Netizens ridicule HCIS scholarship ad featuring model wearing Christian Dior-like sneakers

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SINGAPORE: Netizens raised eyebrows when they saw an advertisement from Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) featuring a model, presumably a student, wearing shoes that closely resembled Christian Dior sneakers.

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A check on the luxury brand’s official website reveals that a pair of Dior Vibe Sneakers can cost nearly S$1,700.

The ad has garnered attention on both Threads and Reddit, with a user on Threads posting the photo and expressing his shock.

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“Before you apply for a scholarship with Hwa Chong International School, first ask yourself… Can you afford a pair of Christian Dior sneakers?” the post read.

The Online Citizen (TOC) has written to HCIS seeking clarification about the advertisement, including whether the model featured is a student from the school and a recipient of the HCIS scholarship.

TOC also requested clarification on the message the school intends to convey to potential scholarship applicants. Should HCIS respond, TOC will provide an update.

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Netizens Playfully Question HCIS Scholarship’s Link to Christian Dior Sneakers

Some comments poked fun at the idea of the HCIS scholarship including Christian Dior sneakers, while others expressed skepticism about whether the shoes were indeed a luxury brand.

HCIS’s Annual Tuition Fees Estimated at Around S$30,000

In a Reddit discussion, a user highlighted the distinction between HCIS and Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), noting that HCIS is often viewed as catering to wealthy individuals or foreigners, with annual tuition fees potentially exceeding S$30,000.

The comment suggested that exceptional foreign students may struggle to gain entry to HCI due to quotas, making scholarships for HCIS a way for them to access the prestigious Hwa Chong brand and its educational opportunities.

HCIS’s official website describes the school as part of Singapore’s efforts to diversify its education system, offering a six-year integrated curriculum that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

According to their website, the HCIS scholarship programme aims to support academically driven students with talent and potential, providing them with the opportunity to pursue excellence despite financial constraints.

The scholarships are awarded to deserving students who demonstrate academic prowess, exemplary conduct, leadership, and advocacy for school or community concerns.

HCIS offers several types of scholarships, including the HCIS Merit-based Scholarship, the HCIS Talent-based Scholarship, and the Hwa Chong Heritage Scholarship and Award, all designed to foster the development of future leaders.

Concerns Raised Over Fairness in Scholarship System

Some comments expressed concerns about fairness in the local scholarship system, with some pointing out that scholarship recipients often come from wealthy families who can afford both tuition and other material luxuries.

Others observed that children from affluent families tend to perform better academically due to better access to resources, which in turn leads to them receiving scholarships.

The comments also highlighted the irony that these scholarships, which are not intended as financial aid, are awarded to those who may not need them the most, while others in greater financial need miss out.

Redditor Shares Scholarship Journey, Emphasising Support for Less Privileged Students

Meanwhile, a Redditor shared a personal story of coming from a difficult background, including a family with legal troubles and financial instability, yet managing to secure a scholarship despite having no connections or resources.

The story also highlighted how a professor, who was also a dean, expressed the view that students from less privileged backgrounds should be prioritised for scholarships, as they face additional challenges compared to those from wealthier families.

The Redditor believed this perspective may have contributed to their receiving the scholarship and now seeks to pay it forward.

Scholarships Viewed as Merit-Based, Not Just for Less Privileged Students

While some criticised the ad for implying that scholarships are for students from well-off families, others offered a different perspective, arguing that scholarships are not solely for those from less privileged backgrounds but can also be awarded to academically talented students, regardless of their financial status.

On the other hand, some emphasised that scholarships are merit-based, while financial aid or bursaries are intended for those in need of financial support.

 

 



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