MOCH 1: 水 The ZEN Issue

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Editors’ note WH AT I S MO C H? B E G I N N I N G W I T H THI S I SSUE, THI S M AGAZI N E W I LL DOCU ME N T T HE C O M I N G Y E A R W I TH YO U, FOR YO U, AN D M AYBE, EVEN F E AT U R I N G YO U. I T W I L L B E A Y E AR WO RTH REM EM B ERI NG. This is MOCH, written to capture the defining moments that unite us in our Hwa Chong journey and to explore the nuances, vibrancy and spirit of our fellow Hwa Chong students. It’s another lens through which we celebrate our school life. The three MOCH issues from 2015 to 2016 will be released as a trilogy of the elements (水 – Nov 2015, 火 – early-2016, 土 – mid-2016), that will accompany you in the year ahead. Each issue will speak closely to your experiences, with this first issue bringing you an overview of 2015, our milestones together, holiday possibilities, the unique escapades of your schoolmates in the past year and much more. MOCH will serve as a collectible set, with the front and back covers acting in thematic unity.

This issue is full of vignettes of our school life, put together by a diverse group of students — photographers and students who shared their experiences for the articles, Faculty Committee members and everyone who was part of Hwa Chong’s

TH E Z E N I SSU E

水

milestones and biggest events. Most importantly, this would not have been possible without the creative vision of our incredibly talented main designers, Thomas and Xin Hui, our primary photographer Wei Shin, our Chairperson Audrey, and last but definitely not least, our Teacher-Advisor Mr Sim Weiheng.

We also appreciate the many sleepless nights and hours of hard work put in by the entire 42nd Publications and Publicity Committee.

Ten years, twenty years, or maybe a year down the road after A-levels, in NS or in university, we hope you will look back on these issues as the keepsakes that embody the memories, laughter, warmth and spirit that Hwa Chong has given us.

With love, Selina and Guangjing 42nd MOCH Coordinators

42H CSC PU BCO FI R S T ROW:

Ang Kai Ren (Executive Committee Attaché), Mr Sim Weiheng (Teacher-Advisor), Audrey Hau Wei Yee (Chairperson), Teo Xin Hui (Secretary-Treasurer).

S EC O N D ROW:

Tan Jiayi (IT Director), Dai Guang Jing (MOCH Coordinator), Xu Xinyue Selina (MOCH Coordinator), Lyu Liang (IT Director), Sim Yang Zhi (Art Director), Thomas Toh Tze Yang (Art Director), Zhang Yiran (Art Director), Zhang Fengfang (IT Director).

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3 A Y EA R I N R E V I E W Reminisce, commemorate and make sense of the 2015 milestones that we have celebrated. This has been a monumental year for both Singapore and HC — as members of both the Singapore and HC communities, find out where both narratives intersect.

7 B REAT H E I N , B R E AT H E O UT What are you doing this holiday? We have some fun, zen and meaningful recommendations for you — in heart, mind and body.

9 IS W H AT YO U A R E , W H AT YO U E AT? They say you are what you eat — well let’s turn the tables and find out whether our personalities have a bearing on what we like to eat in school!

1 1 M ID - AU TU M N F E S T I VAL Ever wondered what went on in the months of preparation behind MAF? There’s the fountain, the city gate, the centerpiece, the lanterns and the performances. Take an exclusive peek into the behind-the-scenes work of each committee and how it all came together for one unforgettable night.

1 3 CEN T R E S P R E A D

15 STAT E OF G RACE “This is the state of grace, this is the worthwhile fight”.

JC life can be tough, but as Taylor Swift said, these experiences are worth the struggle. Find out more about your schoolmates’ transformative experiences of 2015.

16 T H E G RAND MAST ERS OF ZE N Some of our schoolmates are grand masters at balancing commitments, managing time and still delving into awesome pursuits. We interviewed them for you — the ‘ironmen’, fencer, scientist and debater.

21 QU ICK F IRE It’s no easy feat running a CCA. We fire some quick questions at some of our CCA leaders, to understand how they do their jobs.

23 NE W FACE S, F RE SH CH ANG E S Introducing the 42nd Students’ Council.

25 FACU LT Y COM MIT T E INT RODU CT IONS Introducing your Faculty Committees, brought to you by Apollo, Ares, Artemis and Athena.

We searched for those who embodied the philosophy of Zen. These are your schoolmates — calm, cool and collected.

Contents 2

2015 A YEAR IN REVIEW 2015 WAS EQUAL PARTS MEMORABLE AND SPECTACULAR, BRINGING TOGETHER EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINED THE UNITY AND STRENGTH OF BOT H NATIONAL AND SCHOOL SPIRIT. JOIN US AS WE TRACE THE EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR AND CONNECT THE POINTS IN WHICH OUR SCHOOL’S MILESTONES HAVE PA RALLELED THAT OF THE NATION.

OP E N H OU S E

O R I EN TAT I O N

1 3 T H JA N

3 0 TH JA N — 1 2 TH FEB

Every year, Hwa Chong opens its doors to the public to showcase the Hwa Chong spirit, and give prospective students a taste of JC life here. From the foun-

tain, to the balloon web and SODACHE, Hwa Chong Open House 2015 captured the essence of Hwa Chong and showed students #whyhc was the way to go.

Carousel welcomed the incoming batch of C1s with days of orientation games (remember the slippery slope?), SoDaChe sessions,

faculty bonding (even the inter-faculty war games) and a climactic Campfire Night to kickstart our JC life and journey.

D I D YO U KN OW?

For the past three years, Artemis has won the annual War Games!

SOURCE: www.scmp.com

On 23 March, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore, passed away at the age of 91.

The national mourning that took place

bore testament to his significant contributions in driving Singapore towards the prosperous nation it is now.

C HINESE NE W Y E A R

L EE K UA N Y EW’S PA S S I N G

18 T H F E B

23RD MAR

Chinese New Year Celebrations featured a line-up of exhilarating performances, coupled with a bustling street market and to end off, a school-wide Lohei.

Of course, POP was the highlight of the day with the various faculties performing their electrifying dances, with Ares crowned the winning faculty.

Students from Hwa Chong were among the members of thepublic, attending the massive memorial ceremony to pay respect to Singapore’s late leader. Some

classes also wrote plaques of dedication to Mr Lee which were displayed along the queue to the Parliament House where he lay in state.

SOURCE: www.myactivesg.com

SOURCE: www.straitstimes.com

DID YO U K NOW?

Over 8 SEA games, competitive swimmer Joscelin Yeo has amassed a jaw-dropping 60 SEA Games medals, 40 of which are Gold medals!

Singapore played host to the 28th SEA Games, with the theme “Celebrate the Extraordinary” captured perfectly

by Team Singapore’s outstanding performance of 84 gold,

73 silver and 102 bronze medals. 44 HCI alumni (36) and current students (8) represented Team Singapore, contributing 7 gold, 10 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

NATI ON A L DAY C EL EB R AT I O N S 6 T H AUG

Not only was there a games carnival with traditional games and a concert singalong, many alumni came back to witness the unsealing of Hwa Chong’s Time

in their khaki shorts, the 500 primary school children donning LED suits to enthrall crowds with their adorable performance and a poignant tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

9 TH AUG

5 TH J U N – 16TH JUN

28TH SEA GAME S

Singapore celebrated its Golden Jubilee this year — turning 50 years old on the 9th of August. There were many memorable moments in the grand parade at the Padang such as the policemen marching

Capsule, which was buried 20 years ago, and the sealing of our new time capsule, which will only be unearthed in another 25 years.

DID YO U K NOW?

We were honored to welcome back the ex-principals of Hwa Chong for the time capsule ceremony to recover the memories of our school’s alumni.

T EAC H E RS DAY 3 R D SEP

Teachers’ Day this year set out to disprove the notion that teachers are frightening and intimidating — similar to the monsters in the motion picture Monsters,

Inc. Teachers’ Day 2015 was a day full of laughter and fun, and most importantly, appreciation of the teachers who make an invaluable impact on our lives.

SOURCE: www.straitstimes.com

SOURCE: www.channelnewsasia.com

D ID YOU KNOW?

Singaporeans can vote in British Elections because we’re still a part of the Commonwealth.

This year’s General Elections was a significant turning point, it being the first time the ruling party (the PAP) was contesting an election without the late Mr Lee Kuan

The new cabinet consisting of 20 Ministers was announced on the 28th of September. A few Hwa Chong alumni were among those appointed to

Yew and the first time since Singapore’s independence which saw all seats contested. The PAP won a landslide victory with 69.9% of the popular vote.

the Cabinet. They are Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Mr Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister for Education.

11TH SEP

GENER AL ELE CTI ONS

M I D-AU T U MN F ES T I VA L 1 3 TH S EP

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates reminiscence, kinship and the moon against the backdrop of an ancient citygate, with majestic lights, a beautiful fountain and an exciting concert line-

up. This is one of the most iconic events on the Hwa Chong calendar — an enjoyable night that commemorates the bonds between Hwa Chong students, both past and present.

D OWN TOWN LI NE 2 2 7 TH D EC

Possibly the most anticipated event of the year (for Hwa Chong students at least), the opening of Downtown Line 2 is sure to be celebrated by all. It will improve connec-

tivity from the North West of Singapore to the city center.

After 6 long years of construction, Tan Kah Kee station will finally open.

D I D YO U KN OW?

The 34 new stations on the DTL intersect with 11 interchanges, making it the longest automated underground line in Singapore (spanning 42 km).

SOURCE: www.oneduchess.net

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT: HEART, MIND AND BODY

T H E Y E AR-E ND HOL IDAY IS ALW AY S A TIME F O R AL L OF US TO R E C HAR GE , PURSU E TH E T H I N G S W E L OVE AND SPE ND TIME WITH O U R FAM I LY AND FR IE NDS. TAKE SOME TIME T H I S H O L I DAY TO BR E ATHE IN, BREATH E O U T —I N H E AR T, MIND AND BODY. PU RSU E T H E T H I N G S YOU L OVE , E NGAGE YOU R M I N D T H ROUGH FIC TION AND E X ERCISE YO U R BO DY W ITH SOME WATE R -CENTRIC ACT I V I T I E S.

BO DY Take part in some water activities this holiday and get your fitness level up before NAPFA and NS, or just have fun keeping your body healthy and happy.

1. Swimming helps improve sleeping patterns, lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion and helps you get toned! It’s a low-impact activity accessible to all, with healing abilities that help with physiotherapy. It’s sometimes tough to find places to swim though — don’t panic, here are some possible venues! Swimming in itself may not be a sufficient incentive. No matter how grown up or mature we become in JC, water slides will never lose their charm. You can check out Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex (whirlpool, water playground), Jurong East Swimming Complex (wave pool, slide tower, lazy river), Pasir Ris Swimming Complex (jacuzzi, wade pool, slides) or the Sengkang Swimming Complex (slides, jacuzzi pool, 3 storey high slides).

2. Fish Spa is performed by the “doctor fish”, Garra rufa. It involves putting your feet in the tank of warm freshwater containing the Garra rufa, which will gently nibble on your feet. (This may sound a little bit freaky, but trust us, it feels way better than it sounds!) This is similar to a foot massage as the nibbling of the fish emits a micro vibrating sensation, getting rid of dry and dead skin allowing your feet to be smoother and softer. 30 minutes of fish spa will set you back about $10-$30.

3. The hidden beaches of Singapore are for those feeling adventurous and seeking a hideout from the buzz of commercialised shores of Siloso beach etc. For instance, Lazarus Island is touted as one of Singapore’s unspoilt beaches with clear waters and relatively empty shores. It’s tucked between St. John’s Island and Kusu Islands. Hop onto a ferry ($18 per round trip ticket for adults, $12 for child) at Marina South Pier and get off at St John’s Island. From there, take a leisurely 20-minute stroll to get to Lazarus Island.

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HARPER LEE

GO SET A WATCHMAN Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is a firm fixture in the English curriculum of most secondary schools across Singapore. The sequel to this modern American classic, Go Set A Watchman, has been released this year. If you remember mugging To Kill A Mockingbird for a Language Arts exam, or recall the inspiring justice of Atticus Finch, now’s a good time to return to the world of “Scout” in her twenties. Be prepared to have your worldview challenged and your faith in Atticus shaken.

KEVIN KWAN

CRAZY RICH ASIANS When was the last time a global bestseller had its roots in Singapore? How about never. Former ACS-ian Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians is a hilarious, soapy and caricatural satire of Asian high society, all in the glittering depths of Singapore’s richest and wealthiest. Have fun laughing at the footnotes that accompany the Singlish words, colloquial vocabulary and attempts by the characters to be Singaporean.

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT: HEART, MIND AND BODY

HEA RT For the C2s, this year-end holiday is simply the beginning of a vast expanse of personal time after graduating from twelve years of schooling. For the C1s, this might perhaps be the last few months of free time to be footloose and fancy-free before we get swept up into the whirlwind of academics, A-levels and university applications in 2016. Here is a bucket list of 3 activities handpicked for you to enjoy over the holidays.

1. Go museum hopping. The National Museum of Singapore has a few great permanent exhibits such as the Growing Up Gallery on Level 2 which features the old school

uniforms of the school across the road. For those with a taste for the abstract and the philosophical, the Singapore Art Museum currently curates a contemporary art exhibition featuring local art luminaries, 5 Stars: Art Reflects on Peace, Justice, Equality, Democracy and Progress (02/10/2015 to 02/05/2016).

Not simply for the scholarly-minded and the history buffs, the Scholar’s Studio (14/11/2015 to 31/12/2016) displaying the ‘Scholar’ in Chinese culture at the Asian Civilisations Museum will certainly be close to the hearts of most Hwa Chong students.

2. Be a tourist in Singapore. Some-

play

times, Singapore may seem far too small for discoveries and far too familiar for one to get lost in. Discover some hidden gems and exotic locations in Singapore by foot: the Bollywood Veggies by the rustic Kranji countryside boasts outback acres, a farm with world-class biodiversity and organic culinary delights.

3. Find time to be zen. Even amidst having fun during the holiday, it is important for one to pause and calm your mind in some alone time that will bring a quiet peace to even the most outgoing of us. Sign up for a meditation course, try yoga or go for a Reiki session. This is the time to rebalance, recharge and renew.

Zen 水

MIND The holidays are the best time to catch up on some good reads — when else will you have the time to read a book (apart from your literature text) without having to worry about submitting your next math tutorial? Find comfort in the pages of a childhood favourite; lose yourself amongst the pages, outside of the busyness of school life; or maybe even challenge yourself to read beyond your usual genres. For the voracious connoisseur of fiction, the rusty reader or the reluctant and the uninitiated, the MOCH coordinators have selected a few titles that have great relevance to your life as a Hwa Chong student, a Singaporean teen or just as a young adult.

WHAT’S A M OCH WI TH O UT LA ME J O K ES? H ER E AR E A FEW TO TEST YOU R WI T S. Q: HOW WO U LD YO U DES CRI BE A PAR TN ERS HI P BETWE EN I RO N M AN A N D THE S ILV ER SU RF ER?

A: They would be alloys!

Q: WHAT H APPEN S TO O L D GEOGR APH ER S?

A: They don’t die. They either lose their bearings, or become legends!

Q : T HE P O S I T I O N VE C TOR M A D E F UN O F T HE UNI T V E C TO R A N D T HE UN I T V E C TO R F E LT HUR T. WHAT D I D T HE P O S I T I O N V E C TO R S AY TO A P O L O GI S E ?

A: I-JK! Last of all, we have a H20 related joke for you — water you waiting for? Check it out!

Q : W HY I S “ T ” A N I S L AN D ?

A: Because it is in the middle of WATER!

Sometimes, the perfect getaway is not a physical location. Perhaps all we need to be at peace is a good, soothing track.

Be it struggling to finish your math holiday revision package, or relaxing on the bus ride home — if you’re in need of some music that can help you

calm your nerves, access the full playlist of our favourite reflective and calming tunes at: tinyurl.com/zenplaylist

SONG

Stopwatch

Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

2:41

The Way I Am

2:15

Love Like This (Acoustic)

4:02

Unbreakable

4:25

Crystals

4:04

Miracles

3:55

I Need You

3:01

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QUESTIONNAIRE: IS WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOU EAT?

ARE YO U I N TROV ER TED OR EXTROV ER TED? EI THER , D EP EN D I N G O N THE S I TUATI O N

EXTROV ER T E D

I N TROV ER TED

I ’M UN D EC I D ED

D O YOU F I N D YO UR S E L F AC TI V ELY TRY I N G TO M A KE NEW F RI EN D S ?

D O YO U EN JOY A FFI R M I N G P EO P LE?

D O YO U EXP ER I EN C E M O O D S WI N GS ?

NO, P EOPLE NATU R ALLY GRAVI TATE TOWA RD S M E

YES

D O YO U O F T E N F E E L C O MP E L L E D TO I N T E RV EN E W HE N YO U S E E A F R IEN D IN DISTRESS?

NO

A LWAYS

I WA N T TO B UT I FI N D I T A WKWA R D

YOU ARE

YOU ARE

A TEA EGG

云吞面

YES

YOU ARE

YOU ARE

MIXED RICE

A W E L FA R E ROOM SNACK

B A R ELY

W HEN YO U D I S AGR EE WI TH S O M EO N E, WI LL YO U VO I C E YO UR O P I N I O N ?

Y ES, AGG R ESSI V ELY

Y E S, P E AC E F UL LY

O FTEN

I T D EP EN D S NO

YOU ARE

TO M Y U M NOODLES

YOU ARE

鱼片米粉

YOU ARE

YOU ARE

YOU ARE

CHILL WAFFLE

HONEY LEMON DRINK

A W AT E R COOLER

QUESTIONNAIRE: WHAT HWA CHONG FOOD / DRINK ITEM ARE YOU MOST LIKE?

HAVE YO U EV ER WO N D E R E D, W HAT WO UL D YO U B E I F YOU WE R E BO R N AS A UN I QUE LY HW A C HO N G F O O D O R DRINK I TEM I NSTEAD O F A HUMA N ? ( W E L L , T HE M O C H COORD I NATO R S DI D !) A N S W E R T HE QUE S T I O N S O N T HE LEFT TO F I ND OU T M O R E !

YO U A R E M O S T LI KE 云吞面 FRO M N O O D LE KI N G

Looks can be deceiving — within the dumpling skin, lies untold secrets and feelings (fillings). Your personality is intriguing, and those around are easily fascinated.

YOU A R E M OST LI K E THE TO M Y UM N O O D L E S F RO M N O O D LE HOUS E

You have a feisty personality and you’re not afraid to be vocal about your opinons. You tend to be the centre of attention as a result of your boldness. Your feistiness often translates into a fire and passion in defending all that you believe in.

YO U A R E M O S T LI KE 鱼片米粉 FRO M N O O D LE HO U SE

Gentle with subtle flavours, you possess a quiet boldness that you do not always show freely. You provide others around you with a sense of stability with your level-headedness.

YO U A R E M O S T LI KE THE WA FFLE FRO M C HI LL@HCI YOU A R E M OST LI K E M I X E D R I C E F RO M MUM ’S C O O KI N G

You’re laid back and easy-going, getting along with all those around you. You enjoy variety in life and you are constantly seeking ways to add flavour to your life.

Easy to be around, accentuating the personalities of your friends around you, whether they are sweet (kaya, blueberry jam) or savoury (cheese). You’re warm and fluffy, and embrace all those around you.

YOU A R E M OST LI K E A W E L FA R E RO O M S N AC K

You may not go with the flow, and whenever you see a problem, you feel an urge to rectify it. You do your best to bring joy to people around you and you’re highly sensitive to other’s feelings. As such, you find yourself aiming to satiate the hunger and needs of those around you as much as possible.

YO U A R E M O S T LI KE THE HO N EY LEM O N D R I N K FROM HOT B I TES

You’re multi-dimensional and unpredictable, sometimes sweet and sometimes sour. Your lively personality makes you a refreshing person to be around — your friends won’t ever feel bored around you.

YOU A R E M OST LI K E A T E A E GG F RO M C O O L S TAT I O N

You may find it difficult to open up to others, and those around you may struggle to peel off the egg shell to find the egg white. Gradually as the shell is peeled away, people come to realise that you’re a big softie at heart!

YO U A R E M O S T LI KE A HWA C HO N G WATER C O O LER

You do not exist in a fixed state, dispensing both ice cold and warm water. You are able to keep calm in the most stressful of situations. Yet when the situation calls for it, you can bring the heat and necessary intensity.

You go with the flow, and prefer to lead a life of simplicity, free from complications. Likely to be a very cool person.

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忆

Mid-Autum

[ BEHIND TH

A marriage proposal, boxes of bubble tea, a red carpet, thousands gathering at the central plaza united in song, dance and cheer, beautiful lanterns hanging overhead, fountain jets glistening under the moonlight, and a majestic citygate emulating an ancient Chinese building.

SOURCE: Sensorium Vale

I F O UN TA I N C O M M I TTEE (FO C O )

Water is their element. FoCo took command of coordinating the Fountain display during the Grand Light-Up. On Saturdays, you probably would have spotted this dedicated committee in caps and flip-flops, sloshing about in the fountain getting themselves all soaked, tirelessly adjusting pump pressure and positioning; while on normal school days, you might have caught sight of them (not so stealthily) lugging the bulky fountain tarp back to the Council Shed.

I I C I TY GATE C O M M I TTEE (GAC O )

A fearless team who is always on task, GaCo spent much of their time at the BPA, meticulously painting the 24 boards right up to the smallest details. The rest of the time was spent running around in helmets and harnesses, climbing up and down the scaffolds to set up the boards within the time constraints (fun fact: They were fed bananas before and during their building process so that they would have enough energy).

24 panels came together to form a sprawling scene right out of ancient China, setting the mood for 中秋 at 黄城.

忆

I I I P RO GR A M M ES C O M M I TTEE (P RO GC O )

This 2-man team liaised with the various performing arts groups to bring a spectacular lineup of performances for alumni, students and teachers to enjoy and worked closely with the emcees as well. Though this may be a small committee, the entire flow of events — from the performances to the Grand Light-up — was coordinated by them!

I V C EN TER P I EC E C O M M I TTEE (C EN C O )

A lantern that took 8 people to build (and carry!), this giant structure consisted of 6 layers of wood that formed 3 separate tiers. CenCo also spent most of their time in the BPA where they could be seen drilling and tying the various tiers together, as well as sewing the strips of cloth onto the centerpiece itself. Hoisting it up for the actual event sure wasn’t easy (arguably, more intense than doing bench presses) — 6 hoist points each with 3 to 4 people are needed to accomplish this task!

V LI GHTI N GS C O M M I TTEE (LI C O )

mn Festival

H E SCE NES ]

For the 42nd Students’ Council, the 3 months leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival involved planning, painting, sewing, hoisting, and lots and lots of sweating. This is the story of how it all came together!

The expert sewists and electricians of Council, LiCo ensures that the night sky is set ablaze with their breathtaking array of lanterns. Do not be fooled! Behind every lantern is the arduous process of getting epoxy (super heavy duty glue) stuck on your fingers, muscle aches from manually sawing wood and being pricked by the sewing needle countless times. But trust us, seeing the sky lit with lanterns after spending hours hoisting them up to the right positions (after many tries) made every second worthwhile!

VI FI R EB A LL C O M M I TTEE (FI R EC O )

A fun-loving and fiery committee they were in charge of testing out the designs for trial burns and building a fireball for the night. Deft fingers are a must in ‘sushi-rolling’ (basically rolling the kerosene-soaked cotton pads into a cylindrical shape) onto the wire mesh to ensure the precision of the burn. Possibly the only committee that savoured the moment when all their hard work was burning up in flames.

VI I P UB HO US E

This group of hard workers coordinated the general decorations and fed the hungry crowds with food from the Tea House, by cooking and managing a stall in collaboration with the PSG during MAF. Apart from that, they were also the main messengers to notify students, alumni and teachers about the details of this symbolic event so that one and all would be able to come down for a night of reminiscence.

谁

水

STATE OF GRACE

GWYNETH LIM 15S7G

YEONG QIAN HUI 15A14

S TAT E of GRACE

EDWARD TAN 15S65

The two years in JC is never easy — for many, it’s our first foray into an unfamiliar environment where we are thrown into new social situations, bright, messy friendships and looming unknowns like Economics (that daunt even the most brave-hearted).

As 2015 draws to an end, pause slightly and look back on your past year! We each have had our fair share of ups and downs, proud moments and regrets, instances when we hate life in JC and times when we celebrate the brilliant moments of love, laughter, tears and sweat. It’s interesting to realize that while sometimes JC life may seem particularly exhausting and frustrating to you, the rest of us are here in the same boat, sailing through the same turbulent storms.

“My experience this year is like a happy caterpillar undergoing pupation,” Gwyneth Lim said candidly. “It’s where everything familiar becomes disassembled and then morphs into a whole new creature, which looks very unlike its former self. But, I know I will emerge with a mind more beautiful than when I first entered JC!” Edward Tan and Alicia Lim both deem their most transformative experiences this year to be their involvement in community causes. Edward found great meaning in his participation in the Future Problem Solving In15

ALICIA LIM 15A14

ternational Competition (FPSP), which took him to Iowa State University and enabled him to exchange ideas and experiences on community service and project management with other passionate students from various countries.

He says, “FPSP has increased my awareness of the different groups of needy people in Singapore. I’ve learnt to respect each and every member of my society regardless of differences.” When asked about how this has changed him and what mindset he will be bringing into 2016, Edward taps on his 2015 experience, “Moving into the new year, I hope to have more compassion for the marginalized. I hope to develop the drive and the heart for the underprivileged and the disadvantaged in our society.”

Alicia meanwhile found joy in her volunteering outside school. “It’s definitely working with the people from Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) this year!”

She answers. “It was heartwarming to witness the core team work tirelessly, radiate boundless amounts of warmth and sincerity as they go around interacting with people in the kampung, while constantly remaining grounded and grateful.”

Han Ming Xuan found great satisfaction in his experience at the Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit (HC-APYLS) 2015. He is grateful for the experience and deems it “the

HAN MING XUAN 15S70

most enriching, the most enlightening and the most transformative of all”. He found it especially challenging due to the international nature of the event and shares, “There was a constant need to be absolutely attentive to minor details so as to ensure the smoothest experience for our foreign friends. I made friends across the ages since I was tasked with taking care of the Teacher Chaperones.”

Ming Xuan also emphasizes that this experience reinforced the importance of being sincere, a value that transcends barriers of nationality, culture and language. “An absolutely uplifting experience,” he declares.

Some of our schoolmates found their experience overseas to be the most transformative. Yeong Qian Hui feels that participating in Yale Model United Nations Korea this year was an experience that allowed her to improve her communication skills.

“Besides just having fun,” she says, “I also had the opportunity to interact with youths from around the world, and was given exposure to a new way of speaking and thinking.”

Regardless of how busy JC life may be, it will always provide us with transformative experiences to grow and to find our state of grace. What was your most transformative experience of 2015?

the

GRAND MASTERS of

ZEN

While most of us can easily define our year as being spent at the class bench, at lectures, at the canteen then back at the class bench, some of our friends have engaged in unique escapades. This MOCH, we bring to you an eclectic mix — the ‘intelligent ironmen’, a SEA games fencer, a science buff who spent three weeks in Germany and a debater at the world championships.

M: Time management. There’s an inertia at the beginning, but you realise staying awake and finishing all the work needs a good spread over the 72 hours.

I RO N M AN CO M PETI TI ON

The Ironmen (From left) Lor Jun Heng (JH), Alex Cheong (A), Ang Jun Yang (JY), Matthew Lim (M), Song Mingwei (Mw) and Jaye Chan (J)participated in the Intelligent Ironman Creativity Contest in Taiwan and were crowned international champions. We asked about their times at the quirkily named competition.

TELL US ABO U T YOU R E X P E R I E N C E .

A: The competition is a 72-hour continuous one where we are required to do side tasks (History, Ecology, Anthropology, Science) to collect materials for a presentation on “How can technology help transform the lives of certain endangered species in the environment?”.

Mw: Basically, you don’t sleep a lot. The 5 of us slept for about 13 hours in total.

WHAT I S TH E “I RO N M A N ” A S P E C T ?

JY: Mental aspect – being mentally strong and determined to continue on with the project even after 60 hours of non-stop work.

JH: Staying awake was the most challenging for me.

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B I GGES T TA KEA WAY?

JY: Knowing my team members better.

JH: Yup, definitely team dynamics — what makes a successful team.

J: The friendships forged both within the group and with people from other countries (he later jokingly adds, the first prize).

HO LI DAY P LA N S ?

A: We will be holding trials to form the team for next year for our juniors. Forming the team is most key. You really need a team that you can trust.

HOW D O ES O N E B E Z EN ?

A: Pace yourself, take things one thing at a time — don’t spend too much energy doing stupid things.

JH: Just go and sleep for a while.

Mw: When it’s inevitable that things will mess up, just let it mess up anyway. Don’t worry about it.

TI P S ?

JH: You need to know what you need to know, and you don’t need to know what you don’t need to know.

Mw: You also need to know what most people don’t know.

SEA GAMES

THE FENCER Kevin Chan (15S7B) is a national fencer who represented Singapore at the 28th SEA Games 2015.

WH AT WAS U N I QUE A BO UT T HI S S E A GA ME S ?

I got to represent Singapore on homeground. It was a nice feeling, to have your own supporters and have the crowd cheering.

B I G G ES T C HA L L E N GE ?

In the quarter-finals, I had a face-off with a Hwa Chong senior, and in the semi-finals, I had to fence against a previous sparring partner who acted as a mentor previously.

I had to overcome these mental barriers, which I hope to do better next time.

There’s also the pressure from the home crowd. Maybe I gave the opponent too much respect.

TA KE A W AY ?

It’s important to persevere and not let setbacks pull you down. I started fencing at 8, and I didn’t give up despite poor performance initially. Ultimately, it’s also always important to have fun and enjoy your sport for what you like about it, not for the sake of medals or honour.

TI PS F O R T I ME MA N AGE M E N T ?

Do homework on the plane. Also, Hwa Chong is really supportive of my fencing which I’m grateful for. My tutors help with individual one-to-one tutoring when I’m back from overseas training and competition. If not, it would be hard to catch up.

H OW DO E S O N E B E Z E N ?

Just be zen. Take things easy and don’t care too much about stuff.

Wong Shi Le (15S7B) participated in the Experimental Laboratory for Young People (XLAB) International Science Camp in Goettingen, Germany under the Ministry of Education’s Overseas Student Attachment Programme (OSAP). She spent three weeks surrounded by Science enthusiasts from all over the world — what left her with the deepest impression in her weeks of independence in a foreign country? Let’s find out.

TELL US ABO U T YOU R E X P E R I E N C E .

It’s a three-week science camp, heavy on the hands-on aspect, with people from all over the world. It’s very international.

BIGGEST TAK EAWAY ?

The hands-on segment. The way they conduct Science is very different.

For instance, when they were teaching freshwater ecology, they actually bring you to the lake and ask you to directly analyse samples. Also, the cross-cultural interaction. I made acquaintances from Poland, Spain, Ecuador and my good friends were from New Zealand and Korea!

A P P LYI NG TH I S TAK EW AY B AC K I N S I N GA P O R E ?

Yes, I think it would be interesting to bring in the element of real-world application into how we approach Science. We were thinking of having interest groups in the Science Students’ Research Council (SSRC) or maybe this could be done through Science Week next year (a collaboration with the Astronomy Club).

TIP S FO R F ELLOW SCI E N C E B UF F S ?

Keep what you learn on your mind as you interact with the world. Be curious and draw the connections.

WHAT I S H WA CH ONG TO YO U?

School life and studying is tough and very A-level oriented, but, it’s the communities within Hwa Chong that root me.

HOW DO ES ONE B E Z E N ?

By occasionally not being zen and going all out.

WHAT WOU LD YOU TELL YO UR S E L F TO HA NDLE CO M M I TM ENT S B E T T E R ?

I need to know what I want to do. I think the root problem is that I don’t know what I want in life. That’s important.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S CI ENCE CAM P, GER M ANY

The Scientist 19

WO R L D S C H O O L D EB ATI NG CO M PETI TI ON

The Debater

Bryan Yan (15A14) represented Singapore in the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) as part of the national team and was ranked 4th worldwide. Let’s find out what he was up to.

S UM M A R I S E YO UR EXP ER I EN C E FO R US.

The WSDC is like the Olympics of debating, with over 50 teams, and was held in Singapore this year.

M O S T C HA LLEN GI N G A S P EC T?

Definitely the lead-up to the competition. We were quite low in confidence in the beginning because we weren’t one of the strongest teams that Singapore has sent, but over time, we built the trust between the team members — you trust that they will say what they are tasked to say and that they will defend the team line.

B I GGES T TA KEA WAY?

3 of the 5 members of the team were from Raffles. So be open to building relations with the team, that will help you to build trust with your team.

TI P S O N P UB LI C S P EA KI N G, D EB ATI N G I N GEN ER A L?

Even the best debaters have barriers holding them back. They are often very nervous before they make each speech, but they learn how to hide it and accept it.

HO LI DAY P LA N S ?

I’m a close-up magician, I’ve been doing it for 9+ years. I like reading. Last year, I took a small stint on cooking and baking and uh, baked some cookies that you really can’t call cookies. I will be catching up on a lot of TV shows, running, and playing soccer.

HOW D O ES O N E B E Z E N?

Take a break sometimes. It’s proven by pseudo-science, your brain works better.

TI P S FO R HA N D LING TI M E & B A LA N C ING C O M M I TM EN TS ?

For people who join and take up a lot of commitments, be prepared to give up some.

FAVO UR I TE P LAC E I N HW A CHONG?

Go to the Kah Kee Hall, the sunrise is quite peaceful.

QUICKFIRE

V I CE-PR E SIDE NT / PHOTOGRAPH IC SOCIETY

P R ES I DENT / L A W S OC I ET Y

C A P TA I N / U LT I MAT E FR I S B E E

Calvin Lee

Oh Pei Shan

Chai Yi Xuen

HOW DO ES I T F EEL TO L E A D A C C A ?

Leading a CCA is definitely not an easy task. As a leader, you are not only responsible for everything that happens in the CCA, you are also tasked to lead the CCA to greater heights. Given these responsibilities, there is definitely a certain amount of stress that comes with it.

T E L L US A S I D E O F YO UR C C A THAT MO S T WOULD N OT KN OW A BO UT.

HOW HA S THE S C HO O L B E EN S UP P O R TI N G YO UR C C A ?

We host many events for students — in fact, contact our CCA members if you want to attend some CCA sessions (which are really fun) and be an unofficial member! Look out for Law Week & Law Forum 2016 as well — we’re @hclawsociety on Instagram!

Despite being a relatively new CCA, the school has always been supportive by providing us with funds so that we have the opportunity to train.

TELL US A SI DE O F YO UR C C A T HAT MOS T WOU LD N OT K N OW A BO UT.

HOW HA S THE S C HO O L B EEN S UP P O R T I N G YO UR C C A ?

Everyone has a wrong perception that photos they see on our Facebook page are taken directly from the camera. But the truth is we all spend grueling hours postprocessing it to bring the best out of every photo.

The school has been supportive of our initiatives and events (e.g. Law Forum) and we’re very grateful for that.

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HOW D O ES I T FEEL TO LEAD A CCA?

Being a CCA leader means to serve as the bridge between the team and the teachers-in-charge to ensure that we have the best interests of the CCA at heart. This is definitely not easy as there is a variety of expectations to manage. It also makes you more conscious and careful about making decisions as the decisions you make not only affect yourself but also the entire CCA.

MANAGING WHOLE CCAS CAN BE A TOUGH JOB. WE WONDERED HOW OUR CCA LEADERS HANDLED IT. WE ASKED SOME OF YOUR CCA LEADERS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES.

THESE ARE THEIR ANSWERS.

PR E SIDE NT / SE NSORIU M VALE

C A P TA I N / T R AC K A ND FI EL D

V I C E- P R ES I DENT / PA /AVA

Wang Jiale

Joseph Zhao

Chua Hui Shun

TELL US A SI DE O F YO UR C C A T HAT MOS T WOU LD N OT K N OW A BO UT.

Sensorium Vale is the first student-founded CCA in HCJC. HOW H AS TH E SC H OOL B E E N S UP P OR TI NG YO U R CC A ?

The school has been supportive so far and has given us plenty of room to create the kind of videos we like.

Hopefully the school will continue to be as supportive when we push for our initiatives next year.

HOW D O E S I T FEEL LEA D I N G A C C A ?

It is an interesting experience to lead one of the largest CCA groups in school, the team that I love, and I am grateful for the opportunity granted.

HOW HA S I T B EEN R EC EN TLY FO R YO UR C C A ?

The team works in a way such that everyone does not train together in CCA sessions, thus it is up to my Executive Committee members and me to bond the team as one entity. It has not been an easy journey, but we are slowly getting closer to one another.

HOW HA S THE S C HO O L B E EN S UP P O R TI N G YO UR C C A ?

The school has constantly been funding us. Our teachers as well as the school’s technicians, all skilled and patient, have trained us to be able operators of the AV equipment.

TELL US A S I D E O F YO UR CCA THAT M O S T WO ULD N OT KN OW ABOUT.

The current batch of PA/AVA consists of 7 students, including myself.

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NEW FACES, FRESH CHANGES INTRODUCING THE 42ND STUDENTS’ COUNCIL. 50 UNIQUE AND VIBRANT INDIVIDUALS THAT COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER TO FORM SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES. THROUGH THEIR UPS AND DOWNS, EVERY WIN AND LOSS, AND TIMES OF HARDSHIP AND HAPPINESS, OUR PLEDGE WILL ALWAYS RING TRUE - TO CARRY OUT OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY, FOR THE INTEREST OF THE SCHOOL AND THE WELFARE OF THE STUDENTS. N O N - STANDING E X E C UTIVE C OMMITTEE

CO - CU RRI C UL AR AC TIVITIE S C OM MITTEE

PU B L I CAT I ONS AND PUBL IC ITY COMMITTEE

SO CI AL AND R E L ATIONS C OMMIT TEE

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CO - CU RRI C UL AR AC TIVITIE S C OMMITTEE

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