Chung Hwa High School – Hwa Chong Institution Exchange Program 2007

4^th March-10^th March 2007

Reflections

Six days we spent in Muar, Malaysia, on an exchange program with Chung Hwa High School. Six days we spent living enriching and new experiences; six days we spent learning far more than we had ever imagined, about Malaysia and about ourselves. And at the end of those six days, we reflect on experiences past. Below I have listed some of the learning opportunities I had and what I had learnt from them.

First and foremost, the climbing of Gunung Datuk. Through bitter experience I learnt the value of preparation and knowledge, as none of us had foresaw the difficulty in climbing the mountain and many of us wrongly calculated the amount of water we would need, hence running out of water by the time we reached the peak. Under such circumstances I learnt the importance of resilience. Also, during such difficult circumstances all of us lent each other strength to continue climbing the mountain. We also had to share our water with others who did not have enough, or carry bags for others who could not manage it. It is when these things happen that we understand each other’s and our own characters better, and what I saw was deeply heartening. The harsh circumstances let us form strong bonds of friendship very quickly.

When we finally conquered the mountain, it made the tough climb all worthwhile. It was not only the view, breathtaking though it was, but what the view represented for us—the satisfaction and euphoria of conquering the mountain and succeeding after a long and difficult path—that made it truly wonderful. I learnt that success was there for all of us, if only we had the strength of character to take it.

Second, the two days we spent in Sungai Sireh homestay, hosted by Malay families. Living in the “kampong” life was a drastic change for us Singaporeans, and through I learnt that the world was indeed a large and diverse place, and that fuelled my desire to learn more about it. I also experienced first-hand some Malay customs—where my host did not allow us to eat with spoons but rather with my right hand—and food.

Thirdly, the two days we spent in Chung Hwa High School. It was an eye-opener into the different ways of running a school even between two Chinese schools located so near each other; and the different emphasis from different schools, which allowed us to understand more how our school operates and what are its ideals and values.

Lastly, the swamp experience. It was another new experience for us Singaporeans, and allowed us to show our adaptability. For some of us who were afraid of mud and dirt, it was an opportunity for us to face our fears. For most of us we also had to conquer our fear of the unknown and take the dive—literally. Again, it was under those circumstances that we formed friendships and had to help each other.

On the whole, I had learnt one valuable lesson from the six days of new and enriching experiences. Those who survive in our modern world today are not those who are the strongest or the fastest, but those who are the most adaptable. I hope that the six days I spent in Muar, Malaysia, has trained my mind in that aspect. Also, the friendships we formed with the ten Chung Hwa students who hosted us will never leave us. There is nothing I would have to take that away from me.

1. Counseling
1. What is life?
2. 生命是。。。
   
2. Math
1. self-intro
   
3. Art
1. 3D Drawing
   
4. Malay
1. How Malays marry
2. 3-step process
   
5. Chemistry
1. Solubility of different substances in water (H2O) as a general rule
   
6. Chinese
1. Comprehension
   
7. Class discussion