Jointly reported by:
Chloe Phang Zi Ying Sr2ScB
Leong Jomin Sr2ScE
Andrew Lim Wu Jiat Sr2ScF

Photography by:
Donald Lim Ze Ten Sr2ComD
Lee Xue Fei Sr1ScC

         On the 23rd of July 2025, Kuen Cheng High School held a special welcome ceremony for the arrival of teachers and students of Tokyo Jogakkan High School, all the way from Japan! Kuen Cheng High School and Tokyo Jogakkan have had a long-standing cultural exchange since 1997, spanning over 28 years.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Naito, the lead teacher from Tokyo Jogakkan, shared his heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes for the partnership that has been established between Kuen Cheng and Tokyo Jogakkan. He emphasized that this collaboration is truly invaluable. Mr. Naito highlighted the noble goal of exposing students from both Tokyo Jogakkan and Kuen Cheng to diverse cultures, which enriches their understanding of each other’s traditions and customs.

(Photo 1: Mr Naito presenting an introductory speech)

         Immediately after Mr Naito’s opening remarks, the moment everyone waited for finally arrived. Spotlight was given to the Tokyo Jogakkan High School students and they each made their way onto the stage. They were so cheerful and mentioned their hobbies to everyone participating in the event. Participating students of the year were Mako, Yuka, Rina, Yuwa, Yua, Yuuka, Kokoka, Rio, Lisa and Mai in the order of left to right. After their introductions, a group photo was taken, which also marked the end of the ceremony.

(Photo 2: Students from Tokyo Jogakkan doing self-introduction)

          Students of Tokyo Jogakkan were then introduced to their host families. They took a group picture together to commemorate this ceremony. The Opening Ceremony was sweet and warm. It allowed students to meet fellow peers from different backgrounds, to understand and learn about each other before they explore further on culture and traditions.

(Photo 3: Group photo of students of Tokyo Jogakkan and their host students)

          During the interview with Madam Loh Hoi Yuen, Admin Head of the Academic Department, she mentioned that the exchange program in between Kuen Cheng High School and Tokyo Jogakkan has since begun from 1997. During the months of May and June, both schools send 10 students for the experience of cultural exchange. However, due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, which interrupted the academic years and its periods of school holidays, the yearly event had come to an abrupt stop. As a result, we did not send our students to Japan in recent years. According to Madam Loh, cultural dance is typically presented alongside cultural performances as a wonderful tradition during student exchanges.

          Last but not least, we wish that both schools will enjoy a lasting friendship and continue to cherish their bond as sister schools! “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” by Saint Augustine. Let’s continue to explore new chapters together as we travel!