By RAM ’25

As RI steps into our third century, the role of the Raffles Archives and Museum (RAM) becomes all the more indispensable. Even as the Bicentennial buzz has finally fizzled, RAM continues to be the faithful custodian of our school history, diligently chronicling and promoting our illustrious past. With a multiplicity of stories embedded across our history, the museum plays an active role in uncovering these narratives and adding to our ever-growing archives. 

It goes without saying that the museum transcends the physical space located in the Y14 side of the campus. At its core, the club is founded on the handful of members who share an unwavering passion and dedication to the study and preservation of RI’s extensive history. Started by a dedicated member of Year 14 RAM, Eugene Teo, RAM was newly established in the Y56 side in 2021. Mrs Cheryl Yap (Head / Alumni Relations & Archives) and Ms Low Siew Hsien (Y14 Chemistry teacher) are our wonderful teachers-in-charge who have been guiding us patiently during our time in the museum, alongside the RAM staff Ms Mary Wang and Ms Alicia Pang, and our alum mentor, Dr Yeo Wai Pan. With 10 members in our current batch, RAM is likely one of the smallest clubs in RI Y56. Yet, with our shared vision and incredible support from our teachers and staff, we continue to play an instrumental role in RI’s heritage conservation and promotion. 

During a regular club session, one may come home to the familiar sight of our members gathered around the intimate classroom space in the museum, where pristine white tables are set up in the nucleus of the space. The soothing air-conditioned breeze coupled with the snug carpet makes the museum an exceptionally comfortable space for members and visitors alike. Members are often actively engaged in discussions for our student-initiated endeavours, conducting historical research and using different means (e.g. presentations, games) to improve our knowledge of the school’s history. 

A student-driven project recently completed by our RAM members involved rediscovering the history of Charity Squad, a CCA that RI used to have between 1969 and 2002. Initially, we had little information about them, and it was hardly even recognised as a CCA that we had. After a tedious nine months of research involving seventeen interviews, we compiled an exhaustive history of this club, culminating in a publication just launched on 20 July 2024. Aside from the skills and experiences acquired, this project has allowed us to shine a spotlight on a past CCA, that had imbued many generations of Charity Squad members with the spirit of compassion and community engagement, which would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Beyond these projects lies a vast field of opportunities – enriching learning journeys that are both exciting and educational. To mention a few, we visited the Heritage Conservation Centre and even had a club picnic at the Light to Night festival at the Padang. All in all, our RAM members don’t just learn about school history, but also cultivate meaningful skills and forge unforgettable memories. 

One memorable highlight would be our annual end-of-year combined club camp organised for Y14 and Y56 club members. Over a few days, club members participate in a plethora of exciting activities that the EXCO carefully plans to provide a fun learning experience and opportunities for club members to bond.

Some highlights from our past camps include tours to various museums and heritage galleries, an Amazing Race spanning from City Hall to Fort Canning, and a finale barbeque provided by our generous patron Dr Yeo. 

If you have attended events like the annual RI Open House, RI200 Founder’s Day, or even the farewell event for our former RJC at Mount Sinai campus, chances are that you have seen our RAM members smartly dressed in their green-black-white polo tees, performing their respective duties. We are often involved in these school events as docents-cum-ushers, sharing our knowledge of the school history whether it be with members of the public, current students or alumni. 

As we continue to establish our identity as a fledgling club, we are looking for sincerely passionate members who are willing to pave the way as one of the early batches of RAM Y56, and more importantly, carry on the torch as the custodians of RI’s history. 

So, would you like to delve deep into the untold enigmas and hidden treasures of a decorated history? Join us every Wednesday, from 3.00-5.00pm, at the Archives and Museum on the Y14 Campus, for two years of an invaluable CCA experience!