News

Racial Harmony Day x International Friendship Day 2026

3 August 2026

Hwa Chong Institution celebrated Racial Harmony Day and International Friendship Day 2026 across the College and High School sections. Under the theme “Our People, Our Tapestry,” students engaged in an educational assembly talk, explored heritage traditional game booths, enjoyed nostalgic local treats, and participated in cultural crafts like henna and bracelet making while dressed in traditional attire.

Each year on 21 Jul, students from Hwa Chong Institution celebrate Racial Harmony Day × International Friendship Day 2026, reaffirming our commitment to a harmonious, multicultural, and beautiful society.

Four smiling Hwa Chong Institution students standing side-by-side in front of a grey backdrop with metallic foil balloons spelling "RHD IFM". They are dressed in diverse traditional attire, including Cheongsams and a Kebaya.

Inspired by this year's theme, “Our People, Our Tapestry,” cultures met through play and conversation, and students were reminded that harmony is woven by understanding and respecting our differences.

Over at College, students enjoyed traditional games prepared by the Students' National Education Council (SNEC), including Congkak, La Pirinola, Gasing, Chapteh, Graces, Five Stones, and Cornhole. Others crafted friendship bracelets, tying knots that represented simple yet meaningful symbols of connection. In addition, students explored the traditional art of henna, discovering the craftsmanship behind this centuries-old practice. Dressed in traditional attire from different cultures, Hwa Chong students brought traditions to life across the campus.

Two male students smiling and laughing as they play the traditional game of Congkak at a booth setup during the school event.

A close-up shot of a student intricately applying a dark henna design onto the back of another student's hand using a cone dispenser.

Meanwhile, over at the High School section, students commemorated Racial Harmony Day on 23 Jul with a vibrant and engaging programme. The morning kicked off at Kah Kee Hall with an assembly featuring a thought-provoking talk by Defence Collective Singapore titled “Is Race still an Issue in Singapore?”. Students then had the chance to visit student-led Heritage Traditional Games Booths set up near the canteen. Co-organised by the National Education Council and Consortium Councillors, these stations invited students to try nostalgic Singaporean childhood games, with sweet treats like cup corn, ice cream, kacang putih, and retro biscuits awarded as rewards!

Four male high school students in white school shirts smiling and posing for the camera while holding up cup corn, ice cream, and retro wafer biscuits at the canteen booths.

High school students gathered around small desks in the school's sheltered plaza trying out traditional spinning tops (Gasing) at a heritage game station.

Written by: SNEC (College)

Photo credit: Studio Ardent

A large group photo of school leaders and staff members standing on a stage underneath a traditional signboard at Kah Kee Hall, all dressed in colorful cultural outfits and traditional attire.