On October 13, Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) celebrated a very special Founder's Day, as it also marked Yew Chung International School (YCIS) Shanghai's 30th Anniversary.
On the second Friday of October each year, YCYW's Founder's Day commemorates 'Hau Cheung Po Po' Madam Tsang Chor-hang's contributions to education, having established the first Yew Chung school in Hong Kong in 1932 with the mission of "honoring China."
Over the last 90 years, Yew Chung and Yew Wah schools have flourished, providing a comprehensive education system, spanning from early childhood programs to primary, secondary, and tertiary education, thus covering the entire spectrum of education from "baby to bachelor."
1st Independent International School in Shanghai Turns 30
While Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network celebrated its 90th anniversary in the 2022-2023 academic year, the 2023-2024 academic year sees another huge milestone – the 30th anniversary of Yew Chung International School Shanghai, the first YCIS school established on the Chinese mainland.
YCIS Shanghai was the first independent international school in Shanghai officially recognized by the Chinese Government, underscoring its pivotal role in YCYW's ongoing development in the Chinese mainland.
At the event, Madam Tsang Chor-hang's daughter, Dr. Betty Chan Po-king, YCYW’s Chief Executive Officer and School Supervisor, highlighted the school’s development:
"In September 1993, we opened our first YCIS Shanghai campus with only 63 students from different countries and regions.
"Today, we take great pride in having more than 2,200 students in our various YCIS Shanghai campuses in Hongqiao, Gubei, Regency Park, Century Park, Ronghua, and Lingang.
"This achievement marks a significant milestone in our journey."
During the past 30 years, YCIS Shanghai has continued to pioneer and innovate in the field of international education.
Leveraging the strengths of the programs in Chinese Language and Chinese Studies, YCIS Shanghai has innovated unique teaching methodologies, including Bilingual Learning Communities and Super Co-curricular Programs.
These approaches foster a deep appreciation for cultural traditions, enabling students to develop exceptional character and a global perspective.
The Finest Elements of Chinese & Western Educational Philosophies
YCYW remains committed to being a trailblazer in contemporary Chinese international education, adhering to belief that international education must integrate the finest elements of both Chinese and Western educational philosophies.
During her address, Dr. Chan emphasized how deep the commitment to taking the best from East and West goes:
"We hold the view that international education should not be confused with Western education.
"In the current global landscape, marked by a multitude of challenges, international education must integrate the essence of both Eastern and Western cultures.
"The new generation must possess a deep appreciation of the unique values inherent in both Eastern and Western cultures.
"They should be equipped to distinguish excellence from mediocrity, capitalizing on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses, and effectively leveraging diverse cultural resources to tackle future challenges."
"In line with this philosophy, we not only instill traditional Chinese virtues in our students, but we also place great emphasis on fostering a robust bilingual foundation, nurturing a diverse cultural understanding, cultivating a broad global perspective and encouraging flexible thinking.
"Our goal is to prepare them to become capable, creative, open-minded, and compassionate global citizens."
Members of the media also got a chance to sit down with Mr. Ryan Peet, Western Co-Principal of YCIS Shanghai Puxi, who echoed Dr. Chan's sentiments:
"We don't just believe one system is correct. We try and take the best from all different education systems," explained Mr. Peet.
"We have a diverse set of staff that bring a diverse set of qualities from different countries, and we work hard to develop our curriculum year over year.
"And not just in Shanghai, but as an organization – to make sure we are creating international students that can go and succeed in any country in the world."
The core of Yew Chung Yew Wah's mission is a commitment to aligning with:
Science & Technology
Culture & Arts
Love & Charity
And it is that last pairing that Mr. Peet sees as increasingly important in today's world:
"We want to put good human beings into society. And we want them to have a positive impact on the world.
"Academics remain super important to us – our students go off to top universities – yet emotional intelligence is increasingly important.
"We want well-rounded students, so we talk about love and charity. We make sure our students do service learning; they go out into the community and help others, they go on trips to underprivileged regions in China and overseas.
"We encourage that empathy; our students are generally from affluent backgrounds, so they need to develop that emotional intelligence to deal with people from different backgrounds."
YCIS Open Days
YCIS Shanghai would like to invite prospective parents to attend its on-campus Open Days in November in YCIS Shanghai.
On Open Days, they will introduce their history and network, educational philosophy and curriculum, their teachers and academic achievements.
Following a presentation, visiting families will be guided by their admissions team to visit their classrooms and Learning Communities to experience children's real learning environment and gain a deeper understanding of how your child can be part of this vibrant international community.
Scan the QR code on the poster below to book your school visit! With limited seating, parents are recommended to register for a space as soon as possible.
To book your place, please call 021-2226 7666, email sh.enquiry@ycis.com or scan the QR code on the poster below:
Click here for more on the YCIS Open Days
YCIS Shanghai Alumni & YCYW Alumni Hall of Fame
Founder's Day was also an opportunity for YCIS Shanghai staff members, parents, and alumni to share their fond memories of the school, with former students from around the world, extending anniversary wishes to their alma mater through video messages.
Two former Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network students – Mr. David Chau and Mr. Phil Chan – were also inducted into the YCYW Alumni Hall of Fame. The YCYW Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2020 to recognize YCYW graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
Mr. David Chau
Mr. David Chau was YCIS Shanghai's very first student, and had the student number 001.
After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Mr. Chau has dedicated himself to the advancement of contemporary art, combining his entrepreneurial expertise to make a significant impact on various industries.
"YCIS is the first place that showed me the world," enthused Mr. Chau.
"It was the first place I was introduced to English, to foreign students, to sports. It was here that I learned to get knowledge, not just studying for grades, but for the ultimate goal of receiving good education.
"I'm not saying that getting good grades and going to good universities are not important. They are, but I also believe it is essential to learn who you truly are, to find your dream, aim for your goals and strive for the ultimate trophy.
"To fellow students at YCIS, if there is one piece of advice I can offer today, it would be: pursue knowledge, find your true passion in life, work as hard as you can, and you'll leave your legacy in this world."
Mr. Phil Chan
Mr. Phil Chan, a YCIS Hong Kong graduate, is the founder of the 'Final Bow for Yellowface' program in the US, actively advocating for the elimination of racial prejudice in the ballet world.
In addition, he passionately champions the cause of creating an inclusive space where Asian dancers can freely and authentically express themselves and play a pivotal role in enriching the vibrant and creative spirit of contemporary ballet.
"I think two of the things that have stuck with me from my Yew Chung time were my appreciation for having a bilingual education, as well as my appreciation for the arts," reminisced Mr. Chan.
"Growing up bilingual, and speaking Mandarin, Cantonese and English really helped me develop the ability to see the world through multiple perspectives.
"This has been instrumental in my work as an artist, and also for my earlier appreciation of the arts.
"I hope that the arts will continue to have a place within the Yew Chung system, because the arts help us see each other better as people and connect with our human nature.
"So, I really hope that the arts can continue to thrive. Thank you again to Yew Chung for helping me become the person who I am today."
Nurturing the Future with Love
As part of Yew Chung Yew Wah Education NetworkIn 90th anniversary celebrations, a memoir chronicling YCYW's story, Nurturing the Future with Love, was published this year.
Nurturing the Future with Love outlines the development of Yew Chung Early Childhood Education, its profound influence, and its visionary outlook for education, with contributions from people who experienced YCYW at various stages of its development.
During the Founder's Day event, Dr. Chan expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Winnie Kwong, the book's donor, presenting her a trophy of appreciation, while a group of Primary students from YCIS Shanghai joined them on the stage to read touching excerpts from the book.
YCIS Open Days
YCIS Shanghai would like to invite prospective parents to attend its on-campus Open Days in November in YCIS Shanghai.
On Open Days, they will introduce their history and network, educational philosophy and curriculum, their teachers and academic achievements.
Following a presentation, visiting families will be guided by their admissions team to visit their classrooms and Learning Communities to experience children's real learning environment and gain a deeper understanding of how your child can be part of this vibrant international community.
Scan the QR code on the poster below to book your school visit! With limited seating, parents are recommended to register for a space as soon as possible.
To book your place, please call 021-2226 7666, email sh.enquiry@ycis.com or scan the QR code on the poster below:
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