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I’m A M’sian Indian Who Was Told I Wouldn’t Survive Chinese School. But It Has Opened Many Doors To My Job

Surya can speak all four languages: Tamil, Malay, Chinese, and English!
Exclusive Story by WeirdKaya – Proper accreditation to WeirdKaya and consent from the interviewee are required.
Malaysia is well known for its multi-ethnic diversity, rich with various cultures and languages preserved by their respective communities.

While this diversity creates a vibrant and colorful Malaysia, it can also lead to cultural and, more notably, language barriers due to differences in mother tongues.

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Enrolling in a Chinese school might not seem like the obvious choice for someone outside of the Chinese-speaking community, but for Suryapresath, it was a decision to step into unfamiliar territory. By doing so, he managed to master all four languages commonly spoken in Malaysia.

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Surya fully embraced the malaysia spirit
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

From overcoming cultural and language barriers to gaining a competitive edge in the workforce and being able to communicate with all three major ethnic groups, Surya truly embodies the Malaysian spirit.

A rough start in learning Mandarin

Surya’s path to learning Chinese began early when he started primary education at SJKC Khiu Min in Perak and SJKC Ma Hwa in Seremban. He then continued his education at the Seremban Chung Hua High School (CHHS), a Chinese independent school.

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Surya first enroll into a chinese primary school
Surya is the only Indian in his class. (Image provided to WeirdKaya)

I chose a Chinese school to gain a competitive edge in the future. Knowing the Chinese language and culture would help me stand out.

But the journey was far from easy. The challenges were immediate, particularly with language and cultural differences.

During my early years in Chinese school, I struggled a lot, especially with the Chinese language. It was something completely new to me. I still remember scoring 31 out of 100 on my first Chinese test—it was the first subject I failed.

Surya notebook during highschool
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

The setback was devastating, and he considered quitting. However, the unwavering support from his primary school teachers, helped him regain his confidence.

With the help from Ms. Mak and Ms. Kong, I am motivated to keep on learning, but I had to put in double the work to catch up with my peers.

Gradually, he grasped the fundamentals of the Chinese language. With more fluent and seamless use of the language in everyday life, the learning curve became easier.

Life After School

Surya took both the SPM and UEC exams during his time at Chung Hua High School, Seremban, and was able to enroll in a university degree program immediately after graduating from high school.

After completing his secondary education, Surya pursued a degree in finance and economics—a choice driven by his interest in the corporate world and the essential role of finance professionals.

Surya graduated from uni
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

He believes his time in CHHS Seremban helped him develop strong time management skills during university.

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Chinese school instilled discipline in me,” he explains. “It helped me juggle my studies and co-curricular activities without sacrificing either.”

Surya talk about discipline in highschool
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

When it came to entering the workforce, his ability to speak Chinese set him apart during job interviews.

The interview was conducted fully in English, but when they realized I could speak Chinese, they were impressed. It eventually became an advantage for me to secure the job.”

His Chinese education also helped him bond more effectively with colleagues and managers in private-sector environments, which often include many Chinese-speaking professionals.

Even now, I use Chinese daily—at work, while socializing, and when keeping in touch with my Chinese friends,” he says.

Surya and his colleague
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

Surya’s experience with Chinese

Being able to converse in Chinese has led to unexpected moments of joy. Whether shopping or dining out with his family, Surya often surprises shop owners by speaking fluent Chinese.

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Every time I speak Chinese to shop owners, they get impressed and become more interactive and engaging with us. It makes them feel comfortable, and it’s a fun way to connect with people.”

Surya particularly enjoys befriending elderly Chinese workers, who often light up when he converses with them in their language.

While he didn’t experience outright discrimination, there were moments of doubt.

During primary school, a boy said, ‘Can this Indian guy cope in our school? Is he like another stupid Indian who will fail his subjects too?’ It was a triggering moment, but instead of letting it break me, I focused on proving myself and ignored the negativity around me.”

Fortunately, such experiences were rare, and Surya highlights the harmony between Malaysia’s diverse races in his day-to-day life.

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Surya and his football team
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

Embracing the Malaysian Spirit

I would definitely choose to study in a Chinese school again.” he says confidently when asked if he would choose a Chinese school again.

However, he offers a word of caution to others considering this path.

“You need to be willing to suffer in the beginning stages. It’s time-consuming and mentally exhausting. But the hard work pays off in the end.”

He also suggests that Chinese schools could improve by teaching students more about Malaysia’s diverse cultures.

Surya uniform during highschool
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

It would broaden their knowledge and help create a more open-minded community,” he adds.

Today, the benefits of attending a Chinese school extend far beyond academics. Socially, it has helped Surya build meaningful relationships across Malaysia’s diverse ethnicities.

I can speak all four mainstream languages in Malaysia—Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, and Tamil. This has made it easier for me to connect with everyone.”

Surya and his friends

From struggling to pass his first Chinese test to thriving in both his career and personal life, Surya’s journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. It’s a reminder that the hardest roads often lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Surya firmly believes that while learning and embracing different cultures is valuable and encourages others to do so, it is even more important to preserve one’s own cultural roots.

Surya and his family
Image provided to WeirdKaya.

He stresses that by everyone learning and upholding their own traditions, every culture can be passed on and flourish, allowing more people from different backgrounds to learn and embrace them.

Learning an additional language is encouraged as it can give you a competitive advantage, but please make sure you don’t forget your roots and never neglect your mother tongue.” Surya added.


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