Chung Ling High School in Air Itam, Penang, is one of the best Chinese schools in Malaysia. Compared to schools started by the colonial missionaries, such as Penang Free School or Convent Light Street, Chung Ling is a relative newcomer, being established only in the 20th century, on 9 February 1917 to be precise. After shifting about it finally settled at its present location at Kampung Baru in Air Itam, in 1923. Primary and secondary classes were started, allowing students to study all the way till upper secondary.
Chung Ling High School, Jalan Air Itam, Penang.
During the Japanese Occupation, the teachers and students suffered harsh treatment from the Japanese forces for their refusal to switch from Chinese to Japanese studies. The result was that several were executed. A plaque in the entrance hall commemorates their sacrifice for the mother tongue.
After the war years, Chung Ling was rocked by a different sort of tragedy when their headmaster David Chen was murdered while on his way to a staff meeting. It happened on 4 February 1952, when China was gripped by communist takeover. Several conflicting theories were put forward, that Principal Chen was murdered by the communists for his anti-communist stance, or by the British for his extremist Chinese Education views.
Since its founding, several strands of Chung Ling schools were to appear. Chung Ling (Private) High School was formed in 1961 who cater to students who prefer to receive their education in their mother tongue, as well as those who failed their Form 3 exams. Once regarded as the branch that houses substandard students, Chung Ling Private has since excelled with its students entering many world-renowned universities.
In 1986, Chung Ling High School Butterworth was founded. It was later renamed Chung Ling Butterworth High School to reflect its own identity. Although it shares the same Board of Directors as Chung Ling High School and Chung Ling Private High School, each is run as separate entities. Collectively, they are known as the Tri-Chung Ling Schools.
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