Hwa Chong Humanities Programme Explores Sustainability at its Inaugural Symposium

Hwa Chong Humanities Programme Explores Sustainability at its Inaugural Symposium

History, one of Hwa Chong’s more popular humanities subjects, was on everyone’s mind at the inaugural HCI Humanities Programme (HP) Symposium, and not for academic reasons. Instead, the rich history of HP was celebrated throughout the symposium- a gathering of almost 200 students from different junior colleges, secondary schools, and talent programmes within the college.

Centering around the theme of “We, The Sustainable Citizens”, the symposium was kicked off by an engrossing speech by Principal Lee Peck Ping, who emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in “future transformations and breakthroughs'', especially when pertaining to the creation of sustainable practices and innovations in the nation. This spirit of cross-collaboration was especially strong during the symposium, as Science Math Talent Programme (SMTP) and Art Elective Programme (AEP) students from the college section joined the humanities students as enthusiastic participants throughout the event. 

HCI Principal Lee Peck Ping delivering the opening address

The opening remarks were followed by a blast from the past- an insightful panel discussion from HP alumni Chong Lingying (07A15), Jian Yang Hoh (07A15), Shawn Teo (09A14), and Kylie Liu (11A15). With their varying educational and professional experiences ranging from publisher to public servant, the panellists responded to questions about their life experiences, the partnership of STEM fields with the humanities, and sustainability with expertise and humour, fondly reminiscing about their days in Hwa Chong and charting out their hopes for a greener future. 

Panellists Kylie Liu, Jian Yang Hoh, Shawn Teo and Chong Ling Ying, along with HP tutors Mr Benjamin Hathaway and Mr Tan Wah Jiam (pictured from left to right)

After a short refreshment break, concurrent Capstone presentations from the C2 HP cohort commenced in rooms named after key HP tutors of the past, with the “Premier Miles Lounge” and “Perry’s Theatre” being dedicated to Mr Nick Miles and Mr Nicholas Perry respectively, in recognition of their tireless efforts in making the programme a vibrant community of passionate learners. The C2s embodied these traits as they showcased the findings of their year-long interdisciplinary projects. Ranging from field trips to urban farms, the construction of virtual malls, feeding the future and more, the projects all aimed to bring the Singapore one step closer to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #11 of Sustainable Cities and Communities. After their presentations, participants listened to advice and comments by the panellists, before starting spirited discussions on how each project could be improved.

C2 HP students presenting their Capstone Project, “High Harvest”, in The White Room

As students proceeded to depart the school for their March holiday breaks, their terms were capped off with a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction, with Katriel, a C2 student from Eunoia Junior College remarking that the symposium left her “feeling inspired and enlightened by the future”. Others especially enjoyed rare space to discuss the humanities with like-minded peers, as Finna, a C1 from Raffles Institution, noted that she “felt very comfortable sharing [her] thoughts as everyone was bonded through our common passion for the humanities which allowed us to engage in discussions effectively”, before expressing her love for such a humanities community 

Written by: Alicia Ng Si Qi (23A15)