China
Explore highlights from Chua Chu Kang Secondary School's Global Connect trips to China, where students gained real-world exposure to Chinese culture, history, and industry.
2026 Global Connect Trip to Xi'an, China
One of our new offerings for 2026 - Xi'an, China - offered our CCKSians an unforgettable journey through time, blending ancient history with modern educational exchanges. This overseas learning experience was carefully designed to enhance cross-cultural literacy, allowing CCKSians to step beyond their familiar environment and develop a global perspective. From the moment they arrived, our CCKSians embraced the opportunity to grow as adaptable learners, ready to navigate a different cultural landscape with curiosity and an open mind.
A significant highlight of the trip was the visit to Jingkai No. 5 School and Xi’an Jiaotong University. Engaging with local peers provided a platform for our CCKSians to practice the value of respect as they exchanged ideas and learned about the daily lives of students in China. These interactions were essential in building empathetic hearts, as CCKSians showed genuine consideration for their hosts while discovering common goals and aspirations. By immersing themselves in these academic environments, our CCKSians demonstrated the enterprise to seek and seize new learning opportunities, truly embodying the spirit of future-ready mindsets.
The fusion of tradition and innovation was most evident when our CCKSians visited the Geely Electric Vehicle (EV) factory. Witnessing the precision of smart manufacturing and the future of green mobility allowed our CCKSians to see how enterprise and technology can solve global challenges. It was an eye-opening experience that inspired them to think about how they might contribute to a sustainable future. This forward-looking visit was perfectly complemented by the historical wonders of Xi’an, including the breathtaking Terracotta Warriors and the majestic City Wall. Watching the Eternal Qin Army performance brought history to life, while a specialized workshop on the cultural preservation of monuments taught our CCKSians the importance of being ethical citizens who value and protect global heritage. Whether they were exploring the Xi’an Museum or appreciating the rhythmic traditions at the Dongcang Drum Institute, our CCKSians remained responsible and engaged, showing a deep appreciation for the effort required to maintain such significant cultural treasures.
Nature also played a beautiful role in the journey, as our CCKSians were fortunate enough to witness the blooming cherry blossoms, providing a serene backdrop for reflection and bonding. Throughout the trip, the value of resilience was evident as CCKSians managed the logistics of travel and adapted to new customs and climates with a positive attitude. This journey was more than just a sightseeing tour; it was an empowering experience that equipped our CCKSians with the knowledge and values to thrive in an interconnected world.
As our CCKSians returned home, they brought back a wealth of stories and a broadened worldview. The Xi’an trip successfully fostered a sense of agency and compassion, ensuring that our CCKSians are well on their way to becoming contributors to the global community. We are incredibly proud of how they conducted themselves, proving that with an adventurous spirit and a grounded set of values, the world is truly their classroom.
2025 Global Connect Trip to Jiangsu Province, China
Our recent six-day educational trip to China proved to be an invaluable learning experience for our students, combining industrial exposure, cultural immersion, and historical appreciation from 4-10 November.
The journey began with an enlightening visit to SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co Ltd in Shanghai, where students observed modern manufacturing processes in the body and stamping workshops. This hands-on exposure to automotive production provided practical insights into industrial engineering and sustainable manufacturing practices.
In Zhangjiagang, students explored Jiangsu CorEnergy Semiconductor Co., gaining understanding of cutting-edge semiconductor technology. The visit to Shenhao Technology Co. in Hangzhou's Dream Town further expanded their knowledge of China's thriving tech ecosystem, demonstrating how innovation hubs foster entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Students experienced China's rich cultural tapestry through visits to iconic sites including the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, West Lake in Hangzhou, and the historic Wansong Academy. The UNESCO World Heritage Grand Canal visit provided valuable lessons in historical preservation and cultural significance.
Evening cultural activities, including the spectacular "Song Dynasty" performance and ERA acrobatic show, offered students authentic glimpses into Chinese artistic traditions whilst exploring vibrant areas like Nanjing Road, Tianzifang, and Xintiandi.
Daily debrief sessions encouraged students to process their experiences, fostering critical thinking about cultural differences, industrial practices, and global perspectives. The Longjing Tea Plantation visit and exploration of traditional streets like Qinghefang provided opportunities to appreciate China's agricultural heritage and local craftsmanship.
This comprehensive educational experience has undoubtedly broadened our students' global awareness, enhanced their understanding of international business practices, and deepened their appreciation for cultural diversity—preparing them to become informed global citizens.
2024 Global Connect Trip to Jiangsu Province, China
From 7 to 12 Nov 2024, a group of 37 CCKSians and 6 staff embarked on a trip to Suzhou and Shanghai. On Day 1, we touched down at Shanghai Pudong Airport and visited the Shanghai Maglev Museum, followed by an exciting ride on the high-speed Maglev train, which was an experience of a lifetime. On Day 2, we visited out partner school Zhangjiagang Experimental School, where we were welcomed with much hospitality. Our students sat in classes with their buddies and were awed by the enthusiasm displayed by our counterparts in co-creating a participatory learning environment. Some of our students had the chance to visit Zhangjiagang Liangfeng International School while another group visited Zhangjiagang Children's Welfare Institute to learn more about the social welfare service in China.
We had much cultural exposure through participation in club activities at Zhangjiagang Experimental School, including Chinese poetry, painting and dance. We also visited cultural sites such as the Humble Adminstrator’s Garden, Hanshan Temple and Tiger Hill at Suzhou. We have learnt that Suzhou is famous for its gardens and embroidery craft, and we had a chance to attend an embroidery class for a hands-on experience at the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute, where we also got to view highly exquisite works produced by experts.
In Shanghai, we took an elevator to the top of the Shanghai Tower on the 118th floor for a panoramic view of Shanghai and an appreciation in town planning. We also had the opportunity to watch a world class acrobatic performance which kept us high on adrenaline. We visited famous sites such as the Chenghuang Temple commercial area, Yu Garden and saw the breathtaking night view of the Bund.
On the last day, we visited the Shanghai Natural History Museum where we enjoyed engaging displays of natural history. As we bade farewell to China, we appreciated the wonderful memories, friendships forged as well as a growth in knowledge, confidence and other invaluable experiences.
