Fond Memories of our SMI60 Reunion:

 (Article contributed by Henry Hoy Soon Yeong)

The SMI60 Reunion that ran a 5-day program ( 25-29 Sept, 2010 ) culminating in a fun-filled trip to Pangkor, indeed epitomized and reflected an exclusive scale of grand home-coming of the ladies and boys, some with their spouses, that would not be witnessed again, at least for the 1960 group, in the coming years. [Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document.

     I echo Siva's sentiment to those who missed it and also thank all those (with special mention to you, James Leong) involved in one way or another who made this event worth remembering.

     1) OMA Dinner on Saturday 25.9.2010 at Red Crescent Hall:
              Timothy Chee gave us a great sense of pride when he was bestowed the coveted “Eminent Michaelian” Award  by the SMI Board of Governors, the first time such an award being presented to a Michaelian.  This is not an annual award, but a special one given only in very deserving cases. Timothy has the honor to be the first recipient.

The award reads :-    " A recipient of outstanding service to SMI as a great educator and artist of high distinction and dedicated scout master, and very specially for his inspiring contribution to the SMI drama tradition. A true hearted Michaelian forever."     Congratulations to you Timothy.

Our 1960 group stood out distinctly with our Green souvenir tee-shirt uniforms at the dinner. All were in tremendous high spirits delivering what was required of them singing the school rally and songs, after receiving the Jubilee Salutations from Dato' Bro. Vincent on stage.      

    2)  Memorial Walk on Sunday 26.9.2010 at our Alma Mater:
              The next day, the group came a calling at the Alma mater. The entourage was welcomed by the Michaelian Military Band.  Present were the principal, the senior assistants and some teachers.  We then proceeded to the hall where we were entertained by renditions of Chinese classical music by the Michaelian Chinese Orchestra and by the school band.

To mark this auspicious occasion our SMI60 Group contributed RM1000 each to the  Michaelian Military Band, the Michaelian Chinese Orchestra and the Michaelian Heritage Gallery(MHG). After the speeches and presentation of gifts, contributions and mementos,  Lawrence Chai, Francis Fernandes, and Jio Lim Jit Yong then took turns to go on stage to share their experiences as students at SMI.

            The Memorial Walk included a visit to the MHG where the School's artifacts and historical items were displayed for posterity.  The 1960 Form 5 classes were honored with a plaque installed on the wall of the SMI Heritage Gallery to commemorate the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. When we looked at the old classrooms, sweet and bitter memories criss-crossed our minds and freely we relayed the experience.

            We had lunch at the school canteen before we bid farewell to our Alma Mater…..till we meet again.

    3)  SMI 60 Class Reunion Dinner on Sunday night 26.9.2010 at  Syuen Hotel:

            The cocktail prior to dinner, provided a great time for social interaction. Memories of the last fifty-over years were reinforced by viewing old photos and autographs signed before leaving Form V.

            Teh  Chin Leng was the MC for the occasion. He invited those present to stand up for a period of silence while he read the names of the teachers and classmates who had passed away.

A video presentation by Peng Keang was peppered with jokes of non-recognition of those who were in the photos.

            A  recall was made of a Standard Two concert performance where we sang a popular Maori song. Those who could remember ( Francis Fernandes, Lawrence Chai, Raymond Wong and myself ) delivered the song again. 

            The MC paid tribute to James Leong who was instrumental and hard-working toward the SMI60 cause. A hat was passed around for funds to defray a portion of his medical expenses as he did not have a medical insurance. It was a great gesture for not forgetting James' contribution and that we are not only fair-weather friends.

            Group photos were taken after dinner .

     4) Pangkor Excursion (27-29 Sept.):

            From the time the bus left Ipoh, some old mischiefs  invariably surfaced telling jokes all in good faith to keep up the lively spirits and fellowship.

            Upon reaching the Pangkor jetty yours truly experienced a fainting spell. That was due to loss of blood I had from a bleeding duodenal ulcer 3 weeks back. Good Samaritans from our group helped carry my luggages, and Arjun Mall gave good medical advice, held me firmly and took care to ensure my stay in Pangkor was comfortable.  Wasn't that exemplary of sharing and caring too? Thank you Arjun Mall and the rest.

            Adventurous guys, who did not mind the hot afternoon and sun-burn, did not waste time getting on to the Catamaran for the sailing trip, thanks to Phil Tinkler and his wife K.C. again for their kindness and sacrifices to captain and get things going. Sailing took to evening sessions too.

             The ladies were the first to rattle the mahjong table followed by the boys. When I joined in the wager later as the thorn among the roses, I ended up with a dent in my pocket in the early hours of the morning!

           The next day some went on a Round Island trip while some others went  “shopping “  in town.  Some went sailing while a few just relaxed at the hotel.

             To make it an evening of fun, there was a table-tennis tournament before dinner on 28.9.10. In order to make it competitive, the special rule was no smashing was allowed - it was also on a 11-point knockout basis. And when Loke Kok Pow had to face Geraldine as an opponent he sort of 'protested', fighting shy to play with her. As it turned out Geraldine was no push-over given the special rule of no smashing. Being the umpire, I over-ruled his protest. Having no choice, Kok Pow had to play, but not first being threatened by some of the well-meaning boys to strip and throw him into the sea if he lost. Imagine the agony Kok Pow had to go through. Mind, mind! was he given a run of his money, but in the end his prevailed and saved his day! The Champion was Voon Loong and Kok Pow, the runner-up.

          This same evening was graced by karaoke, cha-cha and rumba dancing. The night ended with a beer drinking contest before singing the “auld lang syne”.

     

 5) Departure from Pangkor (29.9.10):

        Upon leaving Pangkor for home, the stop-over was at Sitiawan for lunch. Delicious food we tasted, thanks to Khaw Eng Aun. Coconut -water and  toddy were also available too to those who fancied. In conjunction with lunch we also celebrated Eng Aun's birthday with cake-cutting. Great time we had  and we were (burp!) well-stuffed with fresh prawns and mouth-watering marmite marinated crabs!!

        Upon reaching Syuen, we bid farewell to those from overseas and  looked forward to 2012 for the SMI hundred years celebration.

Comments & Feedbacks received after the Golden Jubilee Reunion

From Sivapragasam, Organising Chairman:

To each and everyone who participated in the reunion celebration my sincere gratitude. Thank you.  In so far as I am concerned it was a great event and every one of you contributed to make it so.

James, I am sorry to tell you that there was no post-mortem. Little purpose would have been served by this as everything went better than we had planned. What happened truly went beyond expectations.

Peng Keong I appreciate the effort that went to make up the video presentation and Alan Teh Chin Leng for making it come truly alive.In my opinion the Pangkor episode was the highlight of the entire program and I am truly sorry for the many that missed it.

Thanks to Arjun Mall and Fah Shin their flexibility and tenacity enabled some memorable moments in the ‘activities’. As someone remarked, who could have imagined that grandfathers would behave as was witnessed in the table tennis competition. These two better  thank Francis Fernandes for his ‘always willing to support’.

Thanks to Chin Kong Kew (who I think missed his true calling as a Harlem Globe trotter) Choy Kum Yoon and Loke Kok Pow there was never a dull moment. Of course there was serious humour amply provided by Hoy Soon Yeong and not so serious jokes by Foo Wan Kean. A semblance of sanity was only prevailed by the likes of Voon Loong and Chong Yun.

Jio must be thanking his lucky stars that he was able to eventually make the last lap to Pangkor. It would have been a great pity if he had been forced to miss it after making the journey all the way from London to Ipoh.

Full marks must be given to Cheong Soon Cheong, Timothy Chee and Khaw Eng Aun who kept the serious business of administration going smoothly.  A great debt is owed by all of us to them.

Special thanks to our guests who made this event a little more exciting. Phillip thank you for all that you did for the group.

I have a lot more to say but I do not want to be accused again of saying too much.  Thank you all again.

                                                               ********************

From Effendy Choong Sin Chong:

Well, going by the comments it is very heartening to note that everyone of you in Pangkor had a great time. Business commiments did not allow me the time to join you in that rip-roaring adventure at Pangkor so I will just say I missed a great opportunity to better know all of you but no tinge of regret; hopefully there will be some other time especially two years from now where I am sure the great work put in by Siva, Soon Cheong, Timothy, James and the rest will be emulated or even bettered by the new Committee (or shall we say the same Committee is retained but coming out with even better ideas).

I honestly had a great time at our own Reunion dinner on Sunday meeting up with all the classmates and reliving some of the memories of yesteryears. My wife (attending the Dinner for the very first time) was equally mesmerised by the warmth and the comradeship shown by all of you.

The way we went out of our way to make a contribution, however small, to James shows that we really care and I am proud to be one of you too.

I am really looking forward to viewing some of the photos of your adventures in Pangkor and the earlier dinner sessions. Take care and keep up the correspondence by email. To those of you in KL who are dropping by at Peter Chee's house this Saturday to meet up with James hope to see you then. To all our overseas friends who made the effort to return to Ipoh for the celebrations please have a safe and pleasant journey home.

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From Lawrence Chai:

The reunion was definitely a great success. I enjoyed meeting you all  and many for the first time since we left  school in 1960. Even my wife, Helen enjoyed meeting you. Initially she thought that we were going to be very  rowdy. 

 My thanks and appreciation to all those who were involved in organising the reunion. Special thanks to Siva, James, Soon Cheong, Chin Leng, Soon Yeong, Fah Shin, Francis Fernandez, Philip, Timothy, Peng Keang, and all others I might have missed out. I know how much work, time and money you have given over the past two years. James, may the Good Lord comfort and heal you. My salute to you all!

My only 'regret' is that I missed seeing some of our classmates who were not able to make it. Gim Leong, Min Shin, Hock Poo and others.  We missed you.
Warm regards and God bless.

                                                 ***********************

From Raymond Wong:

A very big thank you from me and son. My son - Ashton, who thought that it would be a boring affair, was pleasantly surprised and have many fond memories of many of his new found uncles. 
Cheers.
                                                   *********************
From Chan Voon Loong:

Dear Siva and the organization committee, 

Many thanks for the fun time that we have for the past 5 days. I agree with Siva the Pangkor trip was the high light as we got to get to know each other a bit more and there were ample opportunity to talk about good old days. Congratulations for the excellent job done you guys. Looking forward to see you all in 2012 if not before.

                                                **********************
From Francis Kim Kok Wee:

Siva, many thanks to You and Your Team for their truly selfless devotion to the Success of the Event.  

Cheers

                                                **********************

 From Quah Soon Cheang:

Dear SMI1960 classmates,

Thank you so much for making the reunion a success.

                                                  *********************

From Ooi Eng Aun:

Dear Soon Cheong, Siva, Timothy and the rest of the organising commitee,

I also would like to say thanks and congrats to all who made this event so memorable and enjoyable.  

I did not make it to Pangkor with you but I'm sure that I would have enjoyed myself if I did.

It was good to meet up with old friends and form mates after 50 years without contact. If I could not recall some names or fail to recognise some faces, my only excuse is age and that features of friends (and I myself) have changed through the years.

Hope to see you again sometime in the future.  

I also would like to extend my invitation to you to contact me anytime you are in Australia and we can meet up again.

                                                        **************************************

From Yoon Kwok Leong:

I would like to thank all the members of the organising committee for a fantastic job well done in organising the dinner and the associated activities.

Thanks also go to fellow participants who made the efforts to attend, without whose participation the celebrations would not have been what it had turned out to be.
As for those who could not make it for various reasons, let’s hope that they will be able to attend the next event.

Whilst most of us would have made and cultivated new friends in our journey through life after our school days, to meet up with old friends and form mates after more than 50 years is indeed very special for me.
Very special is also when 2 dear friends made the efforts to bring in their autograph books of 50 years vintage, and showed me what I had written 50 years ago, and the sentiments expressed then still hold true today!

Till we meet again some time and in some place, we wish all of you that your life's journey will continue to be blessed with much happiness and fulfillment.

                                                                              **************
From Cho Sip Seng:

 When you have an occasion as auspicious and grand as the one we’ve had recently – celebrating our reunion after a 50-year absence since leaving school (in my case), it is nothing short of a very heart-warming experience, one  that will  be long cherished. That’s my feeling.  What will remain etched in my mind is the enormous presence of goodwill and quite surprisingly, the depth of friendship and understanding with certain classmates/schoolmates that not only has remained undiminished despite the passage of time but, in fact, has risen to a new level.

 When security ceases to be an issue at this phase of life, friendships and relationships take on much greater significance and meaning. Personally, I am grateful that all has worked out as well as can be reasonably expected. Having the opportunity to meet up with so many old classmates/schoolmates and new people has been such a joyous and life-enriching experience, that I doubt it will ever be forgotten.

 I believe all would agree that were it not for the belief, grit and determination of the organising committee (not forgetting our incomparable James Leong), who had so selflessly given their time , energy and other resources, there would not have been much of a celebration.  And, of course, without the willing and enthusiastic participation of group members along with their partners and guests, it is doubtful that we would have had such a resounding success.

As for the group members who did not make it, for reasons best known to themselves, they can rest assured that they were not forgotten. It is hoped that they will redouble their efforts and be a part of the show when the next opportunity arises.

 Let me recount some of my very early experiences. The first classmate I saw at the Syuen Hotel on 25 September 2010 was Sivapragasam. It was both a surprise and a thrill to find someone I once knew but not seen and not heard of since school days. A lot had happened over the years but our paths had not crossed in all that time. And that’s true with nearly all other classmates and schoolmates. Notwithstanding that, in most cases, we had little difficulty in recognising each other even though we all have evolved. Had a similar experience later in the day, when I met up with Lim Jit Yong, who was a little more recognisable and Ong Keng Meng, who appeared to have more prominent changes. This guy has prospered.

 All in all, having the opportunity to touch base with old classmates and make new acquaintances is very much a surprise and a joy, something to be cherished. (To those classmates whose names I have inadvertently left out, I apologise - blame it on my fading memory!).

 Although we have gone our separate ways and have done different things especially those who have ventured offshore, still, on close examination, I believe our personalities have remained substantially the same. So, it may be concluded that we are what we are wherever we may be and whatever we choose to do!  We have retained our uniqueness and I can see nothing wrong with that. Personally, I would say that those of us who have improved our lot in life with the help of luck or through effective management or a combination of both, life has been generally good. Few would disagree that the world rewards those who are prepared to work for what they want. 

 Indeed we had fun and lots of surprises. What I would single out for mention is that although we are well into our sixties, the fact that so many are holding up so well leaves me with one conclusion:  that many see sense in leading a balanced life.  Whilst I accept that not everyone can be everyone’s close friend, it is the goodwill, care and concern that people have for each other that really heartens me. Thanks guys for just being you.

 Where to from here for us as a group? From what I can gather, plans are afoot for us to meet up again for the school’s centennial celebration in 2012. A holiday rendezvous in Cameron highlands has been touted. Perhaps the Genting Highlands should also be considered. What appeals to me is the thought that we can all be buddies with a real sense of belonging.

 Finally, what lesson do I take from this unforgettable reunion? The ancient wisdoms still apply. We can all find satisfaction in life if we choose to make the most of what we already have rather than focus on what we don’t have and perhaps don’t need.

 I have but one small regret: that is, for having failed to see some old classmates. However, all is not lost for we can still keep in touch via email.  Let’s stay well and in touch.

                                               *********************************

From Celine:

During those 4 gorgeous days, I was made very welcome and many made the effort to make me feel included, comfortable and most importantly, safe. Thanks guys! I feel having gained a lot in knowledge through talking and sharing with you and also through quiet observations of the fellowship, humility, unselfishness and kindness, the laughter, tears (see I am that observant! Ahem!).  Again, thanks for the great hospitality.

                                                   ******************

Classmates ..gone but not forgotten:

RIP:

Bosco (John),  Chow Kean Heng,  Chow Kok Leong,  Cubinar (William),  Daniel Ong,  Derrick Addis,  Fong Yat Meng,  Kwan Kok Siew,  Lau Sek Weng,  Lee Wai Fong,  Leong Tuck Nam,  Leong Vee Seong,  Lim Heng Pak,  Loh Kong Poi (Louis),  Mahalingam M,  Ng Seng Heng,  Vincent Louis,  Wong Ah Sang,  Wong Kam Cheng (Vincent),  Yap Kian Too.

In Memoriam of Teachers who had passed away

RIP:

Religious:

Rev.Bro.Dennis, Rev.Bro.Finin, Rev.Bro.Lewis Bertrand (a.k.a. Rev.Father Simon Wong),  Rev.Bro.Michael, Rev.Bro.Pius, Rev.Bro.Polycarp, Rev.Bro.Ultan Paul

Lay teachers who had gone before us:
Albert Teh,  Chan Hon Yew,  Chan Kok Soo,  Chan Soo Kean,  Choo Choo Kiat,  David Loh,  Julianose,  Kee Ying Wah,  Lai Sam Ming,  Lim Kean Hoo,  Louis Liau,  Miss Ho,  Ooi Eu Chong ,  Tang Tsang Chiew,  Toh Seng Eng ,  Tony Teh ,  Wong Peng Han,  Yeap Poey Chong,  Yuen Sze Tuan 

(N.B. Apologies for any Errors or Omissions.)

From the OMA Annual Reunion Dinner 2010 Souvenir Programme

The Class That Grew Up With The Nation

                       (This article by Sivapragasm published on July 31, 2010 in “Ipoh Echo” is reposted here as a tribute to Siva & his Organising Committee for the Reunion Celebrations and to our teachers and our classmates............Francis Leong.)

SMI Class Of ’60

For me and my classmates, the end of the 1960 school year in St Michael’s Institution marked the end of life as we had known for most of our conscious years. We had graduated. Some went on to Form Six; others went overseas while still others began working. As young as we were, the nation was barely three years old. Fifty years have passed since then and, not unlike the nation, we too had to face and overcome challenges. The nation celebrated the golden anniversary of its independence three years ago. Similarly this year we celebrate the time we too assumed responsibility for our destiny. To celebrate our shared history, the Class of ’60 will come together for five days between this 25th and 29th of September.

A Five-Day Celebration
The festivities commence on September 25 when we join all the old Michaelians at the annual reunion dinner at Red Crescent Hall. The event will include members of the class of ‘60 being honoured with each receiving a certificate to mark the occasion.

On the 26th morning they will visit the school where the class will be welcomed by the School Orchestra, given a guided tour of the school premises and receive a briefing on how the school had progressed. In the evening the class will celebrate at a grand dinner in Syuen Hotel where they will host Rev. Bro. Vincent, former teachers and the current head and other members of the School.

The next morning the whole class will leave for Pangkor Island and spend two nights at Pangkor Island Sea View Hotel hoping to relive the holidays they spent there when they were school boys.

About 80 members of this class will be attending the celebration. The number is quite remarkable considering that there were only three classes and the total number of students only 125. Whilst most of the participants will be from within Malaysian shores there will be many who will come from Australia, England, Singapore, Canada, Switzerland, China and Hong Kong to celebrate this event.

Results of a Well-Rounded Education
Though the class was not remarkable academically, they count among their numbers Accountants, Architects, an Air Traffic Controller, Bankers, Businessmen, Civil servants, Doctors, Dentists, Entrepreneurs, Inventors, Lawyers, Professors, Musicians, Officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force, Police Officers, Pharmacists, a Psychiatrist, Planters, Politicians, Scientists, Teachers and key personnel in the private and public sector. What is more incredible is that many achieved positions of distinction in occupations that had little to do with their academic qualifications. This phenomenon can only be attributed to the well-rounded education they all received in school.

Experiencing History Real Time
This class could be said to have lived through the birth and growing up period of modern Malaysia. We were all born during the Japanese occupation. Through much of our school days we were under British Colonial rule. By the time we left school, the Nation had attained independence and we had become citizens of the new nation, Federation of Malaya.

The emergency was at its height during much of our school days. Many cars were fitted with bullet proof shields, scout cars roamed the highways and road blocks manned by armed soldiers in battle fatigues were a common sight. Airplanes used to drop leaflets on our houses with all manner of messages but mostly telling the communists to give up. News of the ongoing battle between the insurgents and the armed forces dominated radio channels and newspapers. It was also the time of the Korean War which brought to us the realisation of how adverse events in one part of the world could bring prosperity to another part as this event brought to our lives. It was also a time when the first elections took place, exposing us to the reality of the democratic process.

Being Part of School System Changes
Our school days were also a time of change in the school system. When we began school there were two primary and nine secondary classes. Promotion to a higher class was by passing examinations set by the school. Those who failed had to repeat the class and those who did well obtained double promotion. When we were in secondary school the system changed into a primary school of six grades and a secondary school of five grades. The secondary school was divided into the lower and upper secondary. School examinations lost significance and public examinations were introduced to qualify entry to the lower and upper Secondary. We were among the earliest to undergo the Standard Six and Lower Certificate of Education examinations. It is ironic that as we celebrate our 50th anniversary there are now moves to do away with these examinations.

It Needs Only One Person to Impact Change
My class was fortunate in having a home room teacher in Forms Four and Five by the name of Phillip Low. He was not from the old school establishment. Though he abandoned us halfway during our Form Five he influenced the way we saw things. He made us question everything, told us never to accept injustice and fight for what we believed to be right. To illustrate this, let me narrate one incident. A book from the library went missing and the Brother in charge of the library informed us that as we were the last ones in the library before the loss was discovered we will each be fined some cents as punishment. The class took umbrage and filed a petition that it will not comply. We reasoned that we had been adjudged guilty unjustly and submitting to the fine would be an admission of guilt. Uncharacteristically for that time our Form teacher supported us in our stand. However to show our magnanimity we donated a replacement book.

Unconsciously Citizens of One Malaysia
The vast majority of the students in the class were Chinese with a few Indians and fewer Malays. Other than for a few exceptions all of us came from middle and working class families. Whilst racial differences were freely and openly acknowledged and perceived characteristics teased, there was no malice. Bonds were formed not on racial lines but on shared interests. Whilst we competed with each other we also found true value in complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Each was an individual recognised and respected for what we were.

Come to think of it we were One Malaysia though we did not know it then.