2025 Mother Tongue Fortnight

06 JUN 2025

Embracing the spirit of having joy in learning

From 6th to 19th May, the spirit of unity and diversity came alive at St. Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) during our annual Mother Tongue Fortnight (MTF) in conjunction with SG60. This vibrant two-week celebration brought together students and staff in a dynamic showcase of our multicultural heritage, making this year’s MTF the most memorable yet!

New Highlights: Fresh Programmes, Fresh Experiences

2025 saw the introduction of four exciting new programmes:

  • Escape Room: Students raced against time, solving language-based puzzles in a thrilling test of teamwork and wit.

  • Xin Yao Performances: The campus resonated with nostalgic melodies, as students and guest performers serenaded the crowd with beloved local tunes.

  • China Immersion Trip Showcase: Participants shared their eye-opening experiences, offering a window into Chinese culture and language immersion.

  • Youth Bilingual Discourse (YBD): A national initiative that sparked lively bilingual debates, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning among JCCI students.

Celebrating Culture: Music, Games, and Craftsmanship

The festivities began each morning with AM Delight, where students took on the role of radio deejays, spinning multicultural tracks and sharing uplifting stories. The campus buzzed with the Busking Programme, featuring student performances of ethnic songs during rest breaks, and reached a crescendo with the national Xin Yao Programme. This programme was featured in the Chinese newspapaper – Lianhe Zaobao on 28th May 2025. Read more about it here!

Hands-on showcases allowed Saints to try their hand at:

  • Wayang Kulit Craftsmanship

  • Rangoli Art

  • Chinese Knot Making

  • Henna Designing

Traditional games like Chapteh, Congkak, and Kongming Lock brought laughter and friendly competition, while the Chinese Language Escape Room challenged students’ problem-solving skills.

Deepening Engagement: Master Classes and Symposiums

MTF 2025 offered students the chance to deepen their appreciation for language and culture through:

  • Master Classes with experts in language, literature, and culture.

  • The Mother Tongue Language Symposium, where local experts and student presenters discussed the tangible and intangible benefits of mother tongue learning.

  • Learning Journeys that took students beyond the classroom to experience the living heritage of our languages.

Competitions, Awards & Recognitions

No celebration is complete without a little friendly rivalry! Students competed in deejay hosting, busking, and TikTok video creation. Outstanding achievements were celebrated:

  • Zhang Ruowei (25S02) clinched Excellent Awards in two national Chinese calligraphy competitions.

  • SAJC was honoured with the Harmony Award for active participation in national calligraphy events.

  • Thashreefah Nasreen Binte Mohamed Eusoph (25A02) and Irba Qahirah Putri Mohamad Isa (24A05) were appointed Rakan Bahasa (Friends of the Malay Language) for their dedication to promoting Malay language and culture.

Growing Together: The SAJC Way

This event reflects SAJC’s commitment to nurture both individual and collective identities, preparing students to thrive in a multicultural society.:

  • Embracing and celebrating diversity

  • Fostering unity and social cohesion

  • Promoting bilingualism and cultural heritage

  • Encouraging holistic, experiential, and lifelong learning

  • Building a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community

MTF 2025 proved once again that at SAJC, we don’t just celebrate our roots - we grow together, learn together, and create unforgettable memories. The fortnight’s success is a testament to our commitment to holistic education and the joy of learning.