Inspired by Xiamen (May - 2 June 2011)

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From 27 May to 2 June this year, a group of 26 students led by Vice-Principal of Student Development, Mr. Joseph Tan and teachers Mr. Lai Khong Hoo and Ms. Angelin Wong visited the hometown of Mr. Tan Kah Kee and Jimei Secondary School in Xiamen, China.

Our trip to Xiamen was one that was filled with new discoveries and awe. Our first stop was at Jimei Secondary School.  We learned that the school was among the 118 schools founded by Mr. Tan Kah Kee. As an ardent supporter of education, not only did he donate $1.5 billion to support its cause, he also gave his entire fortune to education leaving very little to his descendants. That was the extent of his passion for education and more importantly, his country. We were tremendously inspired by his great contribution.

We also visited the hometown of Mr. Lee Kong Chian, son-in-law of Mr. Tan Kah Kee.  Like his father-in-law, Mr. Lee was a strong patronage of education and had given generously to promote education.

Besides school visits, sightseeing is a must. We were brought on a tour of Xiamen’s famous attractions such as the Yong Ding Earthen Buildings, Riguang Rock and the nation’s largest Piano Museum. The attraction that left the deepest memory was the Piano Museum which has a wide collection of miniature, automatic and round-shaped pianos. Sadly, we weren’t able to take photos inside so I can’t share the wonderful memories we had there.

Like the typical Singaporean, we did a lot of shopping and most of my pocket money from my parents were spent on stationery items and clothes, which were all so much cheaper!

One memorable experience was when we had the chance to play with firecrackers as it is something we cannot do back home.  Initially, most of us were terrified but after some coaxing, we took to it and started lighting one firecracker after another, enthusiastically and gleefully.  This taught me not to be afraid to take the first step in doing anything. Though the first step is usually the hardest, we have to do our very best to overcome it.

The visit has been an eye-opener, it was not just fun but also one of inspiration as we had the chance to see firsthand the home of a great man who paved the way for generations of children to become better and bigger than their parents, mentors and benefactors. I strongly encourage more students to sign up for the trip next year.

By Kwan Yu Fei Cheryl (Sec 2 Resilience)

Click here for story in Chinese