(From left) James Lee, Andrew Shee, Ng Chin Soo, Tang, Tee Yeow Fong and Saw Chan Chern from Class of 1992 at the gathering.
Old boys of SMK St Andrew (SAS) in Muar, Johor, celebrated their school’s 94th anniversary with 20 former teachers in their school compound.
It was a memorable evening as the old boys had a wonderful time reminiscing about their school days with their peers and former teachers.
Muar Andreans Association (MAA) president Tang Ching Leng said the master of ceremony led the congregation in thanking the teachers for their dedication with a unified, heartfelt chorus of “Thank you sir! Thank you madam!”, before ending the salutations with a bow.
Tang, from Class of 1992, said the school was a source of a lot of memories for the old boys. His father was also a former student.
“We invited the teachers on stage for the classic song To Sir With Love.“We also handed the teachers a rose and cane each,” he said of the reunion which had over 340 guests.
“My former school principal Khaw Choon Keat was there.
“It felt like he had never changed over the years when we caught him taking a long walk around the school compound after he arrived.
“Khaw’s hands were behind his back. He was checking out the school as he walked, and I recalled him doing the same every morning when I was a student,” said Tang.
The school was established in 1930 and is part of the La Sallian network of missionary schools in Malaysia.
“For decades, SAS has stood out in Muar for its iron-fisted principals, particularly the legendary Brother Robert O’Sullivan, nicknamed the ‘Fiery Irishman’.
“This strict, no-nonsense approach to instil discipline among the boys solidified SAS’ reputation as a school that transforms boys into outstanding men,” said Tang.
The former students were also delighted to have the opportunity to visit the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ – an old science laboratory converted into a mini-museum with displays of old class photographs, attendance registers and articles on SAS’ luminaries as well as artworks and wood carvings by former pupils.
The old boys were thrilled to see their younger selves in the black-and-white photos, and find their names in the well-kept old-school attendance books and disciplinary records.
Outstanding individuals from the school’s current batch of students were presented the MAA Brother O’Sullivan Award for outstanding success across the academic field, sports and community work.
“The school is also mindful of its original mission – to provide high quality education, especially to the less fortunate,” said Tang.
He said several former students stepped forward to sponsor two grants – Grace Foundation Award and Dominic and Henry Tan Award – for students from low-income families.
Leong Hup International Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Francis Lau, a former student, presented the awards.
He also announced a generous donation and urged the current administrators to take good care of the school.
“Please take care of the best school with the most beautiful field in the world,” said Lau.
