Meet the 3-year-old Chinese boy making waves attending a PAS pre-school

Like many children his age, three-year-old Low Zi Kang attends pre-school. But there is one detail in his uniform that has caught the attention of social media. He dons a “kopiah” (traditional Muslim cap).

This is because Low goes to the PAS-owned pre-school Pasti in Cha’ah, Johor, and photos of him have created a buzz.

His mother, Zhu Er Chan, 31, told Malaysiakini that she enrolled her son at the pre-school because she needed to return to her hometown for about three months.

She explained that during this period, she sought a pre-school willing to accept her child on a short-term basis, and only the PAS-run institution agreed.

“The main reason I sent my child to Pasti kindergarten was that I needed to return to my hometown (Cha’ah) temporarily, for around three months, to attend to family matters.

“I am happy that my child is able to learn about Islam from a young age. This has been a good experience for us,” she added.

Low began attending the pre-school in November 2025, at just two and a half years old.

Zhu also shared that she noticed many positive developments in her son’s emotional growth and early learning.

“Even though it was only for three months, I have seen very encouraging changes. Since studying here, my child looks very happy,” she said, noting that Low can now say basic words in the Malay language, and even sing and dance to Malay songs.

‘Respect my choice’

Reflecting on the reception her son received at the school, Zhu said teachers and classmates warmly welcomed him, and that other pupils quickly took a liking to him.

“Every morning when my child arrives at the door, many of them come out to welcome him, hug him, and greet him,” she said.

However, Zhu acknowledged that reactions from the non-Muslim community were mixed, with some critics even sending private messages disagreeing with her decision.

“I prefer not to engage with negative comments and hope that those who criticise my decision will respect the religions and cultures of others, as well as each individual’s choices,” she added.

Bipartisan group moots new law for early childhood education

Minimum wage order applies to PAS pre-school teachers too: Minister

Spotlight on PAS' kindergarten network over wage woes

Don’t disturb Pasti kindergartens, PAS warns govt

Streamlining preschools: No need to disrupt PAS-run kindies, says Hanipa

Govt to streamline preschool education system