"Some of us were a mlly-coddled lot going to school with our own amah in tow. Once their previous charges had been installed in class, these amahs would congregate at the tiffin shed on top of the hill at Coleman Street. They would clusterin a circle, sit on their low stools, take out htier sewing and begin to natter to each other. When the bell rang for dismissal, they would each grab their respective little "Boy Boy" by the hand to the. comfort and safety of the family car, more so if other naughty little boys were involved in fist fights which usually occurred on the field in front of the Foreign. Bible Society building in Armenian Street."
"It is half-past ten in the morning, and the boys rush out of their classrooms as soon as they hear the bell ringing for recess. They rush toward the tiffin-shed in an excited manner, because after many an hour of tiresome work they have become very hungry. The hawkers area also busy, cooking the food for their eager customers who feel so starved that they sometimes jump about like lunatics.
The 'kway teow' man whose body is dripping wet with perspiration is well patronized because he prepares delicious food.
Ice-cream is the favourite of the boys after they have taken their 'kway-teow' because it helps to cool their heated mouths. The boys enjoy it immensely, spoonful by spoonful.
Last of all they crowd round the ice-water man's stall for some ice to cool themselves. Sometimes the ice-water man is so busy dealing with his customers that he fails to distinguish those who have paid him the money from those who have not done so. Thus, there is often an exchange of harsh words in which the boys are usually unwilling to be beaten.
After spending nearly all their money, some of the boys loiter on the hillside near the school for fresh air. Others go back to their classrooms with their pockets full of “kachang puteh” which they throw at one another. Some of the older heads hold a chit-chat in the tiffin shed while a good number run about playing at ctaching just like the primary school babies. Best of all for the hawkers, but worst of all for the teachers, howvere, are those boys who keep on eating and eating even after the ringing of the second bell. "
ACS gave us the environment to make us all a little bit more daring - and people who knew that they themselves were the CEOs of their own agenda, vigorously intertwining and improving each other's to eventually come out as much more than just a student of the school.
Sometimes by vaguely linking a cause for the school or humanity, we were able to legally do things that other students would get in trouble for. So much for the marketing and business skills they taught us from time to time.
Accelerators, Creators, Stylish
Care for a higher calling over himself/herself, a distinctly ACSian class no matter how many diffferent ways we show it, and a high level of sincerity and groundedness in whatever they do, more so than just being a product-driven Singaporean.
Still as bright, perhaps more diverse and more entrepreneurial without ever diluting the culture, and perhaps a more globally reknowned presence beyond Singapore.
Don't just take it as you will be successful because you attended ACS - build the groundwork to make yourself successful, with all the network, time and resources that ACS gives you. There is no problem with growing up fast because no matter what, when you're older, you will always want to be a kid again.
Cured of snobbery
Earnest Lau, Great Teachers, Life-Long Friendships
Conquest is Possible - it's so much like The Best Is Yet To Be
Enjoy your time in ACS, life sucks after.
Between ages 13 to 16 you're very impressionable hence your environment is very important. I feel that growing up in a tight knit community, like acsi, helped build my confidence, which stayed with me throughout my life (I'm 21). As well as, allowed me to make mistakes and take risk, in order for me to figure what kind of person I truly wanted to be.
In kindergarden, it was chasing boys, that stole our plastic food, down the hall way with a toy pan. In Acsi, one of them was probably founders day where we just slid down the inflatable slide and just had a whole day of fun. Also, just be around my friends the whole day and getting up to whatever. School was fun hahaha
Assured, Capable, strong
Empathy, respect and intelligence
The ACS spirit is vibrant with a hint of attitude
Taught me much about Biblical World view; commitment to ACS values. We played hard and also studied hard.
Recess time; chapel services and cross country day as well as Shaw pool sessions training life Guards. Also the String Orchestra and games with the Methodist schools in Malaysia.
Active in community; Charismatic leadership; Service to school and society
Integrity and fun loving boys who can be serious; pride in achievements in sports and scholarship
This is one that never gives up striving for the best at all times, courageous and focussed to show that it is important to empathise as well as believe in the possibility of being in individual and team games as well as in cultural and musical performances.
A global influence that respects peers and enemies alike. True friendship that will be able to test the times.
Be courageous, dare to attempt great things, never regret and always be gracious when you are beaten; on or off the playing field.
Much of what i am today is thanks to 10 years spent in ACS which gave me a label that i am proud to identify with, provided me with moral compass, acquainted me with many who have become lifelong friends, and left me with memories that are forever cherished. I was never prouder than when cheering on schoolmates competing in the sporting arena, in band competitions and inter-school quizzes on TV.
Just being among good friends, and enjoying tuckshop food with them. Helping to raise funds first for the swimming pool and then the junior college. Singing as a member of the choir and getting broadcast on RTS. The small bookshop at the tuckshop was where i spent a small fortune on books. Also, four years of working during and after school hours in Nagle Library and immersing myself in the world of books.
Adroit, Committed and Sensible
An ACSian should be goal-oriented, yet balanced and broad-minded.
One that is focused on achievement and putting in the best effort always.
That the institution will be the symbolic beacon on the hill, shining far and bright like a glorious gem attracting awe and admiration from all around.
Always seek to be a blessing to one another and by working together, you can achieve more.
Coming from Indonesia, I had first hand experience of Singapore's culture, history and people through ACS. It has given me family and friends when I first came to Singapore. It has mould me with invaluable core values of a scholar, officer, gentleman, leader and global citizen. Beyond that, it has given me confidence and courage to face many life challenges in the past and hopefully in the future.
Four years I was involves in FAME, a singing competition produced by ACS (Independent) Boarding School JCRC. That was when I realised that I enjoy performing and love the process of creating and producing something.
Articulate, Chivalrous, Scholarly
Being a gentleman, being able to understand others.
ACS spirit is going through good and bad times together, by celebrating and encouraging one another.
ACS family will be more united than ever.
Enjoy the most of your time in ACS.
ACS has provided me the space and opportunities to explore and discover who I am, which has anchored me through my journey and decisions.
Annoying teachers, sleeping in class and training hard in the robotics team.
Responsibility, Integrity and Honour
One that is daring, unafraid and always up for a challenge.
An institute that continues to challenge and inspire beyond academics
Dare to dream. Go beyond expectations. Academia is the smallest matter of things.
ACS has taught me brotherhood and independence as I learnt not only to believe in myself, but also have trust in those whom I seek out in areas where I need their help.
Participation in overseas competitions in Japan and Sydney with the ACS(I) have Symphonic Band.
Able, Confident, Sucks-at-Chinese.
An ACSian should build strong rapport with the teachers because they truly care. Thus, an ACSian should also show respect.
The ACS spirit forges bonds that last a lifetime.
Ask your teachers for help, and get to know them better too. I did, and 10 years on I am still talking to my teacher.
In many and different ways, especially though the dedication of ACS Staff. For a start, it helps to have a school with a Christian character, mandate, values, history, tradition, staff and OBA. Our ACS Anthem, Crest and Motto have also inspired and kept us in focus, reminded etc. Chapel with its talks, testimonies, items and hymn-singing also contributed. Must especially single out the great help etc from THIO CHAN BEE, LIM CHOON MONG and ENOCH FANG.
"As a STUDENT, of the many the following stood out : 2.1 When Principal Dr Thio Chan Bee preached /testified on Romans 8:28 at Chapel in my O level year at a very important crossroad/decision point in my life , beset with bleak problems and challenges 2.2 When I led our ACS Debating Teams to GREAT VICTORIES over RI and Johore English College 2.3 When LIM Choon Mong entrusted me to work alone (during my free periods) in the Physics lab to catch up on the experiments I missed during my 4 month trip to attend the BB Celebrations in UK in 1954
AS STAFF, there were ever so many meaningful and significant moments, especially endearing and enduring were relationships and teamwork with staff, students and several parents and OBA including an overwhelming and touching farewell service and chapel on 2 Nov 1993"
"Admirable ( also hopefully academically attuned)
CONFIDENT
Sporting ( hopefully ALSO spiritual, selfless and service-oriented as well )"
"GRATITUDE for all that he has been blessed / endowed with IN / THOUGH / BY ACS and those associated with ACS like staff, parents, fellow students, OBA, Church and ESPECIALLY from the LORD.
DESIRE to "pay back" in whatever way possible , mindful that "" TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, FROM THEM MUCH IS EXPECTED”
IDEALLY and HOPEFULLY, all the above and more will be the result / outcome from a life with a real and relevant relationship with the Lord and a desire TO GLORIFY HIM"
"SENSE of PRIDE, LOYALTY, BELONGING and COMMITMENT in ALL ASPECTS connected with ACS Hopefully our characteristic CONFIDENCE will not be mistaken / degenerate into ARROGANCE AND our great, almost unique PASSION ( for all things ACS ) will NOT become an OBSESSION. We must avoid being FROGS IN A WELL where no other world outside exists."
ACS will continue in its aspirations and attainments to be truly a great NATIONAL INSTITUTION bringing pride, inspiration, hope and help for CHURCH and COUNTRY and that our endeavours will enrich and bless many here in Singapore and beyond
BE GOOD STEWARDS, OPTIMISE the OPPORTUNITIES in and though ACS and all the resources-OUR STAFF, VG FACILITIES, CHRISTIAN SITUATION, FELLOW STUDENTS, OBA, TRADITIONS, HISTORY and HERITAGE knowing, believing that for us as individuals and as a great INSTITUTION / FAMILY that THE BEST IS YET TO BE
Many of my friendships are formed through ACS - my long-held friendships when we were students together, and more recent ones in the past decade when we served together as colleagues. My former schoolmates and I (from ACS) share a group chat where we keep in touch with each other's experiences, especially as we are at similar life stages. I continue to meet up with friends (from ACJC). Our values and views influence each other.
With my former schoolmates, we reminisce about our bygone school days and talk about our teachers with fondness. When I think back on my time in ACJC, I am thankful for the staff and students for the many times we have embarked on challenges and achieved together. I remember how we were audacious enough to set high goals relying on God for outcomes and through it all, a united spirit from each and every one to do our best. At the end, success was not so much what was achieved but that we depended on each other and had a shared experience.
Academic, Character, Service
"A belief and trust in God our Heavenly Father. Integrity, so that our word is our honour. Stewardship, so that we always do our best with what we are entrusted. Looking out for the other person, so that we never progress alone."
"Our motto states it well - The Best is Yet to be. Whatever our circumstances, the future is better. And I would also add, a thankfulness for the present. "
A beacon of light. So we need to continually reflect how brightly are we shining and in what areas.
You are standing on the shoulders of giants. You have because others sacrificed. What legacy do you leave for those who come after you?