Last week, a primary school in Johor received criticism for hosting a graduation ceremony at a high-end seafood restaurant. Not long after, a group of high school students in the same state were said to be hosting their own graduation ceremony at a hotel.
An anonymous parent took to social media and revealed some details about her daughter’s graduation ceremony which was held at a hotel, with a registration fee of RM200 for each graduate. The ceremony was led by the students’ seniors and teachers were also invited, but not the parents.
RM200 was not the only amount that the parent had to pay. According to the Facebook post, the dress code of the ceremony was formal, which prompted the parent to head to the nearby bridal store to rent a gown for her daughter. The rental alone would’ve cost her more than RM200, but she was given a discounted price of RM150 given her friendship with the worker of the bridal store.
That’s RM350 there, and if they proceeded with the make-up fee, they would’ve spent up to RM500 – RM600 for a night of the graduation ceremony.
The school did not organise this, but the students did
She also stated that the ceremony was organised by the students themselves, and not the school, whose name was not disclosed.
“The culture of organising graduation ceremonies on their own has been there for years,” the parent said.
However, the parent reiterated and said,
“The management of the school should have reviewed the flow of the activities before approving the events that are held outside of school.”
What about the attendance rate?
According to a report by China Press, out of all 200 graduates expected to attend the ceremony, only half of them made it to the event.
The culture of organising the graduation ceremony in a fancy manner baffled the parent as it involved hundreds of ringgit when the students are not even working yet. The parent then expressed her desire for the school to interfere in the matter.
“They should’ve stepped in to right the wrongs, and stop this unhealthy trend.”
Fellow Malaysians, can you recall your high school prom/graduation ceremony back then? As for the high school students who have just graduated, what do you think of this?
Also read: JB Primary School Slammed for Hosting Graduation Ceremony in Fancy Restaurant, School Responds
