Celebrating XMS80 : Our Legacy, Our Journey, Our Aspirations
Journey through 80 years of Xinmin’s legacy. As we mark this significant milestone, we pay tribute to the many contributors who have shaped our school's story, and look ahead to continuing to prepare our students for the future. From nostalgic publications and heartfelt anecdotes to treasured photographs and landmark events, experience the enduring spirit of Xinmin that continues to inspire generations. We warmly invite all alumni, students, staff, and partners to join us in creating new memories and reconnecting at various specially-planned events, including the XMS80 Anniversary Dinner on Sunday 9 November 2025.
The XMS80 Anniversary Magazine included forewords by distinguished alumni, narratives about the school’s journey, and well-wishes from alumni across generations. We sincerely thank all alumni for their contributions in keeping the Xinmin Spirit alive.
Note: Please be informed that there is an update on page 8, with revised information regarding Mr Toh Zhen Ze — the businessman who supported Xinmin by contributing additional funds when he acquired Mr Yap Fun Hong’s five pigs.
Download here: https://tinyurl.com/xms80ADMag
We warmly invite all alumni and valued stakeholders to join us at the XMS80 Anniversary Dinner on 9 November 2025 at Orchard Hotel, as we celebrate 80 years of Xinmin Secondary School’s legacy. This special evening will be a heartfelt tribute to our shared journey — honouring our past, celebrating our present, and inspiring our future. Reconnect with fellow Xinmin family members, relive treasured memories, and be part of this unforgettable milestone.
Gather your friends and book your ticket for this nostalgic evening.
Bookings can be denominated as individual tickets or entire tables (10 tickets in a single purchase).
Please click here: https://go.gov.sg/xms80dinner
Support Our School's Fundraising Effort!
As part of our celebration, the school is raising funds for the continued refreshing of learning spaces in Xinmin to support learning for current and future students. In recent years, using MOE funds, we have upgraded our library, food labs, canteen, and shooting range, as well as created a new MakerXpace.
This fundraising initiative seeks to involve the community for a small share of our school’s improvements, for upgrading two vital learning spaces in our school — the SMART Rooms (Seminar, Meeting, Activity, Research, Training) and the AVA Theatrette — and/or other educational purpose(s) approved by the Ministry of Education. You can contribute by purchasing a seat at one of our exclusive fundraising tables:
Diamond Tier (1 pax) – $5,000 donation
Gold Tier (1 pax) – $2,000 donation
As a token of appreciation, the first 10 Diamond tier donors will each receive a complimentary table for 10 guests (Fully redeemed). In addition, spouses of Diamond, Gold, and Silver tier donors will be invited to the dinner and given a complimentary seat at another table near the fundraising tables (spouses who wish to sit together can do so by purchasing a second seat of the same tier). All donations are eligible for tax exemption, and can be made via this link: http://go.gov.sg/xms80fundraising
Thank you for investing in the future of our school and students!
🔥 Xinmin's 80th Anniversary: The Xinmin Legacy Run 🔥
Join us for a historic 8km journey as we celebrate 80 glorious years! The Xinmin Legacy Run symbolically connects our past, present, and future.
Starting at Xinmin Secondary School, we'll pass by our roots at the old campus along Upper Serangoon Road. The spirit then transits to a virtual relay at Kallang River, where our beloved mascot takes over in an animation, racing towards the end point: the Alumni Dinner at Orchard Hotel!
A literal torch of legacy will be passed from one generation of students to the next, culminating with our Principal and the oldest alumnus entering the hotel to ignite the celebration.
📅 Date: 9 Nov 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Route: 8km (Xinmin Sec → Old Campus → Kallang River)
Sign up here: https://go.gov.sg/xms80ra
Alumni, don't miss your chance to be part of this milestone! Sign up now by scanning the QR code in the poster and let the legacy run on!
Date: 26 September 2025 (7.00pm to 9.00pm)
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary milestone, we marked a meaningful first — a combined Mid-Autumn Festival celebration with our distinguished alumni. Our alumni, ever generous and devoted, sponsored the refreshments, mooncakes and door gifts, while our students planned creative games that filled the evening with laughter and joy. One of the highlights was the spirited pomelo-peeling competition, symbolising unity and celebration. More than just an event, it was a heartfelt gathering — a moment where past and present Xinmin hearts came together. We hope that through such occasions, our students will continue to draw inspiration from our alumni, who embody the enduring spirit of dedication and love for our school.
As Xinmin Secondary School celebrates XMS80, we’ve curated a special collection of iconic objects showcased on badge templates — each symbolising the growth, spirit, and memories of generations of Xinmin students. In alignment with SG60 and our XM Loves SG initiative, every object represents something uniquely Singaporean, drawing parallels between our school’s journey and the nation’s development over the decades.
This year-long initiative extends to all current Xinmin Primary and Secondary School students, as well as our valued stakeholders. Each participant is invited to design a commemorative badge that expresses what they feel is distinctly Singaporean, or something they deeply treasure about our nation and our school. Through these heartfelt creations, we hope to capture a shared spirit of belonging, pride, and identity, uniting us as members of the Xinmin family and celebrating Singapore’s 80th birthday together.
To further explore our nation’s heritage, we also encourage you to visit the Straits Times x National Heritage Board digital exhibition — a curated showcase of 60 nostalgic objects, one for each year of Singapore’s independence, each with its own unique story to tell.
And in the spirit of celebration, as we approach National Day, stay tuned — we’ll be unveiling a special surprise that holds a special meaning for all who call Xinmin home.
Join us for XMS80 Homecoming, a heartfelt celebration that brings together generations of Xinmin students, alumni, teachers, and partners in education. As we celebrate this year's Homecoming marked as part of XMS80 Celebrations, we invite you to relive cherished memories, reconnect with old friends, and witness how far our Xinmin family has come. From vibrant student showcases to interactive booths organised by students with different partnerships. XMS80 Homecoming offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future that fits very well to our theme.
What does our XMS80 logo and theme represent?
Designed by Lim Qi Long (Class 401)
Encased within the elliptical oyster form is a student, guided along a path by Mr. Yap Fun Hong. This imagery reflects the enduring mentorship of generations of educators who have helped students discover and walk their unique journeys.
The piglets are also a tribute to our founder, Mr. Yap Fun Hong, whose steadfast commitment to education led him to sell his pigs to establish the school—creating learning opportunities for the community after World War 2 in 1945.
The four dots, representing both the hinge of the oyster and the nurturing spirit within, signify the continuity of our school’s values and the lasting impact of teacher dedication across generations.
The three colours are our school colours, while the Chinese translation pays homage to the school’s roots as a Chinese-medium institution.
Just as a pearl gains its brilliance through layers of time and care, our school’s 80-year legacy shines with the collective effort and commitment that continue to define our pursuit of excellence.
DECADES OF DEDICATION :: SHAPING FUTURE GENERATIONS
饮水思源 :: 继往开来.........
2025 marks the school's 80th Anniversary with “Decades of Dedication :: Shaping Future Generations” as the theme. This calls on us to honour our roots while continuing to contribute to even stronger foundations for future generations. The computing operator “::” stands as a bridge between our past and future, a symbol of continuity and equal significance. On one side, our decades of dedication culminated through the efforts of all stakeholders; on the other, our unwavering commitment to shape the future of those who passed through our doors. Each is equally vital, with one flowing into the other in an unbroken line of purpose.
Milestones Across the Years
Notable images from each decade.
Milestones from 1945 to 2025
Please click on the graphic above to launch the milestone video or the link here that leads to the different chapters writeup tracing Xinmin's growth.
Launch of XMS80 - 2nd Jan 2025
Unveiling XMS80 Banner
- To Inspire & Excite
Guest of Honour
Dr. George Quek Meng Tong
Colouring SG60 & XMS80 Badges
by our Parents, SAC and Alumni in our new MakerXpace.
Celebratory Events
📅 31st May (Sat) 9AM: XMS Family VIA Day
XMS Family VIA Day is an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to come together in service to the community. Grounded in our values of empathy and civic responsibility, this event fosters intergenerational bonding through acts of kindness and service. As family members join in, we honour our collective role in nurturing a socially responsible generation shaped by values that transcend the classroom.
📅 26th Sept (Fri) 7PM: Mid-Autumn Festival
As moonlight casts a gentle glow over our school grounds, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration invites the XMS family to cherish togetherness. Held in our Multi-Purpose Hall, this cultural evening honours our roots and traditions, weaving stories of reunion, appreciation, and harmony. It’s a heartwarming event where lanterns are lit not just with candles, but with the spirit of community.
📅 1st Nov (Sat) 3PM/7:30PM: Kaleidoscope II
Kaleidoscope II is our 80th Anniversary’s centrepiece arts performance—a vibrant showcase of talent, creativity, and school spirit. Hosted at the XMS Creative Arts Complex, the programme features performances by our students and alumni, reflecting the rich tapestry of our school’s artistic growth. This is a tribute to the power of expression and the enduring support of our community.
📅 9th Nov (Sun) 8AM: XMS80 Legacy Run
The XMS80 Legacy Run is not just a physical journey but a symbolic one—where every step taken retraces our school’s remarkable 80-year path. Beginning from the XMS Parade Square, the run brings together students, staff, alumni, and stakeholders in a shared act of celebration, health, and heritage. With each stride, we honour our past and sprint towards a vibrant future. The route traces the past and present Singapore with the last leg of the run culminating in Orchard Hotel Gala Dinner. Sign up link: https://go.gov.sg/xms80ra
📅 9th Nov (Sun) 6PM: 80th Anniversary Dinner
Our celebrations culminate in the 80th Anniversary Dinner, a grand gathering at Orchard Hotel Singapore. Also with the launch of the Maker@Xinmin curriculum, a new signature program that marks the school forward-looking curriculum changes. This evening of appreciation brings together former and current staff, alumni, and friends of the school to reflect through activities that showcase the decades of dedication that shaped where we are. Forging memories between all there to last a lifetime. Our Guest-of-Honour is Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and the Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration.
A Guinness Record-Breaking Tribute to Singapore
In celebration of SG60 and XMS80, both Xinmin secondary, Xinmin primary students and other stakeholders will come together to create a monumental sculpture made from recycled wood, adorned with hand-drawn badges that express their hopes, dreams, and appreciation for Singapore. Each badge will showcase the student’s personal aspirations in the top half and symbols of Singapore’s heritage in the bottom half.
These vibrant, meaningful creations will be pinned onto the sculpture, forming the largest word formation made of badges—an ambitious attempt to enter the Singapore Book of Records, and possibly the Guinness World Records. This collaborative project stands as a powerful symbol of sustainability, creativity, and national pride
The badge design features two meaningful halves. One half invites students to colour and express their aspirations for themselves and for Singapore’s future, symbolising hope and forward-looking dreams. The other half showcases retro items/buildings associated with Singapore from the 1950s to 1980s, reflecting key eras in Singapore’s history that parallel Xinmin’s growth and transformation over the decades. Together, the design bridges past and future, honouring our heritage while inspiring the journey ahead.
Be part of Our Celebrations
Be part of our storytelling team!
We’re looking for producers, videographers, photographers, and editors to bring our heritage stories to life. Alumni and stakeholders—share your cherished Xinmin memories and help us preserve our legacy through the lens.
Sing your heart out for XMS80!
Join us in recording a refreshed version of our school song and appear in the official MV featuring alumni and stakeholders. Let your voice echo across generations during morning assemblies and beyond!
Calling all crafters and eco-champions!
If you’re skilled in craftwork or passionate about sustainability, partner with us to design meaningful, hands-on activities with students. From tinkering projects to green crafts—we welcome your ideas and expertise!
Celebrate Singapore’s 60th and XMS80 together!
Contribute to a large-scale badge sculpture to be unveiled at our National Day celebration. Let’s aim to enter the Singapore Book of Records for the “Largest Word Formation Made of Badges!”
Support us with your talents!
We are on the lookout for creatives in calligraphy, arts, and more. Every talent counts—if you can make, draw, or inspire, we’d love your help!
XMS80 integration in Curriculum
As part of our 80th Anniversary celebrations, we are proud to present a newly designed Xinmin Polo Shirt to all students—one that captures the essence of our school’s identity and spirit. While our current PE shirt was adapted from a previous house shirt, this milestone year offers a meaningful opportunity to refresh the design in a way that more intentionally reflects Xinmin’s school colours, values, and unity.
What makes this shirt especially significant is that it was a student-led effort, designed by students, for students. Since the start of the year, our Sec 4 XCEL Student Leaders, selected Sec 3 Student Councillors, and Sec 4 Art Club members have collaborated closely on this project. From conducting research and gathering ideas to drafting and refining design proposals, they’ve played a central role in creating a shirt that is not only practical but also a powerful symbol of the Xinmin spirit.
As part of the XMS80 celebration, various programmes and activities offered by both IP and CCA areas help our students to be actively engaged in commemorative activities that deepen their appreciation of Xinmin’s rich legacy.
Kaleidoscope is Xinmin Secondary School’s vibrant showcase that brings together the diverse talents of our performing arts groups in a dazzling celebration of creativity and expression. In conjunction with the XMS80 celebration, this year’s Kaleidoscope takes on special significance as students from the Choir, Dance, Drama, Concert Band, and other art groups come together to pay tribute to the school’s 80-year journey through powerful performances that honour our heritage and future aspirations. More than just a performance, Kaleidoscope reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals and provides a platform for students to express themselves artistically while deepening their sense of identity, pride, and belonging to the Xinmin family.
XMS80 Annversary Guest Book
We would like our past and present students to put in your well wishes for our school as we celebrate this joyous year.