T h e Te a m First Row Harris Song (NSE Attache) Ms Ouyang Xin (Teacher-Advisor) Tan Guan Chwen (Chairperson) Ryan Tan (Secretary-Treasurer)
Second Row Chan Yi Xuan (Art Director) Joshua Lim (MOCH Coordinator) Tong Chen Rong (IT Director) Choo Yi Jun (IT Director)
Third Row Javen Ho (Art Director) Shang Ke (Art Director) Wang Yanhua (MOCH Coordinator) Liang Zhenyong (IT Director)
editors’ note November 2016 // Fashion
At first glance, the name of our publication appears meaningless, nothing more than a weird sound. MOCH. In truth, it is Hwa Chong’s Own Magazine, spelt backwards. We believe this quirky etymology captures the essence MOCH very well. Through creating the next 3 issues of MOCH in our Council term, we aim to showcase the extraordinary in the ordinary Hwa Chong student. We want to explore and celebrate the hidden spirit in the Hwa Chong campus. To do this, we will borrow unique perspectives from other popular and cherished publications. All three issues of MOCH will aim to emulate different styles of magazines: Fashion, Wildlife and of course, the familiar Time Magazine. Through each issue, we hope to explore different aspects of the Hwa Chong student body. In this first issue, we have adopted the classy couture character of the Fashion magazine. Ralph 2
Lauren once said, “Fashion is about something that comes from within you.” That is why this issue is about more than just clothes or hair or makeup. In this issue, we explore how students (and even teachers) develop their personalities and styles. Every unique individual adds up to create a colourful Hwa Chong campus. Of course, this publication would not be possible without these individuals. To all who allowed us to share in their experiences: interviewees, models, Faculty Committee members and teachers; thank you for letting us showcase your Hwa Chong story in ours. We would also like to thank 43rd PubCo as well, because none of this would have been possible without their support. Most importantly of all, we would like to express our gratitude to our Teacher-Advisors, Ms Ouyang Xin and Ms Cheah Suet Ping, for their invaluable advice and guidance every step of the way. For us, and for you, this new MOCH journey is just beginning. We have many exciting things in store, so follow us along as we chronicle your Hwa Chong story. Regards, Joshua and Yanhua 43rd MOCH Coordinators
4 2016 Highlights
A look back on the excitement of the past year
8 Catch ‘Em All
Hwa Chong’s very own pokemon master
10 Satire//Centrespread Why is everyone wearing beige?
16 Teachers’ Fashion Watch Education and elegance go hand in hand
6 What’s in your bag? We take a look at your precious items
12 Holiday to-do list Live a little
14 By the numbers
How do our celebrations add up?
18 Faculty Pages #4facs1hwach
Cover model: Kwok Pei Xi, 16A15 Contents model: Joel Hong, 16S7B
3
start
HIGHLIGHTS
2016 HIGHLIGHTS National Day 9 August
The National Day Parade returned to the National Stadium after 10 years in the newly opened Sports Hub. Indoor fireworks, 3D projections and drones were employed to give Singaporeans a refreshing NDP experience. To make this year’s National Day celebrations unique, SNEC assembled the largest Singapore flag made up of post it notes with heartening well wishes for Singapore written by Hwa Chong students and staff.
First Gold Medal 13 August
Joseph Schooling clinched Singapore’s first ever Olympic gold medal in the Men’s 100m Butterfly category. He came in first with an Olympic record timing of 50.39s, beating his idol Michael Phelps, as well as Chad Le Clos and Laszlo Cseh to the prize.
4
HIGHLIGHTS
Orientation
CNY
C1 students were invited to set sail on their Hwa Chong journey with an array of exhilarating games and activities together with their OGs and classes, and were introduced to Hwa Chong’s SODACHE tradition. This year’s orientation package included a portable charger with the orientation logo printed on it, to the delight of many students.
Hwa Chong celebrated the Year of the Monkey with a lineup of dazzling performances, a street market, and lohei. For many C1 students, it was their first experience with Hwa Chong’s rich Chinese traditions as they celebrated CNY with their OGs. For C2s, the celebration signified the start of another exciting year in Hwa Chong.
29 January
5 February
Pokemon Go
Brexit
It was finally Singapore’s turn to Catch ‘Em All. Pokemon Go was launched in Singapore after a month of anticipation from restless trainers. Many iconic places within Hwa Chong such as the Tan Kah Kee statue and the Lee Kong Chian statue house PokeStops and gyms.
With a vote of 52% for and 48% against, the United Kingdom ended its 43 year relationship with the European Union. This unexpected result led to uncertainty in the British economy, causing the pound to drop significantly.
22 July
MAF
10 September Under the full moon, the Hwa Chong family reunited on this beautiful night and rekindled the Hwa Chong spirit. While reminiscing about unforgettable memories, we celebrated the strong, lifelong bonds forged from our time in Hwa Chong.
23 June
Nathan Hartono 7 October
Nathan Hartono finished second in the hugely popular “Sing! China” show. He is the first Singaporean to have reached the final in five editions of the show. During the final showdown against China’s Jiang Dunhao, he delivered a heartfelt medley of Mavis Hee’s Moonlight in the City and Anita Mui’s Woman Flower. Photo Credits: Hwa Chong Photographic Society Sing! China The New York Times Vulcan Post USA TODAY
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WHAT’S IN
Curious to know what Hwa Chong students u the wings and found out the items stu
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST INTERE CHOO YING JIE, 16S70
“
My laptop is 5 years old and his name is Charlie. My favourite sticker comes from the anime "Laputa: Castle in the Sky."
”
“
ONG LI HAN, 16S6F
Sweets. So I can stay awake during lessons and give treats to my friends because I’m a nice person. But even with sweets I still fall asleep anyway.
”
LEI YU XIAN, 16S6K
“
6
Socks and nuts. Socks because they are comfortable and nuts because they are tasty.
”
YOUR BAG
usually carry with them to school? MOCH hit udents have with them in their bags.
ESTING THING IN YOUR BAG? CHERYL LIM, 16S66
“
A broken giraffe badge that I bought from Japan. I couldn't find a new one despite going back to Japan again.
”
WANG DI, 16A14
“
Portable audiophile rig with audio player and amplifier. High quality music is very important to me and I haven't found a setup that I like better than this one.
”
“
ANG HUI LYN, 16S63 A cute-looking Baymax keychain I bought from Hong Kong Disneyland during June this year.
” 7
POKEMON
Catch‘
On 9 September 2015, The Pokemon Company uploaded the trailer for their soon-to-be biggest hit of all time. The video featured a diverse cast of Pokemon trainers catching and battling Pokemon through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology on their mobile phones. This, of course, was the announcement for Pokemon Go. Fast forward 9 months later, Pokemon Go was released on the App Store as well as Google Play. Allowing many to fulfil their lifelong dreams of becoming Pokemon trainers, the game surged in popularity, becoming the most downloaded app of all time. In Singapore, the game was released on 6 August this year, and was well received by the general population. Seeing how many Singaporeans grew up watching, playing and trading Pokemon, this was no surprise. Hotspots developed in Marina Bay, East Coast Park and Hougang, among others, where rare Pokemon were purported to be more commonly seen. Many malls and retail outlets also took advantage of this phenomena, for example, Ion Orchard placing lure modules on Pokestops close by to draw in trainers for a shopping break. With the introduction of Pokemon Go to the local scene, the Hwa Chong Campus has seen changes too. Pokestops have popped up near the Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian statues, while Gyms have taken root at other places like the SALT Centre and the horse statue. MOCH sought out to discover the “very best” trainer on the Hwa Chong campus. Word spread of a very special, very Hwa Chong Vaporeon, so we spoke to its trainer, Clement Neo of 16S6C.
The famous Vaporeon in all its glory, truly em
Other hwa chong trainers’ pokemon with memorable names 8
Shawn Tan from 16S6Q named his Metapod 自 强不息, in hopes that it evolves into a strong Butterfree.
Em All Tell us about your Pokemon journey before playing Pokemon Go.
POKEMON
Clement Neo, 16S6C
I started with Pokemon Ruby in Kindergarten, and played all subsequent main series games up till Pokemon Black 2 & White 2. I didn’t continue playing the subsequent games because the new console (3DS) was way too expensive. I remember choosing a Treecko as my first starter Pokémon.
What was your reaction when you first heard the announcement for Pokemon Go?
Ever since Pokemon Go was released overseas, I was waiting intently for its release in Singapore. On its release one fine Saturday morning, I got woken up by a friend calling me on my phone (admittedly, I tend to sleep in). He called me just to tell me that Pokemon Go was released on the App Store. Within half an hour, I was out of the house catching Pokemon.
Watch out Red, Clement will give you a run for your money
Would you say Pokemon has had an effect on other areas in your life? (e.g. academics, social life etc.)
mbracing bracing our school’s core value.
Pokemon definitely made up a huge part of my vocabulary when I was in Kindergarten, teaching me relatively big words such as tackle, ember and surf. Other than that, Pokemon is just something that I periodically enjoy.
Can you tell us the story behind naming your Vaporeon after our school’s core value of 饮水思源? The beloved Clefairy of Xia Tianyi from 16S6Q.
I thought I could take over the gym in school and leave 饮水思源 in there for all to appreciate its glory. That was before I realised that others can’t see Pokemon nicknames in gyms.
Do you have any advice for budding trainers out there?
You don’t always have to choose the ‘best’ starter Pokemon - just choose the one that looks the most adorable, and things will always work out eventually. Unless they evolve into a monster. I’m looking at you, Tepig.
We’re gonna agree with him on this one.
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Campus Fashion Watch:
Beige Rage
Beige is often overlooked in the fashion scene, touted as a boring or underwhelming colour. Yet this season, the distinctively bland hue seems to have taken the Hwa Chong campus by storm. Students are reportedly being seen in all-beige collared tops, paired exquisitely with all-beige pants or all-beige skirts. Black shoes often seem to accompany the beige, though another commonly seen option is to pair it with white footwear. In fact, with the sheer number of students adopting this outfit, one might think it is compulsory attire.
(MAD) society have complained that the thick beige cloth and cutting make it difficult to practice their dance moves. Some students also noticed a strange phenomenon where dancing in the outfit leads to receiving demerit points. Yet, others have found a bright side to the dull clothing, “ The good thing is that the material is flame retardant. That makes it easier for us to focus even when our music ,” says Blaise Tan, from is lit MAD Street.
Indeed, better or for worse, it However, not all students showed looks like the beige rage is not the same enthusiasm. Members leaving any time soon. Until then, from the school’s Music and Dance don’t forget your collar pins.
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11
H O L I D AY
HolidayTo-Do List
Not sure of how you should spend your holidays? No worries, we’ve got your back! Take a break from your studies and head out to have some fun!
Places to Visit
National Gallery
Marvel at the building’s British colonial architecture and view 19th century art pieces from Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. This holiday, you’re in luck as the Gallery will be celebrating its first anniversary with the Gallery White Night Festival, where the Gallery will stay open from dusk till late.
The Projector
Looking for a place to fulfill the hipster in you? Check out The Projector, a retro-themed cinema that screens classic hits and indie flicks, from The Lovers and the Despot to Tsukiji Wonderland! Originally known as the Golden Theatre, it was the biggest cinema in Singapore and Malaysia when it was built in 1973.
Coney Island
Visit Coney Island, an island off Punggol in the most North Eastern part of Singapore. Grab some friends and rent a bicycle to explore the beautiful wilderness! You can even ride a horse at Punggol Stables at $10!
Exhibitions to attend Future World @ ArtScience Museum Immerse yourself in a spectacular installation that engages all your senses at the new permanent exhibition at the ArtScience Museum. Explore a 1500-square-metre digital universe, where 16 spectacular art installations are brought to life and evolve in real-time through visitor presence and participation. 12
H O L I D AY
Food to eat Michelin Starred Hawkers Jump on the hype train and visit “Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle” at Chinatown Food Complex and “Tai Hwa Pork Noodle” at Hill Street, the first ever Asian street hawker stalls to be awarded a Michelin Star. However, do be mentally prepared for long queues!
Or... just cook something for yourself The holidays are a great time to fire up the hidden Masterchef within each of us. Do-it-yourself and whip up your own meal or surprise others! epicurious.com and allrecipes.com are great sites with simple recipes that will help you get started.
Things to do Enjoy the festivities Immerse yourself in the festive spirit! Head to Gardens By the Bay for the Garden Rhapsody: Christmas Edition or take a stroll along Orchard Road at night to enjoy the dazzling lights on display and take the chance to spend the holiday with your family.
Exercise
Stay healthy this holiday by taking up a sport! Hit the gym, go for a swim or even pick up a new sport, get your body in shape! You can even get a headstart for the NAPFA tests next year. You can also enjoy the sports with your friends and spend some quality time with them. Photo Credi ts: Hwa Cho ng Photogra phic Soci
ety
Volunteer Spend
your
difference
free in
the
time
meaningfully
community!
by Visit
making the
a CIP
Council’s website to start your own Service Learning project and explore other opportunities to contribute to
the
causes
that
you
are
passionate
in.
Photo Credits: Interact Club
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TEACHERS’ DAY
TD
TD
BY THE NUMB3RS Photo Credits: Hwa Chong Photographic Society
287 SOUVENIRS GIVEN
34M OF STREAMERS
65 BALLOONS
90
PERFORMERS 14
“TEACHERS’ DAY EPISODE XVI: THE STUDENTS GIVE BACK” WAS A VERY SPECIAL THEME FOR A GROUP OF EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE ON 1 SEPTEMBER. ON BEHALF OF ALL STUDENTS, THE 43RD HCSC WISHES ALL TEACHERS A VERY HAPPY TEACHERS DAY. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL
MAF
MAF
BY THE NUMB3RS Photo Credits: Heng Wei Shin, 15S6C
The theme this year, symbolises the spirit of MidAutumn Festival, a reunion under the full moon, where we celebrate the treasured relationships forged in Hwa Chong. The 43rd HCSC hopes that everyone had an unforgettable time with their families and friends on that night of reminiscence as one Hwa Chong family.
53 5
PERFORMERS
6.1M 800 CUPS OF BUBBLE TEA
HEIGHT OF WATER FOUNTAIN
19
9 SONGS 5 DANCES 12 CHEERS LANTERNS 71 LIGHTBULBS TYPES OF FOOD
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Teachers’ Fash
TEACHERS
TEACHERS
MRS TAY-CHEN SUE ANN A
lways in elegant and well-matched ensembles, Mrs Tay’s style is not one to be missed. Rather than following the latest trends, she sticks to her own style and gains inspiration by observing people around her and reading fashion magazines at the saloon or the clinic.
THE MAKING OF
HOW SHE PULLS IT ALL OFF
From a young age, she has taught her the importance of dressing and styling so as to leave a good impression on other people.
“War begins” when she reaches home after a day in school: her three kids need to be fed and put to bed, and afterwards there is still housework waiting. Yet she is still incredibly stylish, and she attributes that to arranging her clothes by colour and selecting her outfits over the weekend. When she is lecturing or meeting external vendors, she will “power dress”, and wear a collared shirt or even a blazer. But for casual wear, she prefers a simple one-piece.
Much of her close attention to style is influenced by her mom. She recalls her mom as someone who always makes sure that she appears her best.
MR BENJAMIN HATHAWAY T
is the favourite thing you Q: What are wearing today?
SOPHISTICATION IN SIMPLICITY
purple socks! I usually A: My wear red or maroon socks.
he clean cut look is in style, and Mr. Hathaway pulls it off. He is someone who prioritises simplicity and comfort in his wardrobe.
Mr. Hathaway likes to keep things uncomplicated and elegant. He wears plain colours, like blue or white most of the time, and pairs them with classic style shoes. He confesses that he makes a lot of his shirts look the same, so he can make the decision-making process simpler every morning. Even when he's not in school, he avoids clothing with a lot of designs on it. He is especially fond of single tone t-shirts, which he has many for casual wear.
16
hion Watch
TEACHERS
TEACHERS
MR LEE CHENG WEI M
r Lee is most often seen on the field with his classes, and he has a knack for being effortlessly stylish. He describes his style as “practical”, and he dresses based on the module or sports he is teaching. He tends to focus on the functionality of his sportswear, rather than design. Yet, he always seems to have a way of matching clothes, which forms his distinct breezy athletic style. ATHLETIC STYLE As a national athlete, it comes as no surprise that he is very particular and professional about his sportswear. He owns 5 pairs of sports shoes, including court shoes, football shoes, running shoes and turf shoes. However, he still marvels at another PE teacher, Mr. Yong’s sports equipment. “He has shoes
MISS ALANNA YEO T
here is never a dull moment in Miss Yeo’s style, and she often surprises her students with unique and eye-catching outfits. She describes her style as “eclectic”. There is no fixed formula for her when it comes to dressing up — she simply wears things that she enjoys. THE JAPANESE CONNECTION An ardent fan of Japanese fashion, she admires how it does not bother with trends but play the role of trendsetters, and she observes that a lot of what happens in the Japanese fashion scene eventually trickles down into pop culture. A pro-tip that she has gained from Japanese fashion magazines: begin from a “point item”. The “point item” is the focus of the whole outfit, and all other pieces of clothing are arranged to match it.
for everything... and even sports glasses and a GPS watch!” His advice to students: wear things that you are comfortable in, and your confidence will shine through. Perhaps that is his secret to always looking good! WHEN HE IS NOT A PE TEACHER But during the weekends when he goes out with his wife, he reveals that she has taught him the importance of matching colours. He admits that his wife is way more fashionable than him, and he has learnt the concept of “colours will clash” from her, saving him from wardrobe malfunctions. Before they go out, she will take a look at what both of them are wearing, and either one of them has to change if their clothes do not match. They even match their baby boy’s clothes sometimes.
Miss Yeo ’s Fashion A 1
dvice
A CAS U turn a AL BLAZER ny ou : It ca tf forma n l, eve it smart a n jean nd shirt, yet no s and t too fo a H E r mal. 2 ELS: T h ey do be hi n’t h g comfo h, and of ave to rt cours a diff is key. But e it mak erenc e to es someo th n and a e stands an e way d d s t y l i s ds an ele walks ment hness of needs . Eve r t and m o learn how y g i r l ove i to wal k 3 CONFIDENCn heels. E you w ant an : Wear wh d wha at nice ty i natura n , a n d y ou feel ou w ll ill good! y look good and fe el
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THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL DESTINATION
Tourism Hwa Chong Featuring: the new Block D
AND HERE’S WHY
ecg Room
Sports Hall
Think ahead - access materials and get advice from the counselors here to help you make informed decisions on university courses and career paths.
Bookshop Maybe the most Popular place in school, the bookshop is home stationery, writing materials, and collar pins, for those rare cases when you forget to put it on!
While still a work in progress, the new indoor sports hall will be a hub of excitement and energy for all students.
Welfare Room With its new location, the welfare room is ready and able to take care of all your needs, be it phone charging, borrowing sports equipment, or a fun afternoon snack.
College times Cafe Enjoy a variety of comfort food ranging from chocolate cakes to waffles or just chill on a relaxing afternoon. Open on Saturdays as well!