Bruneian school boosts cultural exchange between Brunei, China

The building of the Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. [Photo: VCG]

Amid calls for more cross-cultural exchanges between China and Brunei, a local school in the Sultanate is being held up as a long-standing example of the cultural connections between the two countries.

The Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan, established some 100 years ago, is the largest Chinese language school in Brunei.

It has trained numerous students through the decades, most of whom have graduated well-versed in the Chinese language and traditional Chinese culture.

The school covers various levels of education, ranging from kindergarten to high school.

Over 2300 students are enrolled at Chung Hwa at any one time, including students of both Chinese and non-Chinese origins.

The school's principal, Dayang Kho Guik Lan, says their goal is to teach the students how to become upright citizens.

"Our school provides the students with a channel for acquiring the ability of conducting themselves. We teach students how to honor the teachers and respect what they teach. We tell them how to care about their society. The most important thing is that we tell them how to keep in memory the source when drinking water. Lastly, we tell them how to return and dedicate to society what they have learned and gained," says the principal.

Students at the Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, practice Chinese calligraphy. [Photo: VCG]

The students at Chung Hwa take courses in the Chinese language, calligraphy, dancing, musical instruments and martial arts from teachers hired from China.

They can also take part in winter or summer camps, tours and other exchange activities in China.

"We begin to learn Chinese calligraphy from our Chinese teachers when we become fourth-graders. I've been learning it for the past six years. I feel quite interested in learning Chinese culture from our teachers," says one student.

"Chinese language is our mother language, so my mother told me since I was small that I should learn the Chinese language well. I became enthusiastic about the Chinese language when I was small. I hope that I can get the opportunity to study in China in the future," says another student.

Students at the Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, practice Chinese martial arts. [Photo: VCG]

One of the school's best-known graduates today is Wu Chun, a famous Bruneian singer and actor who is very familiar to Chinese audiences, who says what he learnt at Chung Hwa has benefited him greatly during his time in China.

"As I had the chance to be an actor in China, I was able to learn some Chinese. If we don't learn, it will be very hard for us. I learned about Chinese culture at an early age. I also know some Chinese history. I think it is very important for me," says Wu.

Famous Bruneian singer and actor Wu Chun (Center) goes back to his Alma Mater, the Chung Hwa Middle School in Brunei, and takes a group photo with the students and teachers on November 15th, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Wu Chun also says the Bruneian and Chinese cultures share similarities to a certain extent.

"I think both Chinese and Bruneians put family first. Family is the most important. I have children and I also hope they would learn to speak Chinese," says Wu.

Wu Chun also says he expects Chinese President Xi Jinping's time in Brunei will help further understanding among people from the two countries.