2023 is just 3 months away from ending ya’ll! Where did the time go huh? As we start to wrap up this year, some of us may be facing rough times, whether be it from facing relationship issues, or a dreary work challenge…
Whatever the hurt though, we thought of a quirky little pick-me-up that’s NOT your typical blanket fort, tub of ice cream and Netflix binge remedy you might usually opt for…Yea.. Let’s switch things up this time around, ok?
We’ve specially compiled a list of 10 Malaysian school mottoes that’ll not only give you a warm nostalgic blast from the past but hopefully also a dose of motivation to keep you pushing through any challenging moments.
Keep reading to find out if your school motto made it on our list!?
1. “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty” – Convent Bukit Nanas
Our top school motto might just be this line (that was originally in Latin and has since been translated to English & Malay) from the ever so popular all girl school, Convent Bukit Nanas. This school motto is also adopted by many other Convent schools around Malaysia.
The motto reminds us of our sense of duty and fulfilling responsibilities in life, be it to ourselves or to our communities, like a light that keeps us in focus when the journey gets dark or blurry.
During times of conflict, it’s best to adopt a clear sense of morality to keep thoughts and doubts less cluttered, so here’s a reminder to try your best to simply just do the right thing (even if it may be scary).
2. “I Serve” – SMK St. Mary’s
Here’s one we specially chose for all you young Gen Zs out there! If you know anything about Gen Z and African-American slang, then you’d know that “serve” is used to describe someone wearing an attractive outfit or doing something that is praise worthy.
So as much as St. Mary’s school motto was probably in reference to their servitude to God, we’d also like to think that “I Serve” can be a fun little mantra to boost your confidence when speaking about and to yourself!
SMK St. Mary’s motto is like having a personal cheerleader, reminding you that in times of trouble, a simple act of service like a praise to yourself can light up your path.
So, serve a smile or serve a bomb outfit that SLAYS to boost those confidence levels UP and conquer those challenges, bestie!
3. “Berdaya Maju, Berakhlak Mulia” – SMK Seksyen 5 Wangsa Maju
Loose Translation: Empowered Progress, Noble Morality
Other than the previous missionary schools’ mottos, we also have many Malay school mottos that we think can be motivational even after being translated to English.
When life throws curveballs, remember SMK Seksyen 5 Wangsa Maju’s motto – it’s like a power-up. Find ways to empower yourself during these tough times while keeping your moral compass true north. Challenges won’t stand a chance! ?
4. “Pelajaran Panduan Hidup” – SMK Aminuddin Baki
Loose Translation: Education Guides Life
Ah yes, the sole purpose of going to school is to equip ourselves with good education so that it can be applied as we try to survive and thrive in this world… Never forget the value of learning as knowledge is truly limitless, any problem can surely be solved if you know the right facts!
5. “Berilmu untuk Berjasa” – SMK Damansara Jaya
Rough Translation: Be Knowledgeable to Contribute
SMK Damansara Jaya’s got it right! Knowledge is your ticket to making a difference. When life gets rocky, let all your wisdom you’ve gained from your experiences, shine and be the change you want to see?
Your role on this Earth does serve a purpose, no matter how small so don’t forget to encourage yourself to keep on contributing, be it in a conversation or even during a community crisis.
6. “Kecemerlangan Tekad Kami” – SMK Seri Bintang Utara
Loose Translation: Excellence is our Determination
When challenges lurk, channel your inner SMK Seri Bintang Utara school spirit!
Their motto says, “Excellence is our game, and determination is our playbook”.
Show those hurdles who’s boss! ??With a strong determination, there’s no problem you can’t fix!
7. “Pengetahuan Suluh Kemajuan” – SMK Cochrane KL
Loose Translation: Knowledge is the Torch of Progress
Picture this… You’re Indiana Jones on your next seemingly impossible treasure quest, and knowledge is your trusty torch cutting through the darkness of uncertainty. SMK Cochrane KL reminds you that with wisdom, you can conquer the unknown. ??
8. “Strong and Faithful” – Penang Free School
We know that most of the secondary schools on our list are from Klang Valley but we just had to include Penang Free School’s motto in as it’s not only the oldest English-medium schools in Malaysia but ALSO in Southeast Asia!
We can’t miss out one of the OGs, folks! Penang Free School has a simple but impactful motto. Muster up all the strength you have to persevere and pair that grit with impenetrable faith in yourself to achieve your goals and you’ll be UNSTOPPABLE!!!
9. “Faith and Labour” – SMK St. John’s Institution
The next two schools have a similar motto that reminds us that the value of hard work, prayer and faith can help us achieve our goals. SMK St. John’s Institution (fun fact: it’s the school our former prime minister, Najib Razak went to…) believes in the dynamic duo of faith and labor.
When obstacles loom large, having faith in your efforts and also perhaps the destiny that was written for you, paired with your unwavering work ethic, will surely be priceless qualities that’ll get you going through any journey.
10. “Pray and Work” – SMK Methodist Boy School
Last on our list is another boy’s school motto. St. John’s and SMK Methodist Boy School (MBS) may have similar sounding mottos but they actually are different. Both were originally missionary schools and adopted a Latin school motto.
SMK MBS though reminds us the power of prayer. Especially during times when you feel hopeless, prayer can be a tool that keeps the soul going.
So, did your school motto make it on the list? ??We hoped you enjoyed our little stroll down memory lane, remembering simpler times and recalling any wisdom gained during your schooling years.
Hopefully these memories help keep you pushing forward through any challenges you may be going through right now ???Don’t forget all the other times in the past where you overcame something tough!
Be sure to share with us your secondary school motto in the comments to spread the motivational vibes all around!
Also Read: 7 Nostalgic Things Every Late 90s M’sian Baby Remembers About Merdeka Celebrations at School
