Exhibition Section III
Rooting in Nanyang
Celebrating Our Cultural Tapestry
Safeguarding Our Culture
Since its establishment on July 7, 1913, the anniversary celebrations of Pay Fong School have always been a grand affair. Apart from the festivities and celebrating it with the local communities and stakeholders, on this special day, we reflect on our origins and honour those who have paved the way for us. We sow the seeds of prosperity, and remain steadfast in our commitment to education.
School Anniversary
Celebration
Images on Display
1. The 10th Anniversary Memorial Sports Day (1923)
On 7 July 1923, the School celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sports day.
2. On 5 July 1920, prior to the 7th anniversary celebration, Sin Kuo Min Jit Poh published a report on a joint carnival held by Pay Fong School and Pay Teck School. This marked the School’s inaugural carnival.
Courtesy of the Special Collections, National University of Singapore Libraries.
3. In December 1933, the School celebrated its 20th anniversary with a student achievements exhibition, a carnival, and an annual closure and graduation ceremony. Left: The scene of the student achievements exhibition. Right: The first carnival held on campus; the sides of the stage served as the performance area for the Seng Cheong Society Brass Band and the Peking Opera makeup area for Pay Fong alumni.
Images on Display
Quote:
Centuries pass in the blink of an eye. I envision that in the centuries to come, whether it be a centennial or a millennial celebration, grand ceremonies will take place. Those who have toiled with unwavering dedication and generosity for the School’s progress will be remembered. ——Gu Shu Lian, Principal
1. The preface for the 12th Anniversary Commemorative Issue, written by Principal Gu Shu Lian (1925)
2. Pay Fong Special Publication: 12th Anniversary Commemorative Issue (1925) [replica]
Images and Item on Display
1. Commemorative Group Photograph of the 35th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony (8 August 1948)
In 1948, the School celebrated its 35th anniversary; pictured is a group photograph of distinguished guests, teachers, and students taken after the ceremony. This event marked the first anniversary celebration ceremony held after the Second World War.
2. In May 1956, the Sports and Recreation Club organised a donation drive to fund the construction of a cement basketball court for the School. Pictured is a group photograph of the teachers and students from the winning class.
3. During the 49th anniversary celebration in 1962, the then Chief Education Officer, R.A. Wilson, visited the commercial exhibition accompanied by the Principal.
Images on Display
Quote:
To be dedicated and committed in serving the School, tirelessly for thirty years, compiling and organising the history of Pay Fong School, is a vital part of our living record. — Chen Zong Yue, Principal
Sim Mow Yu and Principal Chen Zong Yue pictured in front of the "Pillar of Pay Fong" banner (8 August 1948)
On 8 August 1948, during the School’s 35th anniversary celebration, a large banner titled “Pillar of Pay Fong” was presented to co-founder Sim Hong Peck, with his son Sim Mow Yu accepting it on his behalf. The banner featured an inscription by Principal Chen Zong Yue and was signed by the entire body of teachers and students from the primary, secondary, and Senior Normal divisions. During the anniversary celebration in June 2001, Sim Mow Yu returned the banner to the School.
Images on Display
"Pillar of Pay Fong" banner (1948) [replica]
Images on Display
Quote:
Regardless of whether they receive Chinese education or not, people of all age groups and ethnicities come together to support the School's charity bazaars and commemorate its anniversary. — Teo Gah San, Honorary Secretary
1. A congratulatory message from the then Governor of Malacca, Tun Haji Abdul Malek Bin Yusuf, for the School’s 50th anniversary (1963)
2. Malay hawkers supporting Chinese education through their actions by voluntarily participating in the School’s anniversary charity bazaar.
3. The School invited students from neighbouring Malay and Indian primary schools to participate in the anniversary performances.
Pay Fong
School Anniversary Celebration Activities
All activities of the Pay Fong School anniversary celebration are open to the public. During the day, members of the public come with their families to witness the parade, visit the charity bazaar, explore the various thematic exhibitions, and enjoy themselves at the game booths. In the evening, they attend the entertainment shows put together by the students.
Quote:
“The anniversary celebration of Pay Fong Middle School has evolved into a well-established tradition. Over the span of two days, in addition to the official ceremony, there are inspection parades, mid-field performances, charity bazaars, and Anniversary Showcase Nights. On occasions of grander celebrations, exhibitions are also staged. These activities signify the high level of cooperation among the board, staff, and students, while garnering widespread support and acclaim from the public.”
— Principal Wong Yoon Yue
Images on Display
Pay Fong Anniversary: Donation Voucher Fundraising, Love-Your-School Donation Drive, Anniversary Celebration Ceremony, Inspection Ceremony, Charity Bazaar (Merchandise and Food Charity Sales, Game Stalls [Classroom Decoration]), Thematic Exhibitions, and Talent Night.
Donation voucher fundraising is the earliest project initiated for the anniversary celebration each year. Serving as the vanguard for anniversary preparations, area representatives represent the Board of Directors in conducting door-to-door fundraising within the community. Simultaneously, they act as a vital communication bridge between the public and the School, helping to advocate for its educational philosophy and academic achievements, as well as the School’s commitment to the preservation of Chinese culture and mother-tongue education, thereby bolstering public confidence in the institution.
Images and Items on Display
1. To ensure that the legacy of the area representatives is carried forward, the School actively encourages alumni and members of the community to join the ranks of Pay Fong area representatives to jointly support the School’s development.
2. Appointment Certificate for Area Representatives (1997)
3. Area Representative’s Bag
The Area Representative’s Bag is distributed to each area representative prior to the School’s anniversary celebration every year. It contains the current year’s anniversary donation voucher receipt books, anniversary invitations, Talent Night tickets, and the donation acknowledgement list from the previous year.
The Love-Your-School Donation Drive typically kicks off about a month and a half before the anniversary celebration, accompanied by various activities such as promotional slogans, big-character posters, singing, class competitions, and the opening of donation bids.
Images on Display
1. During the 1961 anniversary celebration, the Chairman of the Student Working Committee issued a challenge to all students based on a ‘1 to 10 ratio’, pledging to donate an amount equivalent to 10% of the total funds raised by the entire student body.
2. A big-character poster challenge from the Love-Your-School Donation Drive (1970s).
3. The ceremony for the opening of donation bids. Its format has evolved with the times, transitioning from teachers presiding over outdoor ceremonies to students today presenting performances in the assembly hall while announcing their class donation totals.
The anniversary celebration ceremony is the primary event of the occasion, marking its commencement. Since its founding, speeches by the principal, chairman of the board, or distinguished guests have been customary during the ceremony to encourage and motivate students, express expectations and aspirations, and offer blessings to the School.
Since 1967, the parade has been a highlight of the opening ceremony of the anniversary celebration. The parade is comprised of an inspection ceremony by the School’s directors of the various student uniformed bodies.
Images on Display
1.The Wind Band performs, leading the student uniformed bodies during the inspection ceremony.
2. During the anniversary celebration, the Principal accompanies the Chairman of the Board of Directors to inspect the student uniformed bodies (1971).
3. Pictured are the commander and the guard of honour passing the reviewing stand.
In the early years, the anniversary exhibitions mainly featured student achievements. With the establishment of the Caoli Science Lab in the mid-1950s and the subsequent completion of new school buildings, the content gradually diversified and became more enriched. In recent years, the anniversary exhibitions have been divided into subject-based exhibitions, student organisation exhibitions, and thematic exhibitions.
Images and Items on Display
1. The 1970 anniversary exhibition was themed “Malacca State”, featuring various displays jointly produced by teachers and students that focused on the historical, geographical, economic, and commercial development of Malacca. (1970) .
Top: A model of the School’s feed mill, based on the Sin Hin Chan Feed Mill in Malacca as a prototype.
Bottom: A brochure for the comprehensive exhibition (themed “Malacca State”) during the 1970 anniversary celebration.
2. The 1973 anniversary exhibition was themed “Malaysia”, within which the “Local Products Exhibition” showcased eight types of agricultural crops. Pictured are teachers leading students on field research trips to farms or plantations during school holidays to photograph and record the production processes of various agricultural products. (1973)
3. Anniversary exhibitions highlight the School’s role as a place of learning. Through exhibitions of diverse themes and formats, students share their learning experiences, while the wider community is invited to explore new knowledge in an engaging and enjoyable manner.
4. Anniversary Exhibition Map and Stamp Card
To encourage visitors to explore the various exhibition zones, the Anniversary Exhibition Committee has designed an exhibition map and a stamp card. Visitors who successfully collect stamps from all exhibition areas are eligible to redeem a small souvenir.
The charity bazaar was initially established during the 44th anniversary celebration in 1957 but on a small scale. After becoming an independent Chinese secondary school in 1962, the charity bazaar expanded to include food and merchandise sales, game stalls, and more.
Images and Items on Display
1. Senior middle students are responsible for conceptualising the themes and designing the games for the Classroom Decoration game stalls.
2. During anniversary celebrations in the 1960s, students from the Commercial Stream set up experimental shops under the guidance of teachers. This provided students with practical experience while helping to raise funds for the School.
3. The anniversary charity bazaar is supported by various clan associations, community organisations, and individuals, offering a wide array of food and merchandise for sale.
4. Junior Middle 3 classes have joined the ranks of the food charity sales, providing a wider variety of food to express appreciation to the participating members of the public.
5. Charity Bazaar Vouchers
In 2017, the Charity Bazaar vouchers, which had been in use for decades, were updated with a brand-new design. Pictured on the left is the older voucher book version, while on the right is the current single page version.
6. Tableware and utensils used by the Food Charity Sales Team
Talent Night serves as a platform for the School to express appreciation to the community and showcase student talents. The first carnival was held during the 7th anniversary celebration in 1920 and is considered the precursor to today's evening programme.
Video:
100 Years of Talent Night: A Historical Retrospective" Video and Highlights from the Virtual Talent Night (2020)
Since the 1960s, an annual event of such magnitude and continuity has been unparalleled for a single school, standing as a truly magnificent feat.
Items on Display
Photo album of the Talent Night performances
Culture Takes Root
The anniversary celebration of Pay Fong School not only serves as a significant fundraising channel but also through its activities, the five-pronged wuyu education model is implemented. Students are provided with a platform to showcase their skills and talents beyond the classroom, engaging in practical learning experiences. This process cultivates and accumulates soft skills while instilling the spirit of integrity and justice, loyalty and commitment, diligence and determination, and perseverance and endurance, as well as kindness and compassion, devotion and reliability, courtesy and politeness, and discipline and dedication.
Starting from the 1990s, many charity bazaar units were unable to maintain their long-term participation in the anniversary celebrations due to manpower shortages. Meanwhile, the rising sales of charity bazaar vouchers led to a situation where demand for goods far exceeded supply. Consequently, the School began organising Junior Middle 3 classes to join the bazaar.
In recent years, the School has progressively planned the roles of all six secondary levels during the anniversary period, transforming these “Six-Year Anniversary Tasks” into a uniquely Pay Fong school-based curriculum. This serves as a platform for students to apply their knowledge and skills while cultivating and accumulating soft skills. It is also a profound manifestation of the Pay Fong spirit: Gong, Zhong, Qin, Yi (Integrity and Justice, Loyalty and Commitment, Diligence and Determination, and Perseverance and Endurance) and Qing, Yi, Li, Xu (Kindness and Compassion, Devotion and Reliability, Courtesy and Politeness, and Discipline and Dedication).
Images on Display
1. School-Based Curriculum Integrated with the Pay Fong Middle School's Anniversary Celebration
Junior Middle 1: Ambassadors for Recycling: Nurturing a sense of responsibility, humility and morality from the basics.
Junior Middle 2: Ambassadors for Tickets and Charity Sales: Guiding towards exemplary behaviour, putting collaboration skills into practice and strengthening exploratory learning.
Junior Middle 3: Charity Bazaar Team: Learning the values of integrity and collaboration through charity sales work.
Senior Middle 1: Classroom Decoration: Learning to solve problems through real instances of setbacks and conflicts.
Senior Middle 2: Pillar of the Anniversary Celebration, Managing Entertainment Programmes: Learning to assume and passing on responsibilities through high workload.
Senior Middle 3: Set up for Self Improvement and Actualisation: Learning to appreciate, learning to let go of the spotlight and learning to settle down and grow.
2. Junior Middle 1 students serve as Ambassadors for Recycling during the anniversary celebration, maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the venue.
3. Starting from Junior Middle 2, students begin ‘internships’ at various charity bazaar stalls and are also responsible for the on-site sale of Charity Bazaar vouchers.
4. Junior Middle 3 classes take the lead independently, setting up their own charity bazaar stalls and learning how to solicit business.
5. Senior middle classes independently conceptualise their Classroom Decoration themes and design games within their classrooms to attract visitors.
6. Senior middle students also serve as the backbone of various student organisations, showcasing their talents during mid-field performances and on the stage of Talent Night.
In preparation for the anniversary celebration, the School dedicates an entire month each year for students in each education level to fulfil their designated tasks.
One month before the celebration, promotional activities for the anniversary celebration commence. Teachers responsible for students in respective education levels conduct briefings to ensure that they understand their roles and the significance of participating in the preparation work leading towards the anniversary celebration.
Images on Display
1. List of Teachers-in-Charge for the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Celebration Working Committee (1973)
From the early years of the anniversary celebrations, the School has arranged for the entire teaching staff to collaborate in planning the festivities, ensuring that all activities are conducted in an orderly and systematic manner.
2. The School’s Anniversary Calendar of Events (2023)
Anniversary preparations typically span approximately one month each year, during which students across all education levels complete their respective tasks within their assigned areas according to a designated schedule.
3. The stamping and authentication of Charity Bazaar vouchers is a collective responsibility shared by students across multiple classes.
4. The School’s carpenter provides guidance to senior middle students on the construction methods for game stall structures.
5. Prior to the setup of senior middle game stalls and Classroom Decoration, the teachers in charge conduct briefings for class representatives regarding relevant regulations and guidelines.
Two weeks before the grand occasion, ticket sales, exhibition setup, and performance rehearsals reach their peak. The entire school community becomes fully engaged in the enjoyable and educational experience of the whole process.
After the celebration, the next day is devoted to dismantling and cleaning up the campus by all students and staff, returning it to its usual state. Once this is done, the principal holds a debrief and reflective session with students and staff to assess the event and its impact, marking the official conclusion of the anniversary celebration.
Images on Display
1. Preparations for the Anniversary Celebration
2.Photographs of Post-Celebration Follow-up Activities and Reflections