Reported by:
Yong En Zi Jr2Z(2)
Photography by:
“Steamboat Gala Dinner Organising Committee” Photography Team
On 10 June 2026, the School Hostel hosted its annual Hot Pot Gala Dinner for all boarding students. At 5:45 p.m., all of us gathered in the newly renovated cafeteria, a block of buildings donated by The Community Chest, a distinguished charitable institution, where the event was held.
Shortly before the dinner commenced, students made their way from their dormitories to the venue. Members of the Senior 3 Steamboat Gala Dinner Organising Committee welcomed the early arrivals and guided them to their assigned tables. Once seated, all residents prepared their dining equipment, arranging portable gas stoves, divided hot pots, cooking utensils, and any additional ingredients they had brought for the occasion.
At 6:00 p.m., the venue came alive with animated conversations and pleasant background music as students settled into their seats. For this special occasion, boarders were allowed to wear casual attire instead of their usual hostel uniforms, while the Senior 3 Organising Committee stood out in formal black outfits for easy identification. After all boarders were counted, Madam Chua Lee Lee, Principal of Kuen Cheng High School addressed the audience with a warm and inspiring speech, marking the official commencement of the evening’s festivities.
“First of all, I would like to commend the Senior 3 students who participated in organising this event,” she said, expressing her appreciation for the hardworking committee members. The boarders listened attentively as she emphasised the importance of gratitude—one of the core values encouraged within the hostel community. “This is not just another meal, but an opportunity to strengthen friendships, foster unity, and reconcile differences,” she added.
Her inspiring speech received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Following her address, a residential mentor stepped onto the stage to convey appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this annual reunion and to acknowledge the efforts of those who had made the event possible.
The speeches lasted approximately ten minutes and concluded with a group photograph featuring Madam Principal, Vice Principal Chong Siew Fah together with the Head of the School Hostel Mr Tan Wei Qiang, and our two student presidents of the organising committee.
(Photo 1: From left to right: Mr Tan, Mdm Chong, Mdm Chua, and the student committee presidents)
Without further delay, the evening’s programme commenced with an entertaining stand-up comedy performance titled “Gracias, Roomie!”, presented by seven members of the Senior 3 Organising Committee.
The audience was filled with laughter throughout the comedy performance, which featured six boarding students and a residential mentor, portrayed by a committee member. Through humour and relatable situations, the skit conveyed a meaningful message about gratitude and appreciation. The performance ended with a chorus of cheers and enthusiastic applause. At approximately 6:40 p.m., the gas stoves on each table were lit, officially signalling the start of the much-anticipated Hot Pot Gala Dinner.
Large, waist-high stew pots were wheeled around on hand trolleys, serving ready-made tom yum and tomato broths to all diners. Students then selected from a variety of ingredients provided by the committee to cook and enjoy the food from their pots.
(Photo 2: Committee members serving broth into a student’s hot pot) )
The spicy aroma of soup filled the air, blending with a variety of delicious ingredients such as crab sticks, eggs, enoki mushrooms, Yee Mee, and many more options. Friendly chatter from students and teachers mingled harmoniously throughout the venue, while ongoing stage performances helped set a lively and festive mood. Later in the event, sweet beverages were also served to the diners.
(Photo 3: Friendly hostel teachers and staff sharing the joy)
