The Straits Times : Thursday, August 17, 2000
By Theresa Tan

TEACHERS at San Yu Adventist School say that their school is better known in other countries than at home.

Singapore's only private school, it has long suffered a low profile. While this had improved in recent years, Principal Leong Weng Kee joked that the school was better known in China and Vietnam, homeland of its many students.

While Miss Annie Ling started teaching seven years ago, friends would asked: What is San Yu Adventist School? What do they do there?

The same questions were asked yesterday when the school was thrown in the spotlight by being exempted from the proposed Compulsory Education Act.

Located at Thomson Road, San Yu started as the Seventh-day Adventist School in 1948. It merged with San Yu High School to form the current school three years ago. Operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Mission, it has some 70 students at primary level and 220 students at secondary level.

The students study similar subjects as those offered in national schools.

About 30 - 35 per cent of the students at primary level are foreigners. The proportion of foreign students rises to 60 per cent at secondary level.

Students come from places as diverse as China, Cambodia, Hongkong, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

At one primary class, more than half of the students are foreigners. The students have no problems interacting with one another. The laughter and banter show that nationality and language are no barrier to friendship.

Jonathan Berman, an 11-year-old boy from Sri Lanka, usually communicates with his classmates in English. For those who face problems in English, those who are stronger in the language will help interpret the conversation for them, he said.

Singaporean Priscilla Teo said it was an eye-opening experience to interact with students from such diverse backgrounds. The Primary 5 student was full of praise for her teachers who gave her personal attention.

With an average of 15 students per class, teachers can interact actively with students and monitor their progress.

All students at San Yu have to undergo Bible classes, including the few Muslim students enrolled.

According to Mr. Leong, these classes are not to convert non-believers, but to educate them in Christian values and beliefs.

The school canteen serves only vegetarian food in line with the church's teachings.

The Seventh-day Adventists are  a strict Christian denomination who celebrate Saturday as the Sabbath.

The faith emphasises physical and spiritual health. Members are encouraged to adopt a vegetarian diet with an occasional intake of eggs and milk.

The church ran the former Youngberg Adventist Hospital in Upper Serangoon Road until it was pulled down to make way for a new MRT station. It now runs the Adventist Rehabilitation Centre at Woodlands.
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