Give her a pencil and a paper and Wong Chin Lee will show that education can start anywhere, even in a small Chinese temple.

The Penang-born teacher, now based in Kuala Lumpur, needs no official teaching certificate to prove that she can teach and get along with students. Not when she has the passion and ability to instantly connect with students from SRJK (C) Damansara.

Wong was one of the 10 winners of 'Best Warrior' award from Chinese daily Guan Ming Daily on May 18, for her contributions to Chinese education.

Those familiar with the story of the Chinese primary school in Petaling Jaya will know it was closed by the Education Ministry in 2001, sparking a spirited fight-back by a diehard few who refused to relocate their children to new premises 4km away.

Malaysiakini examines the six-year struggle of a band of die-hard supporters to keep the school alive.

Portrait of passion

Save Damansara school campaign long-term affair

Where are you, Chew Mei Fun?