Jy-2015

14th Singapore – Hong Kong
Exchange Programme 2015
This 14th Singapore – Hong Kong Exchange Programme 2015
was an initiative between the Hong Kong Education Bureau
(HK-EDB) and Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE). The
annual exchange programme was first carried out in 2000 with
6 secondary schools from both countries with the following
objectives:
• To promote cultural exchange between participating
schools.
• To provide opportunities for students to broaden their
perspectives, learn social and language skills, and cultivate
respect for differences in culture.
When I was nominated to participate in the 14th Singapore
– Hong Kong Exchange Programme 2015, I was not really
interested. However, the teacher in-charge, Mr Rudie,
encouraged me not to give this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
a miss. Hence, I went home and asked my sister what the
programme was all about. (My sister was also nominated for
participation in the 12th Singapore – Hong Kong Exchange
Programme 2013)
Upon learning about the programme, I started to get very
excited and I wanted to be involved in the programme. We had
many briefings and preparatory sessions before the programme.
For example, we had to learn basic Hong Kong culture, some
conversational Cantonese, as well as the mass dance which we
had to share with our buddies during the programme.
I was thankful for the teachers’ support and encouragement
throughout the months of preparation.
Finally, the Hong Kong students arrived in Singapore for the
first leg of the programme. I had to pick up my buddy, Herman.
I had communicated with him over social media over the past
months, and I was really feeling very excited about meeting him
face to face.
When I picked him up at Beatty Secondary School, I was very
shy and felt awkward as I never had to take care of people
whom I did not know much about. In the 14 days of the homestay
programme which followed, I began to appreciate what it
was to be a good buddy to someone else, and to take care of
him. We had our little fights and misunderstandings, but these
little fights and misunderstandings only served to strengthen
our relationship as buddies. We learnt more about each other,
our cultures and practices and became better and best of
buddies. On his last day in Singapore, I accompanied him to
the Universal Studio Sentosa and he was extremely happy. We
took roller coaster rides together and screamed till our spirits
soared high. Till this day, I still cherished those wonderful
moments we had.
Through my experience in the first leg of the programme, I learnt
that taking care of someone was challenging and involved a
lot of difficulties and responsibilities. I started appreciating my
parents for their never-ending love and care towards my sister
and I. I developed a deeper respect for my parents.
For Herman, I had also started to become fond of him.
After Herman returned to Hong Kong, I started to get ready for
my return trip to Hong Kong in November. While it was only
four months away, it felt like an eternity. Finally, it was the day
for me to fly over to Hong Kong with the rest of the Singapore
delegates for the return leg of the programme.
When I reached Hong Kong, I received a warm and pleasant
welcome and when Herman picked me up, he told me that
his mum had booked a restaurant for a welcome dinner.
I was shocked to hear that, and I started thinking about the
excitement of the next 10 days of homestay with him and his
parents.
I followed Herman to school daily, and participated in all his
school’s activities, just like how Herman joined me in the school
activities in the first leg of the programme. I found out that
Kings College was a very good school, an all boys’ school which
developed students holistically as leaders and learners. The
school also had very high expectations of it students.
The 10 days passed in the blink of an eye. I enjoyed every
moment we had together, going for runs in the evening,
challenging each other to take the “loopy” roller-coaster ride,
and the wonderful meals that Herman’s parents prepared for
me.
On the last day, many of the students involved in the programme
cried and I was about to cry too as I knew I would definitely miss
my buddy.
The experiences of the 14th Singapore - Hong Kong Exchange
Programme 2015 helped me learn the values, such as resilience,
respect and graciousness, and competencies, such as crosscultural
communication skills. Through the experiences, we
have built networks and strong bonds amongst the participating
students from Singapore, as well as the participating students
from Hong Kong.
Today, I am still in touch with Herman and we look forward to
our reunion in the near future.
Reflections by Brandon Chua (Sec 2E1)
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