‘Teachers, we made it happen’

I AM now 75, three-quarters of a century old.

While I am not a celebrity with any high-flying accomplishments, I can nevertheless celebrate, cherish and reminisce about my career journey.

Born to parents who were shopkeepers in the then-rural town of Bidor, Perak, I was “clever” enough to gain admission to a public university and graduated as a Physics-Maths teacher.

I served seven years in a fully residential school in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, before being seconded to the State Education Department as the state Science supervisor, and later head of Educational Technology Unit.

I then took on the role of senior assistant (curriculum) in three secondary schools in the state before being appointed as principal – first of a technical school and then a normal day school.

For many teachers, being a school head represents the pinnacle of their career. A stint at the state education authority is a bonus. Contacts made at that level were most helpful when I was tasked to administer school later. I was indeed fortunate.

While in service, I had the opportunity to attend meetings, conferences and courses both within and outside the country. Not only were my knowledge and skills enriched, but I was also privileged to visit the many tourists’ venues at the same time.

I have been to every state capital in the country. In addition, I was in Manila, Philippines, for a computer familiarisation course and in Toronto, Canada, for a course on educational strategic planning. I was also included in a state-sponsored study tour to Beijing, China. These exposures widened my understanding, scope and perspective for school administration.

The most challenging part of my career was the last six years before my retirement. I was then a principal of an infamous “sekolah samseng” (gangster’s school). I hit the ground running. By the time I said farewell, it had become a well-received and sought-after school by both students and parents alike.

I’d like to share some comments posted in a teachers’ group chat:

“Wow... Mr Liong really worked hard to bring up the school. Under his leadership, it turned out to be a good school with high performance in academics and in sports”;

“I am still amazed by his passion and dedication. Not every principal works that way. Good job to all the teachers! Your stern and hard work paid off”;

“With the special classes and under the guidance of our dedicated principals, especially Mr Liong, and committed teachers, the school’s performance slowly improved”; and

“The teachers worked hard to mould the students under Mr Liong’s support and guidance.”

It is comforting to know that the hard work I had put in was appreciated by my staff and that I had encouraged them to join me in my resolute and dedicated pursuit.

Together we had made it happen!

LIONG KAM CHONG

Seremban