For over two decades, Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) magic co-curricular activity (CCA), RP Magic, has been enchanting audiences with sleight-of-hand and performance magic.
Founded in 2003 by principal lecturer Dr Loke Han Ying, the club remains the only magic-focused CCA among Singapore’s polytechnics. What began as an informal staff hobby has grown into a structured interest group with around 20 active student members today.
The group performs regularly at RP events and has taken its shows to public occasions like NDP @ Heartlands and Family Day at the Woodlands Police HQ. They also conduct community outreach, such as performances at National Kidney Foundation dialysis centres.
Weekly training sessions are held every Wednesday evening. Members, mentored by Dr Loke and seniors, learn and practise a range of tricks—from classic card illusions to rope and ring routines. Students often search online tutorials or inherit tricks passed down through generations of RP magicians.
Second-year student Rex Foong has even built her own deck collection—over 60 card sets costing more than $400 since joining. “It’s like a hidden tax for people getting into magic,” she joked.
First-year student Wong Hong Li said the club has helped him overcome stage anxiety. Initially nervous during “roving” campus performances, he now thrives on the thrill of surprising his peers. “One of my best performances shocked such a big group that they wanted to inspect my cards,” he said.
Dr Loke believes magic also enhances transferable skills like public speaking and presence. “Whether it’s a performance or a presentation, the principles are the same,” he said.
Ultimately, the club’s impact goes beyond tricks. “I want people to have fun,” said Wong. “There’s nothing better than seeing their faces light up.”
