On 9 November 2024, the Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre Open House took place at Jing Si Hall. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien)
On 9 November 2024, the Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre hosted its Open House at Jing Si Hall. After a five-year hiatus, the event returned in a tea-gathering setting, featuring rich activities and a warm atmosphere.
On this day, students of all ages showcased their learning achievements on stage. The event featured an experiential zone offering hands-on activities on sound healing, Chinese calligraphy, tea art, floral arrangement, Chinese ink painting, and cooking with food tastings, allowing attendees to engage and learn more. The experience also included sharing moments of reflection and conveying kindness through warm words.
An experiential zone was created for public participation. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien)
The CEO of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), Low Swee Seh, encouraged everyone to maintain a lifelong learning mindset during his welcome speech: “Live and learn until old age; don’t accept being old!”
Low pointed out that Tzu Chi’s continuing education courses differ from typical courses. Upon entering Jing Si Hall, one can feel the tranquil atmosphere and find inner peace. Through mutual learning, shifting perspectives, and self-cultivation, students experienced a sense of lightness and joy.
After a five-year hiatus, the exhibition returned as in the form of a tea gathering. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien)
Achievements and experiences: Showcasing creativity and growth
After a period of learning, students creatively presented their achievements, each course showcasing its unique charm, earning applause from the audience.
Jennifer Cendana, the youngest performer in the guzheng segment, has a deep interest in music. Encouraged by her mother, she began learning piano at the age of seven. She moved to Singapore in 2023 to pursue a piano diploma at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). After seeing a recruitment notice for a guzheng class at Tzu Chi’s Humanistic Youth Centre, she developed a newfound love for the instrument.
Jennifer Cendana (right), the youngest performer in the guzheng segment, has a strong interest in music. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
Jennifer shared that the playing techniques of guzheng and piano are quite different: guzheng is played by plucking strings using a pentatonic scale, while the piano is played using keys with a heptatonic scale. Although she has a musical background, she faced challenges when starting guzheng. By understanding the principles of both instruments and managing her practice time effectively, she gradually discovered the charm of music and the satisfaction of completing a performance. She hopes the exhibition will help more people find and appreciate the guzheng.
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Ms Elsie demonstrating sound healing to help participants relax and explore its impact on well-being. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui) -
Vocal & Singing students performed three songs, captivating the audience with their beautiful voices. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien) -
Young calligraphy students showcasing their skills on stage, earning applause for their impressive writing. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien) -
A floral art student demonstrating simple floral arrangements using leaves and flowers on stage. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien)
“Put on a smile on your face and have tolerance in your heart.” During the tea gathering, wellness instructor Mr Vincent Yong led the audience in relaxation exercises, creating an atmosphere of calm and ease throughout the venue.
Mr Yong’s warm and rhythmic voice guided everyone in connecting with their bodies, allowing the audience to follow along and gradually feel their bodies becoming softer and more relaxed. He expressed that teaching at Tzu Chi has been highly rewarding, not only achieving success in teaching but also learning about the beauty of Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture.
Wellness instructor Mr Vincent Yong (right) leading relaxation exercises at the tea gathering. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
Cultivating humanistic culture for a balanced body, mind, and spirit
Participants like Ku Wee How shared, “The fast pace of modern life makes the wellness courses essential for slowing down and maintaining inner peace, which fosters a good aura and sustained positive energy.”
Choo Poh Lian, a member of the public, learned about the Open House through Tzu Chi’s official website. Upon her first visit to Jing Si Hall, she was surprised to find it was not like a typical exhibition hall. Volunteers warmly greeted each visitor, and the tea gathering was thoughtfully arranged, providing comprehensive insights into the courses and student presentations without needing to wander around.
A food sampling station was set up during the cooking class to showcase the simplicity and good taste of plant-based dishes, drawing many attendees to stop and have a taste. (Photo by Lee Foo Tien)
Ye Yan Ni, who lives near Jing Si Hall, also registered for the Open House through the website. Initially planning to learn about the guzheng course, she arrived late and missed the performance. Feeling disappointed, she intended to leave after a brief look at the exhibition but was moved by the volunteers’ enthusiasm. They connected her with staff member Lam Foong Kew, who patiently explained course details and answered her questions.
Ye Yan Ni expressed her interesting in attending the first guzheng class to see if her previous learning could keep pace with the course. What began as a short visit turned into an hour and a half, leaving her very satisfied with the course and event arrangements.
At the Jing Si Tea Art enrolment area, the tea instructor is seen thoughtfully creating a tea atmosphere. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
The coordinator of the exhibition, Tan Ying Ci, noted that continuing education activities had paused during the pandemic, leading to a decrease in student numbers. To adapt to new trends, the centre has launched more diverse courses in the post-pandemic era. This exhibition not only provided current students a chance to showcase their achievements but also aimed to attract former students back and help new visitors understand the content and value of Tzu Chi’s continuing education courses.
Currently, Tzu Chi’s continuing education courses are available at Jing Si Hall in Pasir Ris and the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Yishun, making it convenient for the public to participate. Leisure activities are not limited to scrolling on phones or taking vacations; learning a new skill can enhance personal growth, uplift one’s mood, and help find balance and satisfaction in life.
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