Study Tour to Singapore 2011 Date: 17 – 23 Apr. 2011 Destination: Singapore Introduction Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Secondary (Toa Payoh), an autonomous school in Singapore, was founded in 1854. The motto of this Catholic secondary school for girls is “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”. In 2009 and 2010, CHIJ Secondary “twinned” with MSS. On each occasion, Secondary 4 and/or Secondary 3 students from the school joined MSS as exchange students for a week in November. To return the visit and provide students with an opportunity to experience school life as exchange students, a study tour to Singapore was organized during the Easter Vacation in April 2011. Twenty-one S3 and five S4 students went on the tour accompanied by Miss Ruby Cheng, Miss Yvonne Wong and Mrs. Monica Wong.

Photo Gallery Reflections

Itinerary Day 1 Hong Kong Singapore Merlion Statue Garden Clarke Quay Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

Day 2 School at CHIJ Science Centre Little India

Day 3 School at CHIJ National Library Marina Barrage Suntex City Mall Day 4 School at CHIJ National Museum of Singapore Kampong Glam The Mosque Lau Pa Sat Food Market Day 5 School at CHIJ Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Orchard Road

Day 6 Mount Faber Cable Car Sentosa Universal Studios Singapore

Day 7 Newater Plant Visit Urban Planning Bureau City Gallery Chinatown Airport Hong Kong

Photo Gallery Day1

Day2

Day3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Reflections: Click on the names below to view each student’s reflection. 3A Katerina Botin 3A Peony Chan 3A Cindy Chen 3A Jasmin Cheung 3A Tiffany Chik 3A Annissa Choi 3A Florinda Chu 3A Mary Chu 3A Joyce Ho 3A Simran Thadani 3B Queenie Chau 3B Ashley Cheung 3B Catherine Leung 3B Virginia Ma 3B Melissa Tan

3C Gail Faan 3C Jessie Soong 3C Melanie Tsui 3D Jasmine Chiu 3D Denise Ko 3D Apple Lee 4A Joey Bow 4B Elizabeth Chu 4B Jessie Kwok 4B Cornelia Tang 4C Velma Law

3A Katerina Botin

The trip to Singapore was amazing! I wish we were able to stay there longer! Everything about Singapore was awesome, from the culture to its history and

from the people to the food. Even though the weather was constantly hot, every day was enjoyable.

The four-day visit at CHIJ was wonderful. At first, I was really nervous that I wouldn't be welcomed or I wouldn't get along with my buddy and other

students there. However, my worry was quickly dispelled when I arrived at CHIJ. Everyone there was hospitable and nice. I got along well with

everyone and I was glad to have my buddy, Valerie, for my stay there. I wish the stay could have been longer so that I wouldn't have had to say goodbye

to the people at CHIJ so soon. However, I am really glad to say that I have made lots of new friends there and we all keep in touch through Facebook.

There was no particular favourite moment during the trip because every second of it was fun and spectacular. There was nothing more than I could have

ever asked for. I was in a country full of culture with my friends for seven days, having the time of my life! I am really happy and honoured to have been

able to participate in the twinning programme and I hope that there are more opportunities like this in the future.

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3A Peony Chan

My goals have been achieved through this trip. In these seven days, I have not only made new friends in the local school CHIJ, but have also learnt many

things about Singapore, such as the local culture, languages and the development of the country. What I have gained in this trip exactly matched the goals

I set for myself before going on the tour.

Other than the goals I have set, the learning attitude of my CHIJ friends has inspired me. During lessons, teachers should not be the only ones who speak.

Students should also be actively involved in the learning. There should be interaction in class. As students, we should not only listen to the teachers but

also raise questions.

I am really glad to have had the opportunity to be an exchange student. I look forward to joining a study tour to another country next year.

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3A Cindy Chen

This study tour to Singapore is a great and meaningful experience for me because I have gained a lot of things like friendship and knowledge. I enjoyed

having lessons in CHIJ. My buddy was very friendly and caring. She would explain the things to me when I didn’t understand what the lesson was about

and she always accompanied me during recess. The other girls in the class were very friendly, too. They would take the initiative to talk to us and invite

us to their discussion during lessons. It made me feel that I was a member of the class. Moreover, I was surprised at the size of their school, with two

basketball courts, three athletic tracks and a big canteen.

Apart from going to CHIJ, we went to several places for sightseeing. I was amazed by Singapore’s advanced technology after visiting the Newater Visitor

Centre. There, the latest technology is applied to recycling used water and by doing so, Singapore has solved its water shortage problem. I think Hong

Kong should introduce this new technology as it is environmentally friendly and we would not have to import that much water from the mainland. In

addition, I like the environment of Singapore. There are a lot of trees on both sides of the roads and the density of buildings is much lower than that of

Hong Kong. I found walking along the streets in Singapore very comfortable and relaxing indeed.

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3A Jasmin Cheung

I would like to thank the school for organizing this study tour to Singapore, for it was an amazing experience. Not only did I gain a lot of knowledge from

CHIJ and the various museums and centres, but I have also been given the opportunity to enhance my personal attributes as well as to grow into a

responsible and independent teenager.

During this 7-day stay in Singapore, I have learnt a lot from both inside and outside school. At CHIJ, although the syllabus of the subjects did not match

ours in Hong Kong, I still appreciated the exposure to things I have not been taught at MSS because it helped widen my horizon and prepare me for future

lessons. My buddy has been very helpful as well, which made things easier for me during lessons at CHIJ.

Outside school, we visited educational places like the Marina Barrage and the Newater Plant, where I got to know more about the importance of water and

our duties as citizens of the earth to be environmentally friendly. My favourite visit was the visit to the Science Centre, since science has always been

fascinating to me. There, I learnt a lot from various exhibitions and shows on many areas of science, such as robotics, sound and bacteriology.

Visiting Little India, Chinatown and local stalls and restaurants taught me how to appreciate the beauty of the various cultures in Singapore and respect

each and every one of them. Singapore has also proven to me how a society can be harmonious even though there are different people from different races

with different religions and cultural background. This has taught me an important value – respect for others, no matter where they are from and what race

they belong to.

Last but not least, this tour strengthened the friendship between my schoolmates and me, and I also made new friends from CHIJ, most of whom I am still

keeping in touch with. It has been a very successful and enjoyable study tour, and I hope that I will be lucky enough to have this opportunity in the near

future once again.

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3A Tiffany Chik

I really enjoyed this trip. I think it was extremely entertaining and fun. I like the fact that I went with my friends and classmates. It made the trip more

fun and carefree. I made quite a few friends in CHIJ. I still keep in contact with some of them. I have learnt a lot about the culture and lifestyle of

Singapore through the trips to museums and local attractions. I have also learnt about the different races of people that make up Singapore.

Overall, I really enjoyed going on this trip to Singapore and I hope that we will have similar study tours in future years.

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3A Annissa Choi

This is the first time I go on a trip with my friends and not my family. It is also the first time I take care of myself outside home. Before I went, I was quite

worried about not being by my mother’s side, since I have always been quite dependent on her. However, in those seven days, I discovered that in fact

I can take very good care of myself. I think going on school trips like that is not only beneficial to our learning but it is also a good opportunity for students

to learn to be independent.

During my four days at CHIJ, I met a lot of new friends. I’ve added them on Facebook now, and we talk to each other on Facebook quite frequently. I

recall that I cried that day we left CHIJ, although we’ve only known each other for four days. The friendship is indeed worth remembering. I had so much

fun with my buddy and her friends. I absolutely recommend another study tour next year for students to visit Singapore on an exchange programme.

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3A Florinda Chu

After this study tour to Singapore, I have gained a lot of things and also achieved my goals.

First of all, by taking part in different classes at CHIJ, I understand that the atmosphere during lessons should be built by both teachers and students, and

the interaction between teachers and students is vital to motivating students. Also, I understand that we should always take the initiative to learn and

raise questions. Paying full attention in class does contribute a lot to success.

Moreover, since there is a difference between the syllabus in CHIJ and MSS, I have become more aware of my limitations. I understand that whenever we

meet obstacles, we should face them with courage and never give up. Even if we fail to solve the problem, we should learn from the experience.

Quite a few of our schoolmates got sick of the hotel arrangement. It was an opportunity for me to learn to be observant of others’ needs and offer a helping

hand, though. I have also become more independent after the tour, learning to take good care of myself and my belongings. I have learnt to cope with

others, seeing that each of us is unique. Most important of all, I have become closer with my friends.

In addition, I have gained a lot of friendship at CHIJ. The girls were nice and helpful, which made our stay there all the more enjoyable. I will definitely

treasure the friendship made and keep in touch with the CHIJ girls.

All in all, this tour to Singapore was both rewarding and memorable. It has enabled us to learn and have fun at the same time. The trip was simply

amazing!

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3A Mary Chu

After this study tour, I come to realize that Singapore is a cosmopolitan city with more than ten races of different background and traditions living together

in harmony. Living in Hong Kong, I have got so used to the Chinese community that when I arrived at CHIJ and noticed how many girls have come from

Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, India and other countries, I was amazed. After the tour, I learnt that being a Singaporean is not defined by race or culture. So

long as one contributes and loves the society, he or she can be a Singaporean. I should definitely learn to be more open-minded from now on.

Being an exchange student at CHIJ is one of the most wonderful experiences. I was warmly welcomed by the students there, especially my buddy, Mandy

Wong, who was eager to show me around the school and tell me all about Singapore. Besides, I really appreciate the CHIJ girls' learning attitude. They

pay absolute attention in class, and are very active in answering and asking questions, making the one-hour long lessons very meaningful and constructive.

I will strive to be a serious and diligent learner like the girls.

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3A Joyce Ho

The tour has definitely broadened my horizons and built up my knowledge in different ways. In my opinion, being an exchange student in CHIJ is the most

memorable experience of all. Both the students and teachers there were very nice and filled with passion and enthusiasm for learning and work. I have

made a lot of new friends there. The warmth they gave me made me feel like being one of them. The sweet memory will remain in my heart forever.

During the tour, we went to different tourist spots as well as some local sites. I have known more about the culture in Singapore and experienced their

slow-paced lifestyle. What impressed me most was the unity among the Singaporeans. It is shown in the way they conserve and protect the environment as well as the pledge they make every morning. They all try their utmost to build a good image of the country and show the best of themselves to the world.

I have learnt to be more independent and solve problems on my own. I have discovered that patience and tolerance is the key to a long-lasting relationship.

What I have gained from this tour is not merely fun, but also a memorable experience, precious friendship as well as development on my personal

attributes.

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3A Simran Thadani

If I had to describe my 7-day study tour to Singapore in a few words, I would call it a roller-coaster ride. Not the kind that makes you sick and nauseous,

but a thrilling ride that you wouldn't hesitate going on again. In the beginning, I was apprehensive about going on the trip as I had never travelled without

my family before and I had never been to a school in another country. However, with the guidance from my parents and teachers, and the prospect of

embarking on this trip with my faithful companions, I pushed aside all those negative feelings and prepared myself to embrace this new experience with a

confident smile etched on my face.

Spending four days in Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Secondary School was a fruitful experience, as I learnt so much about how the Singaporean

education system differs from ours. Overall, it was a great experience, especially learning subjects that were taught in a completely different manner.

The students in CHIJ are motivated and completely driven by their studies. They are very passionate about what they learn, and they make sure they

revise every single day. I feel like I have learnt a lot from them and I can apply these study skills to my own life and hope for improvement. Besides, I

made a lot of new friends! My buddy, Cordelia Lee and all the other girls in my class made us feel so welcome. They were warm and friendly, and made

sure that we were not alone or confused at any time. I honestly appreciate all that they have done for us. I completely respect how all schools in

Singapore have to sing the national anthem and recite the national pledge every morning. It gives a sense of patriotism, which I adore. I believe it builds

unity.

I absolutely relished the thought of sightseeing in Singapore, which is famous for being a perfect tourist destination, so I was very excited throughout the

trip to go and explore the wonders of Singapore. Mere words can't express how much I love the country – its cleanliness, its perfection, its culture, and

everything about it that makes such a wonderful place. They have managed to fit everything very meticulously, from Little India to Universal Studios, in

such a small place. I would have to say that visiting Sentosa, Clarke Quay and Little India would have to be my best memories from Singapore.

One of the most important things I have gained from the trip would have to be independence and responsibility. Since it was my first time travelling

without my family, I had to do everything myself! It was a challenge and I definitely got frustrated at times. After all, I was so used to my parents taking

care of things like packing, sorting things out properly, preparing clothes and water and everything. I had never had to do any of these things before. This

trip made me so much more responsible. It's safe to say that now; I can manage to do things by myself.

In a nutshell, the 7-day excursion to Singapore was a wonderful experience and I would not hesitate before going on a study tour or school trip again!

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3B Queenie Chau

During this tour, I have tried my best to achieve all the goals that I have set before.

Firstly, my academic goal. I did open a notebook and put down all the writing skills and new words that I have learnt. I was pleased with my work, but

it was quite hard for me to revise it before going to bed. In addition, I was not active in answering questions in CHIJ. I should do better when I join other

study tours in the future.

Secondly, my personal attributes. I did get along with the CHIJ girls and my own classmates in this tour. I made many new friends but it was a challenge

for me to remember all their names at once. Besides, I learned some popular paper games and some kind of beat-making game.

I have tried to be punctual throughout the trip, but I failed once for I missed the alarm. When my roommates and I woke up, it was nearly time to board

the coach for CHIJ. Luckily we got everything ready the night before, so we just rushed down to the lobby immediately. I then realized how important

it is to be well prepared in advance.

Thirdly, other things derived from this study tour. I learned to take initiative to help others while working in a group. Also, I was quite self-disciplined as

I went to bed at around ten every night. It is in fact a good practice, though I wonder if I can keep it up at home!

To conclude, I have kind of successfully achieved most of my goals. This study tour has broadened my horizons and it was surely an awesome trip.

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3B Ashley Cheung

Joining this trip is definitely not an event that I will regret, for it is such a wonderful experience and a valuable chance to get to know a foreign country. I

think that I have successfully achieved my goals in learning in a different school environment, being taught in a new teaching style and making friends of

different nationalities. My classmates at CHIJ are multi-nationals and they have very different background. I have learnt a lot about the different

lifestyles they live. They seem to have a much friendlier neighbourhood and they have sleepovers a lot. There is no barrier among classmates and they

are all very friendly.

From all the museum visits and exhibitions that we have been to, I discovered that I have never really known Singapore. But now, I feel as if I have lived

there before and it is like a hometown. I hope that I can visit Singapore again in the near future.

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3B Catherine Leung

This is the first time I joined a study tour. It is totally different from any other camp that I have been to before. I have learnt lots of valuable lessons and

gained experience from this memorable tour.

At first, I was quite nervous about the trip. I was worried that I could not communicate well with the students in Singapore. I was also afraid that I could

not make friends with my schoolmates during the tour. However, when I first arrived at CHIJ, my buddy Xi Rony was very friendly to me. She is a very

nice and active girl. She introduced her school to me in detail. She also introduced all the classmates in 3E3 to me.

I think the learning attitudes of the Singaporeans differ very much from ours in Hong Kong. They are very active in lessons. They raise questions. They

try to answer questions even if they aren’t really sure the answer is right or wrong. Students in Hong Kong are not quite the same. They always feel shy

or embarrassed in answering questions. I think we should adopt the right attitude towards learning, for spoon-feeding does us no good.

To conclude, I think our school can hold more study tours to enable us to learn from people in different countries. It will be a great life experience.

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3B Virginia Ma

After joining the Singapore Study Tour, I have learnt to be more mature and independent. In CHIJ, I have made a lot of friends, and all of them are very

confident and mature. My buddy Dupinder was very helpful and kind to me. During the lessons, I noticed that all the students there were very attentive

and always raised questions. I think I should learn from them and also ask more questions when there is something I don't know. I should also stop being

childish and try to be more mature, like the IJ girls. They showed me that they could take care of themselves and they strive for excellence. To conclude,

the Singapore Study Tour is truly a fun and brilliant experience.

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3B Melissa Tan

This trip to Singapore is very meaningful to me. Although I have been on a school trip before, it is still my habit to rely on my mother preparing almost

everything for me and giving me reminders all the time. Strange to say, I find myself much more independent after going on this study tour.

Our lessons in CHIJ were very different from those at MSS. Students were all encouraged to participate actively in class. No wonder the girls were so

enthusiastic! My buddy and I were very shy at first and did not talk much, but at the end of the four days, it seemed that we have known each other for

years. I think this trip is very meaningful as I have learnt more about the history of Singapore and the culture of its people. I like Singapore not only

because it is a clean city but also one without traffic jam.

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3C Gail Faan

This trip has been an extremely useful and influential one. Through the journey, I have not only gained the experience of staying in the clean, green and

beautiful city of Singapore, but also developed friendship with my buddies in CHIJ, with my classmates and with my schoolmates. I have also learnt about

the history of Singapore, of its similarity and differences in culture when compared with Hong Kong as well as its planning on construction, economy and

the social system.

Through listening and observing, I have acquired knowledge from the lessons I had in the four days at CHIJ. My buddy was nice to me, and I felt welcomed

by the whole class. I think we should also show our hospitality in welcoming other exchange students to MSS. People in Singapore are very friendly, and

even at the Universal Studios, the staff would clap after a roller coaster came back, which is nowhere to be seen in Hong Kong.

Also, I have learnt to be responsible for my own things. In the hotel, I had to pack the things by myself and organise the items in an orderly manner and

not just mess them around. When going to different tourist spots, I had to decide what I must bring and what should be left behind.

During the trip, I became more used to the different local accents of English the Singaporeans speak through communicating with them. It was also a good

opportunity to learn about the cultures and lifestyles of different ethnic groups.

One thing I have to improve on is my time management skills. Sometimes in the morning, I did not want to wake up and left everything until the last

minute, and had to rush through the breakfast. There were also times when we went to the malls, we got so carried away that we forgot to look at the time

and continued to shop without getting back to the larger group.

Overall, I think this is a really useful and fun tour, and it is an unforgettable experience in all ways.

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3C Jessie Soong

I am happy that I joined the Singapore study tour. Although we had to get up early in the morning, I went to bed earlier at night than when I was in Hong

Kong. I did not need to worry about anything, so I enjoyed the whole tour in Singapore.

From this study tour, I learnt how to manage my time wisely. Also, I have made more friends in Singapore (Sabrina, Leanna, Sarah, Cheryl, Valerie) and

friends in Marymount with whom I was not familiar before. Sabrina, who was my buddy, took great care of me in every way. She introduced her school

and her classmates to me, which made me feel I was one of them at CHIJ.

Before the study tour, I used to be quiet and did not speak much even to my classmates. But during tour, I communicated with more people and spoke

more English. I think my English has improved. Moreover, I have become more independent. I got up by myself and took the responsibility to wake up

my roommate, tidied up my clothes/belongings and took great care of my valuables and belongings.

Besides, I have learnt more about the history of Singapore. It is similar to Hong Kong in that it was invaded by Japan during the Second World War. And

I learnt that Singapore has a lot of strict rules, like no gums, no speeding, no dogs, no smoking and no skateboard. I appreciate the rules they set. For

instance, Singapore is a smoke-free city. The air there is much fresher than in Hong Kong.

I have also learnt that there is a lot of water development in Singapore. Because water is a very precious resource in Singapore, the government has gone

to great lengths to make the people aware of the need to conserve and use water wisely. Singapore has also invested heavily on developments in its water

sector.

The Chinese are right in saying that "It's better to travel 10,000 miles than to read 10,000 books." I have learnt about Singapore's history and culture

while having an enjoyable time with my friends.

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3C Melanie Tsui

I had a meaningful and enjoyable Easter holiday this year, and I am very glad that I chose to join this Singapore Study Tour.

Visiting the school CHIJ was the best part of the tour, because I made a lot of new friends, not only my buddy, Amelia, but also some of her best friends.

They were all very kind and friendly, and often showed me around the school, which made me feel very much at ease even in an unfamiliar environment.

After this tour, I learned to be more sociable and independent, because my parents were not by my side at that time and I had to take care of my personal

belongings. Moreover, I think my spoken English has improved because I always had to communicate in English in Singapore.

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3D Jasmine Chiu

I have gained a lot during this study tour. It has enhanced my general knowledge as well as personal attributes.

My knowledge on World War II has been enriched after the guided tour in the National Museum. In the City Gallery, I learned more about town planning

and other aspects of Geography. Moreover, I gained knowledge about water treatments, water recycling and membrane technology through visiting the

Newater Plant. I have also learnt about a minority in Singapore called Peranakan and other facts about the history of Singapore.

For personal attributes, I have learned to make friends and communicate with people in a more relaxed manner. Both CHIJ students and my schoolmates

have been very friendly and sociable. Also, I have learnt to be independent, to bear with the searing heat and long hikes. I can take care of myself now.

Furthermore, I have broadened my social network as I have foreign friends! That’s part of the coolest thing about this tour. Most important of all, I have

come to appreciate studying and exchange tours more.

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3D Denise Ko

Ever since the CHIJ girls came to our school last autumn, I have made up my mind to be an exchange student some time. After the submission of the reply

slip and the cheque, there were lots of meetings and gatherings in preparation for the trip but before I realized it, we landed in Singapore!

Despite getting up at 5:45 every morning for school, I enjoyed all the days at CHIJ as the girls were really friendly. They were energetic and eager to help.

My buddy was most helpful and we have been keeping in touch ever since. Leng, our tour guide, was helpful too. She gave us useful information about

Singapore and told us stories about the island city.

As Singapore is one of the world's safest countries, this study tour gave us a chance to take care of ourselves as well as to prepare for the real test on

whether we are truly independent. Moreover, the Singaporeans speak English with a different accent from ours. The trip has enhanced my ability to

communicate with them.

To conclude, I have learnt a lot from the study tour and this remarkable experience will always remain in my mind.

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3D Apple Lee

Before the tour to Singapore, I set my objectives on gaining extra knowledge and learning about a different culture. Moreover, I wanted to find out what

the classroom atmosphere is like in a foreign country and how students participate in lessons. After the trip, I have learnt much more than these.

At CHIJ, I met a lot of new friends and was able to have good interaction with them. During the lessons, I found that the girls made a lot of effort to

participate in class and their learning attitude was serious. Whenever they came across topics or ideas they did not understand, they would not hesitate

to consult the teacher. No wonder they learn effectively.

After seeing how CHIJ students strive for excellence, their enthusiasm and passion for knowledge have influenced me. I will learn from their attitude and

persevere to put up my best in academic work. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Singapore, and I am looking forward to visiting this beautiful country again

in the near future.

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4A Joey Bow

The trip to Singapore was a fruitful and unique experience. Both my knowledge and interpersonal skills have been enhanced.

We went to CHIJ as exchange students and had lessons there. I experienced the students’ eagerness to learn and the positive class atmosphere. By

comparison, CHIJ students are more willing to raise questions during class. They wouldn’t feel embarrassed the way we usually do.

I wouldn’t judge which learning method is better. The way the CHIJ girls learn is perhaps more effective than ours, but then ours encourages us to think

independently. Any way, I would learn not to feel embarrassed in approaching teachers when I encounter difficulties.

Other than learning in CHIJ, we also visited the museums and various educational sites. To me, the most informative one is the City Gallery of the

Singapore Urban Planning Bureau. City planning in Singapore has truly met the requirements of sustainable development.

Though Singapore is small, land use is well planned and the government has seen to it that the set policy is properly implemented. The environmental,

economic and social concerns have all been addressed. Hong Kong can perhaps learn from Singapore the best ways to protect the environment.

Apart from acquiring more knowledge, my interpersonal skills have also been enhanced. The friendship between my schoolmates and me has been

strengthened. Disagreement always arises when great friends stay together for a certain length of time, and that was exactly what happened to us. We

were miserable and for a time, I thought we could never regain our friendship. Yet we have overcome it and we are now closer than ever. From this, I

realize that friendship has to be maintained through effective communication, genuine concern for one another and a readiness to forgive and forget. Once

again I was reminded of the value of friendship. I will treasure it ever more after the tour.

The trip was an exciting yet relaxing one. It was a nice break after the almost endless and exhausting learning at school and the routine at home. It is

a fascinating trip that will become one of my best memories.

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4B Elizabeth Chu

The seven-day visit to Singapore is definitely an unforgettable and meaningful experience to me.

Harmonization is the word that best describes this unique nation. I can see trees everywhere in Singapore. The government in Singapore really pays a

lot of effort to include green elements in every piece of their architectural design to make their country a green place. Harmonization between nature and

civilization is seen.

Not only this. Singapore is a nation with a rich cultural background. 75% of the population are Chinese, 15% are Malaysians and the remaining 10%

includes the Westerners. Harmonization between different nations is also seen.

Furthermore, the great variety of food in Singapore also makes it unique and special. Singaporean food is said to be the mixing of culture, a little bit of

Chinese elements, a little bit of Malaysian elements and a little bit of the others, which we call a fusion cuisine. Harmonization between cultures is seen.

We have been to many old and new scenic attractions, such as Clarke Quay, the Merlion Statue Garden, Little India, Kampong Glam and so forth.

Harmonization between the present and past is seen.

Last but not least, as an exchange student, I have received great hospitality from teachers and students at CHIJ, as if I was one of them. Friendship is built

between us. I was touched when my buddy Debbie said that I was part of their class. Harmonization is seen when we get along with each other.

Singapore is another metropolis. High-rise buildings, a dense population, a financial centre…It has a great resemblance to Hong Kong. But to me, the

greatest resemblance is how my Singaporean friends busied themselves with tests, homework and preparation for exam. I was suddenly aware that within

a month’s time, it would be my turn!

I have gained three “E”s through this study tour. It has indeed enhanced my knowledge, enriched my life and encouraged me to never give up and

strive for every goal I have set.

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4B Jessie Kwok

Although the study tour lasted for seven days, time went past like wind and soon we are back in Hong Kong with the beautiful memories and the knowledge

we have gained. The stay at CHIJ was definitely the highlight of the tour. It has broadened our horizons about how students in Singapore cope with their

studies as well as develop themselves into all-round persons in spite of the immense workload. During my stay in CHIJ, I experienced the students’

preparation before their internal and O-Level exams, and understood that a lot of effort on the part of both students and teachers is essential to achieving

good results. In lessons, they do revision and try out different tests to equip themselves; they also raise questions whenever they are unsure of the

content the teacher is teaching. Before attending class, some students joined practice in respect to their sports team. They are very energetic and this

perhaps has eased the pressure generated from academic studies.

I have learnt that we should take initiative to learn and not sit there and wait to be spoon-fed. This can help to enhance our academic performance. Also,

other than just studying and focusing on exams, we should allow time for exercise and easing our stress. Hopefully, this can help us to stay optimistic and

physically fit for the challenges ahead.

Speaking of CHIJ, the friendship I have developed with my buddies and my classmates is surely memorable and the moments we shared are still vivid in

my mind. During my four days’ stay in CHIJ, I have interacted with most of my classmates during recesses and the games we played together in PE lesson.

Through participating in their school activities and chatting with them, I have learnt more about their school life. My buddy and I have become good friends

and we are keeping in contact with each other through Facebook. We have even promised to be pen-pals to keep in touch. This valuable bond between

the CHIJ girls and me will never be forgotten.

During this trip, my friends and I helped each other out when we encountered difficulties and shared with one another our special experiences in CHIJ. This

has definitely enhanced our friendship. Yet, the care given by our tour guides and teachers was also crucial to the smooth running of the tour and made

it a memorable one.

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4B Cornelia Tang

We had joined a twinning programme with CHIJ, and we went to visit Singapore during the Easter holidays. Although we gave up a greater part of our

holiday in order to go on the trip, the programme, especially the visits to CHIJ, is fun and worthwhile.

Not only were the students in CHIJ very welcoming. A few of the teachers were also very interested in our culture. One of the classmates kept inviting

me to be her friend and even asked me to teach her Cantonese! Our buddies were incredibly helpful. My buddy, Jeanette, was a great companion helping

us to fit in with the new environment, and she even showed up in our hotel one night to give us a surprise.

However, to my disappointment, the lessons were boring and not beneficial to us. As the education system in Singapore is different from ours, we sat

through lessons on subjects that we don’t take in Hong Kong and I couldn’t understand what the teachers were talking about. Also, the Singapore students

were going to have their public exam soon, so most of the time, the teachers just checked the answers or gave out revision exercises that I knew nothing

about. I think I could have been more attentive in class.

Apart from the visits to CHIJ, the rest of the tour allowed me to explore Singapore’s special culture. Due to the strict rules in Singapore, the citizens are

disciplined. I could see that my buddy and her friends could all remember their school rules by heart. Visitors to the library were well behaved and kept

absolute silence, and everybody kept the streets and toilets clean. It was also amazing to see how the people of different races, including Malays, Indians,

Chinese and a lot more, live harmoniously in the same society. I do think that Hong Kong people have a lot to learn from them.

Overall, I think this trip is quite well organized. But I would suggest not having visits to school during or before exam periods so that the lessons could be

more fun. We could also have a longer stay at school. We should also stay at a hotel of a higher standard. I am looking forward to joining other twinning

programmes in the future.

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4C Velma Law

Tropical weather, blue skies, and vibrant hues – these were my first impressions of Singapore. Stepping out of the air-conditioned airport, I was embraced

by a gush of warm, welcoming breeze. On our way to the city, a building with rainbow colored windows caught my eye. The tour guide explained that it

used to be a police station and is now transformed into an art gallery. As we toured through the city, there were many more buildings with colorful exterior.

They too have been regenerated and revitalized and served purposes like that former police station. I believe this offers a solution to many of the

controversies about conserving heritage monuments in Hong Kong. Though Singapore and Hong Kong are similar in many ways, Hong Kong has much to

learn from Singapore.

My school life at CHIJ started with a 2 hour and 40 minutes A. Math. lesson as the result of a double P.E. lesson being cancelled. Frankly speaking, I

expected to hear complaints from my classmates concerning the schedule. To my surprise, they utilized the extra long lesson to raise questions, clarify

queries and did more exercise on the topic they were studying. My new friends amazed me with their self-discipline as well as their inquiring minds. I

have reacquainted with some subjects during the interactive and stimulating lessons at CHIJ. The four days passed enjoyably at a blink of the eye but the

friendship with CHIJ girls did not end there.

On the sixth night of our trip, my buddy, Lynette together with her twin sister and one of their friends came to visit us at our hotel. We spent the night

playing cards and chatting about almost everything. To have them at the hotel on our last night in Singapore has certainly put a perfect end to this fruitful

journey.

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