A Family Reunited: Generations of DGS Fencers Gather for School&rsquo;s 165th Anniversary (19 December 2025)
On Friday, 19 December, the vibrant spirit of the DGS fencing community was on full display as past and present team members, coaches, and teachers in charge gathered in front of the DGS Plaza to commemorate the achievements of the DGS Fencing Team over the past thirty years. This event coincided with the DGS Carnival Mini-bazaar, held as part of our School&rsquo;s 165th Anniversary Celebration.
This meaningful gathering served as a beautiful bridge between eras, celebrating a shared legacy of excellence and the enduring bonds forged on the fencing strip.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1767671770228" width="700" height="467"> &nbsp;

A Family Reunited: Generations of DGS Fencers Gather for School’s 165th Anniversary (19 December 2025)

<h3 style="text-align: left;">The 18th International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) in Singapore (4th &ndash; 10th January 2026)</h3>
From 4th to 10th January 2026, we had the privilege of attending the 18th International Science Youth Forum (ISYF), hosted by Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore. Led by our teacher-in-charge, Miss WH Li, we immersed ourselves in a week of scientific discovery and cultural exchange under the inspiring theme, &ldquo;Curiosity Unlocked: How Questions Drive Discovery in the Age of AI.&rdquo;
Day 1 (5th January):
The forum commenced with vibrant team bonding among over 170 delegates from across the globe. We broke the ice through interactive games and a rich cultural exhibition, where we proudly presented Hong Kong&rsquo;s dim sum, mahjong, and Cantopop. In return, we learned about Indonesia&rsquo;s Balinese dance, the Estonian language, and Laotian kaipen. The afternoon was dedicated to the Singapore Discovery Trail, where we explored iconic sites like Fort Canning and Clarke Quay, culminating at the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay. This adventure was not just a tour but a series of collaborative challenges that deepened our appreciation for Singapore&rsquo;s unique fusion of urban landscape and lush greenery.
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Day 2 (6th January):&nbsp;
We visited the National University of Singapore (NUS) for a captivating lecture by Professor Sow Chorng Haur, "Introduction to the Nanoworld." Through dynamic demonstrations, we explored the intriguing properties of matter at the nanoscale, learning about applications in cancer diagnostics&mdash;such as targeting tumour cells via their thiol tails&mdash;and the creation of stronger materials.
The learning continued at the Science Centre Singapore with a hands-on workshop on genetic diseases. We performed practical tests related to thalassemia, delving into the genetic theory behind this condition.
The day concluded with the first Science Quest, an exhilarating escape-room-style challenge that required us to solve complex puzzles spanning quantum physics, carbon chemistry, and biological deduction&mdash;a direct embodiment of the forum&rsquo;s theme on the power of inquiry.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770167945670" alt="" width="450" height="301"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770167959021" alt="" width="450" height="300">
Day 3 (7th January):&nbsp;
The day began with a profound Masterclass with Professor Roger Foo, a renowned cardiac geneticist and Vice Dean at NUS Medicine. He shared his pioneering work on the cardiac epigenome and heart failure mechanisms, while also providing insights into Singapore's healthcare system and current public health projects, such as the project RESET as part of its &ldquo;Iceburg&rdquo; project.&nbsp;
Later, we experienced the mesmerizing intersection of art and technology at the ArtScience Museum&rsquo;s TeamLab exhibition. The evening&rsquo;s collaborative Science Quest tasked us with designing creative and informative scientific infographics with our international groupmates.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770168000329" alt="" width="450" height="243">
Day 4 (8th January):
We were honoured to attend a Masterclass with Nobel Laureate Sir Richard J. Roberts, who recounted his Nobel-winning discovery of split genes and mRNA splicing. His talk was a powerful testament to how fundamental curiosity and asking the right questions can lead to paradigm-shifting discoveries.&nbsp;
The flagship event was the Keynote Lecture by Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt on the accelerating universe, an awe-inspiring journey through cosmology. This was followed by the Poster Exhibition, a grand showcase of student research. We engaged with an incredible array of 49 other projects, from AI-optimised F1 aerodynamics to novel water purification methods, witnessing the remarkable innovation of our global peers. The day of intellectual feast concluded with a festive dinner out at Orchard 313.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770168041046" alt="" width="450" height="300">
Day 5 (9th January):
The forum culminated in a heartfelt Closing Lunch and Farewell. Amidst reflections and performances, we said goodbye to the friends and facilitators who had made the week so memorable, promising to maintain the connections formed.
Reflections:
The true impact of ISYF 2026 was felt beyond lectures, in the shared experience of discovery. It reaffirmed that in an age of technology, authentic curiosity, critical dialogue, and human connection remain the core drivers of progress. We are deeply thankful to our teacher-in-charge, Miss WH Li, for her mentorship, care and support, and to the remarkable ISYF 2026 Organising Committee for their hospitality and for creating this unparalleled platform. We returned home not only with enhanced scientific knowledge, but with something far more profound: a deeper motivation to pursue scientific inquiry, a broader perspective on our role as young scientists, a global network of friends, and a fortified belief in our own potential. This transformative experience has reshaped us into more confident, connected, and curious individuals, equipping us to engage with the scientific challenges of our time with both passion and a sense of global responsibility.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770168084216" alt="" width="366" height="518"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770168100565" alt="" width="400" height="518">

The 18th International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) in Singapore (4th – 10th January 2026)

<h2>Visit by Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Secondary School from Singapore (17-18 November 2025)</h2>
Sixteen students and two teachers from the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Secondary School (CHIJ) in Singapore visited our school for two days, reciprocating our girls&rsquo; visit in July 2025.&nbsp;
The two-day programme was a highly enriching experience for all participants. This time, the visit centered on the theme of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), culminating in a joint-school STEM workshop that fostered collaboration and shared learning.
The CHIJ students fully immersed themselves in our school environment, shadowing their S2 and S3 counterparts in regular classes, participating in extra-curricular activities, and engaging in various facets of school life. We anticipate many more rewarding collaborations and cross-cultural exchanges in the years ahead, strengthening the bond between our two schools.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770082749352" width="390" height="260"> <img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770082756818" alt="" width="390" height="260">
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1770082753267" alt="" width="500" height="333">

Visit by Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Secondary School from Singapore (17-18 November 2025)

<h3>The 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest Study Tour (26 July &ndash; 3 August 2025)</h3>
Four Secondary 3-4 representatives from our school participated in the 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest and achieved encouraging results, receiving a 9-day study tour to Beijing and Shandong as an award. This journey offered eye-opening experiences of cultural exploration, traversing ancient and modern times while seamlessly integrating humanity and technology.
We arrived in Beijing Capital International Airport in the afternoon on 26 July. Our journey began at the very heart of Chinese diplomacy. At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse (釣魚台國賓館), we witnessed the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western landscape architecture and building styles. More significantly, we gained a deep appreciation for the historical significance of the development of New China&rsquo;s diplomacy embodied in the structures. Our subsequent visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) included the opportunity to observe a regular press briefing. The spokesperson Mr Guo Jiakun&rsquo;s (郭嘉昆) composure, coupled with the sincere sharing by young diplomats, transformed the concept of &ldquo;major-country diplomacy&rdquo; (大國外交) from an abstraction into a tangible experience of the rigorous professionalism behind it.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126370" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250728_153359.jpg" width="450" height="254">
Beyond diplomacy, this journey led us to explore both the foundations of Chinese civilization and its dynamic contemporary development. At the National Museum of China (中國國家博物館), we were awestruck by its collection of over 1.4 million precious artifacts. From the dignified grandeur of bronze to the serene elegance of porcelain, each piece unveiled for us the mysteries of China&rsquo;s time-honoured history. Within the solemn halls of the Museum of the Communist Party of China (中國共產黨歷史展覽館), we observed a wealth of historical documents and artifacts demonstrating a spirit of unity and resoluteness. Simultaneously, our visit to the Xiaomi Auto Super Factory (小米汽車超級工廠) showcased the perfect integration of fully automated production lines and cutting-edge technology, demonstrating the immense future potential of &ldquo;Made in China.&rdquo;
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126431" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250726_173141.jpg" width="533" height="300">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126369" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250728_091824(1).jpg" width="228" height="300">
Traveling south from the capital Beijing to Shandong Province, the landscape and experiences shifted. In Jinan, we were enchanted by the poetic scenery of Daming Lake (大明湖), and activities like stone rubbing (拓印) and Hanfu dressing (漢服體驗) transported us across time, allowing us to experience first-hand the refined pastimes of ancient scholars. At the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu (孔廟、孔林、孔府), we delved into the essence of Confucian thought (儒家思想), marvelling at the wisdom of the ancient sages. Two spectacular immersive theatrical performances brilliantly fused history and drama, delivering dazzling artistic enjoyment.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126429" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250729_214221.jpg" width="234" height="300"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126392" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250730_164407.jpg" width="249" height="300">
The pinnacle of our journey was undoubtedly the ascent of Mount Tai (泰山), revered as the &ldquo;Eastern Peak&rdquo; (東嶽), and we managed to reach its summit at Jade Emperor Peak (玉皇頂). Under clear skies and gentle breezes, we were deeply impressed by the panoramic view, the majestic grandeur of Mount Tai, and the historical weight of the Dai Temple (岱廟) &ndash; the site of imperial Feng and Shan ceremonies (封禪大典) throughout the dynasties. On Liugong Island (劉公島), the Museum of the First Sino-Japanese War (中國甲午戰爭博物館) served as a solemn reminder to remember history.
Although unexpected heavy rain necessitated some itinerary adjustments, this did not diminish our deep sense of fulfilment. From modern factories to solemn historical museums, from the bustling frontlines of diplomacy to the serene summit of Mount Tai, each destination was like a piece of a grand mosaic. Together, they formed a vivid and magnificent panorama of China, granting us a richer understanding of the nation&rsquo;s past, present, and future.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126430" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250731_101920(1)(1)(1).jpg" width="450" height="253">
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Education Bureau, the Better Hong Kong Foundation, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club for their generous provision of this invaluable learning opportunity. We would also like to thank our tour guide, Mr. Kong, for his insightful commentary at each destination, which significantly enriched our knowledge. Moreover, we must thank Mrs. Hau, our teacher-in-charge, for chaperoning us and making the experience a fun and safe one for us. Lastly, thanks must be given to Mrs. Lau for her continuous guidance and support to the team, and encouraging us to explore more to broaden our horizons.

The 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest Study Tour (26 July – 3 Aug)

<h3>Exchange Programme with Methodist Ladies&rsquo; College (25 July &ndash; 4 August 2025)</h3>
Methodist Ladies&rsquo; College (MLC) is a college for ages 5 to 18 based in Melbourne, Australia. Twelve S2 girls were selected to participate in an exchange programme to Melbourne for 10 days during the summer holidays, and we all learnt a lot while making the most precious memories ever. Throughout the 10-day trip, two of our teachers, Miss C.Y. Lo and Miss K. Lam, accompanied us and kept us safe every day. Our headmistress, Mrs. S. Lau, was also here for a few days to experience Melbourne together with us.
When we first landed in Melbourne, we went straight to MLC for a quick afternoon tea, trying famous foods like lamingtons, which are chocolate cakes covered with coconut flakes. We then headed home with our designated host families, where we indulged in the activities our buddies had planned for us for the rest of the week.
During school hours, I would stick with my buddy and her friend group. Everyone was super welcoming and sweet, waving, smiling, and even coming up to me for hugs, although we&rsquo;d never seen each other before. Other girls outside of my buddy&rsquo;s friend group were really warm towards me, too &ndash; some helped me through their gymnastics lessons, some guided me through their health and French lessons, and some would even try to speak Cantonese to me to make me feel more at home. After school hours, I often would go with my buddy to explore Melbourne, sometimes along the food street near school, sometimes going into the countryside to see wild kangaroos, or sometimes going further into the City to see the skyline.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279641291" width="261" height="350"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279641266" width="264" height="350"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279641267" width="261" height="350">
I was sure to face challenges, however, and the most difficult of them all was the cold weather. When we went to Melbourne, it was during their harsh winter, where temperatures reached up to 4 degrees Celsius only. The cold weather, along with the 2-hour time difference, made it really hard to wake up for school &ndash; I was basically waking up at 5 am Hong Kong time in the sheer cold! However, once I slowly adjusted to the mild jet lag and started wearing more clothes to combat the weather, I found myself becoming more comfortable during the Melbourne winter.
The time I spent with my buddy, though 10 days long, felt short &ndash; and I wonder if it was because we are a perfect match for each other &ndash; we both enjoy the performing arts, sleep a lot, and have the same sense of humour. We slowly warmed up to each other, from simply chatting before bed to spilling our deepest secrets to each other. Even during times when we weren&rsquo;t at home, we would still chase after each other in the park, hold on to each other during scary escape rooms, and share many more intimate moments which I will never forget.
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My immense gratitude goes to everyone who took part in making this trip possible, from MLC&rsquo;s headmistress, Ms Shea, to our headmistress, Mrs. Lau, and our teacher chaperones, Miss Lo and Miss Lam, along with our coordinating teacher, Mrs R.L. Wong, for granting us this opportunity to broaden our horizons. I would also like to thank all the MLC students, regardless of their age, for making us feel so welcome in such new territory for us.

Exchange Programme with Methodist Ladies’ College (25 July – 4 August 2025)

<h3>Exchange Programme with Convent of Holy Infant Jesus, Singapore (19-26 July 2025)</h3>
At the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, six S1 students from our school were selected to participate in a highly anticipated exchange programme with our sister school, the Convent of Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) in Singapore. This enriching experience provided a unique opportunity to both DGS and CHIJ girls for personal and academic growth. We are profoundly grateful to Ms. A. Tong and Ms. S. Yap for their guidance and&nbsp; arrangements, as well as to Ms. S. Yeung of CHIJ, whose hospitality and care ensured a smooth and welcoming experience.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279398193" width="800" height="450">
Upon our arrival, we were accommodated at St. Andrew&rsquo;s Hall, a hostel near the school that allowed us to immerse ourselves in a new living environment and showcase our&nbsp; independence among new acquaintances. This arrangement encouraged adaptability and social engagement with those around us.
Our time in Singapore was a blend of cultural enlightenment and academic discovery. After an initial visit to Universal Studios Singapore, we began our school week at CHIJ. The school&rsquo;s environment was remarkably diverse, with students from various backgrounds, including Malaysia, India, and even Hong Kong! This brought an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, which immediately made us feel at home among the CHIJ girls. Our student buddies helped us in many different aspects, guiding us through the campus, recommending diverse food options at the canteen, and introducing us to new friendships. We quickly bonded over shared interests in hobbies, music, and sports, whilst teachers provided opportunities for collaboration, allowing our exchange of insights on our different educational systems in different countries.
On Wednesday, I joined my buddy for her Culinary Arts extracurricular activity. We prepared coconut herbed rice, a popular Southeast Asian dish, by first picking out fresh herbs from the school&rsquo;s own gardens. This experience offered a distinctive comparison to the cooking lessons at our school. While our curriculum focuses on the scientific principles behind cooking using STEAM concepts, CHIJ&rsquo;s programme emphasizes the cultivation of fresh produce, providing an insightful approach.
Each afternoon, we embarked on sightseeing tours to different landmarks, including Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the Night Safari. These visits were both informative and enjoyable. At the Marina Bay, we went to an exhibition on early Singaporean culture in plays and theatre, spoken in Malay, the exhibition includes original sets from the comedy play; Gardens by the Bay contains a large variety of cactus species, along with Cloud Forests and their stylistic themes; and finally, the Night Safari is home to many animals, mainly known for their nocturnal animals such as leopards and lions, and also for their large animals, such as the Asian elephant and the Malaysian Tapirs.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279398194" width="376" height="500">
This exchange programme was truly an unforgettable experience for us; being able to make new friendships of different races and cultures and even bond with the students in our form from DGS was exceedingly valuable. From academic learning through daily school life, to having fun at night with our friends at the hostel and mingling with the locals, we have gained many precious memories. When students reached out to talk with us or just give a small introduction, it brought us great joy and comfort to know that friendships really can be made so easily despite language, culture and distance; this felt precious and valuable especially with something so fragile as friendship birthed between two strangers.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to our teachers, Ms. R.L. Wong, Ms. A. Tong, and Ms. S. Yap, for their tireless leadership and unwavering support. We also thank Ms. S. Yeung and the entire CHIJ community for their exemplary hospitality. Finally, we thank our Headmistress, Mrs. Lau, for granting us this exceptional opportunity to create lasting memories and forge new relationships overseas.