Discovering Singapore: A Cultural Journey at CEC

On August 8th, just one day before Singapore’s annual National Day celebrations, the certificate classes at CEC came together for a lively and interactive cultural session. The aim was not only to celebrate the nation’s remarkable 60-year journey since independence but also to give students a taste of the traditions, flavours, and everyday expressions that make Singapore unique.

The classroom buzzed with energy as students learned about key moments in the country’s history, explored its rich multicultural heritage, and picked up some quintessential Singlish phrases that locals use every day.

One highlight of the session was mastering the art of ordering traditional ‘Kopi’ (coffee) and ‘Teh’ (tea) just like a local at a neighbourhood coffee shop — from saying “Kopi-O kosong” (black coffee, no sugar) to knowing exactly what “Teh-C” means.

Students also had a good laugh learning the difference between expressions like ‘shiok’ (awesome, satisfying) and ‘kiasu’ (afraid to lose out), discovering how these words capture the Singaporean way of thinking.

By the end of the activity, everyone walked away not only with better English skills, but also with a deeper appreciation of the culture and spirit of Singapore.