JC MERGERS: At down to earth Jurong JC, a cradle for diverse talents
SINGAPORE — It was not even among her choices for posting, but Ms Toshiko Kadir still ended up in Jurong Junior College (JJC) because her O-Level grades were not good enough for her preferred school, Catholic Junior College.
At that time, going to polytechnic was not regarded as an “exciting” option, she said, so being in JJC’s pioneer cohort in 1981 was the better deal.
“I lived in Serangoon Gardens then and it was a pain to get to this JC. It took me over 1½ hours to get to school. I had to change three buses,” she quipped.
Despite being “forced” to enter JJC — as many from her cohort were — Ms Toshiko, 53, is relieved and happy at how things turned out.
“It had a lot of promise and friendships were formed for life,” she said.
Ms Toshiko’s path is not uncommon. Widely regarded as one of the neighbourhood colleges, JJC is infrequently students’ top choice for posting. But in its 35-year history, the college has churned out graduates who went on to make their mark across diverse fields, including in politics and the entertainment scene.
Members of Parliament Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) are alumni. Ditto famed Mandopop singer-songwriter Eric Moo, who was talent spotted while performing at a college concert in 1983.
In fact, the school is one of the birthplaces of xinyao — the music movement in the 1980s for made-in-Singapore Mandarin hits.
Mr Ho Kin Onn, a JJC graduate in 2009, said the neighbourhood school label did carry stigma. But the 27-year-old, who is training to be a lawyer, was quick to add: “That label only has as much effect as the students give it. In fact neighbourhood schools should be proud to have their feet firmly planted on the ground, with nowhere else to go but upwards.”
Mr Loo Cheng Chuan, chairman of the college advisory committee, recalled the popularity both Mr Moo and the xinyao movement enjoyed among students.
“Everyone was crazy about it. Eric was the equivalent of JJ Lin back then,” said the 45-year-old entrepreneur, who graduated in 1990. He was referring to the Mandopop singer-songwriter who has hit the big time in the Chinese and Taiwanese markets.
Local actor Desmond Tan, who was twice voted The Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste at the Star Awards, also graduated from JJC in 2004.
He recalled performing regularly in school events as a student. During his time, the college also started a roof top café, allowing Mr Tan to put his singing talent on display.
“There were no programmes to help students become stars,” laughed Mr Tan, 31. “But the school gave students a lot of space and opportunities to showcase our talents.”
Although he did well enough to enter colleges with lower cut-off points, Mr Tan chose to join JJC because it was 10 minutes away from his home. “I’m happy to have been brought up in Jurong JC’s environment, because we are down to earth,” he added.
This notion of humility pervades the school environment.
For instance, seniors would willingly guide juniors in their studies and co-curricular activities, said first-year student Nur Diana Ishak.
Second-year student Daro Tan cited stallholder Keng Siew Teng’s big heart. Fondly known as Aunty June to students, Madam Keng would prepare off-menu dishes such as Hokkien Mee or prawn noodles during exam season to motivate students, said the 18-year-old.
“Her stall is very popular among students. She always says that she wants the best for the students,” he added.
The college, which will celebrate its 36th anniversary with two levels for students for the last time in July, will be remembered fondly for its heritage and also the values it instilled in those who go enter its gates, said alumni and students.
Recalling the words of a JJC teacher, Mr Ho said: “When you win, you cheer, that’s normal. But when you lose and you cheer, that shows real character.”
JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE
Founded: 1981
Motto: Plus Ultra (Further Beyond)
Uniform: Beige
Prominent alumni: Members of Parliament Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC); veteran Mandopop singer-songwriter Eric Moo; actor Desmond Tan
