Kuala Lampur, Jan. 16 -- When schools reopened recently, several photos showing a sizeable number of non-Chinese students in national-type Chinese primary schools (SJKC), went viral. For some, the images were surprising as the common view is that non-Chinese students typically shun such schools.

For me, it is a very encouraging trend. In fact, diversity in our classrooms, especially at the primary level, should be cherished, and not treated as an exception.

If we truly believe in building a united Malaysia, then our children must grow up learning alongside friends of different religions and ethnic backgrounds. This is how understanding begins, not in speeches or slogans, but in shared classrooms and playgrounds.

We need only look to Sa...