2024 to Present
Explore how students broadened their global outlook through cultural immersion trips to Shanghai, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Guangzhou in 2024 and 2025.
Shanghai Cultural Immersion Programme 2025
From 26–31 November 2025, students took part in a school immersion in Shanghai, China, attending an interesting variety of lessons, workshops, and experiencing school life alongside Chinese peers. Beyond that, students experienced how technology, design, and sustainability, shape modern urban life. From exploring smart transport innovations like autonomous vehicles and drones, to discovering heritage districts, students gained valuable insights into how cities like Shanghai and Singapore are planning for a smarter, greener future.
"I was inspired by the enthusiasm and technical expertise of the Shanghai students in their exploration of science and technology. Joining my buddy in class, I was amazed by how they used technology to make lessons fun and engaging. This experience opened my eyes to how technology can transform ordinary lessons into exciting opportunities to learn and connect.”
– Ferlyn Tan En Xin, Year 2, 2025
Shanghai Cultural Immersion Programme 2024
From 3-8 November 2024, 26 students and 5 teachers embarked on an enriching Shanghai immersion programme to develop their global literacy and inventive thinking. Students actively participated in pre-trip planning and engaged in meaningful exchanges at Luwan Middle School, learning alongside local buddies through regular classes and innovative 3D printing workshops. The programme balanced cutting-edge innovation with cultural heritage through visits to Apollo Baidu Factory, East China UAV Base, and Shanghai Urban Planning Center, alongside traditional sites like Yu Garden, Tianzifang, and Zhujiajao water town. This comprehensive experience successfully combined educational discovery with cultural appreciation, fostering global perspectives whilst creating lasting memories for all students.
Vietnam Cultural Immersion Programme 2024
From 10-14 November 2024, 30 students and 6 teachers embarked on an immersive learning journey to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The programme aimed to develop students’ global literacy, deepen their appreciation of culture and the humanities, and foster collaboration and communication skills through shared experiences. Students engaged in meaningful exchanges during a service-learning project at Maison Chance village school, where they contributed actively to the local community. The itinerary offered rich insights into Vietnam’s history and geography, with visits to the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong Delta at My Tho. Cultural highlights such as a traditional water puppet show and exploration of Ben Thanh Market further broadened students’ perspectives. The trip successfully combined experiential learning, cultural immersion, and social contribution, leaving participants with enhanced skills, deeper appreciation of the region, and lasting memories.
Cambodia Cultural Immersion Programme 2024
From 10 to 14 November 2024, 27 Secondary 2 and 3 students embarked on a meaningful and eye-opening journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as part of our school’s Overseas Cultural Immersion Programme. This experience was designed to nurture cultural agility, deepen intercultural understanding, and foster a spirit of global friendship.
One of the highlights of the programme was a vibrant cultural exchange at Pras Khan Chey Bokator School, where our students introduced Taekwondo as a discipline rooted in respect, perseverance, and self-mastery. In return, they were introduced to the traditional Cambodian martial art of Bokator — a powerful expression of Cambodia’s heritage and resilience.
This dynamic exchange not only celebrated martial arts, but also built bridges of mutual curiosity and appreciation between both groups of youths.
As part of their bicultural learning, students also engaged in school exchanges with both Chroy Chonya High School, an urban school, and Thomsras Secondary School, located in a rural village. Through collaborative games and informal conversations, friendships blossomed — and meaningful growth unfolded on both sides. Our students took on leadership roles as they planned and executed bonding activities, interactive games, and a basic Taekwondo session, creating shared moments of joy and learning for their Cambodian peers.
These interactions gave Cambodian students the opportunity to practise their English with confidence, while our students honed cultural agility and empathy, making new friends while navigating new environments with openness and heart.
“My favourite memory from the immersion experience was getting to know my Secondary 3 seniors better and forging deeper bonds with both them and my level mates. Through our shared experiences, I discovered that I am capable of stepping out of my comfort zone — to lead, to present, and to make new friends with confidence. I was especially inspired by the Cambodian youths, who reminded me to be grateful for even the simplest things in life, like a warm meal or the presence of newfound friends.”
- Seah Zhi Ying, 2EV 2024
This immersive experience left an indelible mark on our students, who returned not only with new friendships and skills, but with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. As global citizens, they were reminded that while languages and customs may differ, the heart of human connection — mutual respect, curiosity, and kindness — transcends borders.
Guangzhou Overseas Immersion Programme 2024
From 10 to 15 November 2024, our students embarked on an enriching immersion programme to Guangzhou, China. Hosted by Guangzhou Experiment Secondary School, they experienced two full days of school immersion—attending lessons, joining co-curricular activities, and forging friendships with their Chinese peers. A highlight was staying in the school hostel, where students gained first-hand experience of the daily routines and lifestyle of their Chinese counterparts, deepening their understanding of student life in China.
Beyond the classroom, students explored China’s blend of tradition and innovation. They engaged in hands-on cultural activities such as dim sum making and crafting their own lion dance head, while visits to iFlyTech and the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City provided insights into China’s rapid technological advancements and international collaborations.
Through this overseas experience, students not only deepened their appreciation of China’s rich history and modernisation but also enhanced their 21st Century Competencies in cross-cultural literacy, adaptive thinking, and communication. Importantly, the immersion reinforced their sense of belonging to Singapore and inspired them to think about how innovation and heritage can shape our nation’s future.