Singapore’s college takes its name from a Greek word

Singapore’s newest junior college has recently unveiled its new name causing many concerns on its pronunciation and its relativity to ordinary Singaporeans and the school’s future students.

The name chosen is the Greek word Eunoia and as Reverend Father Henry Siew, chairman of the school management committee of Catholic High School, told The Straits Times “Eunoia” is a “good name” because of its meaning: To have a sound mind and goodwill.

However, the name has raised many concerns regarding its pronunciation, and some have asked how it relates to ordinary Singaporeans and the school’s future students.

“It may not be a familiar word and it’s Greek, but it reflects the world view that we want our students to have as leaders,” said Rev Siew.

“It’s a matter of getting used to and it’s part of exposing our students to new possibilities. That’s the spirit and attitude we want them to have,” he said, adding that he is taking all the public feedback about the name in good cheer.

“It is about coming together for completeness and wholeness, signifying an all-rounded education,” he said adding that “It also signifies the cooperation of five entities: three secondary schools, the new junior college and the Ministry of Education.”