Methodist Boys’ Secondary School Kuala Lumpur

A day all students will look back on with cherished fondness and pangs of nostalgia.   23^rd October 2009 dawned bright and clear and the activity was focused in the hall, the venue of the event.  A buzz of expectation could be heard among the 5^th and 6^th Formers for whom the graduation was held in their honour….for, at 7.30 a.m. the VIPs’ arrival was heralded by the staccato beat of the kompangs as the colourful fronds of the bunga manggar became visible.

Speech by Wong Poon Ming

Poem & Speech by Dr.Ho Shu Nam

They were  here! Mr. Wong Poon Ming (Guest of Honour) flanked by Mr. Wong Chee Kheon ( principal of MBSSKL), Dr. Ho Shu Nam, ( Chairman of the Parents Teacher Association ),  Dr. Eric Wong (distinguished ex-teacher),  Mr. Yong Chee Seng (ex -principal) Mr. Low Kong Ming and Mr. Lai Wing Fatt (representatives of MBSKL Alumni Association) all came to grace the occasion with their presence.

With the National Anthem and School Song (in Bahasa Malaysia) duly sung, it was time for the chosen ones to deliver their speeches.  Liew Ern Khai from 5K represented the Form 5 Science, Mohd. Sharil from 5W the Form 5 Arts, Deborah Yong (U6K) the  Form 6 Science and Anne Sangeetha (U6P) the Form 6 Arts.  Short, sweet but pithy and meaningful, their speeches conjured bitter-sweet memories of a wonderful time in MBSSKL and evoked regret that all too soon, they have to leave all vestiges of their student days behind.

More speeches followed, this time by the school captain, Benny Tham Chew Hol, Dr. Ho Shu Nam, the PTA chairman, and Mr. Wong Chee Kheon, the school principal.  Our guest of honour, Mr. Wong Poon Ming, an old boy, gave  a  stirring speech….ending with  “By all means, do your best to be successful.  Make more money even.  But please remember to give back to society and do not ever profit at the expense of society and the environment.  As you journey through life, remember your roots, your family, your friends, and your teachers in MBS” to a thunderous applause.

Certificates and souvenirs were given to the students as the strains of the melancholic “Auld Lang Syne” began to fill the air.  All students shook hands and hugged their beloved teachers and elders who lined the foot of the stage right out the entrance of the hall…..a moving and touching sight that befitted such an occasion. Photo opportunities were aplenty at the terrace, then teachers and students alike shared a simple meal at the canteen.

By  Mrs Tay Chong Kiat