On 10 September 2024, RC4 residents channeled their inner Ryan Goslings and Margot Robbies at their first Formal Dinner of the Academic Year, themed “The Oscars”. It was an opportunity for residents to dress-up in their best formal attire with the males dressed up in sharp-looking suits while the females were gowned in elegant outfits.  The Formal Dinner signified the start of the Academic Year while also welcoming the newly matriculated freshmen into RC4, providing a platform for residents to perform and showcase their talent.

As we approach Week 5 in the Semester, deadlines and assignments begin to build up. “The Formal Dinner was timely in a sense that me and my house mates could dress up together after moving in for more than a month, strengthening our bonds and also providing an outlet for stress relief with the tempo of the semester building up,” shared Nathanael Leong, Year 1 Industrial and Systems Engineering student.

The event was graced by the attendance of past alumni, including our founding rector Prof Choo Chiau Beng.

Assoc. Prof Peter Pang, RC4 Master, kickstarted the event with a heartfelt speech, giving a tribute to all past alumni who have contributed towards the identity and achievements of RC4. This was echoed by Winnie Tan, 10th College Student Committee President, “You’re not passing through RC4, you’re building it”. Her speech concluded by applauding all the attendees to thank them for their contributions and hard work, signifying how everyone’s effort counts in shaping RC4’s welcoming and close-knit community.

While the residents indulging in the scrumptious options of Fried Barramundi or Chicken Roulade for their main course, they were also visually treated to a beautifully curated photo and video collage of all RC4 activities and events since the start of the Semester. Residents who missed Coldplay’s concert earlier this year did not have to fret as RC4’s own Acapella interest group, ORC4PELLA, showed off their vocal skills with a medley of Coldplay’s catchiest melodies, transforming the Dining Hall into a vibrant concert atmosphere reminiscent of the National Stadium.

They were joined by RC4’s iconic Your Mum’s Favourite Band (YMFB), who were the runners-up in the NUS Supernova Rising Star category a month ago, and the newly formed RC4 band, “Hairy Styles” which consists mainly of Year 1 residents.

Pictured: Your Mum’s Favourite Band (YMFB)

Pictured: Hairy Styles

“Hairy Styles” lead singer Lisa Vos, an exchange student from the Netherlands residing in RC4 throughout her stay in Singapore, was thrilled at being given the chance to perform for the College. “I am honored and grateful to have been able to sing for everyone, and I hope everyone had a great time as much as I did on stage,” reflected Lisa. [NB3]

The night concluded with the finale performance by RC4’s dance group, RC4ance, as they showcased their moves in front of an enthusiastic crowd who certainly did not want the night to end.

Lynn Leow, Year 4 Psychology student, led the team of dedicated Residential Assistants in the planning and execution of Formal Dinner. Lynn shared, “It was a pleasure planning this Semester’s Formal Dinner alongside my lovely RAs! Thank you everyone for coming and look forward to the next!” Kudos to all RAs for their effort and dedication amidst their busy schedules, making this event a huge success!

Pictured: The team of RAs behind the planning of Formal Dinner

With the conclusion of Formal Dinner, it is time to get back into the study lounges and get the laptops and tablets working again. However, the bonds forged will accompany the residents throughout their lifetime, and these are the fond memories which will offer strength even through the toughest times.