Exhibition Section II
The Manifold Development of
the Pay Fong Spirit
Compulsory and Elective Computer Courses
In 1983, the School established the “Sam Tiong Keng Computer Room,” officially offering computer courses to Upper-Secondary Year 3 students and marking the prologue to Pay Fong’s information technology education. Over time, the computer curriculum has gradually expanded to include compulsory courses at the lower-secondary level and electives at the upper-secondary level.
To ensure students master practical software skills and stay abreast of technological advancements, the Information Technology Department continuously adjusts its curriculum or introduces new subjects annually. These updates are based on global technological trends and student needs, aimed at enhancing students' capabilities in information technology application.
Early computer curriculum:
Senior 1 (Commerce): Chinese Input Methods WordStar
Senior 2 (Commerce): dBASE
Senior 3 (Commerce): Lotus 1-2-3
Senior 1 (Science): Computer Fundamentals BASIC Programming
Senior 2 (Science): Computer Fundamentals Application Software
Senior 2 (Electrical): Computer Fundamentals Application Software
Senior 2 (Electronics): BASIC Programming
Images and Items on Display
Computer Terminal
Computer terminal used during the early years of the Computer Department (1980s).
Establishment of the e-Education Unit
In 2009, the School established the e-Education Unit, dedicated to promoting the professional development of teachers in digital instruction. The unit focuses on enhancing teachers' IT application skills and information literacy, helping them better understand the digital and technological environment in which students live. This initiative aims to narrow the digital divide between teachers and students, fostering a more resonant and interactive teaching atmosphere.
In the same year, the e-Education Unit introduced the Moodle online learning platform, guiding teachers to establish personal online teaching spaces as an extension and supplement to classroom instruction.
Offering Network Literacy Courses
Since 2009, the e-Education Unit has offered Network Literacy courses at the lower-secondary level. Designed to complement computer courses, these courses comprehensively enhance students' online capabilities and literacy. The curriculum revolves around topics such as network security, netiquette, internet addiction, network ethics and regulations, and technological trends, fostering students' core values and critical thinking abilities.
Images on Display
1. A teacher training course on "AI and Machine Learning" organised by the e-Education Unit.
2. A teacher discussing issues related to cyberbullying with students during a Network Literacy course.
Computer Courses offered at Junior and Senior level
Junior 1
Computer Fundamentals
Word Processing
Junior 2
Computer Fundamentals
Multimedia Applications
Computer Graphic Design
Adobe Illustrator
AI Literacy and Ethics
Junior 3
Computer Fundamentals
Programming
AI Literacy and Ethics
ChatGPT Applications
Senior 1-3, Elective Courses
Multimedia Design
Programming
3D Applications
Computer Internship & Applied Computing
Senior Middle Humanities and Social Sciences Stream - Multimedia Technology
Advanced Computer Fundamentals
Multimedia Design
3D Applications
Senior Middle Humanities and Social Sciences Stream - Information Technology
Programming
Computer Internship & Applied Computing
Images on Display
The computer curriculum offered by the Information Technology Centre progresses from junior to senior levels, with an emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical application.
Development of the Administrative Management System
In 2005, the Information Technology Centre independently developed the School's web-based administrative management system, continuously optimizing and expanding its functions. This new system simplified complex administrative procedures and significantly improved operational efficiency.
In 2006, the School officially implemented the Pay Fong Smart Card system (featuring chip-based identification and electronic wallets) . Staff and students can manage attendance records, cafeteria and Pay Fong co-op transactions, as well as library borrowing and photocopying services—all through a single smart card.
Pay Fong's information technology education continues to advance with the times. From hardware infrastructure to software application, and from curriculum design to teacher training, the School makes systematic progress. This supports teachers and students in their continuous growth while facing the challenges of a new era, collectively building a learning environment characterized by harmony, respect, and sustained innovation.
Images and Items on Display
1.The inauguration of the library's internet service area (2003).
2. The Information Technology Centre develops customised administrative management systems tailored to the specific operational needs of various departments.
3. The smart card developed by the Information Technology Centre enables teachers and students to conduct cashless transactions on campus. During the initial implementation of the system, students using smart cards to purchase food at the school canteen.
4. Smart Cards
Different generations of smart cards used by students, staff and board members.
In 1983, prompted by the call from Yeo Tiow Tiong, the then chairman of the school board, and Teo Kian Yam, chairman of the board of Sam Tiong Keng Temple in Malacca, the Sam Tiong Keng Temple raised over RM370,000 for a computer fund, leading the School into the era of computer technology. Subsequently, computer courses were gradually incorporated into the regular curriculum.
In 1997, the Sam Tiong Keng Temple launched another fundraising campaign, raising over RM700,000 for the School's computer fund.
In 2000, following the installation of a regional fiber optic network system for the School by Malacca's Siemens Electronics Factory (now known as Yiheng Technology), the School transitioned into the internet era.
Starting from 2006, to achieve the goal of campus digitisation, the functions of attendance tracking for staff and students, library book borrowing and returning, and electronic wallet services were integrated. This enabled students on campus to understand the trends of social technological development and experience technology in the everyday. The smart card system was officially put into use.
Starting from 2009, in addition to courses on computer-related skills, the School also offered courses on network literacy to assist all teachers and students in mastering basic network security knowledge, utilising network resources for learning, and actively fostering a healthy campus network culture.
Images and Items on Display
1. A computer class in session (1980s).
2. Certificate of Completion: "Word and Data Processing" Computer Course (1988)
3. Certificate of Completion: "Elementary BASIC Computer Course" (1983)
4. Computer textbooks used in the 1980s
After more than thirty years of development in computer and information technology, teachers and students throughout the School generally possess a certain level of technology application ability and information literacy. Therefore, in 2020, when the world was forced into a lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the School's operations quickly transitioned to remote mode. Shortly after Malaysia announced the implementation of a movement control order, online teaching was immediately launched, moving all aspects of subject teaching, weekly assemblies, exam and invigilation, and even anniversary celebrations to the digital realm, ensuring smooth continuity.
