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.