Koh Rui En – Class of 2025

Koh Rui En (24-U3) combined academic excellence with intellectual curiosity and a collaborative spirit that uplifts those around her. As Events Head of the Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP), she demonstrated participative leadership and coordination, making each event a memorable and meaningful experience for the student community.

“My journey in EJC taught me to be prepared for the unexpected. Some of the moments that challenged me most were the ones where I had to step up and think on my feet. I was given the opportunity to represent the school to converse with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the 14th S Rajaratnam Lecture; emcee the annual SG Perspectives dialogue with Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad; and moderate a dialogue on Singapore-China relations with distinguished guest speakers. Though I tried my best to predict unforeseen outcomes and formulate potential responses, genuine dialogue on national and global issues cannot be fully scripted. My experiences highlighted to me the importance of adaptability over perfect preparation.

Engaging national and sectoral leaders at large-scale events was daunting, but I was equally driven by my curiosity in the issues being discussed. Each opportunity sharpened my understanding of geopolitical complexities and the trade-offs in policy decisions. Looking back, my time in EJ gave me greater clarity on how I want to contribute in the future, and also taught me how much the willingness to adapt and grow matters, especially in the long run.

I also took H2 China Studies in Chinese (CSC), and am grateful for the robust class discussions and my CSC teachers’ patient explanation of various topics during consultations. Sun Xiaojun laoshi (teacher), Cao Jiandong laoshi and Cao Xinxin laoshi often went beyond the classroom to share relatable experiences or latest developments to help reinforce complex CSC concepts. My teachers’ and peers’ willingness to openly engage in discussions on wide-ranging issues not only gave me a better understanding of China, but also encouraged me to continuously learn and think. 

The BSP trip to China was also central to my EJC experience. Beyond the eye-opening experience of witnessing China’s cultural depth and rapid technological development, what stayed with me the most were the bonds and memories we forged: from weekly hikes at MacRitchie and Bukit Timah Hill prior to the trip, to navigating various Chinese cities independently, and scaling both Taishan and the Great Wall of China together. My peers’ courage to embrace the unfamiliar encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.

The opportunities I got in EJC to explore new possibilities strengthened my confidence and gave me greater clarity in my future direction. I hope to carry this courage and purpose with me to continue navigating uncharted waters in the future.”