The inaugural “2025 Malaysia Chinese Independent High School Education System, Forum on Hostel Education and Management: Building a New Chapter for Hostel Teacher and Student Growth” was recently held. Organized by the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), the forum aimed to enhance the overall quality of student hostel education, gain a deeper understanding of the current state and challenges faced by independent high school student hostels, and foster consensus and promote reform and progress through the sharing and exchange of experiences between schools. The forum invited experts from Malaysia and abroad as keynote speakers, including Prof. Wong Seng Fat, the Interim Master of Cheng Yu Tung College, University of Macau (UM). The event attracted 28 Chinese independent high schools in Malaysia, with a total of 67 teachers participating, including board members and vice principals, all witnessing a new chapter in student hostel education.

Prof. Wong Seng Fat’s presentation was titled “Residential College System: Deep Integration of Management and Education, Creating a Warm Home for Holistic Development.” He introduced the unique residential college education philosophy of Cheng Yu Tung College. Adhering to the College Motto “Aspiration, Love, and Refinement”, the College emphasizes the importance of balancing life and learning, and promotes a synergy between residential college education and character development. In practice, the College combines the spirit of traditional Chinese culture with the “1357 Residential College Education” program. This program aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals with “Seven Competencies” to help students grow holistically and adapt smoothly to university life and future challenges.

Cheng Yu Tung College is divided into six residential halls, fostering a strong sense of community, belonging, and responsibility among students. The college hosts over 450 student-led, teacher-guided activities annually, showcasing a high degree of student autonomy and active participation. Focusing on character development, academic support, and emotional care, the college has counselors who actively monitor student mental health and build a supportive learning environment. Through College initiated activities, floor activities, interest groups, sports teams, and more, the College strives to comprehensively enhance students’ overall qualities and promote diversified development.

Prof. Wong Seng Fat carefully designed a set of discussion questions focused on hostel education and management in independent high schools, aiming to guide participants in deeper reflection and sharing of practical issues in student hostel management and education. The discussion focused on the education and management of students in Chinese independent high school hostels in Malaysia, including the staffing and division of responsibilities for residential teachers, the design of activities and their impact on student participation and sense of belonging, and the guidance mechanisms for student career planning. It also extended to the support and assistance that can be provided when students face psychological problems.

This discussion drew on the educational philosophy and management model of Cheng Yu Tung College of UM, providing valuable references for the development of localized residential colleges in independent high schools in Malaysia. In particular, regarding activities, it inspired participants to consider promoting the diversification and enrichment of activity formats, creating a more educational and valuable living environment.

Prof. Wong believes that sharing at this forum will allow Malaysian educators to better understand the educational philosophy of the University of Macau’s Residential College system. It will also attract more high-quality Malaysian students to UM and strengthen the exchange and friendship between UM and Malaysia.

Remarks:

• Photo 1: Mr. Yan Wenhao, the Head of Student Affairs Department of Dong Zong, presented a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Wong Seng Fat.
• Photo 2: Teachers from 28 Chinese independent high schools in Malaysia.