Michael S Chia
Read about Michael Chia's fond memories of Hua Yi Secondary School and the teachers who shaped him into the lawyer and alumni leader he is today.
Michael S Chia
Student from 1984 – 1987
Founder and Managing Director of MSC Law Corporation
Member of Hua Yi’s School Advisory Committee
President of Hua Yi Alumni Society
Gleaning Life Lessons from Teachers
Michael joined Hua Yi in 1984 when the school moved to Depot Road and had switched to being an English-medium school, after over two decades as a government Chinese middle school. He is the founder and managing director of MSC Law Corporation and continues to be actively involved in alumni affairs at Hua Yi.
Recalling the people who have made an impact during his time at Hua Yi, Michael shares about Mr Sim Cher Kheng who was his Chinese teacher in Secondary 1 and 2, and also the Discipline Master. To him, Mr Sim was passionate and positive, firm in discipline but never condescending. “He was always trying to get the naughtier kids to see things from a different perspective and always trying to interest us in his bonsai plants. He often used gardening as a form of discipline.”
Another person whom Michael remembers fondly is Miss Koh Poh Kwee, his History teacher in Secondary 2. He is grateful for a dedicated teacher like her who took great pains to make learning interesting and enjoyable for her students, often conveying historical lessons through lively stories. “Her enthusiasm rubbed off on me and the year she taught me History was the only year I ever passed that subject!”
"I hope that Hua Yi continues to be a school that nurtures Hua Yians who are resilient, and who make full use of their knowledge and talents towards the betterment of their community and country."
Note: The content above has been adapted from an interview that first appeared in the HY60 Magazine.