Speak out at the Soapbox

The 21st of February was a special day for all NYJCians to exercise their right to free speech; they were given an opportunity to speak up about their ideas, in fact, any idea that they wanted to share with their fellow schoolmates. This was due to the efforts of NYJC’s debate team in organizing the school’s equivalent of the Speaker’s Corner, the Soapbox, where any member of the school could verbalise their thoughts to the rest of the school’s population.

"LISTEN! I say..."

The activity was a rather enriching experience for those present as speakers shared about diverse ideas ranging from friendship to not getting into one’s dream junior college.

“I like it,” said Ryan Hong, a student from OG 13, “The speakers quite captured my attention with their thoughts.”

“NO NO NO! listen to ME!”

Notable speakers at the event included student, Pang Zhi Yang, who spoke about his feelings regarding Valentine Day’s in Japan, revealing rather humorous facts behind the celebration in the Land of The Rising Sun. Yet another prominent speaker was Mr. Shane Koh, a teacher and ex-student of NYJC, who shared his thoughts regarding the local music scene of which he lamented the lack of available platforms for it to develop.

Mr Shane is glad to exercise his "free speech"

Interview with Mr Shane

NYX: What do you think about the response to the Soapbox event?
Mr Shane: The turnout could have been much better; surely there must be more NYJCians who are interested in speaking to their fellow schoolmates. Perhaps more publicity should have been done for the Soapbox.

NYX: Do you have any other thoughts regarding the event itself?
Mr Shane: On the whole this event is indeed beneficial to NYJCians as it encourages the sharing of thoughts and ideas, allowing for further interaction and understanding amongst students.

NYX: What made you want to make your speech?
Mr Shane: I volunteered to make this speech, music is my life and I lament the fact that the current Singapore music scene is pretty much underground. As a drummer (in the band Epicurie, which performed at The One competition) myself, I would like to take every opportunity to promote locally-made music.

By Lim Ming Qing Stanley