In recognition of their contribution towards the progress and development of Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB (CHMS), His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the school, presented 29 long service awards to the members of its Board of Directors, as well as 28 members of the teaching staff during Chung Hwa's 90th anniversary celebration yesterday.

Among the recipients of the long-service gold plaques for members of the Board of Directors were Lee Eng Hong and Chang Ein Hong, who have both been involved with the school for 38 years now.

After receiving his award, Lee Eng Hong said, "I am very happy to have received this award from His Majesty. I want to thank His Majesty for presenting the award."

In the past 38 years, he said, "The school has experienced a transformation in terms of education and infrastructure. Students are achieving great results. The school is also moving forward in line with SPN21 and the government's aspiration of Wawasan 2035 (Brunei's Vision 2035)."

Meanwhile, Mr Chang Ein Hong, the owner of a leading watch business, said, "I am really honoured and happy to have received the award from His Majesty."

Recalling past challenges, he shared, "I joined the Board of Directors in 1974, and in those years, the school faced some financial difficulties.

"However, a number of prominent businessmen, the Board of Directors and the public came together to save the school, so that Chung Hwa was able to continue on until today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the contributors and also the public for their support. Without them, the school may not be here."

Mandarin Language teacher Madam Jeng Ruay Cheong, who joined in 1974, is the longest serving teacher at CHMS with 38 years of service. She was one of the 28 teachers who received the long service award, and in yesterday's interview, she said that "it was an honour to have been presented the award by His Majesty".

Madam Jeng Ruay Cheong added that she was proud that the school is well-established in teaching three languages (English, Malay and Mandarin) and also of the increase in the number of non-Chinese students at the school.

A recipient of the gold long service award and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tan San Leong, also described His Majesty's presence at yesterday's ceremony as a moment to be cherished.

"We are very thankful of His Majesty's leadership that also stressed on the importance of education for the nation. The school will move forward together with His Majesty's Government for the further development of the nation.

"After seeing the celebration today (yesterday), I can say that I am touched by His Majesty's care and concern for the people. He is truly the people's monarch." - Borneo Bulletin (12 October 2012)