On October 9, 2020, Yew Chung International Schools and Yew Wah International Education Schools celebrated Founder’s Day. Students, staff members and parents across the YCYW network in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Tongxiang, Yantai, Rizhao, Shenzhen and Silicon Valley in the US, participated through a live steam to celebrate the 88th anniversary of YCYW.

Following a sports theme, students and teachers organised and participated in athletic, musical and academic events. Their laughter and applause helped lift some of the pandemic depression and filled the campuses once again with positive cheer.

Dr Betty Chan Po-king, the CEO and School Supervisor of YCYW, reminded us in her inspiring speech at the opening ceremony that we are undergoing a special period full of challenges. “This pandemic has brought out the best in us. It has strengthened our resolve to serve our community, whose wonderful support has helped carry us forward. And it has renewed our faith and purpose. The future may be uncertain, but our mission is absolutely clear,” she said.

The year 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Dr Chan also wished a happy birthday to YCIS Beijing and shared some anecdotes and memories of the school’s beginnings.

The new Alumni Hall of Fame – established to recognise those who have made significant contributions to the community – also made this Founder’s Day special. Aaron Shea, Class of 1998 from YCIS Hong Kong, Chelsea Chen, Class of 2015 from YWIES Shanghai Gubei and Mika Ulmet, Class of 2010 from YCIS Shanghai became the first alumni to receive this honour. Their significant contributions to charity, the movie industry, and in NGO work stirred the imagination of younger students as they considered their own future paths to success.

Founder’s Day is celebrated on the second Friday of October each year to commemorate YCYW founder Madam Tsang Chor-hang and her bold forward-thinking vision for education when she started her first school in 1932 with the mission of “honouring China”. Her unwavering commitment has been to holistic learning and the development of the whole person with a special focus on nurturing talent. Each Founder’s Day, YCYW schools hold a series of meaningful events to spark curiosity and build young minds.