An ex-schoolmate, Poon Kum Kwun, forwarded this invitation to me.
After 30 years, I must admit that I have felt somewhat disconnected with ACS. The acres of open space with vast greeneries had given way to modern facilities and expansive use of air-conditioning. Yet, given such a long time and the inevitable changes, I was instantly touched by the warmth of the ACSian spirit as I entered ACS Oldham Hall.
It appeared that more than a quarter of the cohort had responded to this call-up. Like any reunion dinner, old classmates exchange stories on the transformation from boys to men. Amid the chatting and camaraderie, I noted a familiar pattern i.e. those from the Science Class were still talking among themselves and vis-à-vis for the former Technical or Arts students. This phenomenon hasn’t changed even after a span of 30 years. It is clearly a case of mingling with familiar faces and settling into each other's ‘comfort zone’.
The model student look of Head Prefect 1979, Oon Jin Tiek, remains unchanged after this length of time. He gave a brief introduction before welcoming our ex-principal, Mr Ernest Lau, to address us (again!!). Mr Lau may have aged but the impeccable delivery of his speech has not changed. He reminded us with this simple yet moving message ~ “Whatever business, job or profession one may be, serve one’s fellow mankind to the highest order”.
We sang the school anthem with pride and posed this group shot.
The reunion dinner was reasonably priced @ $30. The amount bought us a decent spread of buffet dinner, soft drinks and beer! But, to my surprise, everyone was given this ACS Class of 79 Paneria-style commemorative mechanical watch.
Given the relatively small order size and the fine finishing of the timepiece, the watch itself will cost more than $30! I am certain of this fact because I am in the watch trade. It is apparent that the members of the Organising Committee had gone an extra mile to make this possible. That’s a case in point of serving fellow mankind to the highest order!
It was an enjoyable evening for me although I spent time mostly with ex-class mates of 4k. Come another 30 years, I hope I’ll look for faces beyond those belonging to 4k of 1979!
Meanwhile, check out the Facebook of Mohan Balagopal for a comprehensive album of photographs captured during the gathering. Also, thanks to all who had contributed time, effort, money and initiative towards this special occasion. Looking forward to more good times as The Best Is Yet To Be.
After 30 years, I must admit that I have felt somewhat disconnected with ACS. The acres of open space with vast greeneries had given way to modern facilities and expansive use of air-conditioning. Yet, given such a long time and the inevitable changes, I was instantly touched by the warmth of the ACSian spirit as I entered ACS Oldham Hall.
It appeared that more than a quarter of the cohort had responded to this call-up. Like any reunion dinner, old classmates exchange stories on the transformation from boys to men. Amid the chatting and camaraderie, I noted a familiar pattern i.e. those from the Science Class were still talking among themselves and vis-à-vis for the former Technical or Arts students. This phenomenon hasn’t changed even after a span of 30 years. It is clearly a case of mingling with familiar faces and settling into each other's ‘comfort zone’.
The model student look of Head Prefect 1979, Oon Jin Tiek, remains unchanged after this length of time. He gave a brief introduction before welcoming our ex-principal, Mr Ernest Lau, to address us (again!!). Mr Lau may have aged but the impeccable delivery of his speech has not changed. He reminded us with this simple yet moving message ~ “Whatever business, job or profession one may be, serve one’s fellow mankind to the highest order”.
We sang the school anthem with pride and posed this group shot.
The reunion dinner was reasonably priced @ $30. The amount bought us a decent spread of buffet dinner, soft drinks and beer! But, to my surprise, everyone was given this ACS Class of 79 Paneria-style commemorative mechanical watch.
Given the relatively small order size and the fine finishing of the timepiece, the watch itself will cost more than $30! I am certain of this fact because I am in the watch trade. It is apparent that the members of the Organising Committee had gone an extra mile to make this possible. That’s a case in point of serving fellow mankind to the highest order!
It was an enjoyable evening for me although I spent time mostly with ex-class mates of 4k. Come another 30 years, I hope I’ll look for faces beyond those belonging to 4k of 1979!
Meanwhile, check out the Facebook of Mohan Balagopal for a comprehensive album of photographs captured during the gathering. Also, thanks to all who had contributed time, effort, money and initiative towards this special occasion. Looking forward to more good times as The Best Is Yet To Be.
