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Last Updated: 05 September 2022

Bicultural Studies Programme

This 4-year programme starting at Secondary 3 in selected schools is for students with strong passion for biculturalism and keen interest in understanding contemporary China and the West. Learn about the programme and how to join.

The Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP) was introduced in 2005. It is a 4-year programme offered in selected schools. Students will be in the programme from Secondary 3 to JC 2 or equivalent. It aims to:

  • Nurture students to have a strong understanding of China’s history, culture and contemporary developments.
  • Develop China-conversant talents who can engage the Chinese as well as relate to the West.
  • Facilitate a deeper understanding of international issues involving China, the West and Southeast Asia, through a Singaporean perspective.
BSP students will be awarded a certificate of recognition after they complete the programme. Up to 3 outstanding BSP students will be awarded the prestigious Lee Hsien Loong Award for Outstanding Bicultural Students (LHL-OBS). Singapore Citizens may be eligible for the Bicultural Studies Programme Scholarship. 

Who can take it

Students should obtain at least a ‘B3’ grade in both Higher Chinese and English Language in their secondary 2 examinations. 
  
If the eligibility criteria are not met, students may also be admitted into the programme via school-based discretion, taking into consideration different factors like students’ interest and passion. 

Students enrolled in BSP at the secondary level must offer Higher Chinese. 

Programme content and activities

BSP students will participate in:

  • School-based BSP curriculum programme, covering topics such as Chinese history, contemporary developments in China, Chinese/Western Literature, Western philosophy etc. 
  • A wide range of activities held locally, including talks, symposiums and camp.
  • Overseas immersion programmes to China and Southeast Asia for up to 8 weeks and to a Western country for up to 2 weeks over 4 years.

Where to take it

BSP at the secondary level is offered at:

  • Catholic High School
  • CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School
  • Dunman High School
  • Hwa Chong Institution
  • Nanyang Girls’ High School
  • River Valley High School
  • Singapore Chinese Girls’ School
  • Students from Catholic High School, CHIJ St. Nicholas’ Girls School and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School can continue to offer BSP at pre-university level at Eunoia Junior College.
  • Students in Dunman High School and River Valley High School can continue to offer BSP at pre-university level in the pre-university section of their schools.
  • Students from Hwa Chong Institution (High School) and Nanyang Girls’ High School can continue to offer BSP at pre-university level at Hwa Chong Institution (College).