Hwa Chong International School

Join us for an exciting Filipino Fiesta Cultural Workshop!

The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, was once a thriving hub for Chinese settlers and traders long before its 333 years of Spanish colonization. Shaped by a rich blend of cultural influences and a deep-rooted sense of faith, Filipinos are widely known for their warmth, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family.

This workshop invites participants to experience the vibrant tradition of the Filipino fiesta—a joyful celebration that brings together food, reunions, hospitality, culture, and faith. It is a living expression of Filipino identity, cherished not only in the Philippines but by Filipinos around the world.

Please note that this workshop will be conducted in English, with limited places available. All are welcome, and admission is FREE!

Date: 4 July 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Address: 663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
Venue: HCIS MPH @ Annex Building, Level 6
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/EeBWv19ywiksEKqg6

菲律宾文化遗产——由丰富历史与信仰交织而成的多彩图景

菲律宾是位于东南亚的群岛国家。在长达333年的西班牙殖民统治之前，这里早已是华人移民与商贸往来的重要枢纽。多元文化的交融以及深厚的宗教信仰，塑造了菲律宾人民热情友善、坚韧不拔和重视家庭的民族特质。

本次分享会将带领参与者走进充满活力的菲律宾传统节庆（Fiesta）文化。Fiesta 是菲律宾最具代表性的庆典之一，融合了美食、团聚、热情好客、文化传承与宗教信仰等元素，充分展现菲律宾人民的生活方式与价值观。无论是在菲律宾本土，还是世界各地的菲律宾社群中，Fiesta 都是备受珍视的重要文化传统。

欢迎大家一同参与这场充满欢乐与温情的文化之旅，感受菲律宾独特而迷人的文化风情。

此次分享会将会以英语进行，名额有限，欢迎大家踊跃报名，入场免费！

日期: 2026年7月4日 (星期六)
时间: 上午10点am - 上午11点半
地址: 663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
活动场地: HCIS MPH @ Annex Building, Level 6
报名链接：https://forms.gle/EeBWv19ywiksEKqg6

‼️HCIS 2027 Year 1 Direct Admission Exercise‼️

All Primary 6 students are welcome to apply to HCIS via our 2027 Year 1 Direct Admission exercise, which allows eligible students to secure early placements in our school, even before sitting for the PSLE examination. Should the child be offered a place, and upon confirmation of acceptance of the offer, the child will be secured of the placement in our school regardless of the outcome of his/her PSLE results.

Please note that all applications must reach us by 6 June 2026. Any application received thereafter will not be considered for the Direct Admission exercise. Please take note of the important dates below:

🔷Application Deadline: 6 June 2026
🔷Test Date: 26 June 2026
🔷Interview Period: 20 to 24 July 2026

Click this link to apply: https://www.hcis.edu.sg/school-admission/apply-directly-to-hcis/

Established in 1999, the Singapore Secondary School Debate Championships(SSSDC) is an annual tournament, aimed at refining argumentative skills, teamwork, and composure under pressure.

🏆Hwa Chong International School emerged champions last Friday 24 April 2026 after beating 64 schools in the SSSDC 2026 ( Div III). We hold the 'shield' proclaiming the title until next year.

Congratulations to our team: Alexander Lim, Farrah Marican, Yanni Li, Angelina Tan and Beatrice Fan.👏

🙌A big thank you to all our supporters who cheered us on:

Mrs Michelle Koh (Assistant Principal (Integrated Programme and Academic Counselling), Miss Joanne Tan (Head of English, Integrated Programme), parents, students and our Alumni - Angus Ku, Ryeson Tan, Yip Wen Qian ( our founding members of debate), David Chew ( Captain of ELDDS 2015 ) and Shawn Yeo ( Captain of ELDDS 2021).

The Asian Cultural Sharing Session is happening again!

一勺温热的糖浆，就是一段指尖上的流光记忆。一根细长的竹签，承载着童年的期盼与匠心的温度。从威武灵动的飞龙，到栩栩如生的花鸟，中国糖画如同一条流动的金色丝线，将民间大地的烟火气息与指尖艺术，缓缓勾勒在我们眼前。

本期亚洲文化分享会将带您走进糖画的琥珀世界，透过这一抹跨越百年的甜蜜，感受中国非遗的韵味与魅力。您不仅将了解糖画背后的历史故事，还将参与轻松有趣的互动环节：“以糖为墨”技法拆解、转动幸运生肖轮盘、体验一场“指尖上的甜蜜旅行”。

此次分享会将会以中文进行，名额有限，欢迎大家踊跃报名，入场免费！

日期：2026年5月16日 (星期六)
时间：上午10:00 - 11:30
地址：663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
活动场地：HCIS MPH @ Annex Building, Level 6
报名链接：https://forms.gle/jSR4F4w8quLCKoqo7

Chinese sugar painting is a traditional folk art that dates back centuries, where melted sugar is skillfully drizzled to create intricate, edible designs. Step into this fascinating world of craftsmanship to discover how molten sugar is transformed into delicate works of art. Learn about the historical stories behind this craft and participate in fun interactive sessions! Whether you’re looking to try something new or reconnect with cultural heritage, this workshop promises creativity, fun, and a sweet reward at the end.

Please note that this workshop will be conducted in Chinese, with limited places available. All are welcome, and admission is FREE!

Date: 16 May 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Address: 663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
Venue: HCIS MPH @ Annex Building, Level 6
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/jSR4F4w8quLCKoqo7

On 13 April, our school community came together for our very first HCIS Cross Country event, with all students and staff participating for a great walkout together.🏃🏻🏃🏻‍♀️ Stepping out of the classrooms and offices offered a refreshing break and was a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle.💪

Whether running with determination or walking alongside peers and colleagues, the event brought everyone together and strengthened bonds within our HCIS family. More than just a physical activity, it was the shared experience that brought our community closer.🫶

Missed the Sharing Session during our Open House?
Here’s another opportunity to learn more about HCIS!

Take the first step towards an enriching education journey with HCIS at our 2027 Year 1 Admission Information Session, ideal for PSLE students and parents exploring the best pathways for secondary education. Learn what sets HCIS apart as our School Leaders share insights on the following:

🔸The IB Programme
🔸HCIS’ Unique School Curriculum
🔸Our Admission Process
🔸Scholarship Opportunities
🔸Q&A Session

🔍Discover how our six-year integrated curriculum fosters holistic development and shapes future-ready leaders.🌎

📢Sign up now at https://forms.gle/5Hoxs8kpBA4GY5e1A or scan the QR code in the image!

Asian Culture in a Bite

Did you know that people in Thailand celebrate the New Year three times a year? 🎉

These include the Western New Year, Chinese New Year, and Thai New Year — Songkran (also known as the Water Festival💦). “Songkran” comes from a Sanskrit word meaning the movement of the sun into a new astrological cycle ☀️. Although traditionally held from 13th to 15th April, some regions in Thailand may extend celebrations beyond the 15th.

What started as a gentle tradition of pouring water to wash away bad luck and welcome a fresh start has now become a nationwide water fight 🔫💧! But beyond the fun, it’s also a meaningful time for family reunions, paying respect to elders by gently pouring scented water over their hands (Rod Nam Dam Hua), and spring cleaning for a fresh beginning.

In 2023, Songkran was officially recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 🌏.

Quick Fun Facts👀:
🤍 White Paste: People often apply white powder or talc to one another’s faces as a symbol of protection and to ward off bad luck.
🤍 Floral Shirts: Bright, floral shirts are a popular and festive part of the celebration.
🤍 Lady Songkran: Beauty contests are held annually to crown “Miss Songkran,” representing one of the seven divine daughters of Kapila Brahma, the celestial sage associated with Songkran’s origin.
🤍 Hottest Month: April is Thailand’s hottest month, making the water-splashing tradition especially refreshing.