On 9 October 2026, YCIS Chongqing turned 25. This year also marks YCYW’s 94th anniversary. Over 800 years ago, Emperor Guangzong of the Song Dynasty named this city “Chongqing”—“Double Celebration.” On this day of double celebration, we hosted the annual Founder’s Day for the YCYW network here at YCIS Chongqing. More than 20 sister schools joined online to share the moment. 

“Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” Officially Launched

At the ceremony, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO & School Supervisor, Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network, together with distinguished guests, officially launched the network’s new core educational slogan: “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far.”

Dr Chan explained its meaning: “Rooted Deep means building strong foundations in culture, academics, and character. Reaching Far means embracing an uncertain world with an open mind, cross-cultural understanding and the courage to create a better future together.“

Only with deep roots can we reach far. And the further we reach, the deeper our roots can grow. 

Ms Deng Lixian, Head of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Chongqing Liaison Office, said in her address: 

“The school integrates Chinese and international approaches, with a Co-Principal and Co-Teaching model. Rooted in the school motto—Diligence, Frugality, Humility, Faithfulness—it nurtures Chinese heritage and character while offering leading international curricula, developing students who know China and embrace the world. As we see in the outstanding alumni here today, they are shining in every corner of the world.”

Twenty-Five Years of YCIS Chongqing

For 25 years, children from around the world have grown up together in our classrooms, and families have built friendships here.

Dr Chan also shared the story of Declan, a 15-year-old YCIS Chongqing student. This summer, he became the youngest presenter at the Asia-Pacific Geoscience Society annual meeting in Japan, presenting his AI model for identifying Martian craters.

“Declan is a wonderful example of what it means to be Rooted Deep and Reaching Far. With strong knowledge and rigorous thinking, he stepped onto the international academic stage and made his voice heard. We hope that all Yew Chung Yew Wah students can do the same: know where they come from while daring to explore where the world is heading. We hope they will put down deep roots in their local communities while learning, engaging and making a difference internationally.”

Declan’s journey reflects Seeds for Tomorrow, YCYW’s future education initiative. Partnering with institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Tongji University and HKU, it takes learning beyond the classroom. At YCIS Chongqing, students can join the Underwater Robotics Challenge, research projects, ChinaOne and more—growing from curiosity to bigger stages.

A Day for Everyone at YCYW

Parent representative Ms Li Yuanyuan shared her family’s story. Fourteen years ago, her eldest son joined YCIS Chongqing’s kindergarten; today, all three children study here. She thanked the school for respecting each child’s unique nature and pace—helping introverted children speak up and extroverted children find calm. That sense of being seen, she said, gives children the security to learn and grow.

Awardee of 2026 YCYW Alumni Hall of Fame Ms Yang Luye studied architecture at Tsinghua University after leaving YCIS Hongkong, then earned a Master’s in Urban Design at the University of Sheffield. After seven years in multinational companies, she has now started a new career in her field. 

She shared: “My three years at YCIS were the most important time of my life. They gave me confidence, critical thinking, and the courage to explore. YCIS’s inclusiveness and support helped me overcome obstacles, changed my life, and shaped who I am today. It also taught me that education is not about defining a person by academic results, but about shaping a complete character.”

A 25th anniversary video moved many to tears.

Then came the surprise: the little boy from the video—one of the first five students to study at YCIS Chongqing—walked on stage, went up to Dr Chan, and said, “I’m back.” It was Mr Nade Bai, a founding student.

Mr Song Gang, Chairman of the Chongqing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, also shared a few words:

“For 25 years, YCIS has filled a gap in Chongqing’s investment environment and opened a window for expatriate families to understand Chongqing, understand China, and connect with the world. In the future, I believe YCIS will continue to support Chongqing’s high-level opening-up.”

Our children performed beautifully. The YCIS Chongqing choir opened with “Full of Joy,” Primary students performed “Ballad of the Monkey King,” the School Small Ensemble played a string quintet, and Years 5 and 7 sang “Anything Can Work Out.” Every performance was a sign of growth.

The Long Service Awards honoured staff whose dedication has shaped our school.

The Yew Yew and Dinosaurs Run kicked off joyfully this year at YCIS Chongqing, the main venue for Founder’s Day. Parents, students and teachers put on dinosaur costumes, wore Yew Yew armbands, and ran in the gym to support YCIS Chongqing’s Seeds of Hope Annual Fund. All entry fees go directly to the fund, supporting students’ innovative and community service projects beyond the classroom.

Looking Ahead

Next year brings another double celebration: the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong SAR’s return to the motherland, and YCYW’s 95th anniversary. YCIS Chongqing will continue to root itself in this mountain city, helping every child grow deep and reach far.

Happy 25th birthday, YCIS Chongqing!