Old boys launch book detailing school’s 232-year history

Launching The Xaverian Journey: Story of a Lasallian School in Penang, Malaysia are (from left) Prof Syed Jallaludin, Rogers and Loh.

XAVERIANS have for the second time launched The Xaverian Journey: Story of a Lasallian School in Penang Malaysia, a 190-page book about their alma mater’s heritage, lesson and legacy.

The book records St Xavier’s Institution’s (SXI) history of founding, growth and progress from 1787 to 2019.

It was launched for the second time by Xaverian’s Club Kuala Lumpur president Tan Sri Prof Syed Jallaludin Syed Salim at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

The book was first launched last November in Penang.

SXI brother director Datuk Anthony Rogers said the book, which he co-authored with SXI board of governors chairman Dr Francis Loh and Dr Cecilia Ng Choon Sim, had three narratives comprising heritage, lesson and legacy. “The Xaverian Journey is not just about history, but it is more about the lesson it taught us and I want future generations to learn from it.

“It was important to understand and acknowledge the difficulties of a Lasallian school like SXI, ” he added.

Loh said during his speech Lasallian schools like SXI were mission schools open to all races and religions.

He said the book, which traces the school’s history, would help many to look into the school’’s growth.

Loh added that the book could not have been produced without the help and full support of former students.

“The alumni were involved directly in the process of producing this book from getting the content, writing, editing, copywriting, designing to publishing.

“We managed to work together to collect the data, facts, graphic and photos from the archive.

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

“It is a product of two years of hard work and now everyone gets to see the result.

“This book is definitely something worth keeping as it details our 232-year history and we are a part of the history now, ” he said in his speech at the book launch.

The Xaverian Journey: Story of a Lasallian School in Penang, Malaysia is available at Gerakbudaya bookshops in Petaling Jaya at RM100 each.