower-Secondary Education
Following the graduation of the first batch of students from the upper-primary programme, Pay Fong's foundation in the development of its primary education strengthened steadily over time. Historical records indicate that the School consistently prioritised the transition of upper-primary graduates to higher education. For instance, in 1918, the first batch of students was sent to the Jinan School in China for further studies. Concerning the expansion of Pay Fong School into offering lower-secondary education, minutes from a school board meeting in 1922 discussed fundraising and planning for the initiation of lower-secondary classes. The plans were materialised in 1925 when students were officially enrolled.
1941-1947
Suspension of School
During Wartime and
Subsequent Resumption
In 1941, upon receiving news of the Japanese invasion in Kelantan, Pay Fong School conducted its annual exams earlier, declaring the academic year over upon completion. When the Japanese occupied Malacca, educational activities at the School came to a halt, with the premises requisitioned for the Nippon Electricity Co. Many historical materials, artefacts, and documents were lost in the war, and several students and teachers fell victim to aggression inflicted by the Japanese forces.
With the restoration of peace in September 1945, the School resumed its operations at the St. David's Kindergarten temporarily. The School held an opening ceremony, pioneering the co-education system among secondary schools in Malacca. In 1946, the School relocated to the Straits Settlement Volunteer Corps Recreation Club (presently Jalan Hang Tuah), and in 1947, it returned to its original premises (Lot 831), where the first batch of post-war lower-secondary students graduated.
Images and Items on Display
1. Group Photograph of the Second Graduating Class of Pay Fong School Junior Middle Division, December 1928
2. 1933 Subjects and Weekly Teaching Periods Allocation Table
This table illustrates the early curriculum planning for the Junior Middle level of Pay Fong School. At the time, the curriculum was modelled after China’s 1922 "Ren-Xu Education System," comprising subjects such as National Language (Chinese), Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education. Furthermore, English and Commercial studies were incorporated into the syllabus to cater to the specific needs of the local Chinese community.
3. In October 1945, following the School's resumption of operations, Pay Fong pioneered the co-education system among secondary schools in Malacca. The 14th graduating class of the Junior Middle level in 1947 was the first batch of post-war graduates and also marked the historic first appearance of female students.
4. 1943 Lease Agreement with Nippon Hassoden Kabushiki Kaisha (Nippon Electricity Co.) [replica]
On 20 August 1943, Nippon Hassoden Kabushiki Kaisha (Nippon Electricity Co.) entered into a lease agreement with the Pay Fong School Board of Trustees to rent the Pay Fong School premises for use as the electricity bureau.
1948-1956
Establishment of
the Senior Normal
In 1915, due to insufficient classroom space, classes were extended to the premises of the Feng Shun Free School (presently 100, Jalan Hang Jebat). Students in Standard Two began their classes at this location on January 11.
In May 1917, with the establishment of Pay Teck Girls' School, the Feng Shun Free School premises were leased to them instead. Between February 1930 and July 1931, due to a surge in student enrolment, the premises of the Feng Shun Free School was again briefly used as additional classrooms.
1957
Expansion into
Upper-Secondary Education
In May 1956, a joint letter from the graduating Lower Secondary Year 3 cohort was addressed to the School, requesting the establishment of upper-secondary classes so that students with the intention of further studies could continue their education. After extensive discussions, planning, lobbying, and negotiations by various board members and an Upper-Secondary Education Organising Committee, the request was approved by the Ministry of Education by the end of 1956.
From 1957 onwards, Pay Fong School expanded its offerings to include upper-secondary education with Chinese as the medium of instruction, thereby becoming a fully-fledged secondary school. This marked a significant milestone in the School's history.
Images and Items on Display
1. In 1948, students of the first Senior Normal session established two "Free School classes" during the afternoon to admit children who had been deprived of education. This initiative allowed the students to accumulate teaching experience while catering to the needs of financially disadvantaged families. The photograph shows a group photo of all teachers and students at the closing ceremony of the Free School classes.
2. Group Photograph of the first graduating class of the Senior Normal with British colonial education officials and teachers, January 1950.
3. 1957 Pay Fong Middle School 5th Senior Normal Graduation Commemorative Issue [replica]
4. 1959 Graduation Certificate of the 1st Upper-Secondary Graduating Class
5. 1958 Upper-Secondary Student Handbook (Report Book)
6. 1956 A Joint Letter from the 23rd Graduating Lower-Secondary Classes Requesting the Establishment of Upper-Secondary Classes
7. 1956 Pay Fong Middle School Budget Proposal for the Establishment of Two Upper-Secondary Classes
8. In 1957, following the establishment of the School’s upper-secondary classes, the Malacca Rice Dealers' Guild not only funded the construction of the West Wing, but also provided annual subsidies for the operation of the division until the early 1970s. The image shows the records of the Guild’s contributions toward the building and foundation costs, as well as their sponsorship of upper-secondary education expenses.
1962
Becoming an Independent
Chinese Secondary School
In 1960, the Rahman Talib Report suggested categorising secondary schools into two types: fully subsidised government schools and independent schools without subsidies. In 1961, the government adopted this recommendation, amending education policies and enacting the Education Act of 1961. In line with this policy shift, the Ministry of Education actively encouraged Chinese secondary schools to transform into government schools. However, conversion into a fully subsidised government school required adherence to specific guidelines, including the use of official languages (Malay and English) as the medium of instruction.
However, Pay Fong School's Board adopted a cautious stance, as reflected in a unanimous decision during a meeting participated by important members of Pay Fong’s stakeholders on March 26, 1961. The verdict was the rejection of the proposal to transform, thus protecting and maintaining the School's original educational mission.
From 1962 onwards, Pay Fong School officially became an independent Chinese secondary school. While upholding the principle of mother tongue education, the School adapted to the changing times and societal needs, actively introducing a holistic curriculum tailored to students' learning needs. This encompassed a wide array of subjects, including science, business studies, the arts, engineering, social sciences, humanities, lower-secondary advanced classes, classical literature, liberal arts, and more.
Images and Items on Display
1. Excerpts from Section 3 of Ministry of Education Circular No. 57 (6 January 1960): Conditions for Conversion of Secondary Schools to Full Assistance (Chinese Translation) [replica]
2. 1961 Original Minutes of the General Meeting of Pay Fong Middle School Board Members, Sponsors, and Representatives of Various Community Organisations, 26 March [replica]
3. 2004 Speech by Teo Gah San at the Opening Ceremony of the Pay Fong School History and Artefacts Gallery
Included in the book Teo Gah San: Life and Oral History, the "2004 Speech by Teo Gah San at the Opening Ceremony of the Pay Fong School History and Artefacts Gallery" recounts the background and events of the General Meeting of Pay Fong Middle School Board Members, Sponsors, and Representatives of Various Community Organisations held on March 26, 1961. The speech highlights how Teo Gah San, Tan Kee Gak, Gu Hsing Kuang, and other participants staunchly opposed the proposal to restructure the school into a government-subsidised institution.
4. 1961 Pay Fong Middle School Monthly Donation Appeal Notice for the Transition to an Independent School
On July 1, 1961, the Pay Fong Middle School Independent Economic Committee issued the “Pay Fong Middle School Monthly Donation Appeal Notice for the Transition to an Independent School,” aiming to encourage public-spirited members of the community to subscribe to the school’s monthly donation scheme.
5. 1961 Minutes of the 1st Meeting of the Pay Fong Middle School Independent Economic Committee, 18 June [replica]
In 1961, during a meeting attended by Pay Fong's board members, sponsors, and representatives from various community groups, a resolution was adopted to transition into an independent secondary school. Subsequently, an economic committee was established to seek sources of funding to sustain the School. This document is the minutes of the first meeting of the economic committee.
6. Official Seal of the Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Pay Fong Middle School
Official Seal of the Malacca Chinese-Established Pay Fong Public Middle School
On 8 December 1961, the Board of Directors held a joint meeting and resolved that, effective from 1962, the school’s name on its official seal would be changed from “馬六甲華僑公立培風中學校之印” (Overseas Chinese-Established) to “馬六甲華人公立培風中學校之印” (Chinese-Established).
The fruits of these hard-won achievements are sown by the courageous and decisive spirit of the founding pioneers, the united and harmonious voice of the school boards, the loyal cooperation of teachers and students, and the enthusiastic and unwavering support of people from all walks of life.
Teo Gah San
Former general manager of the school board
Item on display:
"Safeguarding Chinese Education" Silk Screen Plate
Historical Overview
of
Pay Fong’s
Educational Development
With a history spanning over a century, Pay Fong School's journey in education development began with its embarkation into primary education. Over time, the School broadened its scope to provide a comprehensive education that encompassed both lower and upper-secondary levels. Throughout this process, the School remained committed to its role as a public educational institution while actively responding to community needs, daring to challenge and innovate, forging a unique path in education development.
In the face of competition from government secondary schools offering free education since the 1970s, the School actively engaged in various enrolment efforts to maintain its student intake levels.
To achieve economic independence, operate self-sufficiently, and alleviate the burden of financial assistance from the Chinese community to the independent Chinese secondary school, the School initiated additional measures starting in the 1990s.
Building the School’s Foundations
As early as in 1913, the founders of the School had ensured the stability of the School's development by acquiring land and properties for its educational purposes. For instance, the premises of the Chinese Lawn Tennis Club on Heeren Street (Lot 831, Jalan Kubu) and five shophouses on Tranquerah Road (Lot 87) which were donated to the School in 1915 by Pay Fong’s founders. Following the completion of the formal transfer process in 1918, these properties were officially placed under the guardianship of six trustees.
Rallying Support from All Sectors
While positioning itself as a public educational institution, Pay Fong School has employed innovative thinking and initiatives in the process of fundraising within the local community to support its operations.
Images and Items on Display
1. 1913 Indenture of Conveyance: Purchase of Land and Premises at Tranquerah Road [replica]
2. 1918 Indenture of Conveyance: Formal Transfer of Property to the Pay Fong School Endowment [replica]
3. Special donations [replica]
Contributions to the School apart from what is categorised as monthly donations. These may include funds from events such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, and fundraising activities for religious events, among other sources.
4. Dramatic performances: Fundraising through ticket sales for performances.
On 30 September 1924, Nanyang Siang Pau published a donation acknowledgement list for the fundraising drama performances held on 8 and 9 July, for which the school invited the Meng Seng Amateur Dramatic and Social Association to perform.
5. Dramatic performances: Fundraising through ticket sales for performances.
On 18 April 1934, Sin Chew Jit Poh reported on the school’s fundraising drama performance organized to raise funds for the construction of new school premises. The report highlighted that Sim Hong Peck contributed as a playwright, while Ho Pao Jin and Lim Tai Tien served as directors for the various plays.
6. Teo Gah San: Life and Oral History
7. Teo Gah San's essay, Life and Oral History [replica]
From the 1960s to the early 1970s, the Malacca Rice Importers and Exporters sponsored the “Pay Fong Middle School Education Fund”, an initiative widely known as the “Rice Bag Donation”. The origins of this support date back to 1957, when the Malacca Rice Dealers' Guild funded the construction of the upper-secondary school building (West Wing) and began providing annual subsidies for operating costs to facilitate the school’s transition into a fully-fledged secondary school.
8. 1967 List of Donation Acknowledgement: Malacca Rice Importers and Exporters’ Sponsorship for the Pay Fong Middle School Education Fund, December [replica]
Bringing Educational Resources Together
Since the 1930s, Pay Fong School has collaborated with numerous public Chinese schools in Malacca, progressive and collaboratively building a mechanism composed of six public Chinese schools that benefit the development of Chinese education in Malacca.
In 1930, Pay Fong, Pay Teck, and Ping Ming Schools initiated collaboration in academic affairs for the first time. Each school nominated individuals with expertise in education and those among the overseas Chinese community who are well-versed in the field of education to form a joint Academic Affairs Committee. The aim was to standardise academic affairs and enhance teaching quality. After 1931, the committee standardised the salaries of teaching staff across the three schools, as well as the selection of textbooks and academic calendars. They also implemented systems such as joint examinations and academic supervision.
After the announcement of the results of the second joint examination, the outstanding performance of the students received recognition from the colonial government's education department. Henceforth, the colonial government began providing subsidies to schools based on the number of students, which resulted in Pay Fong School's finances stabilising.
In November 1934, a joint school board composed of members from Pay Fong, Pay Teck, and Ping Ming Schools was formed. Collectively, it was referred to as the Joint School Board of the Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Pay Fong, Pay Teck and Ping Ming Public Schools. This coordinated management and operation of the schools yielded fruitful results. In 1937, the Pai Chai School became part of the public school system, and consequently, it joined the joint school board as its fourth member.
After the war, Pay Fong, Pay Teck, and Ping Ming Schools resumed operations and continued to receive subsidies from the colonial government. The first, second, and third branches of Pay Fong also benefited from these subsidies. Together, they formed the Six Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Schools system, which was renamed the Six Malacca Chinese-Established Public Schools in 1962. This cooperative model continued until 2010. In 2011, the board of the Six Malacca Chinese-Established Public Schools, through a decision made in a meeting, transformed into a fellowship-oriented organisation to carry on the spirit of the six schools.
Images and Items on Display
1. 1933 Constitution of the Economic Committee of the Three Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Schools
In the 1920s, following the successful fundraising initiatives led by Pay Fong School through voluntary surcharges on rice and grocery imports, it was decided to share these resources with Pay Teck and Ping Ming Schools. To ensure the equitable management and allocation of these community-contributed funds, representatives from the boards of the three schools established the Tri-School Economic Committee.
2. 1933 Constitution of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Three Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Schools
In 1930, Pay Fong, Pay Teck, and Ping Ming Schools collaborated for the first time to establish the Academic Affairs Committee. This initiative aimed to standardise academic management, teaching salaries, and textbooks, while implementing joint examinations and academic supervision to enhance overall teaching standards.
3. Signboard of the Office of the Board of the Six Malacca Chinese-Established Public Schools
The office was located within Pay Fong Middle School at that time.
4. A joint teacher recruitment advertisement by the Board of the Four Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Schools, published in Nanyang Siang Pau, 28 December 1940.
5. A report from Nanyang Siang Pau dated 17 November 1950 regarding the annual educational subsidies issued to various schools by the Malacca Education Department.
6. 1954 Donation Acknowledgement List: Monthly Educational Donations for the Six Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Schools, January.
This document demonstrates the allocation of monthly educational donations raised by the Joint School Board among the six schools for their operational use.
7. Since the establishment of the Joint School Board, it frequently hosted banquets on Teachers' Day and presented long-service awards to dedicated educators. Pictured is a commemorative group photograph from 1954, taken after the Board of the Six Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Public Schools hosted a Teachers' Day celebration for all teachers of the six schools at the Meng Seng Charitable Association.
8. Starting from 1976, the six schools rotated to host the biennial Six-School Joint Sports Day, featuring secondary and primary school categories. Following the completion of the school’s new sports field in 2008, Pay Fong Middle School withdrew from the joint event to host its own internal sports day.
Sustaining the School Through Resilience and Resourcefulness
After becoming an independent Chinese secondary school in 1962 and no longer receiving educational subsidies, Pay Fong School’s financial situation once again entered an unstable state. Therefore, the School advocated for financial prudence and cost-saving measures to sustain its operations.
Images and Items on Display
1. 1973 Pay Fong Middle School Monthly Donation List [replica]
Monthly donations: Fixed amounts donated by individuals or business groups to the School on a monthly basis.
2. 1977 Pay Fong Middle School Enrolment Brochure
Formation of the Enrolment Liaison Group (1977): Among initiatives undertook by the Enrolment Liaison Group include: engaging with students exhibiting behaviour that warranted attention and guidance, and inviting parents to discuss potential avenues for academic improvement; broadcasting the School's current affairs and alumni achievements; conducting talks at Chinese primary schools; inviting graduates from Chinese primary schools for school visits; and visiting families of graduates from public primary schools. These measures aim to reduce student attrition rates and increase enrolment rates.
3. Photocopy of a Cheque for Share Capital Payment by a Member of the Pay Fong Cooperative
Pay Fong Cooperative Membership Card
Establishment of the Pay Fong Cooperative (1996): The establishment of this cooperative aimed to explore economic opportunities through commercial activities, thereby diversifying sources of income. Specifically, the School integrated the management of the bookstore and cafeteria under the cooperative, along with the sale of stationery and other items. Members of the cooperative contribute dividends back to Pay Fong Middle School, fostering financial support through this collaborative effort.
4. Official Correspondence from the Malacca Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Grant Allocation from the Modernised Crematorium Project (Fax document)
Initiated in 2001, the Modernised Crematorium Project is a joint venture between the Malacca Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) and the Xiao En Group to develop the Xiao En Memorial Park, which includes a crematorium and a columbarium. Since 2002, the MCCCI has consistently allocated 50% of its annual profit share from this project to the Pay Fong Middle School Education Fund.
5. Establishment of the Pay Fong Foundation (2004): In the pursuit of economic independence for Pay Fong Middle School, the Pay Fong Foundation was established by the School's board in 2004. The foundation incorporates modern business concepts in fundraising, including contributions through the purchase of savings policies, bequeathing donations, and corporate investments. Collectively, these efforts have helped ensure the sustainability and growth of Pay Fong, with the hope that new milestones will be marked, facilitated by a robust economic foundation.
6. On 17 March 2004, the Chief Minister of Melaka visited Pay Fong Middle School to present bursaries and administrative grants. Since 2001, the school has received annual allocations from the Malacca State Government to fund bursaries for underprivileged students and cover administrative expenses.
7. Promotion of the Pay Fong Middle School Full Fee Payment Plan (2008): Student fees constitute the primary source of revenue for Pay Fong Middle School, yet it is still insufficient to cover half of the School's total expenses. To address this shortfall, the board of directors launched the ‘Full Fee Commitment for Your Child’ campaign in 2008. This movement encourages parents with the means to join the full fee payment plan, contributing the entire tuition amount monthly to ease the School's fundraising burden.
8. Certificate of Appreciation: “Seabad Sehati – Pay Fong 100th Anniversary Charity Bazaar”
In 2013, to encourage more businesses to support the school’s centennial celebrations and foster a sense of collective participation among Malacca’s business owners and citizens, the school organised the “Seabad Sehati – Pay Fong 100th Anniversary Charity Bazaar” (also known as the “Dedicate One Day to Pay Fong” campaign in Mandarin). This initiative invited businesses from all walks of life to select any single day to donate their total revenue for that day—regardless of the amount—to the school.