Exhibition Section II
The Manifold Development of
the Pay Fong Spirit
Symbols of the Pay Fong Spirit
Pay Fong is not just a name; it embodies the core spirit and values that guide the Pay Fong community forward. In addition, the School emblem, flag, anthem, and uniform are also regarded as important spiritual symbols. Through these symbols and images, not only is the identity of the Pay Fong community showcased, the School's educational philosophy and ideals are conveyed too.
During the formative years of the School, there were several versions of the school anthem, but none of them have survived with complete documentation. The school anthem that has been sung to this day was composed in the mid-1930s, with lyrics by Kuang Guangzhao and music composed by Au Loon. This version of the school anthem expresses the brave spirit of the Chinese pioneers who ventured south. The musical score of this version has undergone four revisions, and in 1965, the lyrics were also amended, changing ‘our overseas Chinese community’ to ‘our Chinese community’.
School Anthem
School Flag
School Uniform
School Emblem
1933 School Emblem
The earliest documented record of the school emblem appeared in the 1933 Commemorative Publication for the 20th Anniversary of the Malacca Overseas Chinese-Established Pay Fong Public School. This vintage circular emblem featured the four Chinese characters for “Pay Fong School” (培風學校) across the top. The abbreviation “Malacca S.S.” at the bottom stands for “Malacca Straits Settlements,” referring to Malacca’s status as a British crown colony at the time. The centre of the emblem displayed the school’s name, “Pay Fong” (培風), in Xiao Zhuan (Small Seal) script, flanked by plum blossoms—the national flower of the Republic of China.
Late 1940s to 1955
The school emblem used during the post-war resumption evolved into an isosceles triangle version. Its design featured an embedded map of the Malay Peninsula, with a red dot marking the location of Malacca. The four Chinese characters for “Pay Fong Middle School” (培風中學) were inscribed across the top. This emblem reflects the Chinese community’s growing sense of identity with the land of Malaya and signifies the awakening of local consciousness during this period.
1956 to Present
This version of the school emblem has been in use since 1956. Over the years, it has undergone several modifications concerning its Chinese and English typography, character orientation, and the use of traditional versus simplified Chinese characters.
Current
The sheaf of rice symbolizes the mission of nurturing young seedlings to grow strong, while also representing the historical connection between Pay Fong and the Malacca Rice Dealers' Guild.
The torch symbolises the radiance and vitality of education, as well as Pay Fong’s aspiration to spread its wings and soar towards a bright future.
The Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) is a significant landmark in Malacca, symbolising the school’s geographical location and its local identity.
Phase I
Images:
Left: The 2nd Junior Middle Graduating Class (December 1928)
Right: Central District Chinese Schools Joint Sports Meet (1951)
Second Stage
Image:
Internal Opening Ceremony Rehearsal for the 6th Sports Day (1971)
Phase iii (Current)
Image:
Mid-field Performance for the 2023 Anniversary Celebration
Yellow represents diligence and hope.
White represents justice and humility.
Blue represents loyalty and perseverance.
Phase I:
The initial period of establishment
Images:
Top: The 3rd Sports Meet in Celebration of the 5th Anniversary (7 July 1918)
Bottom: The 2nd Junior Middle Graduating Class (December 1928)
Phase II: 1940
Image:
Group Photograph of the 11th Junior Middle Graduating Class with Teachers (1940)
Phase III: 1947
Image:
Group Photograph of the 14th Junior Middle Graduating Class with Teachers (1947)
Phase IV: 1949
Images:
Top: Swearing-in Ceremony of the Student Recreation Society, Student Academic Society, and Student Cooperative Members with Teachers (February 1949)
Mid: Senior Middle Division Runner-up Class of the 71st Anniversary "Love Our School" Donation with Teachers (1984)
Bottom: Graduation Ceremony (1999)
Phase V: 1997
Image:
High Achievers' Award Ceremony (1999)
Since the School's founding, the school flag has consistently been prominently featured in events of all sizes. Through old photographs, the evolution of the school flag can be roughly divided into three stages. Initially, from the founding of the School until around 1951, it simply displayed the School’s name without any specific design. After independence, the school flag incorporated the school emblem as the main design element, with changes in the background colour of the flag. The current school flag was designed during the period of the School’s centennial celebration.
Since its founding, the school uniform has undergone five distinct periods of evolution. In the pre-war period, the School only enrolled male students, so the uniform consisted solely of male attire. Female uniforms were introduced only after the School resumed operations when peace was restored after the war in 1945, when female students began to be admitted. In 1997, a new uniform design was introduced and has been in use ever since.
