2 Singaporeans win big in Commonwealth essay competition

Poem, short story earn both a trip to London and Buckingham Palace

Janine Shum (left) wrote a poem from the perspectives of an Afghan girl and a Singaporean girl, while Ng Woon Neng crafted a short story on her view of wealth, health, freedom and happiness. They were among four winners selected out of 12,000 participants in the competition this year. PHOTOS: NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE, NANYANG GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL
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As a primary school pupil, Janine Shum felt like she was invisible, and frequently overlooked.

Her grades were not outstanding, she said, and neither was she particularly talented in sports or music.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 15, 2018, with the headline 2 Singaporeans win big in Commonwealth essay competition. Subscribe