A century of pride, loyalty and brotherhood were evident as Old Paulians’ Association (OPA) painted Seremban green and white for their centenary celebration.
Themed “A Century of Legacy,” the milestone reunion was a celebration of St Paul’s Institution (SPI) and the magic of friendship.
A crowd of 1,700 Paulians, some joined by their spouses and families, flooded Regent Hall in Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
OPA president Steven Chan Weng Choy, in his speech, proudly noted that Paulians had journeyed from all corners of the globe, drawn back by their shared connection to their alma mater to celebrate the occasion.
Adding to the occasion, the Class of 1976 and Class of 2001 took centre stage to celebrate their golden 50th and silver 25th anniversaries, respectively.
“The story of the OPA is not about buildings or documents, but about people like you and me and about generations who have ensured that the Paulian spirit continues to thrive.
“Look around you, 168 tables tonight with Paulians from many generations, from many parts of the world, joining us in this incredible journey, and to rejoice in camaraderie and fellowship,” he said in his speech.
The guest-of-honour was current patron and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, a Paulian from the Class of 1994.
The OPA, founded in 1922, was officially registered four years later as the alumni body for former students and teachers of SPI, which was opened in 1899.
Chan said in conjunction with the celebration, the OPA had organised several activities and initiatives in recent months.
These included the SPI-OPA annual games carnival, OPA annual golf championship which has been held for more than five decades and homecoming event at SPI secondary for Paulians to visit their alma mater.
“We are extremely proud to have introduced a very special initiative, which is the OPA Fund Raising Campaign in support of urgent infrastructure and maintenance for both SPl primary and secondary schools.
“This initiative marks the true significance of this milestone year in the spirit of giving back because as a missionary school, we receive limited government support,” he said.
Chan said response to the fundraiser had been overwhelming with some RM1.36mil, including pledges, raised to date.
Among the donors were ECM Libra Foundation’s Datuk Lim Kian Onn (RM1mil), WWRC Foundation (RM100,000) and Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd founder Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock (RM70,000).
The funds would be used to carry out repairs at the SPI primary school hall and to renovate the one at SPI secondary, upgrading of science labs as well as other infrastructure facilities.
Chan also paid tribute to OPA’s past presidents such as Tan Sri Chan Choong Tak, Ng Yee Tim, Hilary Sta Maria and Datuk David Wee for their contributions.
“Each of them has worked tirelessly during their era to build this very firm foundation of the OPA upon which we stand today.
“Because of their efforts, we celebrate a rare and historic milestone that only a handful of alumni associations in the country have ever achieved,” he said, adding that after stepping down, Sta Maria and Ng had continued to play a vital role in guiding and supporting the OPA.
Loke in his speech said it was no small achievement for an alumni association to remain active for a century.
“It reflects the strength of the bond among Paulians and the commitment of those who have kept the association going from one generation to the next.
“St Paul’s gave us more than an academic education.
“It taught us discipline, resilience and respect for others.”
Loke, who is Seremban MP, also contributed RM50,000 to the OPA Fund.
He commended the OPA for preserving shared traditions, strengthening bonds among generations of alumni and continuing to make a positive difference.
At the event, OPA honoured five old boys with the Paulian Olympian Legacy Recognition Certificate and plaque.
The recipients, Franco De Cruz, Brian Sta Maria, Stephen Van Huizen, Gary Fidelis and Datuk S. Suriaghandi, all represented the nation in hockey.
