The Hwa Chong International School in Singapore caught the attention of netizens who noticed something peculiar in its promotional paraphernalia. In a poster advertising scholarship applications, a model was depicted wearing the school's uniform with a pair of expensive designer shoes.
Hwa Chong International School's Scholarship Poster Features Model in Designer Shoes
A user on Threads shared a photo of the poster placed at an undisclosed location in Singapore. The netizen pointed out the pair of shoes the model was wearing, which were Christian Dior Vibe sneakers.
"Before you apply for a scholarship [at] Hwa Chong International School, first ask yourself... Can you afford a pair of Christian Dior sneakers?" they wrote.
According to Dior's official website, the Vibe sneakers cost about SGD 1690, which is close to P70,000. Aside from the brand's name emblazoned on the tongue of the shoe, the specific model was also rendered in the brand's Oblique pattern, which repeatedly spelled out Dior's name.
Vibe Sneaker in Gray Oblique, SGD 1690 (approximately P69,552), DIOR, dior.com
Netizens React to Hwa Chong International School's Scholarship Poster
Upon seeing the now-viral poster, netizens dove into a discussion regarding the choice to have the model wear designer shoes. One said it was a "rookie mistake" to leave the name of the brand on the shoes. However, a user stated that it might be "common" for HCIS students to wear such footwear.
Another Threads user supported such claim, saying, "This is an international school. Such shoes [are] probably [part of] the starter kit."
"HCIS scholarship comes with Christian Dior sneakers?" one asked. On their website, HCIS mentions that scholarships are targeted towards "academically driven students" who may be "stifled by financial constraints." On average, a school year at HCIS sets students back SGD 30,000, more or less, which is over P1.2 million.
One user who claimed to be an alumni of the exact school says that wearing designer and name-brand items are common. "People do wear branded [items] in school but not everyone... we don't care what you wear," they add.
One user pointed out that the institution may be targeting their applications towards "wealthy people," hence the visibility of the designer shoes.
As of the time of writing, the Hwa Chong International School has not issued any statements regarding the poster nor the reactions it garnered online.
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