The old boy helping children learn beyond their ABCs

61-year-old Sim Choo Kheng, an alumnus of SJK(C) Sin Kang, approached his old primary school with concern when he discovered that many pupils struggled with basic skills such as riding a bicycle. The school had only about one in five students who could cycle at the time. Impressed by the potential of children, Sim decided to take action.

As the founder of the Escape theme park, he decided to provide 400 bicycles to the pupils, leading to a significant increase in their cycling abilities within a month. This experience reinforced Sim's belief that children often possess capabilities beyond what adults presume. Now, he aims for every Sin Kang student to learn swimming before leaving primary school, as he sees swimming as a vital life skill that instills confidence, independence, and perseverance.

Beyond sports, Sim also seeks to foster practical life skills such as cooking, road safety, and arts exploration. These values stem from his own childhood memories at Sin Kang, where he fondly remembered participating in sports, engaging in activities, and even facing disciplinary actions from the headmaster. Sim has been involved with the school for about two years after Silviya Georgieva, his wife, was moved by a graduation ceremony.

Since then, he has provided bicycles, upgraded classrooms, and offered free access to Escape parks and KidZania attractions for the pupils. Swimming lessons have begun for 136 pupils, with the goal of expanding the program to more students. Sim and the Sin Kang School Union are also planning a two-storey alumni clubhouse and a 50-meter swimming pool on the school grounds to further enhance the children's learning beyond the classroom.

The project is estimated to cost around RM2 million and could be completed within two years. With the help of the school's landowner, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, and potential contributions from alumni, Sim hopes to create a nurturing environment where children can discover their passions and strengths. He believes that schools should not solely rely on teachers and the government and should welcome contributions from former students, businesses, and the community.

Ultimately, Sim's efforts aim to preserve the spirit of experimentation, creativity, and self-discovery that children need to thrive.