57th College Day

Generations of Hope

The lion has its origin in the legend of Sang Nila Utama’s sighting and contributed to the name of Singapore. Here, bearing the colours representing NJC’s six houses, a lion is seen emerging from, looking down at and presiding atop a whirlpool that appears chaotic.

Singapore is built upon and strengthened through making good unsettling circumstances. It was for generations before. It will continue to be so for generations to come.

The golden lion on NJC’s badge, representing Singapore, is represented here as NJC’s symbol of its cohorts of graduates who have gone on to contribute to Singapore’s nation building and ultimately, Singapore’s generations of hope.

Guest of Honour

Mr Andrew Tan

Mr Andrew Tan was formerly Operating Partner and Managing Director with Temasek International, a global investment firm based in Singapore from 2019-2022.

Prior to joining Temasek, Mr Tan spent nearly three decades with the Singapore Government in senior positions across key agencies from Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office as the Principal Private Secretary to Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Transport. He was also Chief Executive Officer of the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). He also worked with the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew on both volumes of his Official Memoirs – The Singapore Story and From Third World to First.

Mr Tan graduated with First Class Honours in History from King's College, University of London, in 1989. He attended the Edward S Mason Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government where he obtained his Masters in Public Administration in 2002.

Mr Tan currently sits on boards of listed Keppel Data Centre REIT Mgt Pte Ltd (SGX: AJBU) and Kim Heng Ltd (Marine Offshore) (SGX: 5G2) and works with private equity-backed portfolio companies of ACTIS (part of General Atlantic), and Hillhouse Investment. He is also an adviser to Conservation International’s International Blue Carbon Institute and Eco-Business (EB) Impact.

Message from our Principal

Mrs Lucy Toh

For 57 years, NJC has nurtured generations of hope. From our founding in 1969, each generation of NJCians has carried forward this legacy, putting hope into action in ways that inspire and uplift others.

Our story spans generations — from pioneering educators who dared to dream of educational excellence, to alumni who have become leaders across all walks of life, to current students who are becoming creative scholars and courageous leaders. Each generation keeps building our identity as the College of the Nation as we spur one another on, to serve with honour.

This 57th College Day, celebrated alongside Funtasia, brings together all generations of our NJC family in a joyous celebration of hope as we journey alongside our friends from Eden School and Eden Centre for Adults. As we honour one another's achievements and celebrate the spirit of service that defines us, we recognise that we are not just inheritors of this legacy, but its creators and champions.

Generating Hope, Inspiring Others, Uplifting All

Student Awards

The NJC Student of the Year

The National Junior College Student of the Year is the pinnacle of all student awards, recognising all-round excellence in academia, CCA, leadership and service.

ISABELLE ANG EN YI

I am deeply honoured to receive the Student of the Year Award. More than anything, I see this as a testament to the teachers and peers who have shaped who I am today.

Looking back on my journey at NJC, I feel privileged to have crossed paths with so many inspiring, caring, and thoughtful individuals. From teachers who encouraged my growth in every dimension, to cohortmates, seniors, and juniors who challenged my thinking and offered their support without hesitation — each of these connections has reminded me of the profound value of community. It is this strong foundation that has given me the courage to push myself and grow a little more each day.

It is also through these countless interactions that my understanding of leadership has been most deeply shaped. I have come to believe that true leadership is not about directing others, but about serving them wholeheartedly. As we move forward, I hope our generation will continue to put others before ourselves, and give back to our communities with kindness and love.

The Lim Kim Woon Award

The Lim Kim Woon Award, initiated and structured by a former NJCian in honour of our first Principal, recognises students who exemplify the hallmark characteristics and traits of our motto, Service with Honour.

CHEN SOON CHENG

My time in NJ has been shaped by everyone around me, and I hope, in turn, to support those who come after — to keep passing down that stream of light.

“Service with Honour” once felt like a distant ideal. In NJC, I came to understand it as something lived, and something that sustains hope across generations.

I first encountered hope as a recipient, through teachers and mentors who believed in me and created space for me to grow. Their influence stayed with me, shaping how I saw my own responsibility towards others. In NJC, service became my way of carrying that forward. What began as an intention to give gradually became a commitment to understand, to listen more carefully, and to respond more meaningfully.

Through leading and serving alongside my peers, I saw how hope does not exist in isolation. It is built collectively and passed on. When individuals begin to find purpose in uplifting others, service becomes something shared, and its impact extends far beyond any single effort.

Receiving the Lim Kim Woon Award is deeply meaningful, as it reflects an ongoing cycle. Even beyond NJC, “Service with Honour” remains a way of engaging with others with humility, sincerity, and care. I am confident that future generations of NJCians will continue to nurture this spirit, and in doing so, create and carry forward hope in their own ways.

XEE ZUN YEE

Volunteering with Wildflower Studio has been one of the most meaningful journeys I have undertaken — one that began alongside my peers at NJC and continues well beyond our time there. Through caring for rescued cats, we cultivated values of empathy and compassion that have shaped us into committed advocates for animal welfare and more thoughtful caregivers to the wider community.

My trip to Cambodia, where I helped lead NJC's annual Servant Leadership Training Camp, was equally transformative. It laid bare the privileges I had long taken for granted. The community we served had so little, yet they gave so generously and expressed gratitude so freely — a humbling irony that has stayed with me since.

These experiences, made possible by NJC, have deepened my conviction to make a meaningful difference — not just within my immediate community, but beyond it. To future NJCians, I hope that alongside all the joy and friendships this school has to offer, you will also choose to build intentional legacies that outlast your schooling years. Seek deep, sustained connections with the communities you serve, so that your efforts may compound over time and become the gift that keeps giving.

The SAC Arts Excellence Award

The SAC Arts Excellence Award recognises academic excellence in the arts.

LEONG XIAN ZHU, SAMUEL

I remember that at the start of the SH1, when we had to choose our subject combinations, I was in a dilemma over one subject – Chinese Language and Literature. Although I knew I would enjoy it, I was worried about not being able to keep up due to my limited exposure to Chinese, especially in its literary and historical aspects. In the end, I decided to take a leap of faith and chose it as one of my subjects.

Looking back, that decision to pursue my interests was a defining one. It made my entire SH journey immensely fulfilling, as each subject offered a different perspective of the world - literature gave me a more emotional lens, as we explored human experiences and cultural contexts, while economics offered a more pragmatic one, shaping how I think about decision-making and trade-offs.

I am especially grateful to my teachers, whose passion for the subject, and their constant patience and support, made this journey all the more meaningful.

I hope that the NJC community will continue to be a space where everyone is able to explore their passions, and I hope to share my passions with the larger community, just as my teachers do.

The SAC Science Excellence Award

The SAC Science Excellence Award recognises excellence in the sciences, both in core curricula and in co-curricular scientific endeavours.

CHNG BENJAMIN

The journey through NJC is one that is never taken alone. Behind every milestone and every struggle, there are always people who quietly make the path easier to walk. To me, this college has been a place where I learnt not only through my own efforts, but through the guidance, patience, and support of those around me. I am especially grateful to my teachers, who never hesitated to extend their help beyond the classroom. Whether it was clarifying difficult concepts, offering encouragement during setbacks, or simply taking the time to listen. Their belief in me often gave me the reassurance to keep going. I am also thankful for my friends and peers, who made even the most stressful days feel manageable. Their presence and encouragement gave me strength and clarity to take on different challenges and experiences. Looking back, I realise that what I am most grateful for is not any single achievement, but the community that has allowed me to grow within it.

The SAC Sports Excellence Award

The SAC Sports Excellence Award is the pinnacle sports award, recognising sportsmanship and sporting excellence.

ARIEL LIN JING HAN

"Generations of Hope" — when I first encountered this phrase, what came to mind was not an abstract idea, but the faces of the people around me: those who have motivated me to give my best and stood by me throughout my three to four years in NJC.

Representing NJC in Gymnastics is no small feat, especially for a school where Gymnastics is not an official CCA. There are moments when the absence of teammates to train and compete alongside can feel isolating. Yet my schoolmates have never once let me feel truly alone. Their small but sincere gestures — checking in on my training, asking how competitions went, cheering me on — have meant more than they probably know.

Hope has also come from the most unexpected of places: my competitors. During last year's NSG qualifying round, I fell on my first tumble in the floor exercise event. Heading into the finals, I was anxious and afraid of repeating the same mistake. But when my turn came, something remarkable happened — competitors from other schools cheered me on during my routine. That wave of encouragement gave me a surge of energy and belief I hadn't anticipated, and I went on to clinch the bronze medal on floor.

Moments like these remind me that I have far more pillars of support than I sometimes realise. And as long as I have people in my corner, I carry with me the hope to accomplish whatever I set my mind to.

YEO XIN YING NATALIE GRACE

When most people think of "hope" as a word, they either think of luck or to do well in their sports, academics or personal goals. To be honest, I was no different — to me, hope was simply the expectation that something good would happen. So when the theme "Generations of Hope" was announced for this writeup, I had no idea what to write.

However, looking back on my recent track & field NSG season I realise there were many experiences that speak to this theme more deeply than I had initially thought.

I still remember going down to watch my seniors race just before my own competitions. For most of them, it was their final season — the last chapter of their track journey — and it meant everything to them. Yet in those moments, words like "hope" or "luck" felt strangely absent. What I saw instead was disappointment and regret: the feeling of trainings gone wasted and unspoken "what ifs". It stayed with me.

Then, right before my final individual competition, one of my coaches asked me a simple but powerful question: "Who do you want to fight for?" In that moment, something shifted. I wasn't just racing for myself anymore — I was racing for my friends, my seniors, and all the shared training sessions we had been through together. That sense of fighting for something beyond myself gave me a drive I hadn't felt before. That, I realised, was hope.

In track, "Generations of Hope" takes on a very real meaning. It means striving harder for the countless seniors who may have ended their last race with regret, or fallen just short of a personal best. Every stride forward is built on the foundation they left behind. You can see this hope being passed down in quiet but meaningful ways — seniors returning to share their experiences with juniors, coming back to train alongside the team, or guiding newcomers through the very journey they once began themselves.

Hope, in track, lives in motion. When one race ends, another begins. New generations of athletes step forward, carrying with them the hopes of those who came before — and the drive to do better.

The NJC@69ners Award

The NJC@69ers award, initiated and structured by the first cohort of NJCians, recognises excellence in the arts and humanities, both in core-curricular and co-curricular endeavours.

HENRY CHA YU HANG

As our world changes at an ever-quickening pace, with growing emphasis on efficiency and innovation, the role of the humanities has never been more worth discussing. Even as we move forward, we must not lose sight of values like social equity and ethical responsibility — and it is the humanities that help us hold on to these. They remind us to pace ourselves, to empathise, and to engage in moral reflection. In a world increasingly driven by material advancement, the humanities invite us to ask not just how, but why.

This belief has been the foundation of my learning at NJC, where the close guidance of my teacher-mentors, subject teachers, and Humanities Integrated Programme teachers helped me develop a genuine appreciation for the arts and humanities that I could not have found on my own. Looking ahead, I hope to share this passion with others — helping them find hope and comfort as they navigate the complexities of our world. And I hope that future generations of students will continue to engage with the arts and humanities in ways that bring deeper meaning and lasting, positive change to society.

The Stephen Loh Sports Excellence Award

The Stephen Loh Sports Excellence Award is the pinnacle sports award, recognising sportsmanship and sporting excellence in Track & Field, Squash and Canoeing.

YANG XI YI

Reflecting on my six years at NJC, I have come to understand that being part of a team goes far beyond performance. When I first entered as a DSA student, Covid disrupted everything — training stopped, activities moved online, and our season was cancelled. Not being able to represent the school in those first two years was deeply disheartening. But those challenges only made me hungrier each time I stepped onto the court, more determined than ever to make up for lost time and make the school proud. They shaped my grit and taught me the meaning of perseverance.

Along the way, our team faced its share of setbacks, including at NSG. Yet through those discouraging moments, we learnt to trust and rely on one another — a spirit I hope my juniors will carry forward long after I am gone. I am deeply grateful to my parents, whose unwavering support anchored me through the quiet days of lockdown and the long hours of training. I am equally thankful to my coaches and teachers, who believed in me and pushed me to grow beyond what I thought I was capable of.

To my juniors: continue to uphold the NJC basketball family spirit, looking out for one another on and off the court. You are more than the game you play — you are leaders, and I hope you carry that with you wherever you go.

The PAACT Aesthetics Excellence Award

The PAACT Aesthetics Excellence Award recognises excellence in the aesthetics.

CHENG WANG HOI, JACOB REUBEN

I am deeply honoured to receive the PAACT Aesthetics Excellence Award.

Music has always had the power to inspire — passing something ineffable from one generation to the next. In NJ, I have seen this come alive in the friendships forged, memories made, and experiences shared through music-making.

At the end of every concert, one group is almost always singled out as indispensable: the audience. In NJ, this holds a special meaning, as our audiences are largely made up of fellow schoolmates who take the time to show up and cheer us on in our most significant moments.

But the spirit of music in NJ extends beyond our current community. Recently, I performed in and helped organise the String Orchestra's biennial concert, "Muse-ique" — an occasion made truly memorable by the return of our alumni, who came back not just to watch, but to perform alongside us.

What moved me most was understanding why they chose to return. No longer bound by any obligation to the CCA, they came back simply because they wanted to — out of a genuine desire to make music once more with a group that had once meant so much to them.

To me, this is what "Generations of Hope" looks like. Across different batches and different seasons of life, the memories, friendships, and experiences built through music continue to live on and connect us. That shared hope is what is quietly, faithfully passed down from one generation to the next.

ERIN POK ERN YEE (BU ENYI)

To me, dance is like a warm embrace — a liberation of the soul. It gives me a platform to express how deeply I care about art, and allows me to tell my story through movement in ways that words alone cannot.

During my time at NJC, I was fortunate to give back to the dance community in two meaningful ways. As President of Western Dance, I poured myself into serving my CCA and raising the standard of our craft. And as the Founder of the Junior College Dance Collective, I had the privilege of bringing together dancers from across the different JCs — building connections, creating performance opportunities, and above all, sharing the joy of movement with a wider community.

My hope for the next generation of dancers is simple: find your passion, and let it run deep. Deep enough to drive you to fight for the things that truly matter to you. I have every faith that future generations of Western Dancers will continue to seek out opportunities to perform and grow — not just as contemporary dancers, but as artists who bring creativity, versatility, and heart to everything they do.

The Outstanding Leadership Award

The Outstanding Leadership Award recognises student leaders who have displayed leadership with sensitivity and service with honour.

CLAIRINE AMADEA MULJANA

When I first entered NJC, I made a promise to myself — to find a sense of purpose beyond academic excellence. At the start, I doubted whether I had what it took to lead and juggle multiple commitments. But the guidance of my teachers and the encouragement of my friends helped me believe in myself. Receiving this award is a true honour, and I dedicate it to each of them.

NJC taught me what it really means to be a leader. I came to understand that leadership is not just about achieving outcomes, but about empowering those around you so that success is shared. As a Peer Support Leader, I also learnt that leadership need not be loud. Sometimes, it is the quiet acts of service — checking in on a friend, or simply being a source of comfort and hope — that leave the deepest impression.

My two years at NJC have been filled with growth and warmth, and I am grateful to have been part of this community. I hope NJC continues to be a place that inspires hope in every generation of NJCians, giving them the confidence to dream boldly and the heart to bring others along with them.

SARAH HUANG EN QI

From the moment I answered a senior's call to volunteer — taking my first steps in a journey of service — to now being in a position where I can create opportunities for others who were once like me, I have always felt deeply humbled. The realisation that a single action, whether intentional or not, can create ripples that persist far beyond ourselves has always grounded my values and guided my choices. It gives me hope that with just a little heart, our efforts can leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others.

Who I am today is a reflection of the care and dedication of everyone I have met along the way — my friends, teachers, and mentors, and even the support staff, like the security guards who greeted us each morning. I am immensely grateful to have been part of such a nurturing community, one that opened my eyes to a cause greater than myself and inspired me to grow a little more each day.

The Junior High All-Round Excellence Award

The Junior High All-Round Excellence Award is the pinnacle of all Junior High student awards, recognising all-round excellence in academia, CCA, leadership and service.

AKSHAYA MANIKANDAN

There were moments where it felt like too much. Exams piling up, personal struggles on the side, and anxiety about whether things will even turn out okay. I think most of us have been there. What got me through those moments was hope, and more specifically, the people who kept that hope alive in me. My friends would check in, sit with me, remind me that what I was going through was temporary. And I did the same for them. It became this unspoken thing we had - showing up for each other even when we were all stretched thin. And somehow, it was enough to make the next day feel more manageable. These small, consistent acts that give you the courage to face uncertainty and instil the faith that every effort counts towards achieving your aspirations is what hope looks like for me. My hope for the generations of NJCians to come is that they find that too - people who ground them when things get hard, and the resilience to keep believing in tomorrow even when today is difficult.

The Elizabeth Poey Inspiration and Courage Award

The Elizabeth Poey Inspiration and Courage (EPIC) Award is designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding students, from all academic levels, who have shown the courage and vision to actively advocate for transformational change in Singapore society or in the world. This award is the first team award designed in National Junior College and is the first step towards stimulating a greater adventurous spirit and a “rugged society” mentality in a collaborative manner amongst NJC students.

NJ AVIATE - EPIC

NJ aVIAte started off as nothing more than a fleeting idea. From a simple intention to connect NJ students with VIA opportunities and through countless hours of planning, our vision became a reality. Through organising this event, we experienced how one generation’s efforts can shape the next, and how we can inspire hope across students of all levels. NJ aVIAte became a platform where seniors could pass down their passion, and juniors could discover their own. We were extremely heartened to see how we inspired hope through this event! For seniors, it was the hope that the communities they served would have new members to carry their torch. For juniors, it was the hope that they could keep that flame alive through their own meaningful contributions. To us, “Generations of Hope” symbolises this cycle of inspiration, action, and renewal, where each generation not only dreams of change, but empowers the next to carry it forward. We hope that NJC continues to grow and flourish, as a community full of inspired and hopeful servant leaders.

The NJ aVIAteEPIC awardees are: Lim Shao Le, Lin Huai'En Reann, Manikandan Akshaya, Ajay Koumar Sassikoumar

TIMELESSTIES- EPIC

Our time with the seniors has allowed us to interact and engage with them through activities such as sports, simple conversations, and singing. These experiences give us a clear look into the richness of the elderly’s lives as well as their passion for learning. Through our conversations with the seniors, we learnt that growth is a mutual journey. As we helped them practice English, they mentored us with invaluable life lessons, making unforgettable memories with each other along the way. Most importantly, we learnt how valuable it is to foster intergenerational connections and that growth does not stop at any stage of life. Through TimelessTies, we are committed to impacting seniors positively and empowering them to help them feel valued, seen and truly part of the community. As youths in NJC, we aim to promote the nurturing of lifelong connections and cultivating meaningful relationships with the seniors, showing what it means to embody “Service with Honour” in everyday life.

The TimelessTiesEPIC awardees are: Xavier Teo Chee Zhuan (Zhang Zhizhuan), Jegadeesan, Sadhana Pradoshh, Tan Yan Ning, Trinice, Toh Keng Hi (Zhuo Jingxi), Jermayne Foo Wen Xuan (Fu Wenxuan), Chua Lue Kiat, Leia Ning En Kohl, Tang Wai Kit Jireh, Thant Cho Oo, Lucas Tay Ren Jun

Creating and Championing Hope for Generations

Long Service Awards

20 Years

LIN HUAIZU

It has been a true privilege to serve at National Junior College for the past twenty years. This milestone represents far more than the passage of time — it is a reflection of the collective dedication of educators who have poured their hearts into nurturing future generations.

What has kept me motivated throughout this journey is the opportunity to guide young minds at such a formative stage of their lives. There is something profoundly rewarding about watching a student find their footing — growing in knowledge, in confidence, and in their understanding of the world and their place in it. I am proud to have played a part in contributing to NJC's mission of developing learners who are not only academically capable, but principled, compassionate, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

As our students embark on their journeys beyond the college, my deepest hope is that they remain lifelong learners — curious, adaptable, and always willing to grow. And may they go forth contributing meaningfully to the communities and the society they are part of.

15 Years

CHEN LIANGCAI

Every year at NJC brings its own set of joys and challenges. What makes the experience truly unique is that each year also brings new faces and fresh energy to our community. Watching students grow and find their place here is what makes every year worthwhile.

What motivates me is witnessing genuine understanding take root in the minds of my students. When a student can articulate their thinking and draw connections to what they already know, it is an incredibly rewarding experience — and moments like these always inspire me to continue growing as a teacher. I also find deep meaning in watching my students grow as people. I often walk alongside them through setbacks, and it is wonderful to see them slowly become more capable and resilient individuals, discovering their strengths and learning to harness them to become the unique and confident young adults they are meant to be.

My hope for our NJC students is that they will come to recognise that their school life is but a small step in a much larger journey. That said, I also hope that the time they spend here is memorable — filled with the joy of learning within a community that is always ready to support them. It may sound counterintuitive, but the greatest reward for me as a teacher is when my students no longer need me. To me, that is the truest sign that they have grown.

GUO LANHUA

Serving NJC for so many years has been both a privilege and a deeply meaningful journey. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude — not only for the opportunities this role has given me, but for the chance to have grown alongside so many generations of students. Watching them develop has been one of the greatest joys of my career; seeing them not only gain mastery of the Chinese Language, but also grow in character and confidence, is a reminder that what we do in the classroom reaches far beyond the subject itself. NJC has shaped me just as much as I hope I have shaped my students, and for that I am truly thankful.

What keeps me going is a belief I hold close to heart — that language is so much more than a subject to be studied. It is a bridge to culture, identity, and human connection. When a student begins to appreciate the richness of their Mother Tongue, they are not merely acquiring a skill; they are opening a door to a deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from. Every step of progress, however small, is a meaningful one, and it is in those quiet moments of growth that I am reminded most powerfully of why this work matters.

My deepest hope for our NJC students is that they embrace their Mother Tongue with genuine curiosity and pride, and carry it with them long after they leave the classroom. Language is a living thing, and I hope they continue to nurture it throughout their lives. May they grow into thoughtful communicators who are firmly rooted in their heritage, yet open and receptive to the wider world.

JOEL POH WEINAN

If a ship has its planks replaced one by one over the years, is it still the same ship? I think about that when I reflect on being here for this many years. So much has changed over fifteen years; the faces, the methods, the challenges, and the person I am today is hardly the same person who walked through these doors all those years ago. Yet, the heart of what we do here — the commitment to our students, the belief that education can genuinely change a life — that has remained constant.

The daily affairs of learning or preparing for CCA and school events may look familiar from year to year, but the work is never truly the same, because our students constantly push us to grow and to find better ways of reaching them.

More than anything, I hope my students discover and pursue their own version of excellence — not a single, prescribed kind, but excellence that is true to who they are. Whether that means excelling in their studies, their careers, their communities, their relationships, or simply in how they show up each day for the people they love, I hope they find it and own it fully.

NING HWEE TIANG

Fifteen years at NJC have passed quickly, yet each one has been deeply meaningful. I am especially grateful for the colleagues who have supported me, challenged me, and become close friends along the way. Their generosity, encouragement, and shared sense of purpose have made NJC far more than just a workplace — it is a community I treasure deeply.

What keeps me going is the daily interactions with my students. Their questions and perspectives are a constant reminder that learning is an active, ever-evolving process, and they continue to inspire me even in the face of challenges. Science, after all, is not about having all the right answers — it is about asking the right questions. This spirit of inquiry, persistence, and the willingness to refine our thinking shapes not only how I teach, but how I continue to learn alongside my students every day.

My hope for NJC students is that they remain curious, resilient, and open-minded. May they embrace challenges with courage, learn from setbacks with grace, and grow into compassionate individuals who make meaningful contributions to the lives of those around them.

TAN CHIN HUI

NJC is my home away from home. Over fifteen years, this vibrant community — supportive colleagues, dedicated admin staff, and our familiar canteen vendors — has become family. It has been a privilege to grow professionally here, witnessing the College evolve while remaining anchored in its values. Walking these corridors never loses its meaning; each step traces a journey of watching generations of students grow into confident, thoughtful adults.

What draws me into the classroom with a smile every morning is the irreplaceable human element of teaching. The same syllabus, yet every class is a world unto itself — it is the intellectual curiosity of my students that keeps my passion alive. To ignite a spark of interest, or to offer guidance during a student's most formative years, is a responsibility I hold close to my heart.

My hope is that NJCians carry "Service with Honour" far beyond our college’s gates — that they remain resilient and use their talents to uplift those around them. More than anything, I want them to leave NJC with compassionate hearts and the courage to make a meaningful difference in the world.

TAN XUAN WEN, JEFFREY

I feel deeply privileged to have spent these years at NJC — teaching here has been a profound joy. Working with students daily, coaching them, learning alongside them, and growing as an educator has been one of the great gifts of my career. In many ways, my students have taught me as much as I have taught them, and I am continually enriched by what their generation brings to our shared journey. The relationships and memories built along the way are ones I will always cherish.

At the heart of it all are the people in my world — my colleagues, my students, and the school leaders who have shaped this community. I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by exceptional individuals who constantly inspired me to bring the very best of myself to work. Some days are tough, but it is the small wins that keep me going, and there have been so many of them.

My deepest hope for my students is that they find their way and build their own sense of identity — growing into individuals who are of genuine value to those around them and to the country they call home. May they go forth with purpose and may their years at NJC be a foundation they always look back on with pride.

TEO CHWEE HOCK

NJC has always been more than just a workplace to me — it is the place where I have been able to learn, grow, and discover my potential across so many different areas. Every year spent here has been a happy one, and I would not trade this journey for anything.

What motivates me is seeing students develop into competent, critical thinkers who are able to engage meaningfully with real-world issues. When a student moves beyond surface-level understanding and begins to form their own well-reasoned opinions, I know that they are becoming the kind of higher-order thinkers who will be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the world beyond NJC.

My deepest hope for our students is that they find joy in learning and take genuine pride in the work they do. I hope each of them discovers something that stirs their passion and brings them happiness — because when you love what you do, everything else follows. Above all, I hope that what they carry with them long after they leave NJC are not just academic achievements, but the right values and a strong moral compass to guide them through life.

10 Years

CHER CAIFENG VALERIE

I feel truly grateful to be part of Team NJC. Looking back, what strikes me most is just how much this place has given me — far more than I could have anticipated when I first started. NJC has shaped me in ways I continue to discover, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

The answer to what keeps me going is really quite simple — it is the people. Supportive colleagues who show up for one another, students who never fail to inspire with their energy and curiosity, and work that remains meaningful and exciting even after all these years.

My hope for NJC students is this: keep choosing growth over perfection, courage over comfort, and kindness over division. The road ahead will not always be easy, but I hope you face it with the same spirit and heart that you have shown here at NJC. Know that the people who have walked alongside you here are always rooting for you — every step of the way.

CHONG HUR LING MARCUS

As an NJC alumnus, serving the college has always felt like a privilege rather than an obligation. There is something deeply meaningful about returning to the very place that helped shape who I am — where I developed core skills, built lasting friendships, and forged memories that have stayed with me long after my two years as a JC student. Being able to give back to this community is an opportunity I do not take for granted, and every year spent here only deepens my sense of belonging and gratitude to NJC.

My greatest motivation comes from the students themselves. Seeing them grow — watching the moment a new concept clicks, or witnessing them pick up a skill they once struggled with — is deeply rewarding.

My hope is simple but sincere — that every student walks through these gates happy to be here. Beyond academic achievement, I hope they find joy in learning, form connections that sustain them, and leave NJC with the confidence and compassion to make a positive impact on the people around them.

GOH CHONG MENG ARTHUR

It has been a deeply meaningful journey contributing to the growth of successive cohorts of students and witnessing the College evolve over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, and to have played a small part in shaping the lives of so many young people.

What has kept me going is seeing the progress and improvements — both in our students and in the institution — year after year. There is no greater reward than watching young people find their footing and grow into who they are meant to be.

My hope for every student who has passed through these halls is that they grow up to be adaptable, resilient, and purposeful individuals who contribute meaningfully to society and the wider world — wherever life takes them, and in whatever capacity they serve.

HIEW MEI CHIN

These ten years of working as NJC's Administration Manager have not been without their challenges — managing finance, procurement, audit compliance, human relations, and a wide range of administrative responsibilities often comes with a heavy workload. Yet the journey has been truly meaningful and fulfilling. Knowing that the work I do supports the smooth running of the school and contributes to a positive environment for both staff and students makes every effort worthwhile.

What motivates me to keep going is the opportunity to make a real difference — particularly in moments when I am able to help students and colleagues navigate their challenges. Whether it is providing advice and guidance on finance and procurement matters to staff, or extending financial assistance to students who need it, these moments of support, however small they may seem, are the most rewarding part of my work. It is in these interactions that I am reminded most clearly of why I do what I do.

For our students, my hope is that they will pursue their aspirations with courage and purpose. Beyond academic success, I hope they grow into individuals who lead meaningful lives, show compassion to those around them, and make a positive impact wherever they go.

LIM KAH SING

Over the past decade, it has been a source of great pride to witness NJC's facilities grow and improve. Seeing the changes take shape over the years — knowing that I have played a small but tangible part in that transformation — fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction. Every corner of this campus holds a memory for me, and I am grateful to have been a part of its story.

What motivates me is the knowledge that even the smallest contributions can make a real difference. A well-maintained space, a problem fixed before it becomes a disruption, a corridor kept clean and safe — these may seem like modest things, but they add up. Behind every smooth-running school day is a team of people working quietly in the background, and I am proud to be one of them. Knowing that my work helps NJC function at its best is more than enough to keep me going.

My hope for our NJC students is simple — that they always have a safe, clean, and conducive environment in which to learn, grow, and thrive. A good space can make a real difference to how a student feels when they come to school each day, and it is my wish that every student who walks through these doors feels comfortable, supported, and ready to do their best. That is what I work towards, and it is a purpose I carry with pride.

STEPHANIE FOO LI MIN

I feel truly privileged and grateful to have served NJC for so many years. There is a quiet but profound joy in knowing that the work we do here touches the lives of young people and that sense of purpose has never left me.

What motivates me to keep going is my students. Watching them grow — seeing them rise to meet challenges they once thought were beyond them and emerge more resilient and capable on the other side — is a reward that never grows old.

My hope for our NJC students is that they carry with them the qualities that will serve them well long after they leave — curiosity that keeps them learning, compassion that keeps them grounded, resilience that keeps them going, and courage that keeps them reaching.

THERNMOLI D/O RAMACHANDRAN

Serving NJC for so many years has been deeply meaningful. Over time, it becomes more than just a workplace — it becomes a community. I have had the privilege of witnessing generations of students grow, each cohort bringing its own energy, challenges, and perspectives. That continuity, combined with the ever-evolving nature of education, keeps the experience both grounding and refreshing. It is also humbling to know that I have played even a small role in shaping young lives.

What keeps me going is, simply, the students. Their curiosity, resilience, and potential are constant reminders of why this work matters. Even on difficult days, a single moment — a student grasping a concept, gaining confidence, or discovering a passion — makes everything worthwhile. There is also a deeper motivation in the sense of purpose that this work carries: education is not just about academics, but about helping young people in whatever way we can.

My hope is that NJC students grow into individuals who are not only capable, but also thoughtful and grounded. Beyond achievements, I hope they develop integrity, empathy, and the courage to navigate uncertainty with grace. Ideally, they will leave NJC with a strong sense of self, a willingness to keep learning, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.