The birth of Hippo Exchange Club started with a group of young people who were enthusiastic in promoting cross-cultural exchanges between Singapore and Japan through homestay programmes. Henceforth, Hippo Exchange Club was officially formed on 1 July 1999 under the umbrella of Joo Chiat Community Club Youth Group. It is also affiliated to the Hippo Family Club. Over the years, Hippo Exchange Club has organised numerous outbound and inbound homestay programmes in Singapore, Japan, Korea and United States.

Echoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's message that young people should come forward to play a more active role in society, Hippo Exchange Club went independent in October 2004 as a young social enterprise with the Registry of Societies.

With blessings from Minister of State Chan Soo Sen, Hippo Exchange Club based its activities at Joo Chiat Community Club.

Vision of the Club

The Family for Lifelong International Friendship

This will be achieved through certain means such as homestay program, interaction between club members to create awareness of Hippo Family Club and local activities planned by the club with the Key Outcomes in mind:

Lifelong International Friendship
Family Values
Language Learning
International Exposure
Cultural Exchange