Heart and Soul: Remembering Anthony Sibert, a towering educator


Datuk Dr Anthony E. Sibert believed in good, all-round and wholesome education. Photo: Benedict Morais

Heart & Soul
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Tall, well–built and possessing a humble and disarming demeanour, Tony was my senior when I joined St Joseph’s Training College (SJTC) in Pulau Tikus, Penang in 1964. I had joined this small La Sallian college for a two-year teacher training programme alongside the La Salle brothers.

In all, over the few years of its establishment, nearly 200 lay individuals were trained in this impressive college. They then went on to serve with dedication in the many La Salle schools in Peninsular Malaysia such as St Xavier’s in Penang, St George’s in Taiping, St Michael’s in Ipoh, St John’s in Kuala Lumpur, St Paul’s in Seremban and St Francis in Melaka.

The three issues that mattered to Tony were:

i. Good, all-round and wholesome education. This meant a clear focus on catering to the educational needs of the Least, the Lost and the Last in our multiracial society;

ii. Lifelong dedication to the La Sallian educational cause with an unwavering zeal; and

iii. Preserving and enhancing the unity, culture and identity of the small Eurasian community in Penang and also within Malaysia. According to recent statistics, the Eurasians number only about 13,000 out of the country’s population of about 32 million.

A few years after qualifying as a college-trained teacher, Tony enrolled at Universiti Sains Malaysia for a degree programme. Tony then set his sights on gaining a master’s degree in education from Universiti Malaya. This was not easy back then as Tony had to drive to Ipoh and then on to Kuala Lumpur on the slow-moving federal roads, navigating around timber lorries and buses. In contrast, such journeys by car these days on the North-South Highway take a much shorter time. To make matters more interesting and even more challenging, Tony decided to pursue his doctorate in education at Universiti Malaya.

Tony has always been proud to call himself a Eurasian. The Eurasians in Malaysia are roughly broken down into three groups: The Portuguese Eurasians who mostly originated from Melaka; the Dutch Eurasians; and the Other Eurasians. Many of the Portuguese Eurasians can still speak Kristang, a quaint dialect from the 14th century.

Tony, a Eurasian from Penang, researched that community and its roots; he established that it has connections with the community in Phuket and Bangkok. He was a member and leader of the Penang Eurasian Association (PEA) for many years, serving as honorary secretary and later, as vice president.

When the idea of hosting a Eurasian Fiesta in conjunction with the hugely successful annual George Town Festival was mooted, it was to Tony that the organisers turned for advice and guidance. This Eurasian Fiesta which featured the unique cuisines of the community was a great success with dishes such as curry debel, ambila and pong teh. During the Eurasian Fiesta, a valiant effort was made to showcase the singing and musical talents of the community, past and present.

In 1964, Tony had the grand idea of establishing a "society" for all graduates of SJTC. He explained that the idea was to keep the graduates motivated and faithful to the lofty aims of the La Sallian founder, St John Baptist De La Salle. The idea resonated with the attendees. Tony was elected the president of that body, and I was elected the honorary secretary.

The fact that the "society" is still relatively active is testament to the dedication of the early pioneers. It has organised seminars as well as biennial reunion events in regional cities.

Today, 58 years later, the society is still relevant and members keep in regular touch by Whatsapp. At one of the earlier reunions, Tony was re-elected Life President of SJTCS. A most fitting tribute indeed for this far-sighted individual.

Tony taught in La Salle schools in Alor Setar as well as in Penang. He later served as a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia. In addition, Tony trained lecturers in private colleges on the art and science of teaching. He also served as an adviser to a few private colleges in Penang, and for several years supervised the work of students undertaking masters and doctoral degree programmes.

Tony always maintained a keen interest in local history and was widely regarded by many as a credible local historian.

Even when he was in his mid-80s, there was no slowing down this man on a mission. About three years back, this man was duly recognised and awarded a state knighthood (Dato’) by the Penang State Government.

Tony was 85 when he passed away on Nov 29, 2024.

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