Members of SJK (c) Min Sin TKRS with Ang (left) and Chew.
DEVELOPING pupils into leaders of exemplary character has become an integral aspect of SJK (C) Min Sin’s Tunas Kadet Remaja Sekolah’s (TKRS) routine.
Set up in 2017 in Bukit Jambul, Penang, with only a handful of pupils, the TKRS or Youth Cadet Corps has evolved into a prominent uniform body at the school.
TKRS has achieved numerous accolades in the last six years under the guidance of teacher-in-charge Ang Aik Fung.
It secured the best male and female commander awards at the northeast district marching competition and became the only Chinese primary school to advance to the state-level championship.
SJK (C) Min Sin’s TKRS also secured three honours in the boys’, girls’ and mixed group marching competitions at the national championship.
In the beginning, the TKRS only had a boys’ platoon.
To broaden the uniform body’s appeal to upper primary school pupils, Ang drew on his experience as a former commander to establish a girls’ team.
He said he initially put them through two hours of endurance and hardship training sessions after school to hone their skills.
“As the pupils became familiar with the basic formations and marching, the training duration was gradually reduced.
“Formations were continuously modified to enhance performances.
“All the members are self-motivated and strive to improve themselves during training, which contributed to the overall smoothness of the training process,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Ang acknowledged the crucial role played by parents in supporting their children’s involvement with TKRS, expressing appreciation for their understanding and encouragement.
“It is not easy for the parents as they need to arrange transportation for their children,” he said.
Ang also commended school headmaster Chew Eng Hock for his commitment and unwavering support for TKRS.
Praising Ang’s dedication and sacrifices, Chew said, “Previously, there was only the boys’ team.
“We have Ang to thank for the formation of the girls’ team.
“To become TKRS members, the pupils must cultivate the willpower to thrive in this environment.”
Chew said TKRS currently had over 80 members, with uniforms sponsored by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.
Khoo Yu Rui, 11, said it was an honour for her to lead the girls’ platoon.
“Since joining TKRS, I have built my self-confidence to work independently.
“My parents play a pivotal role by supporting my participation in this uniform body.
“I managed to arrange my time well by balancing my studies and co-curricular activities,” she said, expressing hope for increased participation in TKRS from upper primary school pupils.
