Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur

Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur (, Sekolah Menengah Persendirian Chong Hwa Kuala Lumpur, often abbreviated as CHKL) is one of Malaysia's oldest high schools. Established in 1919 in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, the school was a primary school. It became a high school when the school board purchased a piece of land of 24,000 square metres along Jalan Ipoh and decided to build the high school there. It has remained there ever since.

History
The history of the school dates back to March 21, 1919, when it was established with humble beginnings in three rented shophouses at Wenliang Port. Initially, it had three teachers and a student body of over 80. Mr. Gu Yaobin served as its first principal during these early years of foundation.

By 1921, the school had moved into its own premises, marking the official establishment of the Chinese Schoolhouse. It consisted of six classrooms, primarily made of tile-roofed structures, with four designated for teaching and the remainder for administrative use and a library. The school's infrastructure steadily expanded over the years to accommodate a growing student population.

In 1924, recognizing the need for sustained funding, the school board purchased an eight-acre rubber plantation in Bentong to generate additional income. This initiative supported ongoing operational expenses and facilitated further development of the school facilities.

The school's commitment to academic excellence was formalized in 1931 with the introduction of a primary school examination system. This collaborative effort between the board, local national schools, and the Chinese Girls' School aimed to elevate student achievement through standardized testing, a pioneering effort at the time.

The early successes of the examination system bolstered the school's reputation, attracting a steadily increasing number of students. By 1937, the student population had grown to the extent that additional classroom space was urgently required. Consequently, the construction of a two-story school building commenced to meet this demand, further solidifying the school's physical presence in the community.

In 1939, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of the secondary school section, admitting both male and female students. This marked a pivotal moment as the school transitioned into "SJK(C) Chung Hua"，pioneering coeducation in its region.

The outbreak of World War II in 1941 disrupted the school's operations severely, resulting in extensive damage to its premises. Following the war, efforts were focused on rebuilding, with the primary school resuming classes in November 1945 and the secondary school reopening in temporary facilities by July 1946.

After Malaysian independence, all schools in the country were asked to assimilate into the national school system. Chong Hwa High School was one of the minority of schools that decided to remain apart from that system. Being an independent school means that the school needs to sustain itself through student fees and donations from the public.

Despite the lack of government funding, the school has maintained a 100% passing rate for all government examinations since being established. The school has about 5,400 students and 300+ staff members, being one of the largest high schools in Malaysia.

The year 2024 marks another milestone in the school's journey, with ongoing efforts to complete Co-curricular activity center. This facility promises to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement, embodying the school's enduring commitment to holistic student development and its role as a pillar of the community.

Political and business figures

 * Lee Kim Sai (1937–2019) : Malaysia's former Health Minister and former deputy president of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

Arts, cultural and media

 * C.N. Liew : Malaysian prominent contemporary artist and calligrapher, based in Hong Kong.
 * Nigel Ng : Malaysian stand-up comedian and YouTuber based in the UK.
 * Ashton Chung : Malaysian Music Producer and singer.

Public transportation
The school is accessible from the Jalan Ipoh MRT station on the Putrajaya line. It is within walking distance from the school with entrance B being the closest entry point to the station.