On Friday, 9th May, the third session of the "Spark the Legacy" alumni lecture series, organised by the YCYW Alumni Office, successfully concluded at YCIS Chongqing. The event featured Clarisse Leong, an outstanding alumna of YCIS Chongqing. She discussed her journey of growth and learning at YCIS Chongqing, as well as her experiences as a university student in Singapore. The lecture received an enthusiastic response from the YCIS community, attracting almost a hundred attendees.

Clarisse is now studying psychology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She began her studies at YCIS Chongqing in Year 10 and excelled academically during high school. She achieved seven A*s and one A in her IGCSE exams, and an impressive score of 40 in her IBDP final exams.

A Journey of Transformation in a Multicultural Environment at YCIS

During the lecture, Clarisse recounted her journey at Yew Chung. Although initially shy and introverted, Clarisse quickly made friends from around the world. She participated in extracurricular projects, gained confidence and leadership skills, and eventually led student initiatives.

Clarisse discovered her passion for psychology during her high school years. Through Yew Chung’s diverse projects and multicultural environment, she developed global perspectives, which helped her to achieve success with her university applications.

A Fulfilling Journey in a Diverse Campus at NTU

Clarisse has assisted in several research projects at Nanyang Technological University and has been actively engaged in its neuroscience labs. She shared her insights about psychology with the audience, thereby broadening their understanding of the subject. She also talked about her one-month exchange programme in Europe, emphasising the importance of life experiences, soft skills, and adaptability for personal growth. Clarisse encouraged the attendees to build strong personal portfolios. Her enriching journey and thoughtful reflections inspired everyone present. Students eagerly asked questions after her lecture. Clarisse answered patiently and offered practical advice about university applications, which greatly benefited the students.

The “Spark the Legacy” lecture series has become a meaningful platform for our YCYW community. It connects alumni with teachers, students, and parents and offers opportunities for them to share experiences. As we continue to develop this series, we hope it will encourage more members of our community to come together and exchange inspiring stories. We wish Clarisse continued success in her studies in Singapore, and look forward to welcoming more alumni to participate in future “Spark the Legacy” lectures.