The old boy helping children learn beyond their ABCs

George Town, Malaysia - Sim Choo Kheng, an alumnus of SJK(C) Sin Kang and founder of the Escape theme park, has taken it upon himself to help children learn beyond the traditional curriculum. When he discovered that many of his former classmates from the school could not ride a bicycle, he was surprised not by their inability, but by the fact that they had never been given the chance to learn.

With his wife Silviya Georgieva, Sim has since provided around 400 bicycles to pupils at Sin Kang, helping almost all of them learn cycling within a month.

The entrepreneur, now 61, believes that children are often capable of far more than adults assume, and that giving them opportunities to learn practical skills can foster confidence, independence, and a willingness to keep trying. He hopes to extend this approach beyond cycling and swimming, encouraging pupils to explore cooking, road safety, sports, and the arts. This philosophy draws from his own childhood experiences at Sin Kang, where he often returned in the afternoons for sports and other activities.

Sim's efforts to broaden Sin Kang's learning opportunities come as the school marks its 120th anniversary and the Sin Kang School Union turns 107. They have received support from the school's landowner, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, who has pledged to match funds raised for a proposed alumni clubhouse and 50m swimming pool, estimated to cost around RM2 million.

The swimming pool is expected to host future school competitions and nurture young swimmers. Sim hopes that by providing children with exposure to various activities and skills, they will discover their passions and strengths, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.