From Regional Qualifiers to Asian Champions

Hwa Chong Institution’s journey in the International Academic Competitions began in January 2026 at the Singapore Winter Bee and Bowl, where our students competed against participants from schools across the region and secured qualification for the Asian Championships. In June 2026, the team travelled to Khao Lak, Thailand, where they achieved outstanding results across the History Bee, Geography Bee and History Bowl.

In the reflections that follow, team members Michael Yu, Jayden Chua and Ryan Yip share their experiences of preparing for the competitions, representing the school and growing through teamwork, friendship and a shared passion for the humanities.

The Journey Begins

Written by: Michael Yu Zhe Song (2P2, 2026) and Chua Ren Jie, Jayden (1O1, 2026)

International Academic Competitions is a consortium of academic competitions for primary and secondary school students operating in more than 25 countries worldwide. It organises both individual and team competitions in history, geography, science, the humanities and other disciplines for students from elementary to high school level. Its events are organised across six regional divisions: the United States, Asia, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and Africa.

One of the regional competitions held in Asia was the Singapore Winter Bee and Bowl, hosted by NPS International School on 10 January 2026. Around 60 participants from 15 schools took part, making it one of the largest regional qualifying rounds in the Asian division.

We were honoured to be part of one of the two teams representing Hwa Chong Institution at the tournament. We always look forward to these competitions, as they give us opportunities to learn and deepen our knowledge of the humanities. They also allow us to meet and form friendships with students from different schools and countries.

Having qualified for the Asian Championships in Khao Lak, Thailand, we looked forward to taking part in the next stage of the competition.

We are especially grateful to our parents, teachers, friends and the organisers of IAC for their support throughout the competition. We look forward to participating in more such events in the future.

A New Experience in Team Competition

Written by: Chua Ren Jie, Jayden (1O1, 2026)

I was honoured to represent the school at the Asian Championships in Khao Lak, Thailand.

Although this was my third time taking part in an IAC competition, I continued to learn new things. It was also my first time participating in a team event, which gave me a new appreciation of the importance of collaboration and mutual support.

I look forward to taking part in more competitions with the team. I am grateful to our teachers, parents and the school for all their encouragement and support.

Finding Confidence Through Teamwork 

Written by: Ryan Yip Rui Yang (2i1, 2026) 

I was proud to have the opportunity to represent Hwa Chong Institution at the competition in Khao Lak, Thailand. We competed in the Middle School History Bowl and won the championship title.

As this was my first time taking part in the competition, I was initially unsure of what to expect. However, everyone, including our fellow competitors, made me feel welcome. Through the experience, I learnt the importance of teamwork and supporting one another.

I look forward to participating in more competitions in the future. I would also like to thank my parents, teachers and friends for their support.