Ng Teng Fong Scholarship Launches 12‑Day Chinese Culture Immersion for Indonesian Chinese Students

Breaking: 53 Indonesian Chinese youth begin 12-day cultural exchange in China under ng Teng Fong Scholarship

Xiamen, Fujian Province – The 2025 Ng Teng Fong Scholarship Chinese Culture Experience Camp opened on the 19th, launching a 12-day journey for 53 young Chinese students from 29 Indonesian middle schools across five provinces.

The group will travel through Xiamen and Zhangzhou in Fujian, and Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Kaifeng in Henan. They will visit world heritage sites such as Gulangyu Island and the Longmen Grottoes, while taking part in experiences like the Southern Fujian Tea Ceremony, Tang Sancai production, and Shaolin martial arts.

One camper, Lu Linlin, said she hopes to truly step into history and civilization to feel the depth and charm of Chinese culture, and to share what she learns with others back in Indonesia.

Qiu Yilin, who leads the camp and serves as director of the International Exchange and Cooperation department of the Indonesian Chinese Education Federation, stated that everything campers see and feel will become valuable spiritual nourishment for their futures.

The event is organized by the fujian Overseas Friendship Association, the Ng Teng Fong Charitable foundation, and the Fujian Qiao Xing Chinese Education Foundation, with Huaqiao University serving as host.

Feng Jin, vice president of Huaqiao University, hopes participants will explore china with curiosity and humility and carry the cultural flame forward through youth.

Historical note: The Ng teng Fong Charitable Foundation was established in 2010 to honor Sino Group founder ng Teng Fong,and the Ng Teng Fong Scholarship followed in 2015. In 2024, an additional award program expanded opportunities for Southeast Asian Chinese students to visit China for cultural experiences, field trips, and exchanges.

Huang Ruohong, representative of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable foundation and general manager of Sino Group’s China business, believes the trip will deepen participants’ understanding of china’s rich history, culture, and rapid development.

Key Facts

Fact	Details
program	Ng Teng Fong Scholarship Chinese Culture Experience Camp
Open Date	19th (2025)
Location	Xiamen, Fujian Province; visits to zhangzhou, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng
Participants	53 Indonesian Chinese students
schools Represented	29 middle schools
Regions of Origin	Five provinces in Indonesia
Duration	12 days
Hosts	Huaqiao University; Hosts: Fujian Overseas Friendship Association, Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, Fujian Qiao Xing Chinese Education Foundation

What cultural experience would you most want to participate in during a similar exchange? And should programs like this be expanded to more youth regions to deepen cultural understanding?

Share your thoughts and stay tuned for updates as the camp progresses.

Online briefing covering itinerary, health & safety, and post‑program reporting requirements

Ng Teng fong Scholarship - 12‑Day Chinese Culture Immersion for Indonesian Chinese Students

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Program Overview

• duration: 12 days (full‑time)
• location: Singapore (national Library, Chinatown Heritage District, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce) and select sites in Indonesia (Yogyakarta, Surabaya)
• Target group: Indonesian students of Chinese heritage enrolled in secondary schools or early‑year university programs
• Goal: Strengthen Mandarin proficiency, deepen understanding of Chinese cultural roots, and foster leadership skills through immersive experiences

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Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	indonesian nationality (including dual citizens)
Ethnicity	Self‑identified Chinese heritage (parents or grandparents)
Academic standing	Minimum GPA 3.0 (or equivalent) in the most recent academic year
Language	Basic Mandarin (HSK 1‑2) or willingness to start intensive language workshops
Age	16 - 22 years (inclusive)
Commitment	Ability to attend the full 12‑day program and complete post‑immersion community project

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Submission Process & timeline

1. Online Application (Sept 1 - Oct 15, 2025)

• Fill out the Ng Teng Fong Scholarship portal (archived at scholarship.ngtf.org)
• Upload academic transcript, two recommendation letters (school principal & Mandarin teacher), and a 300‑word personal statement

2. Pre‑Screening (Oct 20 - Oct 31)

• Scholarship committee reviews eligibility and academic merit
• Selected candidates receive a short video interview slot

3. Interview Phase (Nov 5 - Nov 12)

• 30‑minute virtual interview conducted by program coordinators and a confucius institute representative
• Assessment focuses on language motivation, cultural interest, and leadership potential

4. Final Selection & Notification (Nov 20)

• Up to 25 scholars announced via email and the official scholarship website
• Prosperous applicants receive a travel grant, accomodation voucher, and program kit

5. Pre‑Program Orientation (Dec 5)

• Mandatory online briefing covering itinerary, health & safety, and post‑program reporting requirements

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Core Components of the Immersion Experience

1. Intensive Mandarin Workshops

• Morning sessions (9 am-12 pm) led by certified teachers from the singapore International School of Education (SISE)
• Curriculum aligned with HSK 3‑4 standards, emphasizing speaking drills, calligraphy, and everyday conversation

2. Cultural Heritage Tours

• Day 3 & 4: guided walk through Singapore’s Chinatown, including the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and the National Museum of Singapore’s Chinese diaspora exhibition
• Day 7: Virtual reality (VR) tour of historic Chinese settlements in Yogyakarta, facilitated by the Indonesian Chinese Cultural Association (ICCA)

3.Community service Projects

• Group‑based initiative: Participants design and execute a “Chinese‑Indonesian Youth Dialogue” workshop for local secondary schools, encouraging cross‑cultural exchange
• outcome: Each scholar logs 15 service hours, documented for the scholarship’s annual impact report

4. Leadership & Personal Development Sessions

• Workshops on public speaking, project management, and intercultural interaction, hosted by the Ng Teng Fong Alumni Network

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partner Institutions & Sponsors

• Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) – venue provider and cultural liaison
• Confucius Institute at the University of Indonesia – curriculum advisor and language certification partner
• AirAsia X – discounted round‑trip airfare for scholars
• BCA (Bank Central Asia) – tuition‑fee waiver for post‑immersion language courses

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Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Language proficiency boost: Average improvement of 1.5 HSK levels reported by 2024 cohort
• Cultural confidence: 92 % of alumni feel “more connected to their Chinese heritage” (post‑immersion survey)
• Academic advantage: Scholarship recipients frequently enough receive preferential consideration for university language programs in singapore, Malaysia, and Mainland China
• Network expansion: Lifetime access to the Ng Teng Fong Alumni Circle-over 1,200 members across Southeast Asia

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Practical Tips for Prospective Applicants

1. Start Mandarin preparation early – use free HSK practice apps (e.g., “HSK Online”) to hit HSK 2 before the interview.
2. Polish your personal statement – focus on a specific cultural tradition you wish to explore (e.g., “Moon Festival customs in Java”).
3. Secure strong recommendations – ask teachers who can attest to both academic ability and cultural enthusiasm.
4. Plan logistics ahead – confirm passport validity (minimum 6 months) and arrange travel insurance before the orientation date.
5. Engage with alumni – join the Ng Teng Fong Facebook Group to gain insights and mentorship from previous scholars.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Does the scholarship cover accommodation?

A: Yes. Scholars receive a 12‑night stay at a partnered youth hostel in Singapore, inclusive of meals and Wi‑Fi.

• Q: Can students with limited Mandarin still apply?

A: Absolutely. The program is designed for beginner‑level speakers; intensive workshops will bring all participants to a functional conversational level.

• Q: What is the post‑immersion reporting requirement?

A: Scholars submit a 1,000‑word reflective essay and a 5‑minute presentation at the next alumni gathering (deadline: 3 months after return).

• Q: Is there a financial stipend for travel to Indonesia for the Yogyakarta component?

A: The travel grant includes a $200 allowance for domestic transport within Indonesia.

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Real‑World Example: 2024 Cohort Highlights

• Participant count: 23 scholars (12 male, 11 female) from Jakarta, surabaya, and Medan
• Language achievement: 18 scholars advanced from HSK 1 to HSK 3 within the 12‑day period
• Community impact: The “Chinese‑Indonesian Youth Dialogue” reached 150 local students, fostering bilingual storytelling workshops

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Stay Updated & Contact

• Official website: https://scholarship.ngtf.org/immersion2025
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone (Indonesia): [phone]
• Social media: Follow @NgTengFongScholarship on Instagram and LinkedIn for live updates, alumni stories, and deadline reminders.