We grew up together at Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW). Now we carry our stories forward in different cities around the world.

In early 2026, we reunited in three places - Singapore, Seoul and London. These events were not isolated, but rather a gentle relay a toast to reunion, stories shared around a table, and blessings written down to keep us close. At each stop, new faces joined, and old classmates returned. "Alumni for life" became something tangible a community you can return to at any time and a sense of belonging that awaits you.

Singapore

Singapore was a small, quiet gathering, warm in all the right ways. Everyone sat together and spoke about work and life choices and turning points, everyday updates, and school memories. Conversations flowed easily, and laughter lit the shared recollections. Thanks go to YCIS Beijing alumni Mr Dan Sun and Ms Le Xin Ang for organising the event.

Seoul

That warmth continued in Seoul, growing richer with every exchange. On 23 January, more than a dozen alumni met at Gi-wa, a traditional Korean restaurant in Yongsan, and the room soon filled with laughter. Ms Grace Kim, a leader of YCYW's Korea alumni relations also joined to celebrate and reconnect.

Many of the alumni present were of similar age, so conversations flowed naturally. Despite working in different industries, everyone spoke about the progress they had achieved in their respective fields-from IT in Silicon Valley, to securities, semiconductor pipelines, and mobility design, as well as cybersecurity, hospitality, and journalism. Listening to one another, the alumni felt pride knowing that YCYW alumni are making their mark in various ways around the world.

As the alumni stepped outside, delicate snow began to fall. Almost without thinking, everyone posed for one last photo in the snowy scene- as though Seoul itself had wished to cherish this moment for us.

A lucky draw and the commemorative gifts prepared by the alumni office and Ms Grace Kim, brought the winter evening to a warm close.

London

The laughter travelled to London. On 7 February, nearly 30 alumni gathered in the Lacquer Room at the Ellen Kensington Hotel. They had graduated from different campuses - Hong Kong SAR, Shanghai, Yantai, Beijing. There were lawyers, university lecturers, engineers, and a violinist, alongside younger alumni still in school. Ms Josephine Lo and Mr John Meng from the Institutional Advancement Office welcomed everyone with Chinese New Year greetings.

The London gathering brought the meaning of "reunion" vividly to life. A shared Chinese New Year meal carried familiar festive flavours and warmth to the other side of the world. The group's sharing about "My Best London Pick" turned that warmth into something practical. Alumni recommended their favourite cafés, bookshops, and pubs, lighting small guiding lamps for those new to the city. Ms Karen Leung, head of the UK alumni chapter, also specially prepared a cake to express her best wishes for her alma mater.

The most ceremonial moment was the "Spring Couplets Corner". With brush and ink, alumni wrote wishes for the year ahead, exchanged blessings, and sent regards to our alma mater and loved ones far away. With the gentle scent of ink in the air and smiles all around, many paused to admire one another's couplets and take photos together. In that moment, the reunion was more than sharing a table - it was setting heartfelt wishes down on paper and letting them pass from.

Even after the event ended, many lingered-talking, exchanging contact details, and promising to meet again. And we understood, more clearly than ever the thread that began at school has never broken. It has simply stretched as we have moved out into the world.

Each reunion ties a new knot in a new city, leaving a light behind.

Alumni Comments:

• "We couldn't stop talking in Seoul. When the snow started falling, it felt like the end of a movie-beautiful and hard to leave." — Seo Young Son (Class of 2014)
• "The Best London Pick sharing was incredibly helpful. Really a happy time for me and also for all of us." — Timmy Zhao (Class of 2025)
• "Writing spring couplets moved me. Being in London, I still felt the New Year spirit and all the blessings returning." — Angel Gong (Class of 2025)
• "It was really nice gathering. I truly appreciate the opportunity to participate, and I hope we'll have the chance to meet again in the future." — 周生翔 (Class of 2025)

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