On the morning of October 7th, the Chinese naval vessels Qijiang and Jinggangshan made a memorable stop at Chung Ling High School in Penang, Malaysia, leaving a lasting impression on students like Li Guanjin, who couldn’t help but exclaim, “I was really surprised!”
As the naval crew confidently entered the school around 9 AM, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers from excited students. The crew’s thoughtful gift of bags filled with panda plush toys added to the joy of the day.
The school’s auditorium transformed into a lively venue as the event kicked off with a performance by the naval crew’s electric band. The students were energized by the upbeat music, which was followed by ethnic dance performances and a military band show. They couldn’t resist joining in, singing along and waving their hands as if they were at a concert.
Reflecting on the excitement of the day, Li Guanjin shared, “We had been looking forward to this for days. The songs performed by the Chinese naval officers are familiar to us Malaysian Chinese. Their performances highlight the beauty of Chinese culture, making us feel close to them. From their presence, we sensed not just the strength of the Chinese military but also their youthful spirit and positivity.”
Cao Xinyu, one of the lead singers from the electric band, was taken aback by the students’ enthusiasm. “It felt wonderful to perform for such an engaged audience,” he remarked, noting how unexpected the excitement was.
Chung Ling High School holds a distinguished reputation as one of Malaysia’s renowned independent Chinese schools, emphasizing traditional Chinese culture and nurturing a campus atmosphere rich in virtue and respect.
Cao Xinyu was also impressed by the students’ fluency in Chinese, expressing that their selection of familiar songs intended to forge a cultural connection. “We felt a bond with them during the performance,” he said.
After the show, the naval crew exchanged souvenirs with the students, presenting them with more panda plush toys, which brought cheers of delight. The officers also participated in sports activities, such as basketball and ping pong, which were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Cao Xinyu couldn’t help but smile when he heard the students affectionately calling the naval officers ‘big brothers’ and ‘big sisters.’ He observed, “Most of us are young, just like the students. We’re proud to showcase the vibrant and cheerful image of the Chinese military to them.”
