About Us
Why River Academy?
Since 1959, Singapore has grown and developed into a modern and worldclass society. We have one of the highest GDP per capita in the world and is a favourite location for foreign investments.
As we achieve success over these years, managing success becomes a challenge. Our achievements are premised on many factors amongst which societal stability and equality that offer all an equal chance to succeed and achieve is constantly being challenged.
As Singapore becomes more affluent, the cracks occasionally do widen in the social fabric in terms of accessibility to quality learning and hence invariably affects children in the lower strata of society.
There is a need to provide these children the learning opportunities so that they may gain confidence that they can succeed in their lives despite their background; and that they believe that they can achieve greatness no different from anyone else in Singapore.
River Academy was conceived on this need to plant the seed of self-belief and allowing it to germinate into confidence in life in these children over time.
Our Vision
River Academy aims to establish a Centre that is lovable, innovative, liveable and is a place for research, learning and reflection - a place where children, teachers and families feel happy and well.
Our Mission
River Academy's educational philosophy is based on the image of a child as competent, strong and powerful; children will learn differently and grow in relations with others
Our Values
Children can bring their own identities and unique processes of learning into the Centre
Emphasise process, not product of learning, as vital for learning
Collaborate with parents and community as part of every child’s learning process
Provide professional development for all staff in the Centre as a right
Renew educational processes through research, documentation and evaluation
Words from our Advisors
“The operators of River Academy have many years of experience in bringing positive changes to the lives of young children from less privileged homes. The Academy’s philosophy is centred on the child’s complete development where self-belief in their ability to navigate an increasingly complex world is the primary concern.
These valuable traits will put these children on a good footing for the future. Academic achievements will also be emphasised but within the wider context of children’s sense of overall achievement and success.
The internal change in the child’s self-belief to build a better life for them and their families will be the key ingredient in the child’s success in the years to come.
I believe the Academy will be a catalyst for social change for families that need help. I am confident that the Academy will bring value to the lives of these children and their families.
Professor Yaacob Ibrahim
Professor of Engineering at The Singapore Institute of Technology
Former Cabinet Minister for 16 years
“I’m amazed at the way the River Academy team hangs on to its unwavering belief that all children can achieve their potential if all of us in society come together to help. In society it is not easy to punch above the glass ceiling.
Singapore has succeeded well. But the irony is that the more we succeed, the harder it is for those trailing behind to catch up and do well. To help this group we must build their belief that they can aim to be fantastic and be fantastic! This is the magic the River Academy team creates.”
Henry Kwek
Member of Parliament (Kebun Baru)
Board and Management
Founder/Director: MS Murugaian Nirmala
Advisors
Professor Yaacob bin Ibrahim
Advisor, Office of President, Singapore Institude of Technology
Director, Community Leadership and Social Innovation Centre Singapore Institute of Technology
Former Cabinet Minister for 16 years
Mr. Henry Kwek Hian Chuan, MP for Kebun Baru
Mr. Chandra Mohan Nair, former NMP and Senior Partner at Tan Rajah and Cheah
Board of Directors
Chairman: Mr. Terence Yow
Director: MS Murugaian Nirmala
Director: MS Natalia Goh
Director: Mr. Toh Boh Kwee
Charity Status
Registration Name: River Academy At Kallang Ltd
UEN: 20214472H
Charity Registration Date: 21 June 202
Public Company Limited By Guarantee
Date of Establishment: 8 July 2022
Primary Sector: Social and Welfare
Primary Classification: Children/Youth Community