On 9 October 2026, YCIS Qingdao celebrated its 20th anniversary and joined schools across the Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network for Founder’s Day, honouring the vision and contribution of our founder, Madam Tsang Chor-hang.

For 20 years, YCIS Qingdao has been a place where students discover their strengths, build friendships and begin to find their place in the world. Its story is part of a wider educational legacy: 94 years of YCYW connecting people, cultures and communities through education.

This year’s Founder’s Day brought the global YCYW community together online to celebrate the foundation’s 94th anniversary and witness the launch of its new core educational slogan:

Rooted Deep, Reaching Far

In her address, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO and School Supervisor of Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network, explained:

Rooted Deep means building strong foundations in culture, academics, and character. Reaching Far means embracing an uncertain world with an open mind, cross-cultural understanding and the courage to create a better future together.

Only with deep roots can we reach far. And the further we reach, the deeper our roots can grow.

For YCIS Qingdao, these words reflect both the foundations built over the past 20 years and our commitment to the years ahead.

They also express what we hope for every student: sound knowledge, strength of character and a secure sense of self, alongside the openness to learn from others, work across cultures and approach the future with confidence.

Our anniversary celebrations began with students and teachers coming together for sport. Across the field, shared challenges and encouragement brought the school community together, making teamwork and perseverance part of the celebration.

On stage, students performed two original songs, “Seeds of Growth” and “Across the Bay.” Through their choir performances, they looked back on the school’s 20-year journey, bringing its memories and hopes for the future to life in music.

The songs offered a fitting tribute to a school shaped by generations of students learning, exploring and growing together.

That focus on growth was also at the heart of our Co-Principals’ anniversary addresses.

Chinese Co-Principal Ms Du reflected on the school’s development since its founding in 2006. As the campus, curriculum and learning opportunities have evolved, the most meaningful part of that story has remained the students themselves: their curiosity in class, persistence in discovery, determination in sport and confidence on stage.

Western Co-Principal Christine Carey returned to the beliefs and values that have guided the school throughout those years. The anniversary, she reflected, was an opportunity to recognise the principles we continue to uphold as our school grows.

Our goal is not to fit everyone into one mold, but to help every student become their fullest and most authentic self.

YCIS Qingdao 20th Anniversary Art Project, co-created by YCYW Artist-in-Residence Ms Wearmouth and all students.

Her words captured a commitment that connects the school’s past with its future: recognising each student’s individuality and helping them develop their potential.

How can education prepare young people for a world being transformed by AI?

During the Founder’s Day celebrations, Dr Chris Hurley, Director of Science and Technology and Head of the Education Futures Division, shared the vision behind Seeds for Tomorrow: nurturing young people who think deeply, explore actively and create new possibilities.

As “Thinkers-in-Chief,” students learn alongside peers, teachers, experts and AI, using judgement, empathy and character to guide their decisions. Projects in areas such as underwater robotics and marine science and engineering connect classroom learning with real challenges, helping students discover their interests and explore future directions.

YCIS Qingdao students attended the EdFutures Underwater Robotics Challenge

Seeds for Tomorrow puts Rooted Deep, Reaching Far into practice, giving students the foundations to explore boldly and contribute to the world they will inherit.

Our 20th anniversary is a moment to celebrate what we have built together and look forward to what comes next.

Thank you to every student, parent, member of staff and alumnus who has helped shape YCIS Qingdao. Your trust, support and contributions have made these 20 years a shared story of learning, friendship and growth.

May every student carry forward the knowledge, interests and values they develop here, approaching the possibilities ahead with curiosity, kindness and courage.

Happy 20th Anniversary, YCIS Qingdao!