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The strong and melodious voice of Tan Soo Sze and The Roses, featuring the Tina Turner of Malaysia, captured the attention of the audience on the evening of 25th June at the Ballroom of the Prince Hotel. Indeed, it was the MBSalumni dinner, an occasion to meet up with classmates and friends who had probably not met for a long time. This explained the justification for the noise level. But it was fun and great fellowship as MBSians from the 50s to the 90s greeted each other with warm hugs and handshakes. Of course, to complement the spirit of camaraderie, there was the free flow of the golden liquid. I was told that some old boys sponsored five barrels of beer, let alone the spirits that were BYO. The MBSalumni Dinner was organized for a reason or reasons.
The Alumni Association of MBS has always been working closely with the secondary and primary schools. In particular, it assists the secondary school in projects and activities that benefit the student population. A cheque of RM100,000 was presented to Mr Wong Chee Keong, the Principal of MBSSKL (below), for the purpose of upgrading the computers in both the multimedia labs. Then a cheque of RM17,000 was subsequently presented to the 10th Kuala Lumpur Air Scout Group to fund the scouts’ participation in regional jamborees. I must say, the Alumni Association is extremely generous for a good cause in education. Some of us might remember that the money was raised in the charity concert, ‘The Moon Speaks for my Heart’ – a remembrance of Teresa Teng. We have to congratulate the MBSalumni Management Committee for its great effort in raising the fund, and of course thanks too, is due to our old boys and girls who responded generously to this charity drive.
Received by Mr. Choo Yew Kuen (right), person in charge of the MBSKL 10th K.L. Air Scouts Troop
The Organizing Committee had little time in putting together this dinner. But the evening turned out to be fabulously successful. 26 tables were taken up. This is the MBS spirit that will always be admired. After so many years, the old boys and girls still have the love and sentiments for their alma mater. Could this closeness be the result from the ‘chopping ball’ on the field?
Robinson Pan, an MBS alumnus, did a good job as MC. MBS has talents. And Kuan Jenhan, also an alumnus, could testify to it. He was the stand up comedian. The audience enjoyed his little jibes at our Malaysian personalities. Perhaps his punch lines could have been louder and slower so that the diners further from the stage could hear them distinctly.
The evening also witnessed something admirable. Honour thy teachers. Puan Sri Pooma Devi Tharmalingam or popularly know as Mrs. Tharmalingam in the MBS Primary School was honoured as an Honorary Member of the MBSalumni. Unfortunately, she was unable to join us for the dinner. Mr. Kumar Tharmalingam, his son, received the award on her behalf.
Mr. Kumar receiving the award on behalf of his mother from MBSalumni President C.Q. Teo
There were speeches for the occasion. In a lighted-hearted humour, Dato’ C.Q. Teo corrected the MC that he was the de facto President of the Alumni Association. The AGM was held in the afternoon on the same day but the committee has not got down to electing the President yet but it is absolutely certain that C.Q. will continue to lead the Association. In his speech, C.Q. thanked the members for responding positively to the AGM. What is important now is for the Management Committee to work towards a more dynamic Association, especially in the areas of membership and the development of the clubhouse. He appealed to all present who have not yet applied to be members to do so immediately. Without a strong membership, the Association will be weak. He thanked the old boys and girls for coming together in this MBSalumni dinner and also the members of the Organizing Committee.
Mr Wong Chee Keong, in his speech, thanked the Alumni Association for the great contributions to the school. He said that the school is indeed blessed to have such a symbiotic relationship that he hopes will continue. Ms. Suzie Khor, the Headmistress of the Primary School, expressed her gratitude for the support of the Alumni Association towards the well-being of the school. She identified three things that require immediate attention and she hopes that the Alumni Association will look into them.
Indeed, the MBSalumni Dinner was an evening in renewing our fellowship and the members are looking forward to more MBS functions.
The uniformed bodies and student leaders of MBS. The Boys' Brigade are not in the photo as they had to leave earlier.
Dr. Eric Wong
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