Growing up as an 11-year-old boy who was shy and quiet, Kevin Khoo never imagined he would find his voice on stage.
But according to a post he shared on Threads, back then, it was his Malay language teacher, the late Cikgu Azlina, who saw potential in him that he couldn’t even see in himself.
From district champion to a lasting legacy
He also said that to help him overcome his shyness, Cikgu Azlina would subject him to strict, unwavering training every single day without fail. Holding a large cane in her hand, she pushed him through storytelling drills in a special room whenever he forgot his script or fell short of her expectations.
Though it brought him to tears at times, he said her discipline was rooted entirely in tough love and a belief in his hidden capabilities.
“We are of different races and religions. But the strict upbringing by my teacher, born out of love, is what shaped me,” Kevin shared in his post.
He also said that the strict discipline paid off remarkably. Kevin went on to win first place at the Klang district level and third place at the state level in Malay storytelling competitions. Notably, he was the sole non-Malay participant to reach the state level, even landing a feature in a Chinese-language newspaper, a rare feat for that era.
For the past ten years, Kevin, now the founder of Ebright Public Speaking Academy, has used slides of Cikgu Azlina and his primary school days during company presentations to show how a teacher changed his life.
Two years ago, he attempted to track her down to reconnect, only to discover with a heavy heart that she had already passed away.
A full-circle reunion through an internship
In a twist of fate that feels almost destined, the story didn’t end there. Two years after learning of her passing, Cikgu Azlina’s daughter applied for an internship at Ebright.
During her induction training, she was shocked to see a picture of her late mother flashing on the presentation slides. Realising the deep connection, the company arranged a dinner where Kevin finally had the chance to meet and host Cikgu Azlina’s entire family as a token of appreciation.
“This world is truly small. I believe this is no coincidence,” Kevin wrote, dedicating a heartfelt tribute: “Thank you, Cikgu Azlina. May your soul be blessed with grace. Your student has never forgotten you.”
Netizens’ reaction
“Thank you for sharing this story, Mr Kevin… reading it made me feel like crying…”
“Proof that educating and teaching with firmness and discipline can shape successful students…”
“You had a good teacher who was able to nurture you in Malay language and knowledge!”
“My neighbour must be cutting onions, because I’m crying!”
Have you ever reunited with a childhood mentor after many years? Let us know your story in the comments below!
Also Read: “The bond never faded”- M’sian Shares Heartwarming 39-Year Bond With Childhood Bestie Since 1987
