THE Xaverian spirit was riding high during a get-together in Petaling Jaya attended by many old boys and girls of St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) of Penang.
The gathering was organised by the Xaverian Club of Kuala Lumpur (XCKL) which caters mainly for the alumni who reside in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Besides the annual dinner, XCKL holds regular events to ensure the ex-students stay in touch and share their latest experiences through life’s journey.
There are no formalities when the gatherings are held, with many of the alumni having had long and illustrious careers, both in the public and private sectors.
The most recent get-together, held at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, saw the likes of ex-Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Kamaruzzaman Shariff, ex-Bank Rakyat chairman Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim, ex-OCBC Bank (Malaysia) board chairman Datuk Ooi Sang Kuang, former arts, culture and heritage deputy minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong, former senior executive in the telecommunications industry CY Chin, CH Williams, Talhar and Wong ex-managing director Datuk John Loh Soong Chew and 1967 Thomas Cup winning squad member Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe attending.
Also at the merry event were XCKL president Kevin Yew Chia Ein, and past presidents Ho Chee Kit, Jason Ong, Lim Hock Thiam, Anthony Chuah and Tan Kar Aun.
Ong, who was from the Class of 1969, said he was touched to see so many personalities setting aside time to meet up with old schoolmates and club members.
“I was determined to be a part of this reunion, and I would like to say a big thank you to all who made the effort.
“Some, despite their advancing age, remained strong in spirit and will, which is the hallmark of Xaverians.
“They certainly matched words with deeds,” added Ong, who came with his brother-in-law Tan Hun Peng, who is also an SXI old boy.
XCKL was registered in 1986 by ex-students residing in the Klang Valley.
Its objectives are to promote the Xaverian ideal of brotherhood, forge close links with their alma mater and maintain an interest in its advancement, promote fellowship among the alumni and cultivate closer links with other Lasallian chapters under the banner of the Malaysian Federation of Lasallian Alumni Associations.
