More than 100 former students attended the PFS reunion in George Town.
AFTER five decades, Penang Free School (PFS) alumni who were in Form One in 1972 gathered for a reunion dinner in George Town.
This was the first time that about 100 former students including those who were in Lower Six in 1977 had attended, along with their spouses.
The event brought back fond memories of their school life as the dinner started with the PFS anthem, Let us march on to fame.
There was a minute’s silence observed for about 40 ex-students who had passed away.
Organising chairman Lim Peng Hong said the dinner was scheduled in September 2020 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was postponed to this year.
He said he was happy with the turnout.
“We hope to have another reunion in the coming year,” he said, adding that some alumni based overseas also joined the reunion.
Peng Hong (centre) with his classmates from Hutchings Primary School who continued their education at Penang Free School.
Four teachers – Lim Hoang Hoang, Ang Teng Chye, Wan Soo Har and Cheang Kok Choy – who had taught the students also attended.
In her speech, Hoang Hoang said she still remembered the students whom she described as being small in size and timid when she taught them.
“I am happy that today, they are of different sizes, prosperous and contributing to society,” she said.
She also read out excerpts of a magazine produced by her Form 3A class in 1974.
Hoang Hoang remembered the late Soo Ewe Jin, who was The Star’s executive editor, for constantly keeping in touch with her even after leaving school.
Soo passed away in November 2016.
Those present at the dinner exchanged stories of their primary and secondary school days while some recounted events to refresh the memories of their peers.
Top students in several primary schools including Hutchings, Francis Light, Westlands, Wellesley and Jelutong English School were sent to PFS after completing Standard Six.
Ex-student Badrul Hisham Abdullah said it was a pleasure to meet so many alumni.
“Meeting up with all of you after so many years brings back fond memories of yesteryear,” he said.
