The development of SJK(C) Kuang Yu in Batu Kawan has reached a major milestone, as the school’s new campus officially marked its topping-out ceremony, with construction progress now at 95% and operations targeted to begin in early 2027.

In conjunction with the ceremony held at the new Batu Kawan site on Saturday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced a RM200,000 contribution to the school’s building fund, describing it as a New Year gift to support the advancement of education in the rapidly growing township.

Chow reflected on the school’s long journey, which began during his early tenure as chief minister with discussions on relocation, followed by the state government’s contribution of land, groundwork, piling and phased construction. With the topping-out completed, he said the project has entered a critical phase, symbolising the first visible outcome of years of collective effort.

He stressed, however, that while the physical structure is nearing completion, the true mission of education is only just beginning. The school still faces a funding shortfall of about RM1 million for construction costs, with a further RM3 million to RM5 million required for interior works, fittings and facilities.

The chief minister commended the school building committee for persevering despite rising construction costs and a challenging fundraising environment, and highlighted a RM1 million donation by Franky Khor Teik Leng, founder of KTL Electrical Engineering, as an exemplary act of corporate social responsibility. He also noted that the state government had previously channelled RM400,000 in institutional grants in 2023 and 2025, in addition to contributing land valued at over RM20 million.

School board chairman and building committee head Dato Goh Kim Heong described the topping-out as a defining chapter in the school’s history, thanking donors for their trust in a project exceeding RM20 million in value.

Located in Batu Kawan—an area experiencing strong industrial and residential growth—the new campus reflects the increasing demand for education infrastructure alongside township development. Chow expressed hope that the project would progress smoothly and invited stakeholders to return in nine years’ time to celebrate the school’s centennial anniversary in 2035.

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