School History

In 1934, the late Mr Ng Huay Leng, along with 4 humble villagers, took upon themselves the responsibility of nurturing and educating the young. With meagre resources, they managed to build a zinc and attap school and called it Yeu Nerng School. Conducting lessons in Mandarin and dialect, Yeu Nerng catered to 20 students from the neighbouring villages. Despite poverty and difficult times, the students of Yeu Nerng achieved commendable examination results.

 After the Japanese Occupation, the restoration of the school once again confirmed the undying spirit of selfless dedication. There were two other principals who headed the school then, namely Mr Zheng Zhao Wu and Mr Lin Qin Rong till 1959.

By 1960, the school had an enrollment of about hundred pupils. The enrolment grew to about 693 in 1978 with a staff strength of 23 teachers. With a committed new management committee, Yeu Nerng grew to become a 9-classroom, double-session school. Over the years, the school had consistently managed an overall percentage of passes above the National Average in the Primary School Leaving Examination.

Yeu Nerng Public School continued to grow from strength to strength. In 1982, it moved to the site at Bedok North Street 3 to cater to its rapidly expanding population. The school also changed its status from an aided to a government school and was renamed “Yu Neng Primary School”. English was adopted as the school’s main language medium in the curriculum. In January 2003, the school went through PRIME upgrading and had to move to a temporary holding site. During this period, the school merged with Min Xin Primary School. In 2005, the school moved back to its current school building at Bedok North Street 3 and was officially reopened in July 2006.

Through the years, Yu Neng Primary School has maintained the traits and virtues of its early founders. 2015 will be a significant year for the school as it commemorates its 80th anniversary. With its rich history , strong foundation, values and beliefs, Yu Neng continues to grow and strive towards its motto of "Light Up and Shine".

• Mr Ng Huey Leng (1935 – 1953)

• Mr Zheng Zhao Wu (1954 – 1956)

• Mr Lin Qin Rong (1957 – 1959)

• Mr Ng Sin Soo (1960 – 1983)

• Mr Chia Chee Fun (1983 – 1988)

• Mr Foo Don Wan (1989 – 1992)

• Ms Violet Khor (1993 – 1996)

• Mr Tan Kah Teo (1996 – 2003)

• Miss Chong Lee Lian (2004 – 2008)

• Mdm Tan Lee Ching, Elis (2009 – 2013)

• Mrs Clara Lim-Tan (2014-2020)

On 15 December 2020, our current principal, Mr Ng Yeow Ling, joined Yu Neng Primary School as principal.

THE SCHOOL BELL

The bell (currently in the school hall) was donated to the school by Mr Ng Hong Kok and his brothers after the Japanese Occupation. It was used by the school to signify the start of school, recess and dismissal till the 1980s. It was kept in store until it was displayed at the YN Gallery in 2015. 

Since relocating in September 2016, the school rung the school bell to signify important school events and celebration of individual or team achievements.

OUR 88TH ANNIVERSARY

Yu Neng celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2023 with its Alumni coming together to organize a commemorative art exhibition which draws on the talents and passions of alumni students former and current staff. A total of 88 pieces of artworks ranging from Chinese landscaping painting to Chinese calligraphy pieces were put on display.

The YN Alumni has also launched a special YN88 publication titled "With All My Voice" on 8th August 2023, as part of our school National Day celebrations. This commemorative publication captures voices of generations of our alumni, students, staff and stakeholders. Together, they construct what Yu Neng means to us across generations who have lived through our years of nation-building.

Click here for YN88 Publication "With All My Voice". ↗ (opens in new tab)

Click here for YN80 Publication "With All My Heart". ↗ (opens in new tab)

OUR 90TH ANNIVERSARY

Yu Neng celebrates 90th Anniversary in 2025!
Click here for more details