Japan: Marketing and Networking Trip

On March 22nd, Ms. Linda Lee, the Principal, and Mr. Mike Lam, Deputy Director of Admin Operations, embarked on a trip to Tokyo, Japan, to engage in marketing and networking activities for HCIS. Our connection with the Chosei Education Foundation began in November 2023, when Mr. Walter Ichikawa-Doyle, their principal, expressed interest in visiting HCIS. This initial interaction paved the way for our recent visit to one of their schools, Saku Chosei Junior High School in Nagano, despite the snowy weather that persisted into spring.

We were warmly received by the school's principal, and we were impressed by the professionalism of the staff as they welcomed parents and students to the information session, which saw full attendance despite the challenging weather conditions. Principal Linda delivered a presentation to an engaged audience of over 140 individuals in the auditorium. Interestingly, the session's translator happened to be an alumna of Nanyang Girls’ High School and Hwa Chong Junior College, who has been teaching English at the school for more than 25 years since graduating.

On the following day, HCIS participated in the Study in Singapore Education Fair organized by our agent, Culture Connection. Over 100 families signed up, keeping our booth busy for the entire six-hour event. There was significant interest in HCIS and the scholarships we offer. Additionally, our agent arranged for a parent of one of our Year 3 students, Takano Inoh, to share her child’s school experience, and an enthusiastic 11-year-old boy to talk about the importance of learning English.

Our trip continued with a visit to our partner school, Tokyo Gakugei High School, on March 25. Our Assistant Principal Michelle Koh had previously conducted an IB Maths HL lesson for their IBDP students in 2023, and it was heartening to see that they still remember her fondly and requested more lessons. Both principals expressed a strong desire for more bilateral student exchanges and teacher attachment opportunities.

On March 26, we met with the council members of Minato-Ku Education Council after reading a Straits Times article about their intent to embark on an overseas learning program to Singapore for all Grade 9 students in Minato ward public schools. Seizing this opportunity, Mr. Mike Lam reached out to the Education Council to propose a student immersion program at HCIS for Japanese students and explore the possibility of a similar arrangement for our students in local schools. Concrete plans were made for 2025, and we anticipate their visit to HCIS from June to August this year.

Though brief, our trip was highly productive, raising awareness of our school, strengthening ties with Tokyo Gakugei, and establishing an official relationship with the Education Council of Minato-ku, a community of affluent residents in Tokyo. These new ventures, akin to the blooms of sakura in spring, fill us with excitement.