Tributes and Friendship Galore at Lasallian Gathering
A Nostalgic and Emotional Affair
The "LSB Class of ’76 Reunion Bash 2024" at the Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya was a nostalgic and emotional affair, as former students and teachers from La Salle Brickfields were reunited and new friendships were forged.
A Gathering of Successful Alumni
Present were the likes of entrepreneur Lawrence Yong Joon Leong, a schools judo champion in 1979; aircraft dealer Bahaman Mohamad Noor, who once played rugby for the country; and lawyer John Ng Keng Chuan, the 2005 Asean ParaGames table-tennis singles champion. Many others have led successful careers as pilots, bankers, surgeons, business magnates, and other professionals.
Tributes to Teachers
Alumni Bahaman Mohamad Noor spoke of the closeness among the multiethnic and multifaith schoolboys who studied, played, ate, and fought with one another like a big family. "We grew up in a colourful Malaysian environment since we were seven, and continue to (be close) today," he said.
Alumni Chandra Gopal recalled Vespa scooter-riding teacher Denis Armstrong as a sportsperson and disciplinarian who used the cane very effectively. "Punctuality, tidiness, and being industrious were the name of his game… There was no room for compromise for rebels, who were dealt with accordingly. ‘One can never forget his powerful cane lashes – you may not be able to sit for a week!’"
Eddy Hon Poh Keong had fond memories of teacher Kua Beng Hock, who spent his spare time on weekends coaching athletes and helping La Salle Brickfields be the second 400m-track school in the city after Victorian Institution. "Apart from instilling responsibilities and discipline, Kua demonstrated how to cope with setbacks and disappointments. He taught us to be competitive and to believe in ourselves – great traits we carried forward in our lives."
Muniandy Krishnan expressed his admiration for Benedict Morais, 79, who embarked on a successful second career in accountancy and public relations upon his retirement from teaching. "As a leader and mentor to many, Morais knows first-hand what it takes to manage and lead," Muniandy said.
Brother for Brother Fund
The students also paid tribute to teachers Lawrence Augustine Fernandez, Noel Chow, Victor Nesadurai, Albert Rozario, Mohd Idris Basri, Osman Nabun, Vivian James Sequerah, and Ngoh Soh Mui.
A Message from Basil Sylvester Francis
Reunion organising chairman Basil Sylvester Francis revealed that the alumni has launched a "Brother for Brother" fund in the wake of the pandemic to assist old boys of the school who are less fortunate. Basil paid tribute to French missionary brothers such as Gaston Tremblay and pioneer teachers like Armstrong and Morais – "exemplary educators who groomed and moulded us to become success stories later in our lives."
Conclusion
The foundation laid by the La Salle teachers created a strong sense of belonging among the alumni. "We owe a big gratitude to them for their enormous role in not just teaching and character-building in our formative years, but for continuing to inspire us to where we are today."
FAQs
- Who were some of the successful alumni in attendance?
- Lawrence Yong Joon Leong, Bahaman Mohamad Noor, John Ng Keng Chuan, and many others.
- What was the purpose of the "Brother for Brother" fund?
- To assist old boys of the school who are less fortunate in the wake of the pandemic.
- Who were some of the teachers paid tribute to?
- Denis Armstrong, Kua Beng Hock, Benedict Morais, and others.