About OVA
Dedicated to the pursuit of purpose for every Victorian
Founded in 1941, the Old Victorians’ Association (“OVA”) is a formal channel for former students to remain connected to their alma mater after leaving school or college. Its members include alumni of Victoria Afternoon School, Victoria Bridge School, Victoria Pre-University, Victoria School and Victoria Junior College.
The OVA is a longstanding alumni association in Singapore, distinguished by its passionate alumni, extensive history and rich traditions. Across generations, a profound sense of belonging and identity endures, continually uniting Victorians as a cohesive community.
The objectives of the Association are:
OVA’s office is located within Victoria School. We are grateful for the privilege extended by the school in 2003 by Mr Ang Poh Chew, the principal at the time, when the school relocated to its current Siglap campus. Activities organised by the Association are typically held at Victoria School or Victoria Junior College, with some events held at external venues.
Our Distinguished Alumni
The Association has had the honour of welcoming back distinguished alumni, including His Excellency S. R. Nathan, former President of the Republic of Singapore and its longest-serving President. President Nathan became an Honorary Life Member in 2006.
Mr S Dhanabalan, former Chairman of Temasek Holdings became OVA’s most recent Honorary Life Member in 2009.
President Yusof bin Ishak, Singapore’s first President, is featured on the Portrait Series of the currency notes of Singapore. The $2 note themed around education highlights key aspects of President Yusof’s life and legacy, including his connection to Victoria School during its years at Tyrwhitt Road.
Lists of other prominent Victorians can be found here and here.
Our Commitment in Action
Scholarships, Awards and Student Support
Together with our alumni and the Victoria School Parents Support Group, OVA is proud to support a range of programmes that benefit our schools, alumni, and students. For Victoria School, this support includes Speech Day prizes, the Teacher’s Day High-Tea Appreciation, and sponsorship of VS Graduation Night. For Victoria Junior College, OVA contributes Gold Medals and Book Prizes that recognise outstanding students and academic excellence, as well as the S. R. Nathan–OVA Scholarships. By supporting the school and its students, we help ensure that every Victorian has the opportunity to grow, excel, and realise their full potential. Through these investments in their journeys, we continue to strengthen a culture of excellence, gratitude, and giving back beyond the school years.
Sports Development And Sponsorship
Together with OVA Football Team, we raised over S$25,000 in 2024 to fund high-performance training equipment and coaching support for our sports teams representing VS and VJC. Equipment includes cross-country racing shoes, mini football goalposts, javelins, pole vaults, starting blocks and hurdles. We are proud that VJC was crowned double champion in the NSG A Division boys’ and girls’ cross-country championships in 2025 — its first such achievement in 25 years. We are also proud of Jiang Yunfan, a Year 4 student from Victoria School, who won the bronze medal in pole vault with a jump of 4.40m at the Bahrain 2025 Asian Youth Games.
Mentorship And Career Guidance
Mentorship connects alumni, students, and fellow Victorians, offering perspective, support, and real-world insight. These relationships foster growth, confidence, and a lasting spirit of giving back. Mentors help shape each individual’s path, providing guidance in careers and personal development, while mentees gain not only advice but also a clearer sense of direction. Together, they build and strengthen a community where learning continues beyond the classroom and into life.
Interested in sharing your experience as a mentor? Discover how you can get involved.
Communities And Events
Communities and events create space for Victorians to come together, reconnect, and build meaningful relationships beyond their school years. Through shared interests, gatherings, and signature events, these platforms encourage exchange, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. They keep the Victorian community active and engaged—strengthening ties, sparking new connections, and sustaining a culture of participation and giving back.
Discover the communities you can be part of.
Meaning behind our Identity
Crest
The open book symbolises lifelong learning, while the torch symbolises truth and the passing on of tradition. It also illuminates the way of Victorians who venture forth to excel beyond the shores of Singapore.
Colours
Yellow: Symbolises dignity and excellence.
Red: Symbolises universal brotherhood and equality.
Motto: Nil Sine Labore
The Association’s motto, also shared by its academic institutions, was established in March 1940. It is articulated in Latin as “Nothing without Labour,” emphasising the importance of diligent effort in enabling Victorians to realise their aspirations and passions.
Victorian Anthem
Lyrics by J A Frazer (pre-1987 version)
Music by W E Meyer (pre-1987 version)
The Victorian Anthem has a somewhat upbeat neo-colonial tinge to it, befitting the school’s image as an English institution. The Victorian Anthem is shared with the academic institutions and is sung by Old Victorians during OVA events.
Victoria in Singapore
There are other schools we know
Victoria is something more
The school that watch’d us grow
For here we’ve learnt and striven too
And played the sportsman’s game
Victoria we give to you
The honour that you claim
Victoria thy sons are we
And we will not forget
Victoria thy triumphs see
And victories we share yet
For others came before and went
And carried to the world
Victoria’s fame and our intent to
Keep her flag unfurled.
Poem composed for the OVA
Poem composed in 1980 for the Old Victorians’ Association by Professor Edwin Thumboo (VS 1948 – 1953).
Old Victoria School
A short documentary produced for the Urban Redevelopment Authority, featuring the Old Victoria School (currently People's Association Headquarters) - the building that won the Architectural Heritage Award in 2009. The documentary examines the trade-offs between progressive development, nostalgia and conservation.