King George V Secondary School (Malay: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King George V; abbreviated as SMK KGV) is a 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 produced numerous national leaders, professionals, and intellectuals collectively known as "Georgians." Its Latin motto is Veni, Vidi, Vici (I Came, I Saw, I Conquered).
History
Early establishment (1923–1927) The school was originally established as the Government-aided English School (also known as GES) on 15 January 1923. 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.
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.
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.
On 23 April 1928, the building was officially inaugurated by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, W.G. Ormsby-Gore. The grand ceremony was attended by several high-ranking dignitaries, including: HRH Tuanku Muhammad ibni al-Marhum Tuanku Antah (The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan). Sir Hugh Clifford (High Commissioner for the Federated Malay States and Governor of the Straits Settlements). 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).
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. 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.
Post-Independence era and modern development Following the Independence of Malaya (1957) and the Formation of Malaysia (1963), the school was renamed Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King George V. The school is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education as a: Cluster School of Excellence (English Language and Rugby) High Performance School (Sekolah Berprestasi Tinggi)
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
School field (Georgian Green) Georgian Green is the 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 a "sacred ground" that has witnessed the birth of many sporting champions, particularly in rugby and athletics. Known by the moniker "The Dragons", the school's rugby team is among the most formidable and respected school rugby teams in Malaysia, having won numerous national titles.
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.
Name of the principal Term of service 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 – 2026 43 Dr. Haji Shahril bin Sabudin 2026 - now
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. 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.
Motto and tagline The school motto is in Latin, adapted from the famous expression by the Roman leader Julius Caesar: Motto: Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered). Tagline: Georgians: The Pinnacle of Excellence.
School badge The badge of SMK King George V has undergone several evolutionary phases since its inception. Historically, the badge was directly inspired by two figures: King George V (George Ernest Frederick Albert Windsor): 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 — royal blue, off-white, and scarlet red — symbolize the historical link between the school and the British Empire, derived directly from the colors of the Union Jack. The color golden yellow represents unwavering loyalty to the institution of the Malay Rulers.
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
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. 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.
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: