Singapore International Schools' Debate League

On the 17th of January, 2015, the Ambassadors of ACS (International) aided the Debate Society in facilitating the Singapore International Schools' Debate League (SISDL). The SISDL was the first debate competition of its kind in Singapore, catering only to international schools and their debate teams. Two Ambassadors were posted to each room: one timekeeper and one chair; both roles were crucial to ensuring the success and smoothness of the tournament. The role of a timekeeper was to keep time so the event went according to schedule. The chairperson introduced the debate and ensured that the debates followed the rules of a World Schools’ style debate. The Ambassadors easily learned the intricacies of World Schools’ style debate and facilitated all of the debates with professionalism and skill. Three rounds of debates were held with the first being a prepared motion and the latter, impromptu. The Ambassadors were required to be constantly on their toes due to the quick-paced matchups and edits made by the SISDL Exco and had to adapt to demanding situations without warning. 

The President of the Ambassadors (2014-2015), Lincoln Lee was also part of the organising committee and personally handled the transportation of scores.

The Ambassadors also demonstrated leadership skills where they had to step out from their roles and comfort zone to assist in any way possible to ensure the smooth flow of the event.

Founder’s Day - Student Reflection

 This year marks more than just one anniversary; not only is it the 129th Founder’s Day but the 130th anniversary of the Methodist Church, ACS International’s 10th year as a school and part of the ACS Family and Singapore’s 50 years of Independence. We have come so far as a family - the ACS Family - and as we move forward, we can only grow.

 Founder’s Day officially commenced with the march-in of the National Flags of numerous countries after the arrival of the Guest of Honour and our Principal, Vice-Principals and the Board of Management. The March-in was a display of ACS International’s diversity with 34 flags participating followed by the singing of Singapore’s National Anthem; the Pledge, honouring the country that ACS has made its home in;then the Hymn - To God Be the Glory was sung by the school to emphasise the unity between Founder’s Day and the Methodist Church through music.

 After our Principal gave his words of welcome and introduced the SG50ACtS, we were graced with moving renditions of classical pieces by the String Orchestra. Following the performance was the Bishop’s Message read by Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian which strengthened the importance of Methodist values in school and within the family. We thank Mr Oon Jin Gee for conveying the ACSOBA President’s Message.

 A video presentation was then shown illustrating the evolution of ACS, surviving the tests of time, tracing back to when we were a small building in Amoy Street. The video was insightful as it educates us of our rich history and that we are capable of great things. A refreshing vocal performance of “I’d Rather Be” by Shawnia Seah (3 TCT) & Arnell Nur Karina( 5 THO) and a dance performance “ Dancin’ Happiness” by the dance crew Hype DC heightened the mood. 

The highlight of the morning was the award ceremony. Our Vice Principal, Ms Kathleen Manley, read the citations for the prize recipients before our Guest of Honour presented the prizes to the students. The Han Pok Fong Awards by Mr. Han Seng Juan were given to Shasta Kaul and Nikkei Martono for their excellent achievements. We congratulate Shasta for being the first ACS (International) student to be accepted into Oxford. In addition, ACSOBA medals were awarded to Aimee Griffiths, Tiara Joy Foo, Charles Fuad and Sandhya Selvakumar for their outstanding all round results. 

The Guest of Honour, Lt. General (Ret) Winston Choo Wee Leong graciously shared his experiences in school and his eventful career in the military, being the first of his alumni to set a foothold in this profession. Being the first Chief of Defence of the Singapore Armed Forces, he emphasized discipline and teamwork, playing hard and working hard. Founders’ Day ended with a benediction by Reverend Dr. Ngoei, presentation of a memento to the Guest of Honour by Mr Burrough (an artwork of our students Kerdkaewfah Papawarin (2CKS) Ji Hyeon Jo (2SVM) and Qiu Buabucha (1THO) and a reprise of Arlington Sketches by the String Orchestra. 

The day ended on an auspicious note with a reception of “Lou Hei” for the Guest of Honour and invited guests.

Written By:

 Noor Azira Ziara (4-CKS) and Lim Mun Yiang (4-SVM)