Yew Chung Yew Wah Education celebrated Founder's Day on 8 October 2021. The annual event was co-hosted by YCIS Hong Kong and YCIS Chongqing, a school which also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Students, teachers and school communities in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Tongxiang, Yantai, Rizhao, Shenzhen and Silicon Valley in the US, participated in a virtual celebration of the 89th anniversary.

This occasion also kicked off the countdown to a fast-approaching milestone 90th anniversary for YCYW Education.

In her opening address, Dr Betty Chan, CEO cum School Supervisor of Yew Chung Yew Wah Education, described the moment as historic, a triumph over adversity.

"This year Founder's Day is truly special, a time where we rebound from uncertainty and rejoice in our history and legacy in the lead up to our 90th anniversary next year. The tenacity, perseverance and commitment shown by our founder, Madam Tsang Chor-hang, is a tremendous and timeless asset, a great inspiration that guided us as we learn to navigate the many unforeseeable challenges today and in the future."

Along with YCIS Chongqing, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of YWIES Shanghai Gubei, the 15th anniversary of YCIS Qingdao, as well as the 5th anniversary of YWIES Beijing Yizhuang and YWIEK Qingdao. Offering her congratulations, Dr Chan observed that with every new additional strand the school's multicultural weave had been enriched and strengthened.

90th Anniversary Countdown

Founder's Day kicked off the countdown to the 90th anniversary celebration. In Hong Kong, a group of 16 special guests officially launched the 90th anniversary countdown on stage with a blast from an air horn. The group included Prof Paul Yip, Chairman of Hong Kong Yew Wah International Education Foundation, Dr Betty Chan, Dr Esther Chan, Deputy CEO (K-12 Education), Dr Lydia Chan, Deputy CEO (Tertiary Education), and Mr Felix Hsu, Deputy CEO and CFO.

Our Fellows-in-Residence Division composed a special song to remember our founder, Madam Tsang Chor-hang. Titled "Banana Bread", the piece was inspired by her favourite baked treats. The song has become part of our 90th anniversary musical tribute. 

YCIS Hong Kong students performed the piece that traces the group's roots to when Yew Chung Yew Wah began as a tiny seed planted in Hong Kong. From that humble beginning the enterprise has been transformed into a modern international education system.

Group-wide Scholarship to Empower Change and Understanding

Dr Esther Chan, Deputy CEO (K-12 Education) announced the launch of a network-wide scholarship programme, highlighting its role in securing the long-term development of our community.

"The Yew Chung Yew Wah Scholarship Programme recognises the highest level of academic achievement, leadership, and service to the school and our community. It targets highly motivated and talented students from around the world who can benefit from a multicultural learning environment with a strong creative element. Through this new programme, we hope to provide more opportunities for students to develop and exercise special skills and qualities,"

"We continue to educate and shape the world's future generation in a supportive and vibrant environment. We nurture our Chinese students to be rooted in our country, while having a global perspective. Our expatriate students learn to understand and appreciate China and Chinese culture so they can act as a bridge between their home countries and China, working together to build a common humanity."

The 2nd YCYW Alumni Hall of Fame Awardees

The Alumni Hall of Fame was established last year to acknowledge those who have made an outstanding contribution to society. Teriver Cheung is an international jazz guitarist and composer, actively engaged in music education, and Jialang Woo works in biotechnology with a focus on improving people's lives.

During the induction ceremony, Teriver expressed gratitude to Yew Chung for a stimulating learning environment where diverse ideas could mingle. This allowed him to explore his musical potential. And, through a video, Jialang shared the global citizen identity and community service concept shaped by the Yew Chung experience.

Sport is the theme of our Founder's Day every year. It's a unifying force and embodies our competitive spirit, which helps shape students character and core values.

This year's Founder's Day was no exception. Each campus drew up a wonderful line-up of sport combined with intellectually stimulating discourse and cultural activities.

At YCIS Hong Kong

Students of YCIS Hong Kong also immersed themselves with a series of musical performances, from solo, duet to an ensemble, along with an array of sports events across campuses to fill the day with fun and laughter. 

While this celebration has ended, we continue on a journey packed with surprises and endless possibilities.

We look forward to the 90th anniversary celebration next year!