Heart and Soul: This Penangite was a scout leader aka an Akela

Khoo-Yeoh Gan Hong as a commanding officer, saluting at a youth rally farewell ceremony for Resident Commissioner Robert P. Bingham at the Esplanade, Penang, in 1957. — Photos: Liew Chiok San

It is always my cup of tea to interact with, and learn from, those senior in age. The elders are a treasure trove of knowledge. Khoo-Yeoh Gan Hong, a Penangite, was a scout leader aka an Akela. The wise old wolf of over 50 years was born in May 1928.

Khoo joined the scout movement as a wolf cub, and became a boy scout after the war years, at the Penang Free School. He was elected as a Troop Leader of the 1st Penang Troop of PFS. TL Khoo and his scouts used to meet at 115, MaCalister Road, where the Scout Headquarters was located. They learnt to plan and organise various activities there. Khoo recalled participating in a pantomime on juvenile delinquency,"To Regret Is Too Late", to help raise funds for St Nicholas Home.