Making a Difference, even at age 95!

Last week, we held a Pioneer Tribute Dinner for our pioneer educators in honour of their contributions to Singapore and our education system. We caught up with one of the most experienced pioneer educators present, Mr Chew Peng Leng, who has been in the education service for over 60 years!

Now aged 95 and still sprightly, Mr Chew was the longest serving principal in the history of Xinmin Secondary School (XMSS) which was formerly known as Sin Ming High. During his term as the school’s principal from 1965 to 1986, Mr Chew actively organised various fund-raising events in order to raise funds to build and improve the school’s facilities.

Over the years, the school has evolved from its initial three bungalows along Upper Serangoon Road to its current building at Hougang Avenue 8. It now has an indoor sports hall, an air-conditioned multi-purpose hall, a biomedical research laboratory and even a heritage gallery! Mr Chew also shared with us knowingly that a Creative Arts Complex is also in the works and is expected to be completed this year. This Creative Arts Complex will house a 400-seater blackbox as well as three rehearsal rooms for the school’s performing arts groups, Guzheng, Choir and Chinese Dance.

Even in retirement, Mr Chew continues to play an important and active role in XMSS. He is the advisor of XMSS’ Advisory Committee, and he visits the school regularly to impart his valuable experiences. We thank Mr Chew for his many contributions as a pioneer educator and for still contributing to our education system!