Chinese boy at Islamic preschool in Malaysia wins hearts, stokes debate

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by The StarJanuary 27, 2026 at 02:31 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A Chinese mother in Malaysia enrolled her three-year-old son in an Islamic preschool, generating significant attention and discussion online. Chan Zhu Er placed her son, Low Zi Kang, in a Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam in Chaah, Johor, in November due to limited childcare options for his age group in her hometown. She wanted him to socialize with diverse children and learn Bahasa Malaysia. Chan documented his experiences in short videos on social media, showcasing him in the school's uniform. The boy, nicknamed Kang Kang, has been well-received by teachers and classmates, but the unusual enrollment has sparked debate about cultural integration and early childhood education.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Perak 40% Johor 60% Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam 70% Chaah ×270% Malaysia 80% Low Zi Kang (Kang Kang) ×390% Chan Zhu Er ×290%

Keywords

islamic preschool 100% chinese boy 90% malaysia 80% social media debate 70% childcare 60% bahasa malaysia 50% cultural diversity 50% early childhood education 40%