With many returning from the far-flung corners of the world to mark Qing Ming (Chinese All Souls’ Day) in Penang, the St. George’s Girls’ School (SGGS) Class of 1966/68 decided to organise a reunion to honour bonds spanning more than six decades.
Forty-three of us septuagenarians and two of our teachers turned up at a beach hotel in Tanjung Bungah on April 11, welcoming each other with screams, hugs and kisses.
Many wore red and white – our school colours – with some even squeezing into their nyonya sarong kebayas and gorgeous gowns, a real feat after many pre-reunion, food-fuelled sessions.
Everyone arrived at 7pm sharp. Punctuality is, after all, a proud trait of us SGGS alumnae. Sharing our post-MCE (Malaysian Certificate of Education, now Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) adventures and school memories, it was hard to believe that 60 years had gone by.
Like vintage wine, becoming more exquisite over time, it was clear that the girls had done well in life, carving out successful careers and, despite the ups and downs, emerging stronger and wiser.
The ballroom echoed with laughter, cheers and applause during the lucky draw session, with some showcasing their singing and dancing talents and others reciting rhymes and Hokkien ditties of our youth.
We exchanged stories about our “favourite things” – medicated plasters, minyak angin, eyedrops, sunblocks, massage balms, mahjong and supplements. And yes, though we have aged, we are proudly vintage.
I was hoarse and exhausted when the night ended with the girls singing “When Will I See You Again?” and “Auld Lang Syne”. There were, however, no tearful goodbyes, only a promise to meet again in two years – just before we hit the big 80.
LEANNE KHOO
Petaling Jaya
