The Annual SFCCA Scholarship Award Ceremony was held on Friday morning, August 12. This year, four outstanding students were awarded the scholarships, namely, Nathanael Chia Shiau Jiun and Phoon Hui Yin from Hwa Chong Institution (College), Quek Yan Zhi from Nanyang Junior College, and Kua Huai-En from Dunman High School (Senior High). These four scholarship recipients will be pursuing their undergraduate degrees at Peking University.

Three of this year’s scholarship winners: (From left) Phoon Hui Yin, Quek Yan Zhi and Kua Huai-En.

The other recipient, Nathanael Chia Shiau Jiun, was unable to attend the scholarship presentation ceremony because he was abroad.

In his speech, Mr. Chua Kee Seng Thomas, President of the SFCCA, said, “Nurturing a new generation of bilingual and bicultural talents in our country is the foundation for the sound development of our society. This is also the initial intention of SFCCA in setting up the scholarship. Bilingualism helps to strengthen our country’s position in the international arena. In addition to bilingualism, an in-depth understanding of the cultural underpinnings behind the language is essential. ”

Mr. Chua Kee Seng Thomas, President of the SFCCA, delivering a speech at the award ceremony.

Mr. Chua Kee Seng Thomas also said that studying in China is a great opportunity to broaden one’s horizons and experience different styles of education, and he believes that this year’s winners will have a fulfilling school life at Peking University, like the scholarship recipients from previous years.

Past scholarship recipients were also invited to share their experiences of studying and living in China with the new scholarship recipients. Past recipients have studied in a wide range of fields, spanning across 10 majors, including international politics, business administration, translation. About 41% of the graduates are currently working in the private sector, with 32% employed in the public sector, while the remaining having chosen to pursue further education.

Mr. Chua Kee Seng Thomas, President of the SFCCA, with this year’s scholarship recipients.

Mr. Chua Kee Seng Thomas (fourth from left), President of the SFCCA, together with two members of the scholarship management committee, Mr. Pok Cheng Chong (third from left) and Mr. Wan Shung Ming (third from right), with this year’s scholarship recipients and their parents.

Lastly, we would also like to congratulate all the scholarship recipients who graduated this year and wish them all the best for their future endeavours!