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A heartwarming teacher-student reunion between Zhang Yilin (Rowena), a second-year Higher Nitec in Early Childhood Education student at NIEC (ITE), and Ms Esther Chen Yunxin, Lecturer at NIEC (TP), was featured in Lianhe Zaobao on 24 June 2025. The reunion took place during NIEC’s Playtime event on 11 June 2025.

Thirteen years ago, Rowena was part of the first class Ms Chen taught as a preschool teacher. Their unexpected meeting was a reminder of the enduring bonds in education and the lasting impact of educators.

Ms Chen began her early childhood journey as a part-time preschool teacher in 2011, eventually becoming a principal. Today, she teaches early childhood music at NIEC (TP). In her role, she supports aspiring educators in building confidence to teach music to young children.

Inspired by her former teacher’s warmth and dedication, Rowena now hopes to walk a similar path. She plans to further her studies at NIEC (TP) after graduation, and looks forward to one day nurturing the next generation of learners — just as Ms Chen once nurtured her.