History of Victoria
The idea of Victoria Junior College was first mooted in the 1970s by distinguished Victorians such as Mr Wong Hung Khim, Mr Foo Kok Swee and Mr Ong Teong Pin. Led by Mr Wong Hung Khim, the first Chairman of the Victoria Advisory Committee (VAC) and Victoria Executive Committee (VEC), and supported by Dr Ong Chit Chung, the President of Old Victorians’ Association from 1978 to 1981 and later Chairman of the VAC and VEC, the proposal for a new junior college was submitted to the Ministry of Education.
This vision was soon realised, and a new phase in the history of Victoria took shape with the setting up of Victoria Junior College (VJC) along Marine Vista. In 1984, the College received its first batch of students under the leadership of VJC’s first principal, Mrs Lee Phui Mun. Mrs Lee went on to be principal for 18 years, and led the College to breaking new ground in several areas. She was succeeded as principal by Mrs Chan Kah Gek (2002-2006), followed by Mr Chan Poh Meng (2007-2013), Miss Ek Soo Ben (2014-2021) and Mr Jeffrey Low (2022-present). Under the astute and inspiring leadership of its principals, VJC has scaled new heights and is now recognised as a centre for academic, sporting and cultural excellence.
Milestones
1983
On 15 October, VJC, built at a cost of $19.3 million, was officially handed over by the Public Works Department to the Ministry of Education.
1984
On 2 January, VJC welcomed its pioneer batch of students. In total, there were 776 students, 51 teachers and 16 supporting staff.
1985
On 19 July, VJC was officially declared open by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Community Development, Mr. S. Dhanabalan.
1987
VJC was selected as one of the five centres for the Humanities Programme in Singapore.
1989
VJC became the first junior college to offer the Theatre Studies and Drama programme. It was also the first time the GCE A-Level drama course was offered in Singapore.
1990
The Science and Mathematics Learning Centre was established in VJC. With expanded laboratory facilities and special equipment, it enabled students to participate more actively in Science and Mathematics enrichment projects.
1991
The VJC Choir was the first school choir from Singapore to win an international choir competition. This was held in Wales.
1992
The VJC Symphonic Band was the first school band from Singapore to be invited to perform at the prestigious Japan Band Clinic.
1993
Named after the Chairman of the Victoria Executive and Victoria Advisory Committees, the Wong Hung Khim Trophy for Student of the Year was introduced. The trophy gives recognition to a deserving Victorian for character, leadership qualities, academic calibre and service to the College.
1998
32 students and three teachers participated in VJC’s first overseas Community Involvement Programme in Vigan, Philippines. Students helped with dental and minor surgery, planting of herbs and painting the campus of the University of Northern Philippines.
2000
The VJC Choir won a Gold Medal in the Open Mix and Folklore A Capella categories in the inaugural Choir Olympics held in Linz, Austria.
2002
VJC became the centre of research in science and technology for East Zone schools with the opening of the East Zone Science and Technology Centre. The centre was officially opened on 13 July by the late Mr. S. R. Nathan, former President of the Republic of Singapore.
2004
VJC fielded the first Singapore school team to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair. This was also the year where the house system was introduced to increase bonding between students from different faculties.
2005
The Victoria Integrated Programme was launched with a cohort of 119 students.
2008
The VJC Soccer girls made history when they clinched the inaugural National Schools ‘A’ Division Championship title for Soccer.
2011
The Victoria-Cedar Alliance (VCA) was formed. In the VCA Integrated Programme, students spend their first four years in Victoria School and Cedar Girls’ School, and the final two years in VJC.
2012
The first batch of VCA students began their journey in the two secondary schools.
2015
VJC received its pioneer cohort of VCA IP students. VJC also established a partnership with the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) to nurture inspiring scientists through its Youth Research Programme.
2016
On 23 July, at VJC’s 32nd College Day Celebration, the VJC Heritage Trail was officially launched by Mrs Rosa Daniel, Deputy Secretary (Culture), Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth, and Chief Executive Officer, National Heritage Board. The Heritage Trail is a carefully curated exhibition space dedicated to artefacts, images and text capturing VJC’s ethos and history.
2018
The pioneer batch of 1984 held a cohort-wide reunion at VJC, raising more than $50,000 to initiate the Victorian Pioneer Award.