Talent Development

The robust range of talent development programmes at Hwa Chong Institution ensures that students will be nurtured to be future leaders in the areas of Research, Industry, and Government.

Art Elective Programme (AEP)

The Art Elective Programme (AEP) at Hwa Chong Institution is designed for students who are passionate about art and eager to explore their creative potential. As an AEP student, you will dive into a dynamic curriculum that blends hands-on studio practice with conversations and critique.

Throughout the 4-year programme, you will have access to specialised studio facilities, equipment, and resources, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of materials, media, and creative processes. You will also get the chance to attend exclusive workshops, showcase your work in exhibitions, and learn from professionals in the arts industry. More than just an art programme, AEP nurtures you as a practitioner, scholar, advocate, and leader in the arts. If you're ready to take your artistic journey to the next level, this is the place to begin!

AEP is a programme that prioritises participation and interest, ensuring everyone remains engaged and motivated in their pursuit of the visual arts.

"As a member of the Art Elective Programme, I can confidently say that, alongside various academic talent programmes, Hwa Chong offers a multitude of additional pathways that allow students to explore their interests and grow holistically.

In AEP, through weekly lessons, students both learn the theory involved in artmaking and apply these lessons in practice. In my four years at AEP, I have tried out traditional methods such as graphite, charcoal, watercolours, oil and sculpture, as well as more recent techniques such as digital modelling and silkscreen printing. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design also provide a more in-depth understanding of the structures that make up an artwork. The study of art throughout historical periods has allowed us to understand the evolution of the craftsmanship involved. This has allowed me to refine my own skills over these four years and helped me learn to better appreciate my art and the art of other artists."

— Rutkevych Nikolai

双文化课程 | Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP)

华侨中学双文化课程的愿景在于培育国家未来的双语双文化领袖，继续引领新加坡搭建国际桥梁，开拓新契机。课程目标与课程规划主要通过引导学生以新加坡视角看我国与中西方以及东南亚的关系，结合历史与现代局势发展，开拓学生思维。

华侨中学双文化课程旨在：

加深学生对本土文化的了解；
加强学生对当代中国的认识；
提高学生对东西文化的热爱；
培育学贯中西的双文化精英；
掌握21世纪技能及全球化视野。

BSP Trip to United Kingdom

The Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP) aims to produce a pipeline of future Singapore leaders who are not only effectively bilingual, but also possess cultural nous, allowing them to continue building bridges and forge opportunities for Singapore’s advancement on the global scene.

Its curriculum anchors Hwa Chongians in the Singaporean Perspective, while developing their ability to form cutting-edge insights on the relationships between China, the West and Southeast Asia. Students develop their thinking skills and capacities as they make connections between past and present global trends from the East and West.

Overall, the BSP curriculum aims to give students:

A deepened understanding and appreciation of our local culture;
An all-round knowledge and multi-faceted understanding of contemporary China;
A passion and life-long interest in the cultures of the East and West;
Opportunities to become adept at bicultural knowledge and its relevant applications;
A concrete mastery of 21st Century Competencies and a strong global outlook.

"To me, the Bicultural Studies Programme has built a bridge far beyond the narrow shores of traditional textbooks, offering me a panoramic vantage point from which to witness the shifting currents of the global landscape. The opportunity to take part in overseas immersion trips turned abstract classroom theories into living, breathing experiences, expanding my worldview while deepening the roots of my identity and purpose as a youth in Singapore.

Moreover, signature events such as the BSP Symposium and Asian Youth Chinese Forum have not only added new colors and rhythms to my academic journey, but also opened doors to genuine dialogue with thought leaders and peers from a multitude of backgrounds. Above all, the BSP has sharpened in me a kind of cultural compass, helping me cross divides and move with confidence through the complexities of the world."

— Long Chenyu

华文语文特选课程 | Chinese Language Elective Programme

华侨中学（高中部）在1990年推出语文特选课程（简称语特），旨在陶铸通晓双语而又对中华文化有所认识的双语精英。2020年，华侨中学（中学部），获选为开办中学华文语文特选课程的9所中学之一。华中语特课程的愿景在于栽培精通双语的人才，提高学生的华文水平和文学素养。

华侨中学语特课程旨在：

引导学生走进中华文学和历史精粹，拓展思路，增进人文情怀；
引导学生在文学、历史、哲学的世界里领悟不同的人生；
培养学生高尚的道德情操、人生观和价值观;
培养具有环球视野的双语人才

Since its inception in 1990, the Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP) at Hwa Chong Institution has dedicated itself to nurturing the nation’s next generation of bilingual talents and cultural ambassadors, well-versed in the intricacies of the Chinese Language, Literature, and Culture. In 2020, we became one of the 9 schools in Singapore to offer CLEP to Upper Secondary students.

Overall, the CLEP curriculum aims to:

Nurture students into open-minded scholars of Chinese Literature;
Provide guidance for their endeavours in the humanities under the Chinese Literary domain;
Develop a generation of students with empathy, values and the dedication to bettering the human condition;
Develop future leaders who are effectively bilingual with a strong global outlook.

"As a student in the Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP) and the Vice Chairman of the CLEP Council, Hwa Chong has given me many platforms to grow and shine. I have been glad to lead the planning of key events, such as the CLEP Camp and the World Book Day Opening Ceremony. These experiences have played a big part in my growth, helping me improve my communication skills and become more confident when leading others.

Beyond these events, the lessons in class are also very meaningful. Our lessons are engaging because my teachers use various methods to teach us how to analyse literature and poetry. This has allowed me to appreciate the beauty of what we read and has made me more sensitive to the hidden meanings and symbolism within the texts.

Through the programme, I have grown to love Chinese literature and language. I am deeply grateful to Hwa Chong and my teachers for their constant support and for providing such an enriching environment for us to learn."

— Wang Zhiyuan (Also in the MOE CLEP Council)

Computing Talent Programme (CTP)

The Hwa Chong Computing Talent Programme (CTP) is tailored for students who have a strong passion for, and the ability to pursue Infocomm as a specialisation at the Secondary 3 and 4 levels. The core curriculum emphasises problem-solving and computational thinking — a thought process involving formal reasoning, logical and algorithmic thinking, and the formulation of problems to enable computer-based solutions. There is also a strong focus on computer applications and technology.

Beyond the core curriculum, CTP provides exposure to various enrichments, including competitive programming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). Students will also participate in an immersion programme with the High School Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology (HSAS) from Shenzhen, China, fostering cross-cultural collaboration in computing. Additionally, the annual Computing Forum offers CTP students the opportunity to work on projects with HSAS peers and present their work, further deepening their learning and innovation in the field.

It is a progression from lower secondary Infocomm studies, CTP not only equips students with essential computing skills but also lays a strong foundation for further studies in computing-related disciplines at the post-secondary and tertiary levels.

"When I first joined CTP, I was excited about the opportunities in both learning and leadership. Being part of a community of like-minded peers inspired me to pursue computing projects and deepen my interest in technology.

One meaningful experience was the July immersion programme and AI Forum, where we hosted students from our Shenzhen partner school and collaborated on an AI project focused on elder care. We later continued this work during our year-end immersion trip to Shenzhen, which broadened my global perspective and understanding of how AI is applied in different contexts.

CTP has also provided valuable leadership opportunities. As Chairman of the CTP Council, I was involved in planning key programmes such as CTP Orientation, student-led computing sabbaticals, and immersion activities. Overall, CTP has been a valuable platform that has allowed me to hone my competencies and skills in both Computing and leadership."

— Joshua Choo Guan Yu (4A3)

Entrepreneurship Programme

The Entrepreneurship Programme (EP) cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset in students, empowering them to think boldly, innovate, and solve problems effectively. Through projects, students explore new ideas, refine their design thinking, and develop essential problem-solving skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.

A key feature of the Entrepreneurship Programme is its emphasis on real-world learning experiences:

Alumni Mentorship: Successful alumni share their entrepreneurial journeys, offering invaluable insights and guidance to help students overcome the challenges in bringing ideas to life.
Industry Attachment: Students collaborate with professionals across various industries, gaining firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the business landscape.

Hear from Our Student Entrepreneurs

"My DSA experience has been very interesting and exciting. Through the Innovation Programme (IVP), I have learned how to collaborate, plan, and think of solutions for problems in our daily lives. Visiting the Steamunity booths inspired me to think out of the box, and I’ve really enjoyed gaining the confidence and leadership skills needed to think like an entrepreneur." — Zeroun

"It has been a fun learning process for me. I get to take part in the IVP where we innovate, solve problems, and attend innovation fairs. It’s great interacting with like-minded peers who are just as interested in this as I am! The teachers are also very supportive and kind; they truly try their best to support me in my journey." — Lucas

"My experience so far has been very fulfilling. We are currently designing our own solutions to common problems for the IVP competition. We even attended an innovation competition’s finals to see other students showcasing their projects. The teachers are all very nice and will always try their best to support you through your entrepreneurial journey." — Jansen

"I’ve found the experience to be very engaging. We visited the Science Centre to view competition booths and see how different teams solve their assigned problems. We were able to bond through this, pitching our own ideas and deciding together which problems to solve. I like it because it’s a fun, collaborative way to learn." — Devlin

Humanities Programme (HP)

Each year, the Humanities Programme (HP) attracts top talents who are curious thinkers, avid readers, and persuasive communicators. Through the study of Humanities subjects, such as English Literature, Social Studies, History or Geography,students are able to appreciate complex global issues from multiple perspectives. Interdisciplinary modules, involving the Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences, are also a key feature of our curriculum.

Through these authentic projects, students appreciate the resonance between disciplines, as well as the constructive potential of harnessing differences. Beyond the classroom, learning comes alive for our HP students when they work in senior-junior teams to organise integrated activities, such as symposiums, mock conferences, field studies, and drama, among others. Many of our HP students go on to flourish in top universities around the world, with half of Hwa Chong’s President’s Scholars hailing soley from the Humanities Programme. Moreover, our HP students and alumni are actively involved in Service Learning projects which uplift the community. We are proud of our HP students—past and present—who embody our vision of being engaged citizens of the world, and empathetic leaders of Singapore.

“I chose the Humanities Programme (HP) to learn to appreciate the world around me. As a student of the humanities, I am exposed to diverse ideas that shape society’s cross-cultural identities. Despite these differences, values which people hold close to their hearts bring us together.

One such value is 饮水思源, or remembering our roots and honouring our benefactors. This is something that HP inculcates in us – to go beyond simply serving, to serving with thought, appreciation, and empathy for others. In this sense, HP has taught me about forging fulfilling connections, not just with the characters in the books we study, but by appreciating the individual perspectives of those around us.”

— Isaac Sim Hong Yin

Malay Special Programme (MSP)

The Malay Special Programme (MSP) contributes to Hwa Chong students’ cross-cultural leadership and perspectives in multiple ways. Firstly, it ensures that every Hwa Chong student will graduate with basic proficiency in Malay. This is because all Hwa Chongians learn the language, as well as the accompanying Malay culture and customs, at Secondary Two. Secondly, students interested in pursuing the Malay language further can study it as a Third Language with our in-house cikgus. It is an experience that goes beyond the classroom, as MSP students are accorded with a myriad of opportunities for sustained, meaningful interaction with the language and culture. These include Scrabble challenges, cultural immersions, oratorical competitions, and chances to lead the MSP student community in inter-school activities that enable them to share their love for the language.

"Hwa Chong Institution has provided me with many opportunities for learning and growth in both academic and non-academic areas, including bilingualism, values-based education, servant leadership, and the development of discipline.

Being part of Hwa Chong’s in-house Malay Special Programme (MSP) has deepened my cross-cultural understanding. Through MSP, I not only learn to speak the Malay language, but also gain insights into Malay culture and practices through activities such as mosque visits and Hari Raya celebrations. With the ample opportunities provided by the school to develop bilingualism in English and Chinese, my experience in MSP—both linguistically and culturally—has been especially meaningful and rewarding.

My journey at Hwa Chong has been both enriching and fulfilling, made possible by the guidance and support of my caring teachers and friends."

— Tan Bing Xun, Jair (2i1)

"My experience at Hwa Chong has been incredibly fulfilling. I am especially grateful to have been part of the Malay Special Programme (MSP), which takes students beyond conversational Malay and conventional classroom learning.

Under the guidance of dedicated and encouraging teachers, I grew not only in proficiency but also in confidence in using the Malay language. Taking on a third language alongside my other commitments was certainly challenging, but my Malay teachers constantly reminded us that Malay is more than just an examinable subject—it is a lifelong skill that enables us to better understand and connect with those around us.

Their encouragement helped me develop a genuine appreciation for the language, and I began to see its relevance beyond the classroom. The programme also taught me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges—shaping not only how I approach learning, but also how I connect with and understand the diverse communities around me."

— Joshua Ong (Wang Jiale) (JC 26S64)

Science and Mathematics Talent Programme (SMTP)

Be it developing eco-friendly, low-cost alternatives to purifying water; devising solutions to remove herbicide efficiently, or discovering novel methods of improving UV protection, students in the Science and Mathematics Talent Programme (SMTP) make their mark not only on the national stage, but also at prestigious international science fairs and mathematics tournaments. These include but are not limited to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the International Stockholm Junior Water Prize, and the International Mathematical and various Science Olympiads. Indeed, this is because the SMTP, catered to gifted and high-achieving Upper Secondary students, is a programme that:

Enriches by broadening the curricula and learning experiences,
Accelerates by providing the right pace for high-ability students, and
Extends by deepening learning through higher-order thinking processes

SMTP students also have opportunities to experience the rigour of Science Mentorship Programmes with the Gifted Education Branch, as they pursue scientific research under the guidance of experts in various fields. This is complemented by students’ convenient and immediate access to state-of-the-art laboratories in Hwa Chong’s Scholastic Renaissance Centre, the first to be established by any school in Singapore. Ultimately, the Hwa Chong SMTP is one with a difference, moulding students to become future leaders who possess values of research integrity, as well as innovation and empathy through solving real-world problems in the community.

"As someone who has always had a strong passion for the sciences, SMTP was a natural choice for me. SMTP has allowed me to further stretch myself in both mathematics and sciences, delving both deeper and broader into many topics. The extra rigour challenged me in areas that I have found interesting. Not only does SMTP have a rigorous academic curriculum, but it also has an extended research component. In Sec 3, I did a research project on how we can modify conventional starch-based bioplastics to improve their properties. This has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of how research works, and it has equipped me with many core research skills that will help me in future. Through this project, I also honed creative thinking skills when solving multiple problems. SMTP nurtures the next generation of leaders, cultivating skills, aptitude and character to drive future innovation."

— Tay Yu Le

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