King George V Secondary School (Malay: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King George V; abbreviated as SMK KGV) is a prestigious daily secondary school located in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Established on 15 January 1923, it is one of Malaysia's oldest educational institutions and holds the dual status of a High Performing School (SBT) and a Cluster School of Excellence. Due to its significant historical importance and colonial architecture, SMK KGV was officially gazetted as a National Heritage site under the National Heritage Act 2005.
Throughout more than a century since its founding, SMK KGV has been renowned for its consistent tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence. The school has played a pivotal role as an elite institution, producing numerous national leaders, professionals, and intellectuals collectively known as "Georgians." Guided by the spirit of its Latin motto, Veni, Vidi, Vici (I Came, I Saw, I Conquered), SMK KGV continues to uphold its legacy of excellence within the national education system to this day.
History
SMK King George V: A Glimpse into the Past
The iconic main administrative block.
Architectural detail of the colonial-era facade.
Early establishment (1923–1927)
The school was originally established as the Government-aided English School (also known as GES) on 15 January 1923.[1] In its early stages, the school did not have its own building and operated temporarily in a store building at the Sungai Ujong Railway Station in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.[2]
The first Headmaster was Mr. Chin Meow Cheong, who led a teaching staff of nine with an initial enrollment of 125 students. Due to its location at the railway station, the school timetable at the time was uniquely structured according to the train schedules to accommodate students commuting from rural areas.[2]
Relocation to Bukit Hose and official opening (1928)
The transformation from GES to KGV officially began on 7 October 1926, with the construction of a new building block on a hill site at Hose Road (now Jalan Za'aba). This main building was completed in late 1927 at a total cost of $221,337.82.[3]
Sir R.O. Winstedt (Director of Education for the Federated Malay States).
Mr. Wolffe (British Resident of Negeri Sembilan).
J.M. Meade (Inspector of Schools).
The school was named after the reigning British monarch at the time, King George V. The date of the inauguration also coincided with the celebration of Saint George's Day.
World War II era (1941–1945)
In 1941, during World War II, the school building was requisitioned as a base and headquarters by the Australian Army. This forced students to be temporarily relocated to the Negeri Sembilan Club and the Malay Club on Lemon Road (now Jalan Tuanku Munawir).[2]
During the Japanese occupation of Malaya, school sessions ceased and the building was turned into the headquarters for the Kempeitai (Japanese Military Police) for the Seremban district under the command of the Miyazaki Butai Regiment.[5] Immediately following the Surrender of Japan in August 1945, the British Military Administration (BMA) took over the building to be used as a General Military Hospital for six months to treat war victims and Prisoners of War (POWs). After a restoration phase, King George V School officially resumed its educational operations in 1946.
High Performance School (Sekolah Berprestasi Tinggi)[6]
In 2023, SMK King George V celebrated its Centenary (100th anniversary), marking a century of contribution to the nation's education and the production of prominent national figures.[1]
Architectural and facilities uniqueness
Main block and Clock Tower
The most prominent feature of SMK KGV is its main block, which showcases the colonial architecture style of Public Works Department (PWD) Classicism. This 'E'-shaped building features wide corridors (verandahs), high ceilings, and arches specifically designed for the tropical climate.[7] The school's primary landmark is the Clock Tower located at the center of the main block. The clock was specially imported and manufactured by Gillett & Johnston, a renowned firm of clockmakers and bell founders based in Croydon, England.[8]
Pedestrian tunnel
One of the unique landmarks of SMK King George V is the existence of an underground pedestrian tunnel that connects the main academic block to the school field (Georgian Green). The tunnel, which runs beneath Jalan Za'aba (formerly Hose Road), was built specifically to ensure student safety.[9] This historic infrastructure remains intact, functional, and is actively used by the school community to this day, making it one of the few schools in the country with such a facility.[9]
Swimming pool
SMK KGV is one of the few daily (non-boarding) schools in Malaysia to have its own swimming pool within the school grounds. The construction of this facility reflects the institution's early vision of balancing academic excellence with sporting development. The facility was officially inaugurated on 23 June 1962 by HRH Tuanku Munawir ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the then Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.[10]
School field (Georgian Green)
Georgian Green is the iconic nickname for the main field of SMK King George V, serving as the heart of sports activities and character building for students. The field is regarded as "sacred ground" that has witnessed the birth of many sporting champions, particularly in rugby and athletics.[1] The school's rugby team, known by the moniker "The Dragons", is among the most formidable and respected school rugby teams in Malaysia, having won numerous national titles.[11]
List of principals
The following is the chronological list of principals who have served at SMK King George V since its inception in 1923. The transition from British to local leadership in the late 1950s reflects the broader period of Malaysianization in the national education system.[12][13]
Num.
Name of the principal
Term of service
Num.
Name of the principal
Term of service
1
Mr. Chin Meow Cheong
1923 – 1928
22
Mr. Cheah Cheng Eam
1961
2
Mr. M. Wheatley
1928 – 1929
23
Mr. N.S.R. Bickers
1961 – 1965
3
Mr. E.H. Willson
1929 – 1932
24
Mr. P. Navarathnarajah
1965 – 1968
4
Mr. R.J. Huddie
1932 – 1934
25
Mr. K. Anandarjah
1968 – 1970
5
Mr. F. Cobb
1934
26
Mr. Lim Leng Lee
1970 – 1976
6
Mr. C.A. Scott
1934 – 1935
27
Mr. Ahmad Dahan
1976 – 1980
7
Mr. D. Roper
1935 – 1936
28
Mr. Hashim Jasa
1980 – 1982
8
Mr. O.G. Williams
1936 – 1941
29
Tuan Haji Mohd Zain bin Rais
1982 – 1989
9
Mr. E.M.F. Payne
1941 – 1945
30
Tuan Haji Mohd Taib bin Hussin
1989 – 1995
10
Mr. Chin Meow Cheong
1945 – 1946
31
Tuan Haji Ramlan bin Sulaiman
1995
11
Mr. E.M.F. Payne
1946 – 1948
32
Tuan Haji Mokhtar bin Mentol
1995 – 1996
12
Mr. P.L. Shaw & Mr. L.I. Lewis
1948 – 1949
33
Tuan Haji Madzlan bin Borhan
1996 – 1997
13
Mr. G.P. Dartford
1949 – 1950
34
Mr. Shahidan bin Mokhtar
1997 – 1999
14
Mr. A.L. McCorkindale
1950 – 1952
35
Mr. Samsuddin bin Hamidan
1999 – 2007
15
Mr. Sutcliffe
1952 – 1955
36
Tuan Haji Zakaria bin Mohd Zin
2007 – 2012
16
Mr. S. Thambiah
1955 – 1956
37
Tuan Haji Mohd bin Md Isa
2012 – 2017
17
Mr. P. Gunaratnam
1956
38
Tuan Haji Mohd Razib bin Jamaludin
2017 – 2020
18
Mr. J.E.B. Ambrose
1956 – 1957
39
Tuan Haji Roslin bin Balia
2020 – 2021
19
Mr. W.V. Hobson
1957 – 1958
40
Tuan Haji Ezaiddin bin Hussain
2021 – 2024
20
Mr. R. Vivekananda
1958 – 1961
41
Dr. Mohd Fadzil bin Jamil
2024
21
Mr. Tan Seng Chye
1961
42
Tuan Haji Murad bin Nordin
2024 – Kini
School identity
Vision and mission
As a school under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, KGV upholds the national educational aspirations designed to produce a competitive and holistic generation.[14]
Vision: Quality Education, Educated Individuals, A Prosperous Nation.
Mission: Upholding a Quality Education System to Develop Individual Potential to Fulfill National Aspirations.
National Education Philosophy
The school is committed to realizing the National Education Philosophy (Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan) to produce individuals who are balanced in terms of intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical (JERI) aspects, based on firm belief in and devotion to God.[15]
Motto and tagline
The school motto is in Latin, adapted from the famous expression by the Roman leader Julius Caesar:
The badge of SMK King George V has undergone several evolutionary phases since its inception. Historically, the badge was directly inspired by two figures:[16]
King George V (George Frederick Ernest Albert): The reigning monarch of the British Empire when the school was founded. The school's name and specific elements on the badge serve as a tribute to him.
St. George (George of Lydda): The image of a mounted knight defeating a dragon is an adaptation of the iconography of St. George. This symbol was chosen because the school's official opening date falls on 23 April, which coincides with Saint George's Day in England.
Symbolic meaning
Colours
The primary colors of the badge—blue, white, and red—symbolize the historical link between the school and the British Empire, derived directly from the colors of the Union Jack. The color yellow represents unwavering loyalty to the institution of the Malay Rulers.[16]
Visual elements
There are three main components of the badge design:
The Knight and the Dragon: Depicts a mounted warrior defeating a dragon, serving as a metaphor for good always triumphing over evil.
The Crown: Located at the top of the badge as a symbol of sovereignty and a sign of absolute loyalty to the Crown/Monarchy.
Roman Numeral 'V': Represents the number five (5), referring to King George V.
Design evolution
Evolution of the SMK King George V Badge
The early badge featuring the cross symbol.
The simplified version of the badge previously used.
The current school badge (embroidered).
The Cross Controversy: The early design of the badge caused controversy due to the inclusion of the Saint George's Cross from the Flag of England. To align with local sensitivities, the badge was eventually modified.[17]
Simplified Version: Following the controversy, the badge was changed to a simpler design without the knight and dragon imagery. However, this version was eventually deemed too plain and failed to reflect the school's strong historical identity.
Current Design: The school eventually returned to the original design featuring the mounted knight. However, the cross symbol was replaced with the letter 'V' to represent King George V.
School song
The SMK King George V school song is sung in English, reflecting its long history and tradition as one of the premier schools in Malaysia.[18]
We Georgians faithfully shall serve Our King and Country On land and sea wherever Georgians be We proudly fly the school banner high Our school brings joy no words Can tell how we honour thee
United we are together or apart Forever contributing ideas to progress Sing our school song Brings memory so sweet With gratitude so deep we hail thee Sing our school song Brings memory so sweet With gratitude so deep we hail thee
We Georgians faithfully shall serve Our King and country till eternity
Notable alumni
Former students of SMK King George V, Seremban are affectionately known as Old Georgians and serve as the cornerstones of the school's legacy of excellence. Notable alumni include:[19]
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