Hwa Chong Alumni Association Youth Chapter

Hello friends,

It has been an interesting two years since the youth chapter’s formation. I still remember the first event the few of us organised two and a half years ago. We catered food for 70 people and sadly, only less than 20 people appeared. As optimistic individuals, we blamed it on the rain that day. How convenient. To be fair, the concept of establishing an alumni youth chapter was a relatively new one two years ago. Graduates were not familiar with the idea about joining the alumni association. Many of us had a vague or misconstrued conception about it. Probably the only thing we knew was that the alumni association clubhouse is where the swimming pool is housed.

It has been an interesting two years building the chapter with our pioneer committee. The chapter size has grown a little. The last time I checked, we have approximately 270 paid members. That is about 1 paid member every 4 days. Not too bad indeed. Increasingly, more people are aware and curious about what an alumni youth chapter does and we are getting more participants in our activities now. That being said, the chapter is really, still a work in progress.

Some people question, why join the alumni? I still keep in touch with my friends from my class. Others ask, what does the youth chapter do? The truth of the matter is – there is really nothing exceptionally exotic that you can do in the alumni which you cannot get outside. You can play sports elsewhere. You can have discussions elsewhere. You can attend networking sessions elsewhere and you can initiate CIP programs elsewhere. There seem to be no relevant function for the youth chapter to exist, some critics assert. However, the Hwa Chong experience is special. The interactions are special. The relationships are special. The lingo we used is unique. Wouldn’t it be priceless if we can have a platform to let these memories and experiences continue after we graduate. That is primarily what the youth chapter is and should be about. If you missed the times you fought in Hwa Chong Colours or you just want to have a chance to continuing dancing/performing in a musical group with your Hwa Chong CCA-mates, the alumni will be a place where such special memories can be rekindled.

So, do join us in this journey to strengthen our bonds with one another and with our beloved alma mater. Looking forward to your active participation. Honoring a legacy, continuing a journey 回味华中情，再续同窗缘.

Yours sincerely,
Chang Zi Qian
President
Hwa Chong Alumni Association Youth Chapter
(3rd Sep 2011)

You can see the first message written in 2009 here.