Author: ANG KOOI LOOI BCN
School: SMJK JIT SIN ( SKK)
Profession: Educational Management and Leadership
Position: Headmistress
Entrusted with a noble mission to nurture talents
Her legacy blooms—renewing a century-old JIT SIN with the spring of our times.
— Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Leading Chinese Education with Resilience and Conviction —
My name is ANG KOOI LOOI.
For 34 years, I have devoted myself to Chinese education. From an ordinary Chinese language teacher, I rose to become the Principal of Jit Sin High School (National-Type), Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang, Malaysia—a school of excellence—and the first female principal in the school’s hundred-year history.
After graduating from the Department of Chinese Studies at the University of Malaya in 1991, I returned to my alma mater to teach. I never aspired to power or position; my only wish was to teach well and guide my students with care. Later, in response to the school’s developmental needs, the expectations of my seniors, and a deep sense of responsibility, I chose to step out of my comfort zone and take on the role of principal—thus breaking through a long-standing glass ceiling dominated by men.
During my tenure, the school faced the severe challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. I firmly believed that education must not stop, and children must not wait. I implemented a “learning never stops” approach, sustaining online teaching alongside co-curricular activities. With resilience and quiet determination, I stabilized the rhythm of school life and stood by my teachers and students through the most difficult period.
In the post-pandemic period, Jit Sin High School (National-Type) quickly returned to its stride. During my leadership, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in both the SPM and STPM examinations for five consecutive years, advancing hand in hand in academic performance and co-curricular excellence. I also actively promoted international exchanges, the transmission of Chinese culture, and the development of a green campus—allowing this century-old institution to remain rooted in its heritage while steadily moving toward the global stage.
Along this journey, I have come to believe more deeply that true leadership is not about standing above others, but about walking alongside them and enabling their growth. The strength of women lies not in dominance, but in resilience and responsibility.
When I retired in 2024 upon reaching the statutory retirement age, I left behind not only remarkable achievements, but also a school grounded in humanistic values and distinguished by excellence in outcomes. I firmly believe that women do not need to wait to be empowered; they can carve out their own heights.
I often remind myself with these words:
“It has never been easy—but it is always possible.”
Principal ANG KOOI LOOI BCN has dedicated 34 years of her professional life to the education sector. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment, continuous self-improvement, and a spirit of perseverance. Known for her approachability, humility, and strong leadership, she has earned widespread respect and numerous prestigious awards.
Awards and Recognitions:
1998 – Melintang (Diagonal Salary Increment)
2005 – APC (Excellent Service Award)
2013 – APC (Excellent Service Award)
2023 – APC (Excellent Service Award)
2023 – BCN (Excellence Service Medal conferred by the Governor of Penang)
2023 – “Advanced Individual Award”, 19th Yangtze River Delta Ethnic Orchestra Festival, Shanghai, China
2024 – 9th Wu Defang Outstanding Chinese Language Teacher Award– “8th Lee Ser Chong Outstanding Administration & Management Award (Government Secondary School Category)”
2025 – JCI Pearl For Outstanding Achievement In “PEARL ROLE MODEL AWARD”