Hwa Chong says it did not give 5 demerit points to students for speaking to media about catered food

Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) said it has not penalised or reprimanded its students for talking to the media about the school's new catered meals, following allegations that nine students received five demerit points each for doing so.

Talk about such disciplinary action circulated on Reddit, where a user posted a screenshot, purportedly from a HCI parents' WeChat group on Jan. 9.

"My nephew said that there were children who received five demerit points from the school, because they spoke to Zaobao," a person wrote.

Someone added that nine people were punished, while others reacted in shock and commented that it was too excessive.

The rumour was also shared in a separate Reddit post by a user claiming to be a HCI student, who said that the school administration was being "extremely unreasonable" for the alleged punishment.

What happened?

HCI has been making headlines recently after images of its bento sets, prepared by airline caterer SATS under the new Central Kitchen Meal Model (CKMM), circulated online.

People on social media likened the meals to those served in the army and in prison.

In response, a HCI spokesperson said that the secondary school was aware of the concerns but added that a photo circulating online "does not accurately reflect the typical food offerings or portion standards under this arrangement".

Media outlets including Mothership, CNA, The Straits Times, and Zaobao interviewed HCI students who contradicted their school's statement, and expressed dissatisfaction with the food quality.

The school's reminder

Following media reports of the students' feedback, a message that purported to be sent by a HCI teacher or faculty member was also shared online.

It reminded students not to participate in "the canteen food controversy", and to not circulate photos, messages and social media posts, adding that "we know what the consequences are".

The message also told students to keep their opinions to themselves, and get consent from their parents and school to talk to the media.

HCI's response

The HCI spokesperson said the school is aware of a message shared in a class chat.

It was sent out of concern for the students’ well-being while reminding students to be responsible in their online activities.

"The reminder was not meant to discourage students from sharing their views or offering feedback through appropriate channels, nor were any students penalised or reprimanded for voicing their opinions," the spokesperson added.

The school will continue working closely with teachers to ensure that messages to students are conveyed clearly.

"We value our students’ perspectives and encourage them to share their thoughts directly with the school so that concerns can be addressed constructively.

Any media engagement involving students is coordinated with the school and parents to safeguard students’ well-being."

Top images from taenyfan95/Reddit and Wei Wang/Google Maps