Hwa Chong Institution

The Chinese High School, as it was known then, was founded in 1919 by Mr. Tan Kah Kee. The purpose of its establishment was to offer education to overseas Chinese in South-East Asia who had only primary school education.

Today, The Chinese High School is now known as the Hwa Chong Institution High School section. As with in the past HCI is dedicated to developing leaders in all areas and prides itself with its ability to provide a well-rounded holistic education. It is one of the finest educational institutions in the region and attracts many overseas scholars as well as local students.
Notable Icons



The Clock Tower

The clock tower, completed in 1925 is one of the noticeable features that distinguish Hwa Chong from other schools. Standing at 31 metres tall, it stands out from the other relatively low-rise private housing estates. It also has its mark in history. The clock tower’s strategic location atop a hill gave commanders a good view of the area and was used by the British during the Battle of Singapore. The Japanese also used it during their occupation, as both a lookout point and a concentration camp during the events of the Sook Ching Massacre.

On 19 March 1999, the clock tower was gazetted a national monument to mark the significance of HCI as the first Chinese-medium secondary school to be built in South-East Asia. This was announced two days before the 80th anniversary of the school.







The Library

The school library originally located at where the current art block now stands was completed after the school was shifted to it present location. In the new premises, the Kuo Chuan Library was one of the first facilities to be completed. It was officially opened on the 21st of March 1957, on the school's 38th anniversary. The construction of the building cost $111,000. Its completion was possible due to a generous donation made by Mr. Lee Kong Chian.



In 1984, the library was relocated to Kuo Chuan Art Block. The bust of Datuk Kong Chian was unveiled during the school's 65th anniversary celebration by former president, Mr. Ong Teng Cheong, a distinguished alumnus of the school. In 1997, the library was moved once again to its present location behind the Tower block.

The Heritage Centre

The heritage centre is an interesting location within the school’s campus. It contains much information on the history and heritage of the school and shows how HCI has evolved throughout the years. It houses many of the accolades that the school won in the past. In addition, there are displays of past uniforms and furniture that the school used a certain points in time. Also interesting to note is that the heritage centre houses a piece of calligraphy which was the original motto of the school. From here you can learn much about HCI and see what it was like in the past.



Student Activities and Leadership Training Centre(SALT Centre)

The Ong Teng Cheong Student Activities and Leadership Training Centre was officially opened on 21 March 2007 by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State for Education and Manpower. The Centre is named in honour of distinguished Hwa Chong alumnus and Singapore's first elected President, Mr Ong Teng Cheong, who was both an outstanding leader and a passionate supporter of the Arts.

Under the Hwa Chong Integrated Programme, the Centre serves as a platform to develop students holistically, particularly in areas of the Arts and leadership excellence. Key features of the Centre which support this vision include the Leadership Training Centre, the Performing Arts Centre, the Clubs and Societies Centre and the Student Resource Centre.

The Leadership Centre also houses a multi-purpose hall modeled after the Singapore Parliamentary Chamber, creating the space for students to hone their debating skills and formulate policies directly impacting the student population.