Among the Class of 2025, Singaporean scholar Xing-Yi Loy stands out as an inspiring example of intellectual passion, creativity, and social purpose. A recipient of the SJI International Local Merit Scholarship, Xing-Yi joined with a clear vision: to use language as a bridge between cultures. Over the past two years she has more than fulfilled that ambition, emerging as a national voice for multilingualism, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.
Academically, Xing-Yi’s record is remarkable. She undertook four Higher Level IB subjects while simultaneously completing Advanced Placement and A-Level qualifications - a rare combination that reflects both her intellectual range and her relentless curiosity. Her remarkable talent and her unwavering dedication is reflected in her IB Diploma score of 44. Beyond her academic excellence, however, it is her impact as a communicator, advocate, and leader that truly distinguishes her.
Fluent in more than 12 languages, Xing-Yi has become one of Singapore’s youngest champions of linguistic and cultural diversity. She has presented at five international language conferences, including the Polyglot Conference Global in Valletta, where she was the youngest Singaporean invited to speak. Her research into the evolution of Singlish and the preservation of endangered minority languages such as Tujia has earned her widespread recognition, including eight government grants to support her language and heritage projects.
Polyglot conference global 2024 | Photo Credit: Loy Xing-Yi
In 2024, she founded Project FantaSEA, a youth-led initiative connecting over 2,500 students across four ASEAN nations through storytelling and cultural exchange. The project, which won support from the National Youth Council, raised funds to provide stable internet access, educational resources, and nutritional support for children in underserved communities.
Her advocacy has also reached the national stage. Xing-Yi was the youngest and only high school panelist invited to speak at Singapore’s National Translation Committee’s 10th anniversary conference, helping to champion the role of language in strengthening social cohesion. Her exceptional contributions have been recognised through some of Singapore’s most prestigious awards including the Prime Minister’s Book Prize for bilingual excellence and the SAF Young Leaders Award.
Prime Minister’s Book Prize 2024 | Photo Credit: MOE Singapore / Special Awards Presentation Ceremony
MDDI conference 2024 | Photo Credit: National Translation Committee
Nationwide Foreign Language Translation Competition 2025 | Photo Credit: St. Joseph’s Institution International
Reflecting on her journey, Xing-Yi shared “Joining SJI International was a turning point in my education journey. Here, I found a community that supported me to be fearless and curious, and gave me the confidence to launch initiatives I never thought possible. I’m immensely grateful to my principal, the teachers and peers who have made these two years so transformative.”
Building on her reflections, High School Principal Mr Bradley Bird added “Xing-Yi’s compassion, humility, and determination to serve a wider purpose set her apart. Her leadership at this stage of her life is extraordinary, and she exemplifies the Lasallian spirit of using one’s gifts to better the lives of others. We are profoundly proud of her achievements, her character, and the positive impact she has already made and will continue to make.”