World Scholar's Cup Beijing Global Round

JPJC's inaugural World Scholars' Cup squad competed against 1,500 scholars from 39 countries in Beijing, finishing in the top 30% and earning multiple team and individual honours.

Last updated 30 April 2026

Amidst intense competition, the inaugural JPJC WSC (World Scholars’ Cup) squad of 2019 achieved excellent results. The squad had to step up their efforts as the global round was far more challenging than the regional rounds. Coming up against 1,500 scholars from 39 countries, the squad performed admirably, drawing compliments from their opponents, as well as clinching many team and individual honours. Out of 500 teams, the highest ranked team came in 20th place.

A group of students with medals and a trophy pose in front of a World Scholar's Cup Global Round 2019 banner.

The 2019 JPJC WSC Squad with their medals and trophy, together with the teacher mentors and alumni.

Accompanying the students on the trip were the teacher-coaches, Miss Megan Miao, Ms Tan Su Lynn and Mdm Hedzlyn Helyaty. Various members of the college alumni, Ahmad Asyraf, Lianne Sng, Sim Jun You and Law Jia Qi also went along to provide suitable tips and to keep the morale of the squad high. Teacher-coach Mr John Yeo and alumni Annabel Kwek had also supported the squad in training prior to the trip. Their invaluable experience was crucial in preparing the squad for knowing what to expect and how to maximise their performance in each aspect of the competition.

All teams finished in the top 30% of the competition. James Tan from 18A08 emerged as the top scholar from the squad, clinching gold medals for individual debates, writing and challenge. The squad applied what they had learnt from long and rigorous hours of training to stretch their abilities and do the college proud.

Six uniformed students wearing lanyards stand smiling in front of a whiteboard in a decorated classroom.

The JPJC team consisting of Are Man Oo, James Tan and Logam D/O Palainiappan with their debate opponents. Being able to debate with opponents from other countries widened their perspectives immensely.

After qualifying from the regional round, the global round of the competition provided an opportunity for the squad to deepen their knowledge of the 6 set subject areas – Science, Literature, Arts and Music, History, Social Studies and Special Area (Unsolved Mysteries). They had to answer short questions related to these topics in the Challenge and Bowl categories. To facilitate deeper understanding of these topics, students had to participate in debates with other scholars, applying their knowledge to issues reflecting the contemporary world.

Young people seated in an auditorium hold colorful stuffed alpaca plush toys and smile at the camera.

The inaugural JPJC WSC squad with their adopted alpacas at the Global Round in Beijing.

Lastly, they had to participate in a writing challenge, answering a question from one of the subject areas by approaching it either as a conventional argumentative essay or from a more creative angle. The squad honed their insight of these topics in the training sessions before the competition and this showed through their commendable results achieved at the Global Round. Apart from participating in the challenges and bowls, the squad also got to meet scholars from other countries at the Global Scholars’ Ball and participated in cultural activities such as dumpling making. JPJC’s Top Scholar, James Tan (18A08) also performed at the WSC Global Rounds Talent Show!

Young man in a dark blazer and glasses speaks into a microphone on stage, others hold letter signs and a heart behind him.

JPJC’s Top Scholar, James Tan (18A08) performing at the WSC Global Round Talent Show, with the rest of his squad mates showing support in the background

A group of about twelve smiling teenagers posing together outdoors at night in front of a large sign with Chinese characters.

Dressed to impress for Global Scholar’s Ball.

A group of young people sit around a wooden dining table, smiling and making peace signs in a decorated room.

Some members of the squad participating in cultural activities such as dumpling making during their learning journey after the end of the competition.

Highlight of Competition Results:

Champion Teams:

20th Overall (Are Mann Oo, James Tan, Logam D/O Palaniappan)
69th Overall (Syarifah Aneesa, Tang Yingtong, Udthayanithi S/O Chidambaram)

Team Challenge:

37th Overall (Are Mann Oo, James Tan, Logam D/O Palaniappan)
42nd Overall (Eo Sze Kyi, Alec Chua, Oh Yu Xiang)
60th Overall (Syarifah Aneesa, Tang Yingtong, Udthayanithi S/O Chidambaram)
68th Overall (Gladious Khoo, Marcus Wee, Joshua Chua)

Team Bowl:

71st Overall (Are Mann Oo, James Tan, Logam D/O Palaniappan)

Writing Champions:

59th Overall (Logam D/O Palaniappan)

Team Debate:

31st Overall (Are Mann Oo, James Tan, Logam D/O Palaniappan)
90th Overall (Syarifah Aneesa, Tang Yingtong, Udthayanithi S/O Chidambaram)

Team Writing:

16th Overall (Are Mann Oo, James Tan, Logam D/O Palaniappan)
38th Overall (Syarifah Aneesa, Tang Yingtong, Udthayanithi S/O Chidambaram)

The WSC experience and journey will definitely be an unforgettable one for the squad. Congratulations once again to the squad for their commendable results and pushing through long hours of preparation and research!