I first met Jesse van den Driesen in January 1964 at St Joseph’s Training College (SJTC), Pulau Tikus, Penang. We were both there to attend a two-year teacher training programme alongside the La Salle Brothers.
The Catholic college lacked enough Brothers to staff their many primary and secondary schools across Malaysia, so they recruited lay former students, including Catholics, Buddhists, and Hindus, who were interested in pursuing teaching careers. These applicants typically had strong recommendations from the Brother Directors of their respective schools.
Our batch consisted of just 17 young men, while the senior class had only eight, all older individuals. Despite the small size of the college, it was highly regarded for its focus on teaching methodology and best practices. There was a similar, small college for girls, run by the Holy Infant Jesus (HIJ) nuns at Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur, adjacent to the famous Convent Bukit Nanas.
Many of us came from humble backgrounds. One of our seniors, Tony Sibert, made quite an impression with his loud, old Triumph 650cc motorcycle. Whenever it roared to a stop under our two-storey hostel porch, the whole building shook from the vibrations! Tony had also developed a distinctive walking style reminiscent of actor John Wayne. He later advanced in the field of education and is now known as Datuk Dr Tony Sibert, a well-known educator, local historian, and trustee of the Penang Eurasian Association.
A few in my batch also had motorcycles: One had a Honda 90cc motorcycle, and I had a Honda 50cc cub. Most of us, however, relied on bicycles to commute from our hostel on Burmah Road to the college on Kelawai Road.
After graduating from SJTC, Jesse spent a decade teaching at St Andrew’s School in Muar, Johor, which, though less renowned than institutions like St Xavier’s Institution in Penang or St John’s Institution in KL, was a true La Salle school under the leadership of Brother Robert.
Jesse taught English Language, English Literature, and Health Science to Fourth and Fifth Formers.
He was also heavily involved in extracurricular activities, coaching the athletics and hockey teams.
Jesse van den Driesen was champion athlete at the SAS Muar 1960.
As a schoolboy, Jesse had been a star sprinter in the 100m and 200m events and played hockey for the state. He even represented Penang in hockey while at SJTC.
He later served as a certified athletics coach for Johor, as well as an official at Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) events.
Jesse van den Driesen (right) as Johor Chief Athletics Coach in 1974. Photos: Benedict Morais
Although he enjoyed teaching, Jesse eventually sought broader challenges. He left his secure, pensionable position and entered the business world.
Starting as a Marketing Executive at Federal Publications Malaysia, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Marketing Manager within two years and later Assistant General Manager. After a stint as General Manager at Eastern Press in Singapore, Jesse was drawn back to Federal Publications as General Manager.
At some point, Jesse made a surprising career shift into the insurance industry and later dabbled in multi-level marketing. However, his passion for teaching never waned. Alongside his wife, Magdalene Dukes, Jesse returned to education, teaching students in Subang and rural Kuala Selangor. This service, rooted in the La Sallian tradition of aiding "the Lost, the Least, and the Last”, was their shared mission for many years.
Magdalene, a former secretary who pursued further studies in public relations and management, proudly holds an MBA from a Swiss university.
Mag and Jesse van den Driesen in a recent photo.
In addition to teaching, Jesse has conducted corporate training sessions, bringing his wealth of experience to participants. I once joined him for a two-day management training at Fraser’s Hill for a Malaysian haulage company.
His versatility extended to broadcasting as well – Jesse was a sportscaster on Radio Malaysia's Traxx FM for over a decade, covering athletics and hockey, alongside the late Vincent Fernandez, another SJTC alumnus. He also commentated on Formula 1 races in Malaysia for several years.
Jesse has always approached life's challenges with a calm, reasoned demeanour, whether in his career or personal life. In his later years, he faced several health issues, but true to his nature, he consulted widely with specialists and made his own decisions without burdening friends or family with his concerns.
Recently, about 50 of Jesse’s close relatives and friends gathered to celebrate his 80th birthday at the Royal Selangor Club in Bukit Kiara. Living to 80, once considered remarkable, is increasingly common with sensible living, regular exercise, and moderation. Still, the Almighty holds the final say on when we take our last journey. Jesse’s celebration was a fitting tribute to a life lived boldly and with purpose – an achievement not many can claim.
