Author: Dr. Cheong Kar Mee
Company: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
Profession: Education Industry
Position: Chinese Lecturer , Corporate Mandarin Language Accredited Trainer
《From a Small-Town Girl to a Mandarin Educator: How One Language Changed My Life》
Growing up in a small town, I never imagined that the Chinese language would shape my future. Losing my father at a young age left an emptiness that made life uncertain. Like many children facing adversity, I had few expectations and no clear vision of where life would take me.
Everything changed in my first year of secondary school when I met Ms. Tan Li Fen. Recognizing my flair for Chinese, she often invited me to read passages aloud in class, warmly saying, “You sound just like a news broadcaster.” Those words planted a seed of confidence. Determined to live up to her faith in me, I devoted myself to learning Chinese, eventually achieving an A+ in the SPM examination.
Back then, I wrote an essay entitled “My dream of going to university.” Years later, that dream became reality. I pursued Chinese Language and Literature, advancing from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s and eventually a doctorate. My journey was not without challenges. Many told me, “Studying Chinese has no future.” Instead of arguing, I let my achievements speak. Today, I am a university lecturer and corporate Mandarin Language accredited trainer, having trained professionals across diverse sectors—including lawyers, engineers, executives, journalists, accountants, artists, insurance professionals, politicians, state government officials and Royal Malaysian Customs officers.
Beyond teaching, I have published four books. One of them, Mari Belajar Mandarin, received Malaysia’s National Book Award (Anugerah Buku Negara) and a RM25,875 Writers’ Grant from the National Library of Malaysia. My mission expands with two new books on Business Mandarin scheduled for early 2027, alongside three copyrighted Mandarin Micro-Credential online courses.
Mandarin is a key that opens doors to global opportunities and competitive advantages. Teaching it is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and connecting cultures.
Although we cannot choose our beginnings, one teacher, one word of encouragement, or one language can transform our destination. Today, my greatest aspiration is to pass that gift on—empowering others to discover a bigger world through language.