2023 HCIS Graduation Ceremony and Speech by Mr Vincent Kho

It is graduation season again. The 2023 International Baccalaureate graduates are ready to explore the world and pursue their dreams as they step out of HCIS.

The graduation ceremony opened with a performance by the HCIS String Orchestra. The beautiful melody resonates in the hall, evoking the wonderful memories of the graduates’ campus life.

Both Principal Linda Lee and Guest of Honour Mr. Kho Yue Sern, Vice Chairman of the Board of Hwa Chong International School and Chairman of the School Management Committee, delivered speeches. In their speeches, they fully affirmed the efforts of the graduates in their studies but also bestowed their great expectations and blessings for their future learning journey. Mr. Kho delivered his speech in both English and Chinese, showcasing the multicultural and linguistic inclusiveness of HCIS. He reminded the graduates to continue striving for personal growth and to uplift others as they reach for their personal milestones while chasing their dreams.

Undoubtedly, the most touching moment of the ceremony was the video screening where graduates expressed their gratitude to their parents. These were words of thanks and love that the graduates were often too shy to convey in person. They appreciated their family members’ meticulous care and affection in every aspect of their lives. The sincere emotions of the graduates moved every attendee, reflecting their spirit of remembering their roots. With hearts full of gratitude, they thank their parents for their upbringing and their teachers for their invaluable guidance.

Next, the Guest of Honour, Principal Lee, and the class Form teacher presented the graduates with their diplomas and captured the moment with commemorative photos. This not only marked the end of their six years of study at HCIS but also represented the beginning of the next milestone.

In conclusion, we wholeheartedly wish all the graduates a future filled with promise and great achievements. May they be brave in exploration, carry forward the spirit of gratitude, and work together to build a better society.

Transcript of the Graduation Speech by Mr Vincent Kho

Good Afternoon members of the Board of HCIS and the School Management committee, Principal Linda, staff, parents, and most importantly, graduates.

I am honoured to be here today to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2023.  This Is a momentous occasion for you, your families, and our school community. I know the past years have been challenging for everyone. You have faced unprecedented adversity, but you have persevered. You have shown resilience, determination, and grit. You have worked hard, learned a lot, and made lifelong friendships. You are now ready to take on the world.

I am reminded of the theme for this year is “Hope”.

I remember the message I put up in the HCIS yearbook 2023.  I mentioned vision and dreams to our students.  It Is the dream and visions of our predecessors that led to the establishment of Hwa Chong International School. It is also the dream and visions of our school management to make HCIS a leading IB world school offering a uniquely global and Asian perspective.

Graduates, as you step out into the world beyond these walls, remember that hope is not just a fleeting emotion, but a force that can shape your future. Embrace the lessons you have learned within the school, the friendships forged, the knowledge gained, and the growth you have experienced. Carry these memories with you as you step into the world, let them serve as a foundation for your dream upon which you build your future, regardless of where your next destination might be.

Stay hopeful of the dream you want to pursue and the many uncharted paths that await you. Always be kind, be compassionate, gracious, be grateful, and above all, a force for good. It Is your character that would speak of the difference you can make in the world. I know that you will do great things, beyond your academic achievements. I congratulate you, class of 2023!

Before I end my address, here are some specific things that I would like to impress upon the graduates:

• Be proud of what you have accomplished. You have worked hard and deserve to celebrate this success.
• Be confident in your abilities. You have what it takes to succeed in whatever you do.
• Never give up on your dreams. No matter what challenges you face, keep fighting for what you want.
• Use your voice to make the world a better place. Speak up for what you believe in, even when it Is difficult.
• Be open to New experiences. The world Is a big and amazing place, so don't be afraid to explore.
• Never stop learning and never be afraid to make mistakes in your life. The world is constantly changing, so stay curious and keep learning new things.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Congratulations again, Class of 2023.