Merdeka is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Malaysia’s history, culture and identity, while also reflecting on what freedom means to us today. As an international school community, it is particularly special to begin the academic year by recognising the country we are fortunate to call home and exploring how we can celebrate both our similarities and our differences.
As part of our PSHE programme, students explored the themes of freedom and responsibility, considering what it means to have freedom and how this comes with responsibilities towards ourselves, others and our wider community. These discussions encouraged students to think beyond the historical meaning of independence and consider how they can contribute positively to the communities around them.
During Wellness Wednesday, classrooms were transformed as students worked together to decorate their doors with creative Merdeka-inspired designs. The activity brought together creativity, collaboration and a strong sense of community, with students taking ownership of their designs and celebrating the many different cultures and perspectives within our school.
Our door-design theme this year was particularly meaningful: “We do not have to be the same to belong together.” This reflects what makes Epsom College Malaysia such a special community. With students and staff from many different countries, backgrounds and cultures, Merdeka provided an opportunity to celebrate Malaysia while also recognising the diversity within our own school.
The Merdeka celebrations also came to life through special assemblies, where students explored Malaysia’s journey from independence to the diverse and vibrant nation it is today. The assemblies recognised 31 August 1957, when Malaya gained independence, and 16 September 1963, when Malaysia was formed, while also celebrating the many languages, cultures and traditions that make up the country. Students were reminded that Malaysia is home to more than 130 languages and dialects, reflecting the rich diversity of the nation.
The assemblies invited students to look at Malaysia through the eyes of the people who call it home, while also recognising the many different communities that make up the country. A special montage, set to the song “Standing in the Eyes of the World”, brought together photographs from across our Epsom College Malaysia community, showing Malaysia not simply as a place on a map, but as a country experienced through its people, places, traditions and everyday moments.
The celebrations were a reminder that Malaysia’s story is one of diversity, connection and shared identity. At Epsom College Malaysia, this message felt particularly relevant as students from different parts of the world came together to celebrate the country we are fortunate to call home. Through the assemblies, students were encouraged to appreciate what makes Malaysia unique while recognising that there are many different ways to belong, contribute and celebrate together.
Celebrating Merdeka at the beginning of the school year has helped us begin with a strong sense of belonging, community and shared responsibility. From PSHE discussions and special assemblies to colourful classroom doors, students have been reminded that we can celebrate what makes us different while still standing together as one community. We do not have to be the same to belong together, and that is something worth celebrating.
Mrs Jennifer Garnett and Ms Indah Iskandar,
Assistant Headteacher Wellbeing and Behaviour and Year 8 Progress Leader