Khoo (in light blue shirt) and Sim (to his right) with pupils during the fair in Teluk Bahang.
A fair has raised over RM220,000 for the maintenance of SJK(C) Sin Kang in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang.
The nine-day Sin Kang Fair at Escape Theme Park in Teluk Bahang, Penang, was sponsored by park owner Sim Leisure Group founder and chief executive officer Datuk Sim Choo Kheng.
School board of directors chairman Khoo Boo Yeang said Sim, a former pupil, had committed to sponsoring the fair on an annual basis.
“The funds raised will help ensure the school’s upkeep and further its educational mission.
“Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, as the building and landowner of the school, has played a central role in supporting its activities, particularly during its 118th anniversary celebrations.”
Khoo, who is also Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi president, said the fair was just one of several fundraising events marking the school’s anniversary.
These included a grand charity dinner at the school and Canteen Day launched by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
“He also planted an agarwood tree in the school premises,” Khoo said.
“Along with the sale of paintings by Penang artists, charity walk organised by Penang Lions Club and project to plant 100 agarwood trees, which will be harvested for sale in a few years, these efforts exceeded our fundraising target of RM1.18mil.
“This amount was then doubled by a ‘ringgit for ringgit’ pledge from Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi trustees.”
Khoo said the school had used part of the funds to replace pupils’ desks and chairs, instal new lockers and equip classrooms with smart boards.
“Future plans will include providing computer tablets for every pupil, building a swimming pool and fully air-conditioning the entire school.
“With the resources to support digital education and enhance extracurricular activities such as sports and music, we aspire for Sin Kang to become a model school in Penang,” he said.
Khoo highlighted Sim’s additional contributions, including his sponsorship of annual educational trips for pupils and their teachers.
He also acknowledged vital support from the state Education Department, local representatives and Khoo Kongsi, as well as the business community, alumni and the public.
