Life As An International Student At A Singapore Primary School
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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She's 7 years old, came to Singapore only a year ago, and is gamely picking up English with the help of P1 classmates at Farrer Park Primary. Even before preparing for the PSLE, international students like Chaorui in neighbourhood schools must learn to adapt to local food and other integration challenges.
But they're doing so with help from big-hearted classmates and the school. This is the story of 3 such students.
International students from all over the world - India, Brazil, Russia, China, Myanmar, the Philippines etc - make up 5% of all pupils in primary and secondary schools and junior colleges. Unlike Singaporeans who pay no primary school fees, international students in primary school paid S$440 to S$700 a month in 2019.
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Idris is gonna be so successful in the future
Nope
@@theevenoneindarkdarkdark7722 okay boomer
@@theevenoneindarkdarkdark7722 Maybe learn a thing or two from this kid and the world won't be so dark dark dark. I agree that this kid is charismatic and I wish him success.
He's a glooming youtuber now
@@gnanavigneshyokeshkumar4849 ooo what's his channel name?
I am so impressed with Idris.. The way he speaks so articulately for someone his age. This boy will be going places!
PLACES!
👌👌👌
He speaks normal for 11 wym
He will be going to the army
No its just the way he said it
“Everybody is human, right? Colour doesn’t matter. This is what does matter.”
*Damn*
Good words coming from a primary school kid. But sadly the world doesn't work like that. But I'm sure idris will grown up to be a very successful adult
@@shihui933 mhm
tell that to the farmers in south africa
jeremy emilio idris is not 100% Indian so don’t say that ...
I swear Idris will be the Prime Minister of Singapore in the foreseeable future.
He is indian tho
Zarfans Gumanti he can get Singaporean citizenship if he stays there for a long time
@Ayy lmao I mean he could be nationalised into a Singaporean if he's lucky
He only got the singaporian citizenship if his parents will allowed him to in the age of 18 or whether he is born in singapore. But idris is born in india so he will wait until the age of 18 or 20 to changed his citizenship.
@@user-bv2wo8te8f I got mine when I was 8.
I find it funny that some children like this can accept each other's differences better than mature adults
And we adults just make jokes of each others... we should learn from these children
Depends on the environment you are surrounded with but yeah I agree with you
Why funny? this is expected
Yeah. :(
Even in my middle school, we’re all accepting of people of all races, beliefs, and even body types. May not be the same case for other schools, but I’m grateful for mine.
Wait really?
They said Idris barely spoke English in kindergarten and to see him speaking fluently with confidence is already a huge accomplishment! All the best in your life!
This.
WTF 1K LIKES 1 COMMENT yoooo!
I’m currently in the american equivalent of middle school - australian high school. I couldn’t speak english, but now I get a’s in it. The learning environment that they have here really helps everyone learn, and everyone is as lucky as everyone else - I just fit in, but these kids blend in well.
Hian Boon was brought up in Singapore and Chaorui in China. But when asked what he thought was so different about her, Hian Boon's only reply was: “Our hair is of different lengths." During their interview together, he instinctively translated every question the producers asked in English in case Chaorui didn't understand us!
Hian Boon is really innocent and pure, with a kind heart :)
If Hian Boon were to continue living in Singapore, he will most likely become an expert in racial profiling.
We should practice the kindness and openness seen in this video. Hian Boon is really nice:) is lovely to see
@周曉曦 bruh... they are kids
What a kind boy!
Damn Idris speaks confidently like an adult, I feel attacked ..
Ha ha! True. I wish I was that confident when I was his age.
Once again, thank you CNA for your mini documentaries that give an insight into Singapore. From a fan from Malaysia
True and he is always a great friend to me😁
He is the next sal khan
@Heather Larson That is mean.
I am sure even in western countries they won't allow everyone.
Moreover, look at the history of SG and western countries.
SG was nice to everyone.
Even now. No problems with race or colour other than CERTAIN PEOPLE. Western side on the other hand, took darker skinned people as slaves.
IKR
I loved how when Idris' friends asked him why he ate with his hands he didn't take it as an insult or anything, he was pleased. If only everybody was like this in today's world
Fr today people will be insulted if someone asks a simple question about their culture
Insulting people eating with hands is just like uniting the whole Asia against you.
@@AMY-zo2pr To be honest, as a southeast asian (not Singaporean, but close) who also eat with hand, its because people have a lot of prejudice against us 10 or so years ago.
'You eat with your hands when you use your hands to clean your butt?' 'Eew, its dirty, use the spoon!' 'Dont you feel disgusted at all?' 'Barbarian!'
Yes. This is the actual words I have seen people commented years ago, when being open minded is not a huge thing.
Like excuse me then Susan, you cleaned your butt with paper but I dont judge you for that. What did you even use to eat burger? Spoon and fork? Knife?
People act as if we touch dusty, disgusting things with our hand and touch our foods without even washing our hands.
People like to discriminate people from other culture/race/country. One of the Indian girl in my country (my country have a lot of races) goes to well known university in western country (forgot what is it though, it was years ago), she was a very smart girl, probably in psychology major if im right. She got bullied so bad because shes indian eventhough shes not even from India.
In the end she commited s. And the uni just pretend it never happened. The family fight for years and last time I checked they still didnt get justice.
I think this was around 2015 or so. The case is so painful I just erase it from my memory. This is one of the reason why in my teen years I tried so hard to pass as east asian girl instead of southeast asian girl because south and southeast asian just got a lot of hate for no reason at all.
@@jeanneann3545 you totally have a point there, it is so rude to call someones way of eating gross. I was talking about people who are offended at simple respectful questions
If we can use our fingers to eat, what are the need of so many spoons, forks and chopsticks. If we can cross-legs and sit like Buddhist/yogi, what are the need of chairs.
Learn to live simply is THE WAY of LIFE.🙏🙏🙏🌻
When Idris first joined the school, a classmate introduced him to other friends and helped him feel less alone. So when the shy Phone from Myanmar joined the class in P4, Idris got him to play basketball with friends - and now they're all fast friends.
Truly amazing!
Yup
I'm crying
@@stephNeq1006 happy tears
Alina loves her Chinese food and often buys a mantou during her recess break. She also told producers about the Russian soup dumplings stuffed with meat her mum makes, which she loves as much as Chinese dumplings!
CNA Insider l love this young lady 💖💖💕💕
Pelmeni soup! Yumyum♥️
Awwww sounds amazing!
shes literally my friend in school.
No matter how much she tries to integrate,she will never be truly Singaporean. Where I am from we have to have been born, raised,lived and died in the same country for 3 generations to be considered a true son/daughter and blood of the motherland
"We focus on the similarities, not differences."
And that's how it should be everywhere in the world.
Yes..
YES! EXACTLY
求同存异
The Great Giraffe 🦒 himself would be proud.
Hian Boon and Chaorui are so cute together like how a big brother protects his baby sister. Glad he's willing to teach her some English words.
well to me its kinda annoying that she used the snack and smacked him to get his attention and subsequently shouting in his ear to get him to listen. lmao wheres her manners
besides shes only taking him as a friend because he has a use for her = teach english
@@renderz8435 They're friends. They were just playing around. And I don't think that him being able to teach her English is the only reason they're friends with the way they talk to each other. She just happened to mention it.
Lies again? Life Vantage PS4 Face
@@XurAziXIt's only "playing" when it's the girl doing it to a boy, right?
How is Idris so much more well spoken than me. I struggle to find the most simple words.
If idris’ parents are seeing these comments, I want them to know that they’re doing a good job.
"We focus on similarities, not differences" Short but impactful line by that Singaporean kid *thumbs up*
Idris speaks like a grown man. The level of confidence is superb, Man this lad will be going places!
This video makes me happy and sad at the same time. Sad because as we grow older, we start to encounter racism and discrimination.
true, but we can always choose to do the right thing. Stay strong bro!
Yeah...poor idris.
Idris is the type of guy to remind the teacher about the homework
He will 😂😂
Nope I’m in his class and he doesnt
@@user-es5ey5wx9j woah thats cool
@@user-es5ey5wx9j hi im in fpps too, he has really good leader ship
@@jhpenguinn ahahaha no la I not in fpps I’m in his sec school class
Singaporean kids are so well spoken and mature nowadays. I wasn't as smart as them back then hahah.
not all are well spoken, maybe some. because everyone uses singlish and internet slang in their speech on the daily.
'Is it because Im chinese'
Possibly because the education system was pretty shit decades ago and not much investment was put into it. But hey, we built as a nation amirite?
Howard TB lmao that cracked me up 🤣🤣
Not all for sureeee. But yea there are definitely some.
Idris is very mature for his age. He is confident, has good manner and well spoken. He inspires me :)
idris is soooo well-spoken!!
Idris is boss! All of these kids are so precious, its really nice that they are getting to grow up in such a multi-cultural environment
An inclusive and open environment for learning provides the necessary platform for a student to achieve their intellectual, physical and artistic potential. Idris, Alina and Chaorui are being taught valuable lessons about life, humanity, learning to interact and co-operate with their peers in a harmonious but stimulating manner. It is amazing to watch.
I am really inspired by this country. If only we could have this wisdom here in Europe to soothe the cultural tensions.
Lorenzzo Klein
Are you kidding? I really think us Americans here can use a lot more wisdom
@@Ethan-en2ij hmmm i thought Americans are more accepting of differences, no??I mean u guys have passed that "phase" long before the rest of the world??I stand corrected
@@alisalexter4072 I definitely don't think so. racism is very much alive in the usa. Just read the news about white policemen racial profiling the blacks. Only in the usa , the term "people od color" is used, as if whites are colourless. Lol
Most of the population in Singapore are RACIALLY ASIANS. And Singapore have strong immigration laws.
Sarah Mahalingam yeah same racism in Canada too it's very strong I remember when I was in middle school 3 years ago there was a new kid in my class from Pakistan he had a very thick Pakistani accent barley anyone wanted to become friends with him because of his accent i think people need to start accepting people from other cultures and just people who have different accents cause when you grow older not everyone is going to be like you.
Idris is so charismatic. He'll do well in the future as someone who leads 😁
Idris is such a bright genuine child.
So precious protect him at all cost!
Idris is gonna straight up rule the world.
HAHAHA it would be amazing if he did
This is so sweet. My heart really melt seeing these little bundle of joys who are yet to be influenced by the adult's perspective of racism and ideologies. They will for sure experience it in the future but their upbringing and early exposure to diversity will become their strength and advantage. Bless their hearts. Much love to each one of them.
Ive been moved to tears! I’ve always loved language and never has a potential for diversity until I was an adult. I love this more than I can say. Thank you SO much :)
Idris’s confidence is really making me jealous
Waffir Gaming he must doing good on his oral. I am horrible at oral😂
In what context ??
Kate Yeow so am i😂
Gaming With sh0ck what?
meee tooo
These kids who are in primary school are so mature while in America, it’s rare to see this much maturity in high school. The whole high schools in America have a lot to learn!
Depends on where, my high school was pretty mixed and it was okay.
That's what I love about Singapore. Man, the diversity. No matter where you from and what color are you, they will always accept you.
This is what singapore is all about, what makes us stronger as a nation. Hold on to this guys! simply beautiful - a proud singaporean
As a Singaporean, I'm proud to know that our country is multiracial and I think it is important to treat everyone equally, race or religion.
And importantly, preparing the next generation to accept everyone around them as they are, be seen as Singaporeans and not by race or religion. We’ve come so far together, generation of people working hard together. Good to know our kids will too. 😊
I just want to give all of these kids a big hug! ❤️They’re just so precious and I wish I can protect them from the ugliness of the world and society. I hope they can continue to be friends and learn lots as they grow up
13 years ago, I migrated to Singapore as an international student from Myanmar. I was 12 back then. Seeing this make me feel so nostalgic and how far I've come since those days. :")
Damn “Everybody is human, right? Colour doesn’t matter. This is what does matter.” Hit me deep inside
Dear Singapore. You next PM will be son of immigrants. And his name is Idris.
@Jeremy Johnathan Nathaniel Wong things might change in the near future. You can never tell!
@@fafafifufu he deleted his comment🤣
Ya...in his dream. Wait long long
@@kevina2907 Chinese themselves were immigrants as well, Singapore is indeed Malay's land
literally everyone from singapore first came from immigrants
A great documentary. In so many ways kids seem to be mature than many adults as they don't have all those baggage that we adults have. Btw, I couldn't help notice that Idris really has a way with words. A smart one , indeed, with a cool head. He is the kind of kid who could grow up to lead nations in the years to come. My hope in humanity is somewhat strenghtened when I see these youngsters.
As kids they don’t carry baggage. As adults, we learn to put down the baggage.
I’m so impressed with Singapore’s international schools. The kids are are going places. Such well mannered and smart children. I wish them all the very best. Love from Germany 🇩🇪
This is disgusting and to see such a prestigious person like the Russian girl mingling with these things is truly sickening.
LastKing I feel sorry for you for feeling that way.
@Gluepops how is that any different that what the Japanese did to Korea. only difference is they were taken over by the most culture people. Brits particularly from ethnic german background provided these people with a way to work for the crown and in return they get to semi govern themselves.
@@JaKingScomez
Wow you really look down on other people and calling them 'things'. That itself is the most disgusting attitude and you are pathetic!
@@JaKingScomez what do you mean by "things" do you look down on other races? scumbag.
Its so cute when Chaorui and Hian Boon held hands 😄
Alinas parents are amazing and have set up great opportunities for her, putting her in so many extracurricular classes as well as learning the 3 most spoken languages. Good luck to her and all the other kids!
Idris reminds me of my friend, who is also from India. He recently went back and i miss him.
Hi there, I am living in The South Viet Nam, I am.working at International Singapore at The South VietNam, I love your Singapore School over there. Thanks for your video.
I'm impressed with idris, he reminds me of my indian friends: they too, were very friendly and eloquent. Kind but still enjoyable to be with.
You have Indian friends?? Wowww are you Singaporean?
What I love about Singapore is that they are not discriminatory with any race. You can be your own person. Diverse backgrounds are welcome in their country. I ❤️ Singapore. I love to keep coming back to Singapore.
I went here, a year older than Idris. And it was some of the best years of my life. I met so many kids from all around the world, Japan, Brazil, India, and I always get so much nostalgia rewatching the video.
I ship Hian Boon & Chaorui when they’re older
Oh yeah yeah
shxne the most wholesome ship i’ve ever seen lol
the start of a love story😂
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Glad you said when they're older.
Idris mum tho.. " he will suffer when he go to the army " 😂😂😂
By the looks of it, he will probably excel...
He will probably be the best recruit and then go OCS lol
@@Xephocon thats what it will be for him..
but then how about the other mates.. probably think he kiasu and then hate him...? idk
Damn, even this one also can become so damn kiasu to speculate upon a future or scenario may never happen.....maybe we should wish him good health than whether or not he will excel in NS?
She meant to say that he will face difficulties with food during NS. They lost that out in the translation.
These kids are so mature, openminded and intelligent. Singapore seems to me the best country to start a family & raise children
These kids are soooo great.!...They seem very happy .It is good to see their faces...I love it ........Wish them the best and GOOD LUCK !!!!!
Alina studies Chinese English and Russian.
Meanwhile, I took CLB.
Shame.....Shame.... Shame....
Samuel C what’s clb?
@@friendusesthisaccountnocom9928 Chinese Language Basics if I'm not wrong.
No shame in that, some just find certain languages easier.even though i started chinese in primary 4 i and took it till secondary 4,i barely use it outside of school and can barely say anything.the last time i spoke a word of chinese was 5 years ago when i left secondary school. Meanwhile,i taugt myself german for 2 years and know more of it than chinese
@@NupplesRampage It's Chinese 'B' Syllabus
@@jonathanstupidcheesespaghetti oh yea... Chinese "baby" syllabus
When Idris was born, he said good morning to the doctor and Nurses.
as a Malaysian im quite impressed how developed Singapore is
Thank you for the kind words my friend across the border…
In fact I myself was surprised that my sons have quite some international friends in primary school. The foreigners opted to go with the mainstream rather than international schools, which is very heartening. China, Russia, Korea, India, Philippines, Indonesia, and a Japanese… I’m like wow! Pretty sure there are other nationalities in other primary schools. Kind of envious for me, because I’ve only got international friends when I enter the workforce back in my days…
That Idris kid is going places. I have no doubts about it. You can tell that he's mature beyond his years.
great perspective and it really reminds us that these kids are such pure souls who deserve every chance at success, no matter their background.
I'm impressed with Idris' kind heart and confidence! Keep being so awesome, Idris!
Why is no one talking about the cute kid who is helping his friend speak English?
Idris have a nice smile and his confident level is just wow. How i wish have that confident level
I love how the kids don’t treat classmates from different countries in a different way
I'm impressed with young Idris and his leadership sense. Such a clever boy, communicative and so helpful with his classmates. I wish a brilliant future to all those kids.❤️
if only i cld be as charismatic as my man Idris
Bruh even the cameraman knows the friendship between Hianboon and Chaorui is precious, that intense zooming in of them holding hands says it all
She said “my heart ached” awwwws :(
hello guys idris is currently in my school, he is now in the prefect exco and is doing really well. he’s a great friend too. thank you for all of your kind words!
woah. He was in prefect exco in pri school. Its good to know hes doing well
What I like is all kids r open minded . In Most schools kids just form cliques by race and teachers put down immigrants as inferior . Zero cultural exchange in the school curriculum . I was open minded before because I am from mixed heritage although I am 100% Chinese . My grandma was born in Thailand . Dad in Vietnam . Mom Indonesia . Grandpa from China . I myself from France . I travelled to SG and HK and China many times . Unfortunately i gained zero acceptance because ppl just couldn’t accept my identity. When I tried to find similarity to a group they pointed out our difference right away . I spoke fluent Cantonese yet ppl saw me as Vietnamese or mainland Chinese or south Asian . I spoke French ppl saw me as a new immigrant . I spoke manadarin I was seen as a honkongnese . It’s so crazy . I couldn’t keep up with friendships because I wasn’t seen as their own kind . You have to meet really extremely open minded ppl to feel accepted . You are always being put on a test by others to gain their trust . I hope the new generation will be more and more open minded culturally . When u dun have a sense of belonging it’s quite lonely you feel u dun exist . But it’s ok in the end I stopped depending on ppl to feel I’m included. You make a few open minded friends it’s enough .
Idris is a sweetheart. He definitely has that unique and charming personality. He will go a long way.
So happy to see students from different countyr and culture learning and being open minded. This is a good foundation for global citizen. Religion doesnt matter as long as it's private and not unto others.
Man, Idris is so cool,, I mean, I won't be as brave as him ( I guess I'll never even just for a half of his braveness) He loves his culture, and he proud of it, it's just too amazing!
I am from Myanmar and i came to Singapore and entered Primary School as P3 . Even though i can understand the english it was very hard for me to response as i needed to form sentences in my head . And all i said was yes or no all the time until p4 i started to open up. It was hard experience for me but nevertheless i enjoyed Singapore school. I can relate !
Really I will like to know you more about do you mind to chat me on my hangout lwang9126@gmail.com
Are you still in Singapore? I hope you are. And I wish things will improve back In Myanmar. My helper went back to Myanmar to visit her dad who was down with cancer, and she got stuck there since, due to the turmoil. It’s very heartbreaking, and i wish everyone from Myanmar well
This is refreshing to see happy children laughing and talking. All I could
Do was smile 😊. Great video!
HELLO I AM YU XUAN FROM FARRER PARK I'M P2 AND I'M PROUD OF CHAURE VERY PROUD
Finally, a school that people actually fully accept others for being different and from other classes. There is no racism, I wish I could be there
This is wholesome
idris is very impressive how confidently he speaks....I'm not that confident though he is 6 years younger than me.... I would love to study in a school like this i always wanted to have friends from different countries and culture though it's my last year of school which sadly this pandemic is destroying and i have to spends last few months of my school at home..... this video made me miss school more...
Chaorui is a brave girl. ...and a happy one by the looks of it.
Very impressed with Idris. Not surprise one day he will be so successful in life
I like this type of TV programme...We should open our hands wide to welcome and accept people from out side of Singapore...
"Why do you use your hand to eat?"
"I don't know, my family use it bro!"
😂
its indian + muslim culture to eat with hand=good deed!
lovely to see kids integrating better than adults. So important to look for similarities and be open minded inclusive to happily accept differences treat everyone with respect, treat equally regardless of color, race, language, religion, culture or socioeconomic status..just like we accept our mother nature..beauty of diversity
As an American expat in France I am amazed with these kiddos!
Idris is just adorable.Hope he will be happy growing up in Singapore always.
I swear Idris is gonna be one of those FT CEO
Probably another Ramesh
mukkesh kris jealous eh
He’s not foreign; he’s going through our school system.
He’s going to serve army, as mentioned by him parents. That means they are going for citizenship. He’s going to be one of us
What an amazing child Idris is. He's such an old soul, wise beyond his years.
Idris and friends, hope we would have more like you guys.. "we focus on similarities not differences" i bet our world would be so much better .. and I'm sure, our world would be.. you, guys going to go places.
Idris is gonna be successful in the future... with his confidence... damn
Idris well spoken im so impressed with him. May he success in future😍
The diversity of the school is IMMACULATE
Idris is such a lad
Ikr
He is
When I was studying in fpps idris was my junior he used to be friends with us he used to tell his mother all that happened throughout the day but he is now speaking very well I'm so proud of him
Idris is wise beyond his age 👏❤️
Respect for this young boy 7:26 more mature than people who are judging people by skin colour. 🥺❤
Idris is so confident, loved him. Hope all of them are doing great at school
I think idris is gonna be a best man in the world we ever seen before,His future must be amazing because when Idris are been as a adult I think maybe everyone will be love him more
I literally cried when i saw this video
..... I studied in Singapore in that school ! until p3...But now I am in India😶☹....I miss SG soo much😖
Come back to SG often! The country welcomes you :D
Glad that our culture touches your heart. Do come back :)
Same
I'm from Lebanon
I was shocked of the answer Idris gave when he was asked how he feels when ppl ask him questions about his culture. that one word truly shows this kid has it in him!
Hey Idris, thanks for stepping up to be a leader for your peers, GG bro :)
Loved it from Bangladesh 🇧🇩❤️❤️
Idris makes me so proud