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Beijing Bayi School’s Jinfan Wind Band Visits Singapore

July 25–31, 2026

Beijing Bayi School’s Jinfan Wind Band Visits Singapore

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From 25 to 31 July 2026, Beijing Bayi School’s Jinfan Wind Band visited Singapore for a cultural exchange programme hosted and coordinated by the Singapore-China Friendship Association (SCFA), with Nanyang Cultural Centre organising the programme’s delivery. A concluding concert was held at Hwa Chong International School on the evening of 30 July. Guests included Cai Shandi, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore; Zhang Miaojing, Deputy Director of the China Cultural Centre in Singapore; SCFA Standing Adviser Ung Gim Sei, Acting President Ng Yan Huay and Vice President Desmond Ong Eng Chang; Council members; the director of the Singapore Armed Forces Band; and leaders, teachers and students from partner schools.

A tradition of music and all-round education

Bayi School combines strengths in aerospace and artificial-intelligence education with a commitment to the humanities and the arts. Founded on 1 August 1987, its Jinfan Wind Band was Beijing’s first Jinfan wind ensemble. With more than 200 members, it has achieved strong results in national and Beijing arts festivals over the years.

School exchanges through music

During the visit, the band met students and educators at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Chung Cheng High School (Main), Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. SCFA coordinated contacts and arrangements with the partner institutions, while Nanyang Cultural Centre managed the programme’s implementation. Shared rehearsals, musical activities and exchanges helped young people from both countries get to know one another through an art form that crosses language barriers. Bayi School and SCFA also exchanged friendship mementoes with the participating institutions and groups.

Learning from professional musicians

Nanyang Cultural Centre arranged masterclasses with Singapore National Youth Orchestra Artistic Director Joshua Tan and Singapore Symphony Orchestra musicians Rachel Walker, Michael Tan and Sam Armstrong. The sessions gave students opportunities to learn directly from professional musicians and develop their performance skills. At the concluding concert, the Jinfan Wind Band performed a selection of Chinese and international works to an appreciative audience.

Working together for youth and cultural exchange

In his address, SCFA Vice President Desmond Ong Eng Chang thanked the organisations and individuals who supported the programme. The event organisers also acknowledged SCFA’s coordination, the partner institutions, Hwa Chong International School’s Board of Governors and Nanyang Cultural Centre for the arrangements that made the visit possible. During the concert, Mr Ong presented a commemorative friendship plate to Beijing Bayi School. Li Xueling, Director of the school’s Arts Centre, accepted it on behalf of the school and expressed her thanks. In the year marking the 36th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, SCFA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth cultural exchanges and closer connections between the two communities. Report and photographs: SCFA Secretariat and Nanyang Cultural Centre, Singapore. Source report dated 10 August 2026.