Long journey of a Lasallian school

Guests queuing up to buy ‘The Xaverian Journey: Story of a Lasallian School in Penang, Malaysia’ book.

XAVERIANS have published a 190-page book to detail the founding, growth and progress of their alma mater St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) in Penang.

The Xaverian Journey: Story of a Lasallian School in Penang, Malaysia records the school’s history from 1787 to this year

along with its progress and talks about the traditions of Xaverians.

SXI board of governors chairman and author of the book Francis Loh said at a time when more and more students and their parents were opting for vernacular schools, it was important to understand and address the difficulties of a Lasallian school.

“Lasallian schools like SXI are mission schools open to all races and religions.

“This is what makes us multiracial and diverse, ” he said after the launching of the book at Karpal Singh Hall in SXI in Lebuh Farquhar.

He said the book, which traces the history of the school, would help many, if not all their alumni, to look into the growth of SXI.

“This book will bring us along the journey to look at how SXI has become so good at teaching English and music, ” he added.

Retired SXI principal Dr Sim Hock Keat, said he was touched to see the involvement of so many ex-Xaverians in the production of the book.

“The alumni were involved in the process from content, writing, editing, copywriting and designing to publishing.

“It was a painstaking job at first and now everyone gets to see the result, which is a beautiful book produced by all the ex-Xaverians.

“This is a very comprehensive book and we assure everyone that some of the photos in this book have never been seen by the public.

“The book is definitely something worth keeping as it details our 160-year history and we are a part of the history now, ” he said in a speech during the book launch.

Sim also became one of the first buyers of the book as he pledged RM500, with part of the profits going towards the school’s coffers.

The Xaverian Journey: Story of a Lasallian School in Penang, Malaysia is available at Gerakbudaya bookshops at RM90 each.