【学科活动-英文组】International Education Programme 2026

Part 1 – International Letter Exchange on Campus Introduction and Food Culture.

Written by: Ms Chong Jia Xin
Photos by: Ms Cho Yin Yin & Ms Chong Jia Xin

After initiating letter exchanges and online video call interactions with Minquan Junior High School in Taiwan last year, it is an honour to continue this exchange programme this year. In the 20 letters written by students from Minquan Junior High School this year, they introduced their school campus and Taiwan’s food culture. The letters were filled with enthusiastic descriptions and vivid photographs of their respective themes, which deeply moved and encouraged our students to give their all in the letter exchange.

Programme Objectives:
1. To encourage intercultural engagement and improve students’ English writing proficiency among students.
2. To connect students from different countries and expose them to diverse perspectives on their environments and lifestyles.
3. To strengthen global friendship and mutual understanding between Malaysian and Taiwanese students.

Letter Exchange Progress:
Participating in the letter exchange on behalf of Chung Hua Independent High School were volunteer students from J3IN, J3JU, and J2IN. These classes also participated in the letter exchange last year; therefore our students were ebullient to write reply letters in response to their friends in Taiwan. Twelve students from Junior 3 and 12 students from Junior 2 volunteered to write reply letters. Each student was assigned a theme and topic for their letter, Junior 3 students were assigned to write about the school campus, while Junior 2 students were tasked with introducing local traditional foods.

Each student was assigned a letter from a Minquan Junior High School student to respond to. A three-step process was implemented to ensure the quality and efficiency of the letter-writing process: students were first asked to submit a draft for review, then write the final version after approval, and finally compile their letters with the photographs they had taken.

Throughout the process, the students were proactive and cooperative. They wrote diligently in their letters, sharing not only descriptions of the assigned topics but also their personal thoughts and passion for them. With the guidance of their respective English teachers, Ms Chong Jia Xin and Ms Cho Yin Yin, the students wrote creatively in their letters. They discussed their writing with their peers and teachers to ensure the successful completion of their tasks, and even took creative photographs of the school campus and exquisite delicacies to provide a more immersive experience for their pen pals. After the letters were written, the Academic Affairs Department compiled and sent the letters to Minquan Junior High School in April.

Building Cultural Connections Across the Sea Through Letters During the month-long process of preparing the letters, students showed incredible improvement in their writing skills, as well as gained a deeper understanding of different school environments and food cultures. Moreover, students also learned more about their own cultural environment while researching the topics they were given. We are proud of our students for successfully completing their assigned tasks within the given timeframe. Minquan Junior High School has also sent a photograph showing that the letters were received. We hope that the friendship and collaboration between Chung Hua Independent High School and Minquan Junior High School will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.

Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the following departments and staff members for guiding and supporting the students throughout this meaningful exchange programme:
Academic Affairs Department: Mr Lee Chong Aik (Head), Woo Bao Zhe (Assistant)
English Department: Ms Chong Jia Xin and Ms Cho Yin Yin

Students wrote and discussed their letter content together

A student who wrote about the school library taking a photo introducing it

Two students who wrote about the canteen and front building taking a photo

The letters sent to Min-Quan Junior High School

Min-Quan Junior High School teachers receiving the letters

Part 2 – International Education Programme with Minquan Junior High School, Taiwan (6th July 2026)

    On 6th July 2026, our school officially commenced the cultural exchange programme with Minquan Junior High School, Taiwan. The day began with a warm welcome for the teachers and students from Minquan Junior High School as they were escorted to our Grand Conference Room. Representatives from both schools exchanged greetings before taking their seats. Students from Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua were seated in the outer circle, while the students from Minquan Junior High School were seated in the inner circle.

    The morning programme began with a welcoming speech by our school principal, Ms Sim Tee Chiam, who formally introduced our school to the visiting teachers and students. This was followed by a speech from Minquan Junior High School’s principal, Ms Hsu Ya-chung, who expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality and gave a brief introduction to the history and background of her school.

    After their speeches, the principals from both schools signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Sister School Partnership and exchanged commemorative gifts, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership between the two schools.

    After the signing ceremony and gift exchange, the students from Minquan Junior High School delivered a presentation introducing their school and Taiwanese culture. They also shared valuable knowledge about ocean conservation and highlighted their efforts to protect marine ecosystems. Our students gained meaningful insights through this educational exchange.

    The teachers from Minquan Junior High School then conducted an ice-breaking session involving both teachers and students. The activities filled the room with laughter and enthusiasm as participants actively interacted, shared their interests, and got to know one another. The session provided an excellent opportunity for students from both schools to build meaningful friendships.

    After the welcoming ceremony concluded, the teachers and students from both schools enjoyed lunch at the famous Bak Kut Teh restaurant located beneath the bridge. Students from Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua introduced the local dishes to the visitors, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal.

    Following the satisfying lunch, everyone returned to Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua to prepare for the joint English lesson organised by the English Department. The students were excited and eager to participate in the activities prepared for them. The lesson was conducted by Ms Farrah, with assistance from Ms Chong, Ms Cho, and Ms Aisyah, who guided the students whenever they encountered difficulties.

The objectives of the lesson were to:
• read and comprehend an informational text about the Coral Triangle and Malaysia’s marine biodiversity.
• identify and use key vocabulary related to ecosystems and conservation (e.g., ecosystem, damage, and conservation).
• discuss environmental issues using appropriate language to express opinions and suggestions.

    The lesson began with Mr Lee introducing the English teachers and sharing insights into Malaysia’s multicultural education system. He then handed the session over to Ms Farrah to officially begin the lesson.

    The lesson focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. Students of both schools were already equipped with prior knowledge on the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of their respective country's oceans. This lesson aimed to spread the awareness on the significance of the Coral Triangle while also encourage students to brainstorm various methods to motivate the movement of protecting these waters. Through this lesson, students of both schools had various discussion on the topic and shared great inspiration.

    Students were assigned to groups named after different sea animals. Throughout the lesson, they participated in vocabulary activities, group discussions, reading comprehension exercises, and concluded with an engaging Kahoot! quiz.

    Ms Farrah began with a short ice-breaking activity during which students answered simple questions related to the lesson topic. They enthusiastically shared their opinions and personal experiences, while the other groups contributed additional ideas and comments.

    The lesson then progressed to a vocabulary activity, during which the Minquan students confidently identified the correct vocabulary for each given definition. Teachers circulated around the classroom to provide support and guidance to students who required additional assistance.

    After learning the new vocabulary, each group was assigned an environmental threat affecting the oceans and tasked with discussing possible solutions. The students worked diligently, collaborating effectively with their peers from both schools. Two representatives from each group then presented their proposed solutions, demonstrating excellent teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.

    The lesson concluded with a reading comprehension activity based on the Coral Triangle. Students worked together to answer the comprehension questions before competing in an exciting Kahoot! quiz. The friendly competition generated great enthusiasm, and everyone enjoyed testing their understanding of the lesson. The students left the classroom with a strong sense of accomplishment after successfully applying what they had learned.

    The day concluded with a group photograph featuring the teachers and students of Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua and Minquan Junior High School, marking a memorable and successful first day of the cultural exchange programme.

Acknowledgements
    Special thanks to the following departments and staff members for guiding and supporting the students throughout this meaningful exchange programme:

Principal’s Office
Ms Sim Tee Chiam (Principal)

Academic Affairs Department
Mr Lee Chong Aik (Head)
Mr Lee Jia Ann (Vice Head)
Ms Yap Lan Chee

English Department
Ms Chong Jia Xin
Ms Cho Yin Yin
Ms Farrah Natasya Binti Sulaiman
Ms Nur Aisyah Balqis