The Old Frees’ Association,

Registered 1962 Live Free in the spirit of serving

Penang Free School 1816-2016 Free School in August 2015.

The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore

Registered 1962 www.ofa.sg Live Free in the spirit of serving

AUTHOR Tan Chung Lee

PUBLISHER The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore Publisher The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore 3 Mount Elizabeth #11-07, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre Singapore 228510 AUTHOR Tan Chung Lee OFAS COFFEE-TABLE BOOK ADJUDICATION PANEL John Lim Kok Min (co-chairman) Tan Yew Oo (co-chairman) Kok Weng On Lee Eng Hin Lee Seng Teik Malcolm Tan Ban Hoe OFAS COFFEE-TABLE BOOK WORKGROUP Alex KH Ooi Cheah Hock Leong The OFAS Management Committee would like to thank Gabriel Teh Choo Thok Editorial Consultant: Tan Chung Lee the family of the late Chan U Seek and OFA Life Members Graphic Design: ST Leng Production: Inkworks Media & Communications for their donations towards the publication of this book. Printer: The Phoenix Press Sdn Bhd 6, Lebuh Gereja, 10200 Penang, The committee would also like to acknowledge all others who PHOTOGRAPH COPYRIGHT have contributed to and assisted in the production of this Archives Lee Huat Hin aka Haha Lee, Chapter 8 book; it apologises if it has inadvertently omitted anyone. Supreme Court of Singapore (Judiciary) Family of Dr Wu Lien-Teh, Chapter 7 Tan Chung Lee Copyright © 2016 The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore. (Singapore) Cataloguing in Publication Data Tan, Chung Lee Live Free: In the Spirit of Serving ISBN: 978-981-09-4251-9 E-book ISBN: 978-981-09-4252-6 Acknowledgements Leonard Selvam, Penang Free School Historian Alison Chong for pictures of Dr Wu Lien-Teh Nicholas Thio for pictures of Chan U Seek Michael Chiu and Veronica Ashcroft for pictures of Bishop Chiu Ban It Contents 4 Foreword 6 Introduction

8 Chapter 1 On the Road to 200 Years

18 Chapter 2 Chalking Up Significant Milestones

24 Chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free

40 Chapter 4 Steering the School in the Right Direction

52 Chapter 5 Founding of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore

62 Chapter 6 Reminiscences and Recollections

84 Chapter 7 From George Town to Dittisham, Window into the Past

92 Chapter 8 Wu Lien-Teh, Plague Fighter Extraordinaire

102 Chapter 9 Old Frees’ Profiles • Judiciary • Medicine • Architecture • The Arts • Business • Education • Public service • Sports • Others

162 Epilogue Preserving the Past and Looking Ahead

164 ANNEXes • Head Boys (Head Prefects) • Queen’s Scholars • OFAS Presidents • OFAS Life Members Foreword By Alex KH Ooi President, The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore

ith limited resources, fading we look at our roots and celebrate with the Kim Cheng, Hooi Yip Seng and Abbas and Vice-President of the Singapore Old University Institute of Advanced Studies held memories and chasm in time Grand Old Dame. Individually, and as part (hon sec). Frees Association. They are old boys of a memorial public seminar and exhibition where many are gone, we have of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore the Penang Free School, which recently in his honour in April 2014 (graced by surmisedW that comprehensiveness will be (OFAS), we have sponsored students here 22 Oct 1952: “Old Frees” in celebrated its sesquicentenary. Other Health Minister Gan Kim Yong) and the Lee somewhat wanting. However, with a good for academia and sports and extended Singapore: Mr. A W Frisby, chairman officials of the association were: Secretary Kong Chian School of Medicine has named editor, we dug into our resources and put in fellowship to those seeking a life here. of the Public Services Commission, Mr T Q Lim; treasurer Mr E A Clarke a house after him. His verve in fighting our best efforts. I thank all parties, Gabriel Fellowship is the mainstay of our Singapore, was elected the first patron of and committee members: Messrs Tan Boon pneumonic plague and instilling hygiene as a CT Teh, Cheah Hock Leong and the activities when we indulge in some nostalgia the Old Frees Association at an inaugural Teik, Dr G K Lim, Heah Hock Meng, lifestyle epitomises the quintessence of life. Adjudication Panel in particular, for making and promote educational excellence for our dinner of old boys of the Penang Free Chan U Seek and Yong Yoon Fook. Fortis Atque Fidelis (strong and faithful) this coffee-table book a reality. alma mater. At the very least, we definitely School held in Singapore last night. Others as you go to serve in the community. The Penang Free School is the oldest meet annually on 21 October (School elected were: Mr Tan Ah Tah, president; Among the highlights of this book is the English medium school in this part of the Founder’s Day). Prof AA Sandosham, vice-president; story of one of the earliest Old Frees linked world. Founded in 1816, she celebrates OFAS has come a long way going by Mr Chan Kok Chin, secretary; Mr Khoo with Singapore. His legacy, inadvertently her bicentenary in 2016. Hence this the following reports in : Sian Wah, treasurer, Messrs Ibrahim forgotten, struck me when I attended the book, mooted by some seniors in 2007, to Basha, Chee Swee Leng, Lim Ewe Hin, inauguration of a museum dedicated to him document what would otherwise become 28 Oct 1929: A group of the Old Boys Leong Yin Choo and Dr Yeoh Bock - the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Memorial Museum in even far too late to ever do. of the Penang Free School, gathered at Choon, committee; Messrs Lim Keng Hor Harbin, Heilongjiang on 8 September 2008. Most Old Frees in Singapore, if not all, Raffles College during the weekend at a and Chin Bok, auditors. The drive to bring his legacy to light consider themselves blessed alongside the tea party to celebrate the anniversary of was a rocky but rewarding journey. His miraculous transformation of Singapore. their Alma Mater. A proposal was carried 28 Oct 1966: Judges head Old bust, unveiled by Penang’s Chief Minister We have become part of its fabric and call to form a Singapore branch of the OFA Frees: Two high court judges here, Lim Guan Eng, now stands at the Penang the Republic our home. As the school that and a committee was elected consisting of Mr Justice Tan Ah Tah and Mr Justice Medical College and his autobiography has educated us turns 200, it is befitting that Messrs AA Sandosham (chairman), Khoo A V Winslow, have been elected President been re-printed. In Singapore, the Nanyang

4 LIVE FREE ith limited resources, fading we look at our roots and celebrate with the Kim Cheng, Hooi Yip Seng and Abbas and Vice-President of the Singapore Old University Institute of Advanced Studies held memories and chasm in time Grand Old Dame. Individually, and as part (hon sec). Frees Association. They are old boys of a memorial public seminar and exhibition where many are gone, we have of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore the Penang Free School, which recently in his honour in April 2014 (graced by surmisedW that comprehensiveness will be (OFAS), we have sponsored students here 22 Oct 1952: “Old Frees” in celebrated its sesquicentenary. Other Health Minister Gan Kim Yong) and the Lee somewhat wanting. However, with a good for academia and sports and extended Singapore: Mr. A W Frisby, chairman officials of the association were: Secretary Kong Chian School of Medicine has named editor, we dug into our resources and put in fellowship to those seeking a life here. of the Public Services Commission, Mr T Q Lim; treasurer Mr E A Clarke a house after him. His verve in fighting our best efforts. I thank all parties, Gabriel Fellowship is the mainstay of our Singapore, was elected the first patron of and committee members: Messrs Tan Boon pneumonic plague and instilling hygiene as a CT Teh, Cheah Hock Leong and the activities when we indulge in some nostalgia the Old Frees Association at an inaugural Teik, Dr G K Lim, Heah Hock Meng, lifestyle epitomises the quintessence of life. Adjudication Panel in particular, for making and promote educational excellence for our dinner of old boys of the Penang Free Chan U Seek and Yong Yoon Fook. Fortis Atque Fidelis (strong and faithful) this coffee-table book a reality. alma mater. At the very least, we definitely School held in Singapore last night. Others as you go to serve in the community. The Penang Free School is the oldest meet annually on 21 October (School elected were: Mr Tan Ah Tah, president; Among the highlights of this book is the English medium school in this part of the Founder’s Day). Prof AA Sandosham, vice-president; story of one of the earliest Old Frees linked world. Founded in 1816, she celebrates OFAS has come a long way going by Mr Chan Kok Chin, secretary; Mr Khoo with Singapore. His legacy, inadvertently her bicentenary in 2016. Hence this the following reports in The Straits Times: Sian Wah, treasurer, Messrs Ibrahim forgotten, struck me when I attended the book, mooted by some seniors in 2007, to Basha, Chee Swee Leng, Lim Ewe Hin, inauguration of a museum dedicated to him document what would otherwise become 28 Oct 1929: A group of the Old Boys Leong Yin Choo and Dr Yeoh Bock - the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Memorial Museum in even far too late to ever do. of the Penang Free School, gathered at Choon, committee; Messrs Lim Keng Hor Harbin, Heilongjiang on 8 September 2008. Most Old Frees in Singapore, if not all, Raffles College during the weekend at a and Chin Bok, auditors. The drive to bring his legacy to light consider themselves blessed alongside the tea party to celebrate the anniversary of was a rocky but rewarding journey. His miraculous transformation of Singapore. their Alma Mater. A proposal was carried 28 Oct 1966: Judges head Old bust, unveiled by Penang’s Chief Minister We have become part of its fabric and call to form a Singapore branch of the OFA Frees: Two high court judges here, Lim Guan Eng, now stands at the Penang the Republic our home. As the school that and a committee was elected consisting of Mr Justice Tan Ah Tah and Mr Justice Medical College and his autobiography has educated us turns 200, it is befitting that Messrs AA Sandosham (chairman), Khoo A V Winslow, have been elected President been re-printed. In Singapore, the Nanyang

5 Introduction By Tan Chung Lee

hen I first started my research Lien-Teh who although he did not practise popular Malay actor on both sides of on Penang Free School and in Singapore was one of the best known Old the Causeway. He starred in many films doing interviews with several Frees internationally who helped to eradicate produced by the Shaw-owned MFP (Malay Wdistinguished Old Frees living and working the plague in China in the 1930s and went Film Productions), was a producer of movies in Singapore, it seemed as if OId Frees stood on to modernise its medical services. himself as well as a singer and composer. out mostly in the fields of law, medicine and Then there was the Speaker of Chan Soo Khian, who runs the SCDA the public service. Parliament, Dr , an Old architectural firm, is known for his unique In the 1940s to 1960s, the Chief Justice, Free who was also the professor of surgery in designs which he likes to call neo-tropical the Attorney-General and seven out of eight the in Singapore. architecture. He won an international award High Court judges were Old Frees. The Among the Old Frees who served in for Lincoln Modern in 2003 and is now Justices who served as president of The Old Singapore’s public service with distinction much sought after globally. Frees’ Association, Singapore were luminaries and at the highest level as Cabinet ministers Heah Hock Heng also excelled in such as Tan Ah Tah and AV Winslow. were Dr Wong Lin Ken as Minister for architecture. He had a hand in designing Among the judicial/Legal Service Home Affairs and Ahmad Ibrahim as some of Singapore’s earliest iconic structures officers who were Old Frees were JWD Minister for Health and also for Labour. such as the Shangri-La Hotel, the Futura and Ambrose, Attorney-General Tan Boon I would find out in the course of my Draycott Towers and today is concentrating Teik, Judicial Commissioner TQ Lim and research and interviews that Old Frees are on redeveloping the historic Crag Hotel on Registrar Eu Cheow Chye. actually a very diversified lot thanks to their into an Aman resort. In medicine, outstanding Old Frees all-round education system and strong Then there is Lim Chong Keat who include Professor Lee Seng Teik, dubbed background of pastoral care invested by has two buildings designed by him – the father of plastic surgery in Singapore, their teachers. Singapore Conference Hall and Jurong Professor Lee Eng Hin, who helped Many of them stood out in other Town Hall – recognised as national develop Singapore as the regional centre professions as well. Among them were monuments in Singapore. for paediatric orthopaedics and Dr Wu P Ramlee who was perhaps the most Catherine Lim needs no introduction

6 LIVE FREE having made a name for herself as a novelist. were not all a boring bunch. Professor Lee George Town from UNESCO in 2008. One of her novels was used as a Literature Eng Hin for instance, was known to have This commemorative book, Live textbook for the Cambridge ‘O’ Levels in the rocked in school as he was part of a six- Free, In the Spirit of Serving, celebrates the West Indies. piece band called the Fenders. He has a cool bicentenary of the Penang Free School. It Lim Thean Soo who served as picture of himself playing on the bass guitar also honours the Old Frees – past students – Comptroller of Customs and Excise was with fellow schoolmates. who have gone through its hallowed portals also a writer. Then there is Steve Foong, a young as well as the dedicated headmasters and Then there is Dennis Lee – the world Old Free who is so passionate about his teachers who have shaped and moulded them renowned pianist living in London. alma mater that he went on a two-month to become leaders, men – and women – of Old Frees have also made a name for expedition that ultimately led him to the integrity as well as people of compassion. themselves in the field of religion. There is home of the school’s founder, Robert Sparke It is no mean feat for an institution to Reverend Chiu Ban It – who was a Hutchings’ Hutchings. What inspired him was why reach the milestone of 200 years. An even scholar of Penang Free School in the 1930s would a young man like Hutchings sail to greater achievement is how Penang Free and served as an Anglican bishop from 1966 Penang to set up a school? School has churned out distinguished Old to 1982, the first Malayan-born bishop to Apart from successfully finding Frees who have made a mark in their chosen serve in the diocese of Malaya and Singapore. Hutchings’ birthplace of Dittisham, Steve professions in both Malaysia and Singapore. Antiques collector and Chinese scholar, discovered the 1000 year old St George’s Whether in the judiciary, medicine, CM Wong, stood out as a recognised Church there where Hutchings served as the public service, education, sports, authority on Chinese culture. rector. He also discovered that the Penang architecture or the arts, Old Frees have There is also Tan Poh Seng, a national Free school badge was actually the family contributed greatly to the communities in coach and Malaysia’s number 2 crest of the Hutchings! which they live. Davis Cup player, who played a big role in With nuggets of history such as these, it This book highlights the achievements grooming young Singapore tennis talents. is little wonder that Penang was able to earn of Old Frees in Singapore and their The Old Frees also showed that they a World Heritage Site status for its capital influence. These are their stories…

7 On the Road chapter 1 to 200 Years

How It All Began

8 LIVE FREE Original PFS school crest chapter 1 On the Road to 200 Years 9 he year was 1786. Until then, the an anchorage for their trading ships thanks island of Penang or Pulo (later to its natural harbour but also as a base changed to Pulau) Pinang, a name to counter increasing French influence in Tattributed to its native areca catechu palm Indochina in the north and as a means of Reverend Hutchings known as pinang in Malay, was part of the checking Dutch expansion in Sumatra in arrived at a time Sultanate of . the south. However, faced with the threats of For the first 19 years, Penang was when Penang was invasion from then Siam and Burma, Sultan administered as a “Residency” under the enjoying a boom. It Abdullah Mukarram Shah of Kedah ceded control of the Governor of Bengal. the island in July to the British in return for In 1805, it became an independent was prospering thanks military protection. Presidency which essentially meant that it to increasing trade and Thus on 11 August, Captain Francis was an administrative subdivision in its own Light on behalf of the East India Company right and subject to control from the higher economic development raised the Union Jack in Penang to take authority of the Governor-General of India. and there was a possession of the island, which he renamed A governor, Philip Dundas, was appointed Prince of Wales, after the heir to the to head the administration. spike in population British throne. In 1813, Penang received a new as immigration was That date was to mark the pivotal chaplain of the presidency. He was point for Penang and Penang Free School. Reverend Robert Sparke Hutchings, who encouraged. was previously based in Bengal. Arrival of Hutchings He had been sent to replace Reverend The British had long recognised the Atwill Lake, who was the first resident strategic importance of Penang not just as chaplain appointed in 1804.

10 LIVE FREE Penang Free School today: The main gate and arch. chapter 1 On the Road to 200 Years 11 Sowing the seeds of Prince of Wales Island education Free School is born Reverend Hutchings arrived at a time when In its submission on 6 February 1816, the Penang was enjoying a boom. It was committee declared as part of its vision: prospering thanks to increasing trade and economic development and there was a That it will be the first object of the spike in population as immigration was institution to provide for the education of such encouraged. children as would be otherwise, brought up Education was available to the children in idleness and consequent vice, and without of Europeans and government officials but any means of obtaining instruction either in Love Lane, the location of the first Penang Free School. not to the growing number of children of useful learning or in any manual employment, mainly migrant Asians and Hutchings was and to implant in them the early habits of concerned. industry, order and a good conduct.” In 1815, he submitted a proposal to the then governor William Petrie to —The Original Plan of the establish a “free school” with suggestions on Establishment of Prince of Wales how it should be managed. Island Free School 1816. In response, the governor convened a seven-member committee, headed by The proposal was to have two schools Reverend Hutchings to study in detail the – one for boys and another for girls – and specifics of establishing such a school. that there would be boarders as well as day Penang Free School building in Farquhar Street. pupils. Fees would be paid by parents who could afford them while the children of

12 LIVE FREE For Reverend Hutchings, the idea of the free school was to train “a race of intelligent and honest servants” of the Government. Being free did not mean that fees would not be paid but rather that the school would be open to all, regardless of race or religion.

One of two quadrangles in Penang Free School once used for gymnastics. chapter 1 On the Road to 200 Years 13 parents without means and orphans would be exempt. In addition, children living far from the school could be admitted as boarders. It was also stated that children should be taught in their own languages if they did not wish to learn English. For Reverend Hutchings, the idea of the free school was to train “a race of intelligent and honest servants” of the Government. Being free did not mean that fees would not be paid but rather that the school would be open to all, regardless of race or religion. Thus, the Prince of Wales Island Free School for boys was opened on 21 October 1816, in a rented house in Love Lane with an enrolment of 25 boys. Because of the problem of finding a suitable teacher, the school intended for girls could not be opened at the same time. Nor could the boarding school be launched due to the arduous task of finding a suitable location Hutchings also laid the foundation stone of the Anglican Church of St George the Martyr in Penang in 1817, and the problem of providing regular meals. naming it after the church in his hometown of Dittisham in Devon, England where he had served as rector.

14 LIVE FREE Penang Free School’s founder was to play a significant role in the founding of another prestigious school in – in Singapore. It all started when Stamford Raffles, who founded Singapore in 1819, was in Penang to work as the Deputy Secretary to the Governor of Penang, Philip Dundas from 1805 to 1810. In April 1823, Raffles invited Hutchings to Singapore for a meeting with Dr Robert Morrison, an educationist and missionary from together with the Sultan and Temenggong of , previously the ruler of Singapore, and other leading members of the local community. During this meeting Raffles shared his vision and plans for setting up the Singapore Institution. This was to “educate the sons of the higher order of natives and others; to afford means of instruction in the native languages to the Company’s servants and others as may desire it; to collect the scattered literature and traditions of the country with whatever may illustrate their [sic] laws and customs, and to publish and circulate in a correct form the most important of these, with such other works as may be calculated to raise the character of the institution and to be useful and instructive to the people”. On 10 April, three patrons including Raffles were appointed as well as an 18-member board of trustees for the school. Hutchings was among them. He also was present at the school’s ground-breaking ceremony. The Singapore Institution is today’s Raffles Institution, Singapore’s oldest school.

chapter 1 On the Road to 200 Years 15 A girls’ school was opened a year later other half of land was added to cater to an in 1817. It closed from 1821 to 1828 expanding student population. before re-opening and operating until 1851. In 1821, the school moved to a new Founding of St George’s building erected in Church Square on Church a plot of land granted by the East India Apart from his role in founding the school, Company. With this relocation to premises Reverend Hutchings also laid the foundation of its own, it was able to cater to students stone of the Anglican Church of St George wishing to be schooled in their own the Martyr in Penang in 1817, naming languages. The Tamil School ran for two it after the church in his hometown of years while the Malay School operated till Dittisham in Devon, England where he had 1826 after which a branch was opened served as rector and his father before him. in Glugor and functioned until 1863. In Located at the corner of Farquhar 1867, when the Prince of Wales Island Street (now Lebuh Farquhar) and Pitt Street reverted to its original name of Pinang, the (renamed Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling), school was renamed Pinang Free School. the church was completed in 1818 and However, the school in its present consecrated a year later in May 1819 by form did not take shape until 1928. In the Bishop of Calcutta, Thomas Fanshawe 1827, it had moved from Church Square to Middleton. Today, it is the oldest Anglican occupy half of a parcel of land adjacent to church in Southeast Asia and like Penang St George’s Church on Farquhar Street. In Free School has become a major landmark 1897, the school underwent reconstruction. in George Town. Facing the church is the In 1907, another building occupying the Francis Light Memorial commemorating The clock tower (back view) of Penang Free School.

16 LIVE FREE the founding of Penang in 1786 by Francis Light. Hutchings served as its chaplain for seven years from 1820 to 1827. a permanent home There would be another move for Penang Free School, this time a permanent one, to

Green Lane (renamed Jalan Masjid Negeri) Digital countdown calendar to 200th anniversary on 31 December 1927 where the school stands today. The move was imperative as In 1826, Penang became part of the it was becoming overcrowded by 1919. In together with two other 1924, the government provided a site of 30 British colonies – Malacca and Singapore. acres on Green Lane for the construction of A year later, Reverend Hutchings new buildings, including staff quarters. A succumbed to malaria and died on 20 year later, the new premises of Penang Free April 1827 in Penang. He was buried at the School were inaugurated. Northam Road (now Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) Protestant Cemetery in Penang. Northam Protestant Cemetery, resting place of The vacant buildings left behind by the Reverend Hutchings. school at its Farquhar Street premises were So great was Reverend Hutchings’ retained and renamed Hutchings School to legacy and the respect held for him that Anglican priest from St George’s Church at cater to primary school children in honour every year, on Founder’s Day (21 October), 7 am. The thanksgiving memorial service of its founder. It was to become one of school prefects and teachers from the is also attended by representatives from the most important feeder institutions to Free School that he founded would visit Hutchings Primary School and Hutchings Penang Free School. his tomb for prayers presided over by an Secondary School. chapter 1 On the Road to 200 Years 17 Chalking Up chapter 2 Significant Milestones

Timeline

18 LIVE FREE 1816 – Proposal to set up a school on Prince of Wales Island is submitted to the Government by a committee headed by Reverend Robert Sparke Hutchings in February. Proposal is accepted and on 21 October the Prince of Wales Island Free School opens in a rented house in Love Lane. Its administration is in the hands of a Board of Directors

1821 – Moves to new buildings on Church Square 1821

1891 – Board of Directors decides to appoint British-trained The Free School’s first proper university graduates to be the school’s headmaster. The building on Church Square first to be appointed is William Hargreaves who laid the proper foundations of the school, sealing its reputation as a top educational institution

1897 – Reconstruction of school on Farquhar Street in two stages. First half of school is built in 1897. Second half of 1911 – Organises its first Athletics Meet school opens in 1907 1915 – Launch of scouting movement 1905 – Introduction of games, sports and extra-curricular activities to supplement the academic programme 1916 – Celebrates its 100th anniversary

1909 – First school magazine is published 1919 – School gets overcrowded and search for new site begins chapter 2 Timeline 19 1920 – Government takes over management of Penang Free School

1923 – Science is added to the curriculum

1924 – Construction of new school on 30-acre site in 1897 Green Lane (renamed Jalan Masjid Negara) First half of school building on 1927 – Introduction of the House system for sports Farquhar Street and activities 1936 – Special Science Class is set up to prepare students for 1928 – Official opening of Penang Free School as it moves into the London Matriculation and Queen’s Scholarship Green Lane and is converted into a secondary school. Examinations. Preparatory classes are also introduced for Former school becomes primary school and is renamed students keen to take up medical studies in Hutchings’ School. Expansion of programme of sports, tertiary institutions games and extra-curricular activities 1941 – Outbreak of World War II and Japanese Occupation 1931 – Launch of school prize awards. More sports and extra- disrupts school life. Penang Free School is occupied by curricular activities are added the Indian National Liberation Army

1932 – New emphasis given to Science studies with the opening 1945 – Begins rehabilitation to replace furniture and of a new Science Block equipment destroyed during the war. School reopens with an enrolment of 603 students

20 LIVE FREE 1947 – Restored to former glory. Sports and extra-curricular activities are revived

1950 – Formation of School Band

1951 – Sixth Form education is introduced. School also admits girls for the first time to Sixth Form classes

1955 – Opening of Pinhorn Memorial Library for Sixth Form students

1957 – Penang Free School loses Government status and becomes a national-type fully assisted secondary school 1916 run by a Board of Governors. Malaysian Secondary Schools Examination is launched as a basis for selecting Prince of Wales Island Free School the cream of primary school leaving students celebrates its 100th anniversary 1958 – Opening of a Sixth Form block and hostel on 21 October to provide accommodation for out-of-state students. 1959 – Automatic promotions system is introduced, doing away School becomes a hub of Sixth Form education in northern with the previous system of retaining students for another Malaya. Formation of Chess Club and Stamp Club year if they failed their examinations

chapter 2 Timeline 21 1962 – Formation of Electronics Club 1978 – Main gate and school arch donated by Old Free Ch’ng Eng Hye is erected adding a distinctive feature to 1963 – Appoints its first Asian headmaster Tan Boon Lin. an already impressive set of buildings Launch of Penang Free School Development Fund to raise money needed for building new facilities 1988 – Form One students are introduced to a new KBSM (Kurikulum Bersepadu Sekolah Menengah) or Integrated 1966 – School holds Sesquicentenary Celebrations Curriculum for Secondary Schools

1969 – Opening of new Khutub Khanah Tunku Library named 1989 – The teaching of a new subject “Kemahiran Hidup” after Putra Al-Haj, an Old Free (Living Skills) is added to the Form One curriculum and first prime minister of Malaysia who contributed $100,000 to the project. He officiates at its opening on 1990 – New two-semester system is introduced. School also adds 29 December to its facilities with the opening of two new blocks of classrooms, science laboratories, a court and 1972 – Three new buildings are added — Nuffield Science Block, parking area for staff Industrial Arts Block and a new Hostel Block. The previous hostel is converted into classrooms 1991 – Celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding

1975 – Chalks up enrolment milestone of 2000 and a teaching 1992 – Embarks on a single session school system with the staff of 87 construction of two new blocks

22 LIVE FREE 1994 – Side gate at Free School Road is added, paid for by C.A.Goh, an Old Free and troop leader of the 7th Georgetown Scout Troop

1995 – Introduction of a compulsory IT (Information Technology) education programme for all Form 1 students till Form 3 in line with the national education policy to produce computer literates

1996 – Launch of Penang Free School Foundation to help the school achieve greater heights in education and preserve its rich traditions

1999 – Upgrading continues with two new blocks added 2016

2006 – Introduces the teaching of French and Arabic to its Penang Free School celebrates curriculum and establishes wireless connection its 200th anniversary 2007 – Wins prestigious ‘Cluster School of Excellence Award’, one of only 30 given to schools in Malaysia

2016 – School holds Bicentenary Celebrations

chapter 2 Timeline 23 Portrait of chapter 3 an Old Free

Fortis Atque Fidelis (Strength with Fidelity)

24 LIVE FREE “The angsana trees are located around the edge of the all-purpose school field and when they were in bloom, the flowers were a golden yellow and had a beautiful scent.” Soo Khee Chee Founding director National Cancer Centre

chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 25 peak to Old Frees about their time leaving examinations to enter PFS knew in school and chances are you will be that they would be the “cream of the crop”, moved by their unbridled passion for thus spurring them even further to do well “As a 12-year-old, theirS alma mater. And they all agree on one during their time there. thing — that it was a privilege to have been Professor and emeritus consultant at setting foot for the educated in Penang Free School (PFS) and the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the first time in PFS was a to have imbibed the school spirit National University Hospital (NUH) and traditions. Lee Eng Hin recalls, “As a 12-year-old, daunting experience. All reminisce fondly about their time setting foot for the first time in PFS was I was awed by the sheer in school, the life-long relationships built a daunting experience. I was awed by up with fellow students that have endured the sheer size of the school, its sprawling size of the school, to this day and of the headmasters and grounds and the prospect of studying in the its sprawling grounds teachers who have helped to mould them best school in then Malaya.” and instil the right values. Echoing his feelings, senior consultant and the prospect of Right from the start, being selected and former founding head of the studying in the for admission into the school alone was Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, tantamount to fulfilling a dream. The aura Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Peter best school in then of the school, its academic reputation and its Lim Ai Chi said, “When we all first entered Malaya.” strong traditions were a beacon for primary school, we were young and looking for school students preparing to enter secondary direction. The school gave us that as well as Lee Eng Hin Professor and emeritus consultant school. As it was the top choice, students a sense of belonging. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery in feeder schools scoring the sufficient “It was a school steeped in traditions National University Hospital amount of marks in their primary school which we grew to appreciate. The fact that

26 LIVE FREE and so it was internalised in us to be the best that we could be.”

Emphasis on all-round education What impressed Old Frees was the wholesome approach to life that was imparted. Marine consultant Steve Foong said, “The school was not only about formal education. It taught us how to be

One of many get-togethers of Frees. gentlemen and all-rounders. It taught us survival skills. The beauty of the school was you belonged to an institution which is so Even for the girls who studied only two that it taught us how to balance our time august was something to be proud of and years (in the Lower and Upper Sixth Forms) between study and play.” became part of you — its many principles from the age of 16, the school’s ideals and Agreeing, co-founder of design firm helped to shape us and hold us in good what it stood for rubbed off on them. Architects 61 Tay Lee Soon said, “It’s stead later on in life. Retired deputy director, Schools West, something that I have practised with my “It was inevitable that as we all grew up Ministry of Education, Betty Ooi Poh children. Even with my grandchildren bearing the school’s name and reputation, Gek said, “There was a culture of diligence today, I tell them there is a time to study we have remained very loyal to the school in the school and the motivation to do well. and a time to play. long after we left it and the bond among It seemed as if there was an internal engine “To me, studying has to be tempered Old Frees whenever they get together is inside us revving and wanting to do well. by sports. Thanks to the school, we learnt very strong.” We were aware that Frees were illustrious to play a variety of sports throughout the chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 27 Certificate of a year. Every afternoon, in the first term, prize awarded in 1916 for for instance, we would play ; in the composition. second term it would be hockey and in the third term it was swimming. We were encouraged to be all-rounders. The school implanted in us the idea that study is not everything. It was also reinforced by my parents. My father, who was also from the school, was an all-China player for whom sports was just as important as studies. “Growing up like that, I brought up my children in a similar fashion. “These extra-curricular activities (ECA) also helped to build character as well as bonds among the students.” Added consultant medical oncologist and hematologist with Singapore Oncology Consultants at Farrer Park Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Hospital Tan Yew Oo, “It was wonderful how the school made extra-curricular activities compulsory. After school, we all had to take part in some activity or other, whether it was athletics, a sport or joining an association like the Scouts. Even if you were not good at any of the games, at least you had a taste of it and could appreciate it when watching tournaments in any sport in later years. “It also gave us an opportunity to get

28 LIVE FREE For many, the same school field evoked a powerful sense of nostalgia. The size of four football fields, it was the hub of all sports and activities and the place where they played and bonded.

Football, one of the many sports offered in PFS (inset), being played in the magnificent school field (above) which is used for other sports as well. chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 29 to know one another and for juniors to get to know their seniors. By playing together we all bonded as one. I did scouting and enjoyed it — in fact that was where I made life-long friends.”

Building leadership through mentoring

Most were of the opinion that the system Scout troop - scouting was one of many ECA activities of PFS. of seniors mentoring juniors was perfect for nurturing leadership qualities. Founder of Singapore’s first department of plastic surgery at SGH and now its senior consultant Lee Seng Teik elaborated, “The teachers led by example. “It was wonderful how the school made extra-curricular They excelled in the classroom and led us activities compulsory. After school, we all had to take part in the sports field. They were competent in in some activity or other, whether it was athletics, a sport whatever activity they led. “The range of activities offered was or joining an association like the Scouts.” tremendous — there was art, music, painting, scouting, sports. We were Tan Yew Oo Consultant medical oncologist and hematologist given the opportunity to excel just Singapore Oncology Consultants at Farrer Park Medical Centre by taking part. and Mt Alvernia Hospital

30 LIVE FREE “We were grouped into separate Established as far Houses. And in each House juniors and back as 1865, the Board of seniors were grouped together with the Prefects (BOP) was set up to seniors assuming the position of leadership. confer on selected students

There was a spirit of friendly competition the highest position of trust Former headmaster’s house adjacent to the school’s sports field. with different Houses competing with and responsibility. Eighteen one another. In the process, there was students were appointed as prefects each influenced their lives, their sense of the nurturing of leadership qualities and year, based on their personality, leadership dedication, even their quirks and the characteristics that would mould the man quality, contributions to the school and pranks played on them — stories they — competing fairly and helping others. academic prowess. would recall to gales of hearty laughter at “We were encouraged to go for Headed by a School Captain their annual reunions. excellence in whatever we did in studies and a deputy, the prefects had complete As Professor Lee Seng Teik put and in sports and in doing so we were autonomy, without any teacher’s it, “What shaped us? Our educators. We inculcated with the qualities of tolerance supervision, to carry out their duties realised how wonderful our headmaster and sportsmanship for all — irrespective of to ensure that discipline in the school was when he came back long after he had our backgrounds or ethnicity.” was maintained, that events such as the retired to visit us. This was Hughes. He All these qualities invariably prepared weekly School Assembly were properly even brought with him the notes he had Old Frees for the outside world after leaving conducted, and to liaise between the school kept as headmaster — it was a diary and school and guided them in their careers. administration and the student body. he would refer to it as we reminisced over Adding to the nurturing of leadership events in the school. He would now and qualities through the seniors-mentoring- Inspiring teachers again say, ‘Ah, so that was you…’ juniors structure was the school’s unique Many Old Frees interviewed also spoke “We also had very close bonding with board of prefects system. warmly of their teachers, how they our teachers. chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 31 “I remember Ong Teong Guan, our mentoring system, students were given maths teacher, arriving in school daily on authority which helped in developing his faithful Vespa. There wasT an Ah Fee, leadership qualities.” “We were encouraged the brother of Singapore’s first Asian judge As Tay Lee Soon, who represented not Tan Ah Tah. Tan Ah Fee was a rugby coach only the school in water polo but also played to go for excellence and a great tennis player. for Penang and Malaysia in international in whatever we did “Whenever we went back to Penang, meets said, “I remember the time when we long after we had left school, we would played water polo for our school and we had in studies and in often pay our teachers a visit.” beaten our rivals, , sports and in doing Added Dr Tan Yew Oo, “We had by two goals. This was on a Sunday. On some inspiring teachers, both locals and Monday, our headmaster Roper introduced so we were inculcated expatriates, who taught us in various us to the school as water polo champions. It with the qualities disciplines from history and geography to made us feel very great to be recognised as science and literature. And because they sportsmen of the school.” of tolerance and were passionate in what they taught, they Old Frees also view PFS as truly special sportsmanship for were able to motivate us.” in other ways. Elaborating Dr Lee Eng Hin said, For the founding director of the all - irrespective of “PFS had a great structure and processes National Cancer Centre Singapore our backgrounds or that not only increased the students’ IQ (NCCS), Soo Khee Chee, it was the (Intelligence Quotient) but also cultivated “friendships forged among diverse races and ethnicity.” their EQ (Emotional Intelligence) as well. development of intense loyalty to friends Lee Seng Teik Through the structure of class monitor, and school” that was PFS’ best trait. He Professor of plastic surgery Singapore General Hospital traffic warden, prefect system and the ECA elaborated, “This intense sense of belonging

32 LIVE FREE Experiential Science Exhibition in 1976. learning “In our Upper Sixth year, we were told Founder of the Centre for to study the effects of Bernoulli’s principle Hand and Reconstructive on slow flowing rivers and how this could MicroSurgery be converted to energy. This got us airtime Bonding in class. (CHARMS) and on Radio Television Malaysia and second hand surgery specialist prize in a national science exhibition on came from a total immersion in our school Lim Beng Hai attributes his choice of renewable energy for the school in 1977. culture not only in lessons but also in extra- profession to his science teachers who “These projects stimulated an interest curricular activities.” encouraged creativity and adopted a in research for me and the experiments He also recalls the school’s magical trusting ‘laissez-faire’ attitude that helped we did made me realise that I was good at atmosphere enhanced by the beauty of the him and his classmates to blossom tinkering with my hands. That led to my angsana trees whenever they blossomed. independently. interest in pursuing hand surgery. “They are located around the edge of the “I was in the school for only two years “I have very good memories of my all-purpose school field and when they were but I remember that when I first entered time in school as we had very stimulating in bloom, the flowers were a golden yellow the Lower Sixth Form I was entrusted to teachers. The most influential teacher for and had a beautiful scent.” conduct an experiment on the effects of me was SH Tan, who taught physics. He For many, the same school field evoked MSG (monosodium glutamate) in the diets left a deep impression on not only me but a powerful sense of nostalgia. The size of four of chickens. We got to rear the chickens in also my older brother, who was also in football fields, it was the hub of all sports and bio-labs and fed them enormous amounts Penang Free. Mr Tan always associated life activities and the place where they played and of MSG which ended up in them getting with physics and was fond of saying ‘Life is bonded. So unsurprisingly it retains a special uric deposits. We won the Lim Chong a Sinosidol curve; everything has its ups spot in the hearts of most Old Frees. Eu medal in the Penang State Maths and and downs.’ chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 33 “Looking at our huge school field where we played rugby, he would say, ‘It looks green from afar but when you look closely it is not so green - life is like that. Friends are the same. Sometimes, when you get too close, you see their weaknesses so you have to step back just like when you step back to look at the field, you can appreciate the lush green again.’” Agreeing Steve Foong said, “Our teachers taught us independence, they made us think by not holding our hand; they Frees in a celebratory mood. wanted us to take responsibility and made us work for something rather than forced us teachers like Mr Chng our additional develop an interest in poetry too. Said to do it. maths teacher. In the 1990s, when school Dr Lee Eng Hin, “Tan Boon Soon, who “At one of our Scout car events we textbooks were translated into Malay, in taught us English, got me excited with were tasked to build a car using junkyard line with national policy, he taught us in poetry with his own love for the subject. materials. We were 13 years old then but English so that we would have a good grasp He often recited verses from the Rubaiyat of learnt to use a welding rod and with our of the language as he knew this would serve Omar Khayyam by heart in class.” imagination fashion a car. We made it in a us well in future.” Said radiologist at Mount Elizabeth couple of months and even raced it in Scout For many an Old Free, one name Hospital Chin Wah Seng, “For me, grand prix events. among teachers stood out for his love of my physical education teacher Teh “We were also grateful for innovative poetry, which in turn inspired them to Kheng Chooi stood out. He was a great

34 LIVE FREE player and coach. It was because best describes an Old Free. It means being of him that I got heavily involved in strong in leadership, to have the courage to badminton.” “An Old Free is take on risks and seize opportunities. It is Many badminton players under his to be faithful to yourself, your beliefs, your charge were to go on to win the Thomas someone who is family, school and community.” Cup for many years. courageous, prepared Managing Director of Economic When it came to painting a portrait of Development Board Yeoh Keat Chuan an Old Free, all agree that it is encapsulated to speak out against added, “An Old Free is someone who is in the motto of the school: Fortis Atque what is unfair and courageous, prepared to speak out against Fidelis (Strength with Fidelity). what is unfair and to stand up for the to stand up for the underdog. One has to strive for excellence Sense of integrity and underdog. One has to and be strong and faithful as epitomised by fortitude the school motto.” Said Dr Tan Yew Oo, “We learnt to be strive for excellence “We were taught the importance diligent and be a person of integrity and that and be strong and of trust and integrity, qualities that have through hard work you can get to where carried most of us through life,” added Tay you want. There are no short cuts in life. So faithful as epitomised Lee Soon. the school helped to shape our character. by the school motto.” The spirit of excellence in the face of Everything from discipline, honesty and the competition was also encouraged. More need to be strong as reflected in our school Yeoh Keat Chuan important, say Old Frees, was the school’s Managing Director motto is imbibed in you.” Economic Development Board emphasis on an all-round education and Elaborated Betty Ooi Poh Gek, excellence in sports and games - not just in “Our motto — to be strong and faithful — studies - and its fostering of camaraderie, chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 35 esprit de corps and sportsmanship. dr Peter Lim Ai Chi explained, “The school ingrained in us loyalty, camaraderie and self confidence. It laid the foundations “We were multi-cultural, multi-racial of being resolute and the ability to be and multi-religious, that was why strong so that whatever comes, you can handle it.” the school was called ‘free’.” equality for all Cheah Hock Leong The lack of discrimination was another trait Vice-President of the school. The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore As architect Heah Hock Heng said, “All the various races got on well together.” “We were multi-cultural, multi- Former director of the Technical St Xavier’s Institution, our arch-rival, was racial and multi-religious, that was why Education Department at the Ministry of no match for our school.” the school was called ‘free’,” said The Old Education Lim Ho Hup said, “Because of Added Heah Hock Heng, “Our Frees’ Association, Singapore Vice-President its free thinking spirit, the school attracted headmasters came from either Cambridge Cheah Hock Leong. top teachers. We had top English teachers, or Oxford and imparted in us the same kind This reflected one of the original for instance, and that stood us in good of heritage these universities enjoyed. The precepts of the school as spelt out in its stead career-wise. Many Free School boys school was under the colonial administration charter: “That the School be opened to the were able to get into the professions. so it was run like the civil service. reception of all children on the Island, of “In fact, I think we had no “We were given a good grounding in every description…” competition from the other schools. Even education and in the use of English. We

36 LIVE FREE School Rally Song Music and lyrics written by GS Reutens, 1966 Chorus Let us march unto fame were considered ‘la crème de la crème’. Let the aisles proclaim “But at the same time, we knew how Till our anthem will dare us to do to carry ourselves, to stand tall and were Let us onward to win and new laurels gain also taught to be gentlemanly.” Free School for the brave and the true! With such nurturing traditions and the quality of education, it is little wonder that Verses the school has produced men (and women) It matter neither how strait the gate of distinction who have done well in their Nor how charged with dangers the goal chosen professions. Let the tempest rage and fell odds inflate The absence of bias also extended We’ll do it with our heart and soul. to other areas. All were treated equally, whatever their backgrounds. There were When duty calls be it school or state students who were chauffeur-driven to We’ll do it with God by our side school while others took the bus, cycled or For the sons of Free School don’t hesitate walked. Said Tan Yew Oo, “We all came Nor let cool their zeal and pride. from different backgrounds but we were able to gel and become friends all because Let us all then join in this Jubilee of the way the school was run.” All with one loud voice to proclaim The late Dr Lee Kum Tatt, former Our true loyalty and our constancy chairman of the Singapore Institute of To our mater still remain. Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) once wrote, “The School is great not because it is the oldest but that it is also the chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 37 “Once a Free, Always a Free.”

best and is Free — free from many of mater proud. Others have contributed to They are also keen to give back to not the social, economic, religious and racial Singapore’s physical landscape through only Singapore society but also to their issues which have bogged down many designing buildings that have become part hometowns as evidenced in the many institutions and even governments of the Republic’s architectural scene. collaborations in the field of medicine throughout the world. Thanks to their PFS experience, they between Singapore hospitals and hospitals “The school instilled the right spirit in have been inspired to do good to others and in Penang and other states in Malaysia. the students through its motto. Years after to channel their talents and skills to try to As the Old Frees are fond of quoting, I left, the school’s rally song composed by better the lives of those around them. “Once a Free, Always a Free.” a former PFS teacher (see box in previous page) which students sang every year on Founder’s Day and at special functions also helped to inspire and fire up the young minds to do many things which they might not have done otherwise.” Since the 1920s when the Singapore judiciary was dominated, nay, run even, by men who were mostly Old Frees, so too Old Frees today are continuing the tradition of contributing to their adopted home through their varied professions — as doctors, educators, sports coaches… Many have served in the public service and done Singapore and their alma School field with sports pavilion.

38 LIVE FREE Since the 1920s when the Singapore judiciary was dominated, nay, run even, by men who were mostly Old Frees, so too Old Frees today are continuing the tradition of contributing to their adopted home through their varied professions … Many have served in the public service and done Singapore and their alma mater proud. Photo: Singapore Tourism Board Tourism Photo: Singapore

chapter 3 Portrait of an Old Free 39 Steering the School chapter 4 in the Right Direction

Headmaster As Head Honcho

40 LIVE FREE ithout a doubt, a school and its reputation hinges on the way it is run. That role is Wlargely the responsibility of its headmaster or headmistress, more popularly referred to nowadays as principal. Much like a chief executive of a company, the headmaster’s task is to create a conducive environment that brings out the best of his charges and seal the school’s name. In other words, he has to set the tone for the school, inspiring its teaching staff to carry out their duties well while inspiring Headmaster William Hamilton (1925–1926) (centre) and his staff. students to do their best. According to records, the headmasters In 1853, the first step towards Chalking up achievements of Penang Free School’s early years were a appointing more suitable candidates as The first headmaster of this calibre was rather motley bunch without the proper headmaster was made when an elementary William Hargreaves who took on the training or experience to run a school. For schoolmaster from England J Clarke was position in 1891. instance, its first headmaster, J Cox was brought in to head the school. Further Under his guidance, the school started the owner of a printing press. Yet, despite progress was later made when the school’s to make its mark. Enrolment went up, the mismatches, the school operated well board of directors decided the best means pupils were grouped into classes according enough – there was discipline and English of raising its level of education was getting a to age and educational standards were classes were conducted. university graduate to be headmaster. improved. During his 13-year term of chapter 4 Steering The School In The Right Direction 41 office, 10 students from the school won the formed and scouting was started, both cadet corps in 1906 and was an inspiration coveted Queen’s Scholarships. The school under the charge of Cheeseman. for his students. So respected was he that soon began to establish a reputation for More things were in store for the school. upon his retirement, the members of The being tops in education unrivalled by any One was expansion as the school was getting Old Frees’ Association (OFA) of Penang other institution in the province and even overcrowded by 1919. A year later, the wrote him a letter honouring him for his in all of Malaya. running of the school was taken over by the work and dedication. They pointed out how Taking over from Hargreaves was Government – a significant step that would he had overseen the completion of the new Ralph H Pinhorn from 1905 to 1925. enable greater development since Government school buildings at Green Lane and how he He proved to be just as dedicated and funding would be made available. would be sorely missed. The letter, written conscientious. With the help of his able Towards the end of Pinhorn’s tenure, on 29 December 1926 was signed by then assistant, HR Cheeseman, Pinhorn put into the school was operating at full capacity president of OFA Penang Khoo Sian Ewe place a system of organisation still practised so plans were made to move to bigger and its honorary secretary Ong Hock Chye. today. This was the introduction of sports grounds at a new 30-acre site in Green Lane On 1 January 1928, Penang Free School and extra-curricular activities to supplement provided by the Government. as it stands today was inaugurated. With its academic learning. Student participation In 1925, William Hamilton took move to new premises, it became a secondary was actively encouraged as the goal was to over as headmaster until his retirement a school while its former building continued instil in the boys qualities of leadership, year later. Although his term of office was to take in primary students. It was renamed resourcefulness and responsibility. short, Hamilton actually wielded a great Hutchings’ School and served as a feeder So a School Games Club for football deal of influence in the school as he had school for the new secondary school. and the 1st School Cadet Corps were set been a teacher for 35 years before rising to up. Cricket, badminton and hockey were take over as headmaster. He was known as Instilling esprit de corps introduced along with gardening, singing Second Master Lieutenant Hamilton and The headmaster then wasD R Swaine who and basketry. A Debating Society was was a mathematician. He introduced the had taken over a year earlier in 1927. He

42 LIVE FREE launched a new House system for sports character building. Hence the introduction and extra-curricular activities. Students He was headmaster when of “Additional Sports” which comprised a were grouped into five Houses – brown, I was doing my School list of activities that required compulsory yellow, blue, green and red, all named after Certificate. He was a very participation from all students — a practice prominent figures associated with the school. upright person and although that is still adhered to today. They were Hargreaves (brown), Hamilton School life proceeded smoothly before (yellow), Pinhorn (blue), Wu Lien-Teh he was feared he was also it was rudely interrupted by the outbreak of (green) and Cheeseman (red). Today, the looked up to. Through him, World War II and the occupation of Penang system has expanded to include three more we got to learn about the — and much of Malaya — by the Japanese Houses – Tunku Putra (orange), Tuanku Syed principles of fairness and from 1941 to 1945. The school buildings, Sirajuddin (purple) and P Ramlee (grey). fair play. which were taken over by the Indian With this system, a student would be National Liberation Army, were left in a attached to a particular House from the Heah Hock Heng shambles when they moved out. Furniture Hotel developer and architect on time he joined the school to the time he JE Tod, headmaster from 1951-1957 and equipment went missing. Worse were left. All the Houses would compete with the loss of precious school records and one another in games, sports and other the awarding of school prizes for scholastic other documentation. In 1945, Koay Khye extra-curricular activities. In cheering for achievements. Holgate also expanded Teong was appointed acting headmaster their House, it was hoped that students the range of sports that could be played, with the task of rehabilitating the school would develop team camaraderie, loyalty introducing students to rugby, basketball, with an enrolment of 603 students. and a sense of fair play. swimming and . The school held Two years later, when D Roper Under the charge of MR Holgate the firm belief that it was not just academic was appointed headmaster, the school’s from 1931 to 1933, the school saw the studies that maketh a man but that restoration was complete and it resumed establishment of yet another tradition – participation in games and sports helped in its mantle of Malaya’s foremost educational chapter 4 Steering The School In The Right Direction 43 institution when its students scored 78.5 Hock Heng remembers Tod well. “He was as he was interested in all of them. When I per cent of passes in the Cambridge School headmaster when I was doing my School was in the Scouts movement and we had a Leaving Examination results of 1946. Certificate. He was a very upright person and jamboree he would come outfitted in our although he was feared he was also looked up scouts’ uniform. The headmaster’s house was Introduction of Sixth to. Through him, we got to learn about the next to the sports pavilion facing the school Form classes principles of fairness and fair play.” field which was used for playing cricket and In the 1950s, Penang Free School entered a other activities. His home became like an new phase in its educational offerings when Of nurturing and open house as we could go in after games. Sixth Form classes (Lower and Upper) were creating bonds “He was an exceptional headmaster. I was introduced for Arts and Science to prepare Taking over from Tod was JMB Hughes a senior prefect at the time he was appointed students for entry into universities. As part in 1957, the year when Malaya became and I found I could discuss any subject with of the two-year programme, the school independent. He proved to be a very him, even my personal aspirations.” went co-educational when it admitted girls popular headmaster who touched the lives “He was very nurturing as a (from St George’s Girls’ School) for the of many of his students with his caring headmaster. His life was dedicated to the first time. These changes were made during nature and friendly disposition. school. Even when we played cricket on the time of JE Tod who was headmaster Many Old Frees speak fondly of him Saturdays and Sundays, Hughes would from 1951 to 1957. Despite cutting a stern describing him as “sociable and frank”. come around to the sports pavilion to figure, he had the interests of the school As Senior Consultant of the Department watch. His wife, who was part of the population at heart as he increased the type of Plastic Surgery at Singapore General teaching staff, was equally supportive,” of games and sports available and formed Hospital (SGH) Lee Seng Teik put it, “We observed tennis coach Tan Poh Seng. more clubs and societies to create more had a special relationship with headmaster Retired military captain Neo Kim San opportunities to get all students involved. Hughes. We were close to him as he got to adds, “He had a personal interest in me and Hotel developer and architect Heah know us well. He came to all our activities took me under his wing, perhaps because

44 LIVE FREE Hughes was a stickler for punctuality though. He used to say, ‘To be late is rude.’ This must have rubbed off me as I am on time for all my appointments! He took great pride in the school too and made sure that all the grounds

were well-maintained, including even the grass in the He kept true to the spirit of the school quadrangle, which was cut with razor blades. in maintaining its traditions and standards of excellence just as those who came before Neo Kim San Retired military captain on him did. JMB Hughes, headmaster from 1957-1963 “I remember well the ‘click clock’ sounds of his steps as he walked along of my miscreant ways, and helped me to his retirement in 1963 and his return to the corridors inspecting the school, the differentiate right from wrong. He was like England, Old Frees invited him back to staff and students,” said obstetrician and a father to me and introduced me to poets Penang and Singapore to catch up with his gynaecologist Wong Peng Cheang. like William Wordsworth whose poems former students on at least three occasions, Recalls part-time school counsellor like Imitations of Life I would read often as with all chipping in to foot the bill. On Huang Mei Sin, an Old Free from they had passages that helped me through another occasion, Old Free Ng Kong Yeam, 1966-1967, “Dato’ Tan Boon Lin was a life. He called me a wee bairn (the Scottish owner of travel agency Sino-America Tours, headmaster who showed leadership. The word for child). organised and partly sponsored a trip of leadership of a headmaster is important in “Hughes was a stickler for punctuality several Old Frees to the UK to visit Hughes. any school and it had a critical role to play though. He used to say, ‘To be late is rude.’ in Penang Free School. This must have rubbed off on me as I am First Asian headmaster “Going from a convent school to the on time for all my appointments! In 1963, the year when Malaysia came Free School, I found out how things were “He took great pride in the school too into being, Tan Boon Lin made history by different between them when it came to and made sure that all the grounds were well- becoming the school’s first Asian headmaster. how extra-curricular activities were run. maintained, including even the grass in the It was an appropriate choice as he himself In the convent, there was a lot of hand- quadrangle, which was cut with razor blades.” went through the portals of the school as a holding whereas in PFS, we were given a Hughes was so popular that after student in 1939 and later as a teacher in 1951. sense of leadership and responsibility to do chapter 4 Steering The School In The Right Direction 45 The Headmasters

1816-1821: Mr J Cox 1950-1951: Mr PF Howitt most of the things ourselves. 1821-1822: Mr Churcher 1951-1957: Mr JE Tod “When I was a teacher, I myself put 1822-1826: Mr Porter 1957-1963: Mr JMB Hughes this into practice at the various schools 1826-1828: Mr Anchant 1963-1969: Dato’ Tan Boon Lin where I taught. 1828-1843: Mr JC Smith 1969-1971: Mr Poon Poh Kong “I am still in touch with Dato’ Tan and when I shared with him about how I learnt 1843-1846: Mr Bruton 1972-1974: Mr KG Yogam responsibility and leadership during my 1846-1853: Mr Fitzgerald 1974-1979: Dr. Goon Fatt Chee two years in PFS, he said he got this himself 1853-1871: Mr J Clark 1979-1983: Mr R Visvanathan, P.J.K. from the British headmasters.” 1871-1891: Mr George Griffin 1983-1988: Mr G Krishna Iyer Since then, of the 14 Asian headmasters that have steered the school, 1891-1904: Mr William Hargreaves 1988-1993: Mr Goh Hooi Beng six others have been Old Frees: 1904-1925: Mr Ralph H. Pinhorn 1993-2000: Mr Hj Ismail bin Ibramsa

Goon Fatt Chee, R Visvanathan, 1925-1926: Mr William Hamilton 2000-2001: Mr Hj Abdul Rahman bin Salim G Krishna Iyer, Goh Hooi Beng and 1927-1928: Mr DR Swaine 2001-2004: Mr Arabi bin Sulaiman, PKT Jalil bin Saad who was appointed in 2012 after a 20-year gap, and the current 1929-1931: Mr DW McLeod 2005-2006: Mr Hj Mohd Yusof bin Omar headmaster Omar bin Rashid. 1931-1933: Mr MR Holgate 2006-2011: Mr Hj Ramli bin Din

The prominence of the school in 1934-1939: Mr LW Arnold 2012-2016: Mr Jalil bin Saad Penang is reflected in the streets around 1941-1945: World War II 2016-present: Mr Omar bin Rashid it bearing the names of its best known headmasters: Jalan Hargreaves, Jalan 1947-1950: Mr D Roper Hamilton, Jalan Pinhorn and Jalan Cheeseman.

46 LIVE FREE Headmasters of Penang Free School

W Hargreaves RH Pinhorn W Hamilton DR Swaine DW McLeod MR Holgate LW Arnold 1891–1904 1904–1925 1925–1926 1927–1928 1929–1931 1931–1933 1934–1939

D Roper PF Howitt JE Tod JMB Hughes Tan Boon Lim Poon Poh Kong KG Yogam 1947–1950 1950–1951 1951–1957 1957–1963 1963–1969 1969–1971 1972–1974

Goon Fatt Chee R Visvanathan G Krishna Iyer Goh Hooi Beng Haji Mohd Ismail Haji Abdul Rahman Arabi bin Sulaiman 1974–1979 1979–1983 1983–1988 1988–1993 bin Ibramsa bin Salim 2001–2004 1993–2000 2000–2001

Haji Muhammad Yusof Haji Ramli bin Din Jalil bin Saad Omar bin Rashid bin Omar 2006–2011 2012–2016 2016–present 2005 chapter 4 Steering The School In The Right Direction 47 Steeped in Traditions

School Speech Day It is celebrated every year on 21 October, the anniversary of the school’s founding. It begins early in the morning with a dedication ceremony conducted at Reverend Sparke Hutchings’ tomb at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, led by the school headmaster and a non-Muslim prefect, presided over by an Anglican pastor. The memorial service is followed by a day of parades by the school’s uniformed groups and performances by the school band. “It is a very grand affair,” recalls Lee

Eng Hin. “It begins with the Governor of School Speech Day was a grand affair with the Governor of Penang inspecting the Guard-of-Honour. Penang inspecting the Guard-of-Honour formed by the Army Cadet Corps. governor and guests are escorted into prize-giving to all the top students, other “The uniformed groups led by the Army a room to sign the visitors’ book. They activities follow, including making a beeline Cadet Corps then perform a march-past then enter the School Hall with everyone to acquire the school’s annual magazine, before the Governor and the VIPs. We were standing at attention and take to the stage a much sought after souvenir and all in ceremonial white. As the Company to hear the National and State anthems collector’s item. Sargeant Major, I led the platoon with being played. Captain Tan Boon Soon in command.” At the conclusion of the formal When the march-past is over, the ceremony, the highlight of which is the

48 LIVE FREE School Assembly Rally is played after which the school The school assembly is a weekly tradition population is called to attention again until Sometimes when we that is held every Monday morning. It starts the headmaster leaves the hall, followed with the ringing of the first bell at 7.25am – by the teachers. The School Captain then would have a visitor, a call for all students to gather in the dismisses the students. there would be a lot of School Hall according to their forms and Describing the school assembly as a attired in their complete school uniform dignified occasion, consultant radiologist excitement all around. including tie. Chin Wah Seng remembers how Once we had the The second bell rings to announce proceedings would be livened up if there the entrance of the headmaster while was a visitor. He recalls, “In my last year at di-Pertuan Agong the School Captain calls the school to school in 1961, I was elected head prefect (King) visiting us. attention. There is a hushed silence as the or school captain and my job was to call the headmaster walks in; when he reaches school to attention. I remember escorting the stage, the teachers stand to attention, “Sometimes when we would have a him through the school. followed by the headmaster. visitor, there would be a lot of excitement The National and State anthems are all around. Once we had the Yang di- It made my day. sung after which the teachers take turns to Pertuan Agong (King) visiting us. I address the school to talk about activities in remember escorting him through the Chin Wah Seng the coming week and of any achievements school. It made my day.” Consultant radiologist accomplished. The headmaster then delivers his speech keeping the audience informed on school developments. At the end of the speeches, the School chapter 4 Steering The School In The Right Direction 49 The Cheeseman Elocution The Annual School Sports Contest The annual school sports take place in Named after Scoutmaster Cheeseman the last week of the first semester. It kicks The School Band is who helped form the Debating Society, off with a parade followed by the School one of the best in the this keenly participated competition, open Athletics Captain reciting the School’s Sport only to Upper Form students, is held at Oath. Then the fun starts with a slew of land as it is always the end of the first semester. Each class has events of which the hotly contested inter- at least one speaker as representative and School invitational relays, the Old Boys’ race invited to lead other participants have the liberty to choose their and the tug-of-war finals are the highlights. school bands on own topic for debate. Marks are awarded Competition on the field among the for the contents of speech, fluency of athletes representing their various Houses National Day. presentation, use of expressions and poise. extends off the field as well as each House Organised by the English Language tries to make their House shed — the focal Department, this annual event provides a point of activity — more colourful and VIPs and proud parents file to the hall for grooming stage for students wishing to try better decorated than that of their rivals. “High Tea” after which they return to the their debating skills in the more challenging After the completion of activities and Pavilion for the presentation of trophies, national “Youth Speaks for The Nation” before the prize presentation ceremony, shields and plaques. elocution contest. an interval ensues during which another Then the School Band strikes up important event takes place. to conclude by playing the With the school’s scouts forming a National and State anthems. It is a befitting Guard-of-Honour stretching from the finale as the band is one of the best in the Sports Pavilion to the School Hall, guests land as it is always invited to lead other including the Governor of Penang, other school bands on National Day.

50 LIVE FREE The PFS badminton team, 1952. The PFS rugger team, 1951.

Celebrating achievements on the field. Membership in the PFS soccer team is coveted among students. chapter 4 Steering The School In The Right Direction 51 Founding of The chapter Old Frees’ Association, 5 Singapore

How It All Began

52 LIVE FREE An Old Frees’ dinner in Singapore, 1950. Old Frees in Singapore, 1950s.

chapter 5 Founding Of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore 53 he Old Frees’ Association, Vice-president Arthur Sandosham lawyer Kok Weng On said, “The president, Singapore (OFAS) has a long was then chairman of the Department of Justice Tan Ah Tah, called the formal history. According to a report Parasitology at the King Edward VII College gathering to order and separated the Old Ton 22 October 1952 of The Straits Times, of Medicine, the forerunner of the medical Frees from their spouses and guests. He an inaugural dinner of the Old Frees’ faculty of the University of Singapore and then addressed the Old Frees and thus Association was held on 21 October. later the National University of Singapore. began the annual general meeting of The AW Frisby, chairman of the Public Old Frees’ Association, Singapore. The Services Commission and a former teacher Official registration AGM was over in less than an hour with at Penang Free School was elected as its takes place the new committee voted in.” first patron. Voting was also held for office Although OFAS was first bearers. Tan Ah Tah was elected president, launched in 1952, certified Arthur A Sandosham vice-president, Chan records show that it was Kok Chin secretary and Khoo Sian Wah actually registered as a treasurer. Committee members voted in society only some 10 years included Ibrahim Basham, Chee Swee later on 9 May 1962. Leng, Lim Ewe Hin, Leng Yin Choo and It is interesting to note Yeoh Bock Choon. that Tan Ah Tah who was Three years later, in 1955, Tan Ah serving as president then Tah was to become the first Asian to be was re-elected at the annual appointed to the High Court in Singapore. dinner held on 21 October He had won a Queen’s Scholarship in 1962 to mark the OFAS’s 1924 at Penang Free School to study law at formal presentation. The Straits Times, 22 October 1952 (left) and 28 October 1966. Cambridge University. Recalling the occasion, Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction

54 LIVE FREE Thus, it is likely that in the interim decade between 1952 and 1962, OFAS had been informally holding their annual general meetings and having get-togethers. Members of OFAS in its early days comprised many prominent members of the Judiciary. They included High Court Judge JWD Ambrose, a Queen’s Scholar in 1928 and AV Winslow, then Solicitor- The 1966 Committee, The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore. From left: Heah Hock Meng, Justice AV Winslow, Justice Tan Ah Tah, Dr GK Lim, TQ Lim, Ernest Clark and Kok Weng On. General and Queen’s Scholar in 1934. There was also who became a government bungalow by the sea. This the first Asian to be appointed Chief Justice Beach outings and formal would take place once a year with 50 to in Singapore in 1963, which was a break ceremonies 60 Old Frees attending, some with their from the tradition of appointing British Another Old Free who also treasures his families. We did not bring our children as Chief Justices. He continued to serve as ties with other Old Frees through OFAS they were still very young. Chief Justice when Singapore became is pioneer optometrist Lim Eam Khoon, “It was a whole day affair and people independent in 1965 until his retirement better known as EK. would swim apart from catching up with in 1990, making him the longest serving “Almost every year from the time I one another. It was a pot-luck occasion and Chief Justice in the Commonwealth. came to Singapore in 1971, I have attended my wife would make Penang laksa, which Weng On and Neo Kim San have the OFAS reunion,” he remembers. was very popular among all present!” shared memories of the early days of “At our first gathering, Through OFAS, EK met Tan Ah Tah OFAS in vividly written essays which are (Attorney-General since 1965) was there. who was the brother of his science teacher Tan reproduced in the next chapter. I remember the beach gathering we had at Ah Fee when he was a Standard 8 student. chapter 5 Founding Of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore 55 I remember the beach gathering we had at a government bungalow by the sea. This would take place once a year with 50 to 60 Old Frees attending, some with their families ... It was a whole day affair and people would swim apart from catching up with one another. It was a Another Old Free who recalls the pot-luck occasion and my wife would make Penang laksa, which was gatherings well is architect Tay Lee Soon. very popular among all present! He said, “Attending the first Free School dinner was like attending a Cambridge Lim Eam Khoon, “EK” Retired optometrist dinner. It was like harking back also to my college days in Melbourne when students had to wear gowns at formal dinners all Old Frees had to wear previously and food buffet spread at King’s Hotel signalled presided over by the principal. members were only required to turn up in the start of another tradition that is still “At our Old Free dinner, we had smart dress. ongoing today. Ambrose, Tan Ah Tah and Wee Chong Alas, a long-standing tradition of Except for one occasion, every annual Jin occupying pride of place. Many were OFAS – the get-together by the seaside general meeting has since been held on 21 Queen’s Scholars.” – also bit the dust when the bungalows October at King’s Hotel on Havelock Road For him, the pomp and ceremony in Changi were demolished to make way without fail. It is well attended by Old Frees accompanying these formal Old Free for reclamation and the building of a new for whom the lure of tasting true-blue Penang dinners was befitting of the elite reputation international airport. cuisine is too good to miss. and image of prestige so long associated After that, apart from the annual On 21 October 1991, OFAS with Penang Free School. general meeting cum dinner, lunch meetings commemorated the 175th anniversary of were held on the last Friday of each month at Penang Free School with a special dinner OFAS goes casual the now defunct Hotel Phoenix on Orchard at the Concorde Hotel, preceded by its Over the years as society became more Road right into the 1990s. annual general meeting. It was presided casual, the proceedings at OFAS’s annual Annual general meetings were usually by Dr Oh Siew Leong, the then president. general meetings adopted a similarly relaxed held at various function rooms of hotels. The guest of honour was then Chief Justice tone. Gone were the ties, for instance, that In 1988, the introduction of a Penang Wee Chong Jin who was accompanied by

56 LIVE FREE his wife. Speaker of the evening was Dato part of its four-day trip. Haji Zainal Alam bin Haji Zainal Abidin. In a nod to the Internet age, under A commemorative souvenir programme was the leadership of Dr Alex Ooi as president, also produced to celebrate the occasion. OFAS launched a website in 2010 with the help of Jeff Yeo Nai Kwang and Yeoh Kheng OFAS deepens its Penang Hock and overseen by then Vice-President connection Jeevendra Kanagalingam as part of its Since the 1990s, OFAS has reached out efforts to extend its reach to Old Frees and to its members and also to its alma mater OFAS sponsored the PFS team to the Singapore expand its database. in other ways, such as organising sporting Mathematics Olympiad in 2014. A quarterly Penang Dialogue was tournaments like hockey and golf with to take part in the Singapore Mathematics introduced after its first successful launch other alumni associations in Penang Olympiad (SMO) 2014. The Olympiad on 3 June 2010 featuring then Penang like Chung Ling Alumni and St Xavier’s is an annual event that brings together Chief Minister . Alumni, holding joint talks and activities talented students in Mathematics from with these alumni groups in Singapore, Singapore and the region to compete. Commemorating 50 years sponsoring book prizes to be awarded to its The PFS team, which entered in the of its founding best students, hosting Penang Free School Open Category, was awarded a SMO 2012 was a particularly active year. To fete (PFS) students arriving in Singapore to take Certificate for their participation. A welcome the 50th year of its formal founding, OFAS part in various activities and holding talks/ dinner at the Singapore Island Country Club organised an anniversary gathering on 21 seminars by prominent Old Frees. was held for the boys on 4 June giving them October that was attended by more than In June 2014, OFAS sponsored a PFS an occasion to mingle with OFAS members. 70 Old Frees. The occasion was worth team of six boys accompanied by Abdul OFAS also hosted the PFS Olympiad team celebrating for another reason – the speaker Said, Co-Curriculum Head to Singapore to a day of sightseeing on Sentosa island as at the function was Jalil bin Saad, an Old chapter 5 Founding Of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore 57 Free who had been appointed as headmaster President of OFAS Alex Ooi (centre) with John Hughes (left), son of JMB Hughes at the launch of the book of the school after many years of its “The White Crocodile’s Tale; My Memoirs” by JMB administration in the hands of non-Old Frees. Hughes, with Jeyaraj Jayarao on 21 October 2014. Earlier in the year, on 19 May, OFAS took the initiative to organise a lecture on Wu Lien-Teh at in Penang. As one of Penang Free School’s JMB Hughes addressing a gathering of Old Frees on most illustrious Old Frees, Wu Lien-Teh is one of his visits to Singapore. recognised world-wide as the doctor who helped to wipe out the plague in China in The OFAS’ 50th anniversary the 1930s when he was based in Harbin. commemorative calendar ended on a high

The purpose of the lecture was to note with the Harbin trip of 18 to 20 First meeting of members of the Adjudication Panel to decide on the contents of The Old Frees’ lay the groundwork for an international January 2013 to learn more about Dr Wu Association, Singapore coffee-table book, Live Free. gathering in Harbin in January 2013 co- Lien-Teh’s life and work in China and its organised by OFAS in honour of Dr Wu and relevance in coping with modern diseases. for Penang to map out a possible Heritage Later in the year, aspiring doctors in Trail in memory of the good doctor’s days Singapore were introduced to Dr Wu’s in Penang. The talk was also attended work. They comprised the Lee Kong Chian by Professor Ye Tian of Harbin Medical (LKC) School of Medicine’s inaugural University where Dr Wu was attached. cohort of 54 undergraduates at its campus The event, which attracted a crowd of on Mandalay Road. The presentation 200, was inaugurated by Penang’s Chief on 27 September 2013 was presided by Old OFAS committee members at a dinner held to welcome Old Free and former tennis coach Tan Poh Minister Lim Guan Eng. Free Dr Jeevendra Kanagalingam, Senior Seng at the Singapore Island Country Club.

58 LIVE FREE OFAS’ 50th anniversary ended on a high note with a trip to Harbin to learn about Dr Wu Lien-Teh’s life and work Dr Jeevendra Kanagalingam addressing a conference in China. on the life and work of Dr Wu at Chui Huay Lim Club.

House Tutor of the Wu Lien-Teh House, 2014. Organised by the Singapore China a coffee-table book to commemorate the one of five Houses on the campus named Friendship Association (SCFA), Wu Lien- 200th anniversary of Penang Free School’s after key medical figures. Teh Society and LKC School of Medicine founding and the 54th anniversary of the LKC School of Medicine was also together with OFAS, conference speakers formation of the association. The launch presented with a copy of the documentary included various doctors. Among the guests of the book in August 2016 will coincide on Wu Lien-Teh Plague Fighter produced were Singapore’s Minister for Health Gan with the introduction of several celebratory by MediaCorp and a copy of his book, Kim Yong, Duan Jielong then Ambassador events that will culminate with a grand Memories of Wu Lien-Teh presented by the of China to Singapore and Professor KK dinner on 21 October 2016 to be held in Wu Lien-Teh Society. Phua, President SCFA. the school field of Penang Free School to be Greater awareness of Dr Wu’s work attended by Old Free alumni groups from continued with an international conference Feting the 200th year of PFS around the world. and exhibition held a year later at the At its annual general meeting in 2013, Singapore Chui Huay Lim Club on 5 April OFAS announced its intention to publish chapter 5 Founding Of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore 59 Management Committee 2014/15 President: Dr Alex Ooi Koon Hean Vice-President: Mr Cheah Hock Leong Hon. Secretary: Mr Gabriel Teh Choo Thok Hon. Treasurer: Mr Khaw Teik Kooi

Members: Dr Jeevendra Kanagalingam Mr Jeff Yeo Nai Kwang Mr Ooi Oon Tat Mr Steve Foong Ther Hoei Mr Thanneermalai Lakshmanan Mr Yeoh Kheng Hock

Hon. Auditor: Dr Tan Yew Oo Old Frees and guests at a Chinese New Year gathering in February 2016.

Management Committee 2015/16 President: Dr Alex Ooi Koon Hean Vice-President: Mr Cheah Hock Leong Hon. Secretary: Mr Gabriel Teh Choo Thok Hon. Treasurer: Mr Khaw Teik Kooi

Members: Dr Jeevendra Kanagalingam Mr Jeff Yeo Nai Kwang Dr Lee Eng Hin Mr Steve Foong Ther Hoei Dr Tan Yew Oo Mr Yeoh Kheng Hock Mr Alfred Foo Keat Jeng Mr Lim Chong Hoo At the event were Old Frees Khaw Teik Kooi, OFAS Doing the traditional Prosperity Toss or lo hei. Hon. Auditor: Mr Philip Ling Soon Hwa Honorary Treasurer, Simon J Pragasam and Lee Eng Hin.

60 LIVE FREE OFA Singapore Management Committee 2014/15. From left: Yeoh Kheng Hock, Jeff Yeo Nai Kwang, Ooi Oon Tat, Cheah Hock Leong, Alex Ooi Koon Hean, Gabriel Teh Choo Thok, Khaw Teik Kooi, Thanneermalai Lakshmanan and Steve Foong Ther Hoei. Not in picture: Jeevendra Kanagalingam and Tan Yew Oo.

chapter 5 Founding Of The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore 61 Reminiscences chapter 6 & Recollections

The Way We Were

62 LIVE FREE The Board of Prefects, 1970. Khoo Hoon Eng (left, seated), the sole Girl Prefect in PFS in 1970 recalls the spirit of sharing and giving on page 70. chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 63 Of Beach Parties And Formal Dinners By Kok Weng On Year left school: 1961

n 1962, I had just entered the Law well the school had done scholastically force to cheer the team. Chong Hoe ‘saw Faculty of the University of Malaya in with a few winning the Colombo Plan no ball’ in the first set. He was completely Singapore. The student representative Scholarships, the Head Prefect being a outplayed. However he clawed back to take Iwas Dr Oh Siew Suah who stayed in the natural recipient. I also reported how the second set. With the entire Free School same hostel as I did on Bukit Timah Road. well we fared in sports and in particular spirit now behind him, he went all out with He told me that there was an Old Frees’ our cricket team which knocked out St sheer guts and determination, and eventually Association in Singapore which gathered Xavier’s Institution for only four runs. More defeated Tan Yee Khan who had run out of every 21 October to celebrate Founder’s Day important was the fact that PFS became stamina. The Frees were in a frenzy and PFS and many well-known Old Frees would be the first holder of the inaugural King’s Cup went on to become the eventual winner. present for the reunion. He added that as I for badminton. All the schools in Malaya What a night it was and we were promptly was one of the latest Old Frees to come to participated in the tournament on a knock- given a school holiday. Such was the might Singapore, I was to brief the association on out basis and the two best teams would of the alma mater! the latest performance of our alma mater. meet in the final at the Han Chiang High Shortly after my maiden speech Justice You can imagine how terrified I was, School Hall. We were in the final; the other Tan Ah Tah came over to thank me. I was having never participated in school debates, was St Michael’s Institution (SMI) with over-awed by the learned judge’s humility and to address such an august body made Thomas Cuppers Tan Yee Khan and Ng humbleness. His younger brother was Tan Ah up of legal, medical, education, business Boon Bee in their team. On the other hand, Fee, our science teacher-cum-tennis and rugby and civil service personalities. To console our players were Lee Chong Hoe, Chin Wah coach. The judge was the new president. myself, I thought that as I was reading Law Seng, Mohd Anis and Khor Cheng Chye. Other committee members in the 1960s and would eventually have to speak in the On paper we would be trounced by included AV Winslow, Chan U Seek, Heah courtroom later in practice, I might as well SMI with such an impressive and formidable Hock Meng, Dr GK Lim, Ernest Clark, TQ get ‘inducted’ before the old boys as a starter! line-up. Our headmaster, JMB Hughes, was Lim, Tan Boon Teik and Hwang Tiaw Sooi. I remember telling the gathering how present with the boys who turned up in full (Other judicial officers who were

64 LIVE FREE “The AGMs were usually short and would not extend beyond an hour.”

Old Frees included AV Winslow, JWD annual picnic and the anniversary dinner- laksa noodles and gravy. What a committed Ambrose, Wee Chong Jin, Tan Boon Teik cum-annual general meeting (AGM). lady she was to the Old Frees. and Eu Cheow Chye. ) Before Changi International Airport Ernest Clark, the export marketing The committee met monthly in the came into being, there were very beautiful manager of Fraser & Neave Singapore would 1960s and 1970s at an executive room government bungalows along Telok Paku bring in his lorry filled to the brim with in Building through the kind Road which were meant for top government Tiger Beer and F&N soft drinks for our courtesy of Heah Hock Meng who was servants. One of the judges would reserve a unlimited consumption; TQ Lim would have a right-hand man of Loke Wan Tho, the bungalow for our annual picnic. However, arranged a special package with the satay owner and cinema magnate. The meetings before making the reservation, the committee man barbecueing hot tasty satay. Other foods included dinner and generally lasted three to would want to ensure that the weather on would include nyonya kueh. One could see four hours and were always full of laughter. that day would be sunny. Fortunately we had Old Frees and their kiddies at the beach and Important items, usually very few, were an Old Free, Hwang Tiaw Sooi, who worked in the compound of the bungalow. quickly disposed off and the rest of the in the meteorological office. He was our Over time, the annual picnics became evening was spent on updating each other as weatherman. However, the committee would distant memories when the colonial members came from different professions. opt for the ‘rainy’ day as the ‘sunny’ day bungalows were demolished to make way Since Raffles College and King Edward given by Tiaw Sooi sometimes turned out for development at Changi. We did try to VII School of Medicine were already in to be wrong! hold the annual picnics elsewhere, in places existence and many Old Frees had gone to The picnic would be held in June or such as Jurong and Kallang but alas, the these institutions, they would have formed a July. The most important fare was Penang ambience was no longer the same. Thus loose association to celebrate the anniversary Laksa as without it there would be no ended an OFA tradition. of their alma mater every year. There was picnic. This would be followed by satay, As for the annual dinner, I cannot even a newspaper report saying that OFA nyonya kueh and a free flow of soft drinks recall it being held on dates other than Singapore started way back in 1952. and beer. The late Mrs Yapp Thean Chye 21 October. Even when I took over the There were two main activities that would tell me that for the occasion she Presidency many years later, I kept to the committee undertook every year: the would wake up at 4am just to prepare the this tradition no matter whether it was chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 65 “In the ‘60s and ‘70s the dinners were quite formal. Everyone turned up in coat and tie. We had an Old Free tie and God forbid if one turned up without a tie. He would have to purchase another tie on the spot.”

Monday or Tuesday or any other day of After the toast the president would Haniff and Hamidon, Ng Kong Yeam, the week. Spouses were always invited and then give his State of the Union address former headmasters Goon Fatt Chee, Tan a reasonable fee would be charged with a which is a report of the affairs of the Boon Lin, VKG Iyer and JMB Hughes who smaller sum for undergraduate members. If association. That is then followed by came to visit twice, and Dr Wu Yu-Lin, the there was a shortfall, it would be taken care announcing the name of the school’s daughter of our world-renowned Old Free, of by the committee of the day. best O-level student in the preceding Dr Wu Lien-Teh. In the ‘60s and ‘70s the dinners were year. A sum of S$120 contributed by the The AGMs were usually short and quite formal. Everyone turned up in coat committee members would be awarded as would not extend beyond an hour. In and tie. We had an Old Free tie and God the book prize which would be given to the earlier years the presidency went on forbid if one turned up without a tie. He him through the school. a rotation basis and we could have the would have to purchase another tie on the At the end of the dinner, the president same people being president again, but spot. That was the penalty for not having would introduce the guest speaker. not consecutively. The out-going president the right tie for the occasion. There are Generally, he would be an Old Free. would request another committee member many members who owned quite a few Through the years, they included Justice to take over the following year and usually ties as a consequence! The annual dinner Tan Ah Tah, Justice AV Winslow, Dr GK this was accepted – and also, the whole is always preceded by the AGM and this Lim, Heah Hock Meng, Dr Yeoh Bok committee would be returned en bloc – practice continues right up till today. Choon with his pantuns, Ernest Clark, such was the Old Frees’ spirit. Somewhere in the early part of the former judicial commissioner TQ Lim, Past presidents included Tan Ah Tah, dinner, the president would rise and drink broadcaster Zainal Alam, singer Ahmad AV Winslow, Dr GK Lim, Heah Hock a toast to the alma mater. Right up to the Daud, Dr Lee Kum Tatt, Lim Ho Hup, Dr Meng, TQ Lim, Lim Ho Hup, Dr Chan ‘80s we did not sing the school song. This Catherine Lim, Lim Chong Keat, Robert Kong Thoe, Dr Lee Seng Teik, Ng Kong was only introduced to the OFA Singapore Teng Lye Hock, John Lim Kok Min, former Yeam, Dr Oh Siew Leong, Chong Soon in the ‘90s. Malaysian High Commissioners Emam Khean and Captain Neo Kim San. I took

66 LIVE FREE “During the colonial days there were already many Old Frees in Singapore, some working and some studying. Some who had finished their studies stayed back to work. Many joined the government service in the medical service, judiciary and teaching.”

over from Siew Leong and held it for three Wee Chong Jin became the first Asian Professor Lee Eng Hin, an orthopaedic, is years after which I passed it over to Soon and an Old Free to be appointed Chief heading stem cell research. Dr Lee Seng Khean. The present one is Dr Alex KH Ooi Justice. Other judges included AV Winslow Teik goes around the ASEAN region who is serving his sixth year as president. and JWD Ambrose. Tan Boon Teik was helping to stitch up people with cleft lips. When I joined the OFA, TQ Lim was promoted to Attorney-General and held We also have educationists in our already the honorary secretary. He held that position until retirement. Eu Cheow midst and these include Chin Pak Kim, it for several years and I took over from Chye was the Chief Registrar, TQ Lim had Hwang Tiaw Hoe, Moey Sek Pan, Yeoh him. After a few more years I passed it over also served as Judicial Commissioner and Boon Hai, Toh Kok Aun, Chong Tian Hoo, to Woo Kam Seng. The baton was then Malcolm Tan had served as a judge Mary Lim, Diana Ooi, Catherine Lim and handed over to Captain Neo Kim San who and state coroner. Yeap Lay Leng. held it for many more years. Others who Old Free Professor Yeoh Ghim Seng, a We hope that Old Frees who arrive had a stint included Von Kok Leong, Mary surgeon, was the Speaker of Parliament and in Singapore will get in touch with any Cheah Eok Lin, Dr Chong Tian Hoo and Professor Wong Lin Ken served as Minister committee member or an Old Free and Malcolm BH Tan. Gabriel Teh is the latest. of Home Affairs. Gordon Seow Li Meng join the association as the main objective of During the colonial days there were had a stint as Singapore’s Commissioner to OFA Singapore is to keep the old boys and already many Old Frees in Singapore, some Hong Kong. girls in touch with one another. working and some studying. Some who had We have many medical Old Frees both finished their studies stayed back to work. in the government and private sectors and Kok Weng On, a lawyer practising on both sides of Many joined the government service in the they include Chan Kong Thoe, Cheah Jin the Causeway, was for many medical service, judiciary and teaching. Seng, Tan Kim Leong, Teoh Eng Soon, Ong years the Honorary Secretary, Tan Ah Tah was the first Asian and an Old Eng San, Chin Wah Seng and Tan Yew Oo. Honorary Treasurer and President of The Old Frees’ Free to be appointed a puisne judge. He The Head of the Singapore Cancer Association, Singapore. later became a judge of the Federal Court. Centre is Professor Soo Khee Chee. chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 67 Stress on independence and self-reliance By Chandran Arul Year left school: 1953

arrived at Penang Free School where among the new arrivals that the book even egged on by the seniors of the House. The my two eldest brothers were studying, had four-letter words in it! What a discovery! champion House depended on every pupil via Wellesley Primary School and Emphasis was not just in the lessons doing his best to earn as many points as he IWestlands School. One elder brother was in class; sports was an important aspect could. It was quite a sight to see some obese still in PFS when I went in and that was of education as was explained to us. And boys being chased round the very large field some comfort to me. sports was not just for the talented athletes by the seniors to try and beat the mark! PFS was quite a new experience to me — all pupils had to engage in it, whether Geography was not restricted to the with boys much older than me in the higher sporty types or not. classroom, venturing outdoors was a given, classes and with a stern looking English This was achieved by the introduction especially so with a geography master like headmaster. To me, the school was very of “additional sports”, by which every pupil Mr JMB Hughes, who later became the large and imposing and the playing field had to take part. Most sports were included Headmaster. Field trips were great events was enormous; it even had its own sports such as 100 metres, high jump, long jump we all looked forward to. pavilion on one side — all very impressive. and hurdles. Every sport had a predetermined How did the school mould me? To The main difference from my feeder qualifying mark, which was the average of be independent, self-reliant and broad- school in the teaching was the emphasis on what a non-sporting type could achieve, and minded. I left PFS in 1953 when I finished independence in the learning process. Unlike beating that mark would give the boy one my Senior Cambridge exam. Having other secondary schools, there was no spoon point, which would go to his House. These qualified in law in England, I did not return feeding in PFS.The library was open to all points would be added to the points that the to Penang but went to Singapore in 1960 to students, even the junior boys, and the book athletes achieved in the annual sports day work there. On arrival, I found quite a few collection was very liberal. It even had two events, with the total points deciding which PFS alumni working here, especially in law. copies of James Joyce’s Ulysses, which was would be the champion House. Nearly all of the High Court Judges were much in demand by the pupils who had This resulted in every pupil training from PFS! just arrived at PFS, word having gone round very hard to beat the qualifying mark, I think all of them were Queen’s

68 LIVE FREE “Geography was not restricted to the classroom, venturing outdoors was a given, especially so with a geography master like Mr JMB Hughes, who later became the Headmaster. Field trips were great events we all looked forward to.”

Scholars. In fact PFS at that time won more Queen’s Scholarships than all the other English schools in Malaya combined. The Old Frees’ Association was active when I arrived in Singapore, and was a close-knit society. At that time we had annual picnics in the Government bungalows in Changi where Penang specialities were prepared by the wives of the members as these were not available then in the local restaurants, unlike today. The OFA in Singapore is active and thriving. Long may it remain that way.

Chandran Arul is founder and president of the Singapore Committee members of the Geographical Society in 1959. Seated third from right is JMB Hughes. Maritime Arbitrators Association. He is an advocate and solicitor of C Arul & Partners.

chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 69 Spirit of sharing and giving By Khoo Hoon Eng Year left school: 1970

entered Penang Free School at the age lovely frangipani flowers that would Science that culminated in my getting a of 6. Actually, that was when my family permeate the air along the internal school PhD in Biochemistry before joining UKM moved into the government teachers’ lane leading to our house. I particularly (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) medical Iquarters at the eastern corner of the school loved observing beautiful sunbirds getting school and later NUS (National University grounds. So for the next 12 years, I was nectar out of the hibiscus flowers blooming of Singapore) medical school as a lecturer. an observer of PFS life before becoming a in the hedge around the field and the annual Beyond the strong academics, the legitimate Free by entering Sixth Form in yellow carpet of the angsana petals courtesy emphasis on sports and service groups at 1969 and joining my grandfather, father of the big old trees lining Green Lane. There PFS has also had a lasting impact on me. My and brother as an Old Free in 1970. were also many trees such as guava and being part of the PFS girls’ volleyball team As a child, I enjoyed catching guppies rambutan to climb and fruits to harvest. meant I spent many afternoons practising in the storm drain in the school grounds, The combination of the Scouts’ and on the courts to build on individual basic flying kites in the big field and playing Cadet Corps’ focus on coordination and skills as well as playing as a team. These were hide-and-seek in the school building collaboration and the school’s maintenance invaluable lessons for life because no one with the neighbourhood children. Many of a green environment encouraged my succeeds based on one’s skills alone. afternoons were spent watching the PFS awareness that one needs all those attributes Joining the Rangers and Rotaract Club Scouts learn their camping skills in the to be a successful institution that educates allowed us to participate in community empty space near my house. This space well-rounded students. service and inculcated a sense of giving later became the site of the school library. In Sixth Form, my Science teachers, back to society. This has stayed with me During the early evenings, I would marvel Mrs. Oh, Miss Lim (now Mrs. Lau), as I continue to contribute towards the at the marching skills of the Cadet Corps Mr. Toh and Mr. Khor imparted their activities of civil society groups in Malaysia perfectly coordinated to “Kiri Kanan, Kiri love of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and and Singapore. These include AWAM - an Kanan” as they went around the field. Mathematics to me. They encouraged me independent feminist organisation in Malaysia My family enjoyed the scent of the to pursue a teaching and research career in committed to ending gender-based violence

70 LIVE FREE “My classmates at PFS are literally scattered throughout the world but we have had the good fortune of having a ‘Tai Kor’ in the person of Teoh Hock Eng. He set up a Yahoo group that now has many members where we discuss all manner of topics and organise reunions.”

Hoon Eng (centre, in pink) with other Old Frees on a recent reunion hike to Penang Hill. and upholding equality and rights for all; in Bangladesh. I have also been a Vice- I cannot even keep track of the number of AWARE — a women’s advocacy group; Dean at the medical faculty (now the Yong dinners, drinking sessions and get-togethers and SAFE — an organisation of parents, Loo Lin School of Medicine) in NUS, organised to welcome old classmates from families and friends of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Deputy Director at the NUS International outside Penang as well as to celebrate Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) Relations Officer and currently the anniversaries and children’s weddings. For persons, who believe in a society that accepts, Associate Dean of Faculty at Yale-NUS the more active among us, we have also had affirms and empowers everyone to participate College in Singapore. several hikes and runs in Penang. fully in it, regardless of gender identity or The sense of camaraderie among PFS The sum total of my PFS experiences sexual orientation, in Singapore. students is legendary. My classmates at PFS has shaped me in ways that, perhaps, I may Before joining PFS, I studied for 11 are literally scattered throughout the world not even be aware of. However, what I do years at the Green Lane Convent and so but we have had the good fortune of having know is that, while I may officially have been the influence of my teachers there shaped a “Tai Kor” in the person of Teoh Hock a Free for only two years, PFS will always my life quite strongly. Moreover, as the Eng. He set up a Yahoo group that now has have a special place in my heart with a large only Girl Prefect in PFS in 1970, I also many members where we discuss all manner pool of fond memories of the school — as a learnt many leadership skills. In addition, of topics and organise reunions. child, as a student and now as an “old girl”. my experience as a student at a leading In 2014, we had a reunion dinner May PFS continue to educate students all-women university (Smith College) in in the school hall followed by a durian who will contribute in many fields to make the US imparted a strong sense of women’s feast the next day in the school canteen. A our world a better one for all. empowerment to me. These have enabled donation was also made to the school fund. me to contribute in my varied roles in The previous year, an original Penang ferry Associate Professor Khoo Hoon Eng is Associate Dean of Faculty, Yale-NUS College. academia. For three years, I was Acting was hired for us to enjoy an evening trip Vice-Chancellor and Provost of a new from the piers to the second bridge with university, the Asian University for Women good food, karaoke and durians on board. chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 71 It’s been one big gallop By Tan Thean Loon Year left school: 1974

hen I went to Penang Free School in 1970, I had no inkling that I was continuing Wmy secondary school education in an iconic institution that is steeped in history. I only knew I was one of 24 from Jelutong Primary School chosen to go to PFS. My Primary 1 and 2 years were spent at St George’s School in my birthplace . During my primary school years, I was never out of the first three in class. But, at PFS, I realised that I was only a small fish in a big pond. I was just an average student. There was nothing I could be proud of, except wearing that PFS badge with the powerful Latin motto, Fortis Atque Fidelis. Like most Old Frees, I’m proud and Celebrating 40 years of the Class of ’74 in February 2014 at Penang Free School. Thean Loon is sixth from the passionate of my alma mater. Southeast Asia’s right. oldest English school gave each and every passing rate — at least until up to my time in sports or extra-curricular activities. I fell one of us a rock-solid foundation and shaped — spoke for itself. Go Frees Go. with that virgin kick of the ball during PE. us into what we are today. The teachers — While many of my cohorts excelled My legs were like tau hu on the second tier be they stern, jovial, funny or even weird in studies and/or sports, I was a mundane of the human tower, so gymnastics was — were dedicated. The school’s impeccable (but attentive) student.I was also inactive out. My best time for 100 metres was 16

72 LIVE FREE “I have often been asked by my curious Class of ‘74 mates how I ended up in the glamorous world of horse-racing. Well, you study law to be a lawyer, medicine to be a doctor, finance to be a banker but whatever I studied went down the longkang.”

seconds that even a girl could run faster. teenagers literally drooled like dogs with I ended up in the glamorous world of Hockey was PFS’ forte and the well- two tongues. horse-racing. Well, you study law to be a known annual rivalry with St Xavier’s “This is...”, and before Yogam could lawyer, medicine to be a doctor, finance to Institution was always a boisterous finish speaking, everyone yelled in unison be a banker but whatever I studied went affair. However, my association with the “WOO!” When Yogam added “Mrs Song”, down the longkang. Never in my wildest “dangerous” sport fizzled out before I could the response was a deflated “Ooo...” Mrs imagination did I envision myself carving a say “Hi”. Reason: I developed a phobia when Song blushed. The no-nonsense Yogam career as a horse-racing journalist. it made a one-eyed panda out of one of my bared his pearly whites. All the teachers Life, to me, is predestined. In my case, Form 1D classmates in my first week in PFS. seated on stage also broke into laughter. everything happened for a reason. Every Talking about hockey, Ooi Boo Now, who threw that chalk at Mrs Song? path I took after PFS inevitably led me to Chuan, our star player who went on to Until today, it’s a whodunit mystery the Sport of Kings. I became an equine represent Malaysia in the SEA Games, left discussed during Class of ‘74 gatherings. writer by chance, not by choice. How I the most impression on me. He was the live Knowing our wild and happy-go-lucky ended up working in Singapore is another wire throughout my five years at PFS. batch from 1970 to 1974, Yogam made fascinating tale by itself. It’s neither by A fun and loud character with an no bones that he was worried we would choice nor chance, but by the Jedi force of infectious laughter, he was greatly admired bring disgrace to the school in academic yet another benefactor. -- both as a friend and a sportsman who excellence for the MCE (Malaysian At PFS, I did harbour the ambition to brought many glories to the school. Certificate of Examination). But the Class be an accountant since I was the only one Another of my favourite anecdotes of ‘74 confounded him. We delivered. We in school to score an A1 for Commercial was when then-headmaster KG Yogam maintained the impeccable record PFS Studies and Book-Keeping during the LCE introduced the new and pretty Biology always enjoyed. (Lower Certificate Examination) in Form 3. teacher, C Song, during assembly. After PFS, I have often been asked But, as my MCE aggregate did not qualify Boy, how those testosterone-charged by my curious Class of ‘74 mates how me for admission to Lower Six, I dropped chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 73 “One day, management sent me a letter. It read: ‘ We are pleased to promote you to Racing Assistant. Your salary will be revised to RM240.’ Wow!”

out of school. I did almost nothing for my job was to cut and paste the edited insisted that I sought greener pasture for nearly two years while most of my peers stories on dummy pages designed by the my own good. I applied, reluctantly. The continued their academic path in Malaysia’s sub-editors, I was a great help to the racing interview letter came. But, on looking at most prestigious school or went abroad to team. One day, management sent me a the date, the interview at the New Straits further their studies. letter. It read: “We are pleased to promote Times’ office in Bangsar, , It was while waiting for my MCE you to Racing Assistant. Your salary will be had lapsed by two weeks. Egged on by Miss results that I first stepped onto a racecourse. revised to RM240.’’ Wow! Benefactor, I wrote in and was granted The uncle who brought me up took me The secondment to the Racing Desk another interview to be conducted in to the Batu Gantong racetrack to be the was my next unexpected step into racing. Singapore, with travel reimbursement. I was “Hokkien race commentator” to his circle As a Racing Assistant, my job was mainly very lucky indeed to have been given the of Chinese-educated horsey friends. There clerical, such as updating the turf statistics, second chance. Otherwise, I would have was no live TV coverage of the races then, typing out the horses taking part, the track been stranded in Malaysia. only live English broadcast from the four gallops and, of course, as the desk’s scanner. I aced the interview and got the job racing centres in Penang, , Kuala In early 1980, The Straits Echo(later straightaway. However, I had to wait for five Lumpur and Singapore. This went on until renamed The National Echo, now defunct) months before I got the go-ahead to start late 1976, a time when my PFS peers were moved its headquarters to Kuala Lumpur. work as a racing reporter with the afternoon already preparing for their Higher School I left Penang with a heavy heart. Although tabloid New Nation on 16 November 1981. Certificate exams. the pay was double again, life wasn’t easy. My job was to cover the racing scene in In September 1976, thanks to another The turning point came in early 1981. Singapore and Malaysia. When New Nation uncle, I secured a job as a paste-up artist at The pretty Features Editor handed me an ceased publication the following year, The Straits Echo Press at Jalan Dato Koyah. advertisement on the vacancy for a racing I was seconded to the company’s flagship The starting pay was a mere RM100, with reporter to be based in Singapore. I showed The Straits Times. In 1999, I moved on RM20 cost of living allowance. Although no interest but the well-meaning colleague to The New Paper, where I am currently

74 LIVE FREE “In the words of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister and PFS alumnus Tunku Abdul Rahman, who co-owned two-time Melbourne Cup winner Think Big, nothing makes a fool of a man better than a horse. How true.”

attached as Racing Correspondent. can be disastrous. In the words of Malaysia’s My first few months in Singapore were first Prime Minister and PFS alumnus tough. I was both home-sick and love-sick. Tunku Abdul Rahman, who co-owned two- My girlfriend (now my wife of 32 years) time Melbourne Cup winner Think Big, remained working in Kuala Lumpur. Being a nothing makes a fool of a man better than a true-blue Penangite who enjoys his char kway horse. How true. teow, laksa, curry and Hokkien mee, I could Like any form of gambling, there not adapt to the Singapore food. How could must be a line drawn between greed and one eat tok-tok mee with tomato ketchup discipline. There’s no such thing as a instead of black soya sauce? Or char kway teow certainty in horse-racing. For me, I am fried with sweet black sauce and swimming enjoying every minute of it. Racing has in lard? But I eventually got over it. been good to me. It has made my job and Although living alone in a foreign life interesting. After all, it’s like being paid land was a struggle, I persevered. After to go to a party. Giddy’up! all, perseverance and hard work are the Tan Thean Loon is a racing journalist with prerequisites for success. My life’s journey The New Paper. has been rewarded with the inaugural Racing Media Award for my contributions to the racing industry. I have also won the Champion Tipster’s title. It has been four decades but I am still passionate with my love affair with horses. Yes, horse-racing can be fun, but addiction chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 75 Learning to progress together By Yeoh Herr-Ling Year left school: 1987

f memory serves me correctly, the oldest and finest English boy’s school in involved in sports primarily in representing schooling was so much simpler then. the region, one which was founded almost PFS in swimming and tennis. Scouting I remember telling my parents that three years before Sir Stamford Raffles (and we all know why we joined this I wanted to follow in Dad’s footsteps by founded Singapore! uniform group other than the night camps) enrolling in schools that he went to. At On my first day at PFS, I learnt the and House activities were a big part of my seven, I was enrolled in Wellesley Primary words “Fortis Atque Fidelis”. It was the first schooling life. In upper secondary, I was School, a stone’s throw from Grandma’s three Latin words that I learnt and to this the captain of Wu Lien-Teh House and that house at 44 Nagore Road. day, a motto which I have lived by. Always was when I learned the word: Delegation When I was 11, I knew had to do well trying to be in a position of strength to (trusting the people that I have empowered for Standard Five Assessment if I were to help, to be faithful and true to those around to not only complete a task but do it well). make it into Penang Free School. It was me is what it means to be an “Old Free”. With the benefit of hindsight not after all my maternal great-great grandfather Secondary school was to many, a being in the top Industrial Arts class (the Toh Lip Koo (Head Boy circa 1885), mere bridge to a tertiary education but to top class in school) but in Commerce class maternal great-grandfather Lim Cheng me it was much more than that. It was a (supposedly the second top class) was a Keat, paternal grandfather Yeoh Swee time where boys became men, where we blessing in disguise. In not so many words, Teong, father Yeoh Keng Hock, my uncles struggled with the awkwardness of puberty we were in a class where I first learned the Yeoh Keng Lock and Dr. Lee Kheng Hin’s (guys tearing out and burning the last word “specialisation”. It’s knowing your alma mater. I have heard many a story about chapter of their Form 1 Science Book), strengths and using it to help your other the great times they had riding through the the constant juggling of studies and co- classmates and they would do likewise to coconut and other plantations from town curricular activities help you with your weaker subjects. to school, the great rivalry in sports with St Extracurricular activities were such Perversely, it shaped my life and how Xavier’s Institution, and of how prestigious fun that it was not always easy to find the I think today. It is better to have friends in this Penang Free School (PFS) was. It was equilibrium between the two. I was very the corporate world who are in a position

76 LIVE FREE “PFS was the oldest and finest English boy’s school in the region, one which was founded almost three years before Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore!”

to help us than being all alone with no For example, we need a stable source one around. It was very important to of income. We employ day traders (aka move together and leave no one behind. In scalpers) who on a daily basis will trade essence, we were in an inner circle albeit intraday and make their money. These a huge one (the whole class of 36). It was people are the builders, they keep their hands never about pushing someone within below on the pulse of the market and trade intraday us so that we can rise up and be superior. It to slowly build the base of the business. was more about the collective output being We also have traders who are solution higher than the sum of the individual parts. providers to the clients of the firm. They This became my philosophy in life and write and advise well and tend to work in business. I tend to draw parallels with with a longer time horizon. We have traders a football team. We need specialisation, who depend on technical analysis with where we have the goalie, the defenders, varying degrees of time frames as well as the midfielders and the strikers. Currently, fundamental and economics experts who I oversee the Local Markets Foreign analyse the economic data posted. Exchange business of an international bank It’s likewise with life and family. It here in Singapore. I look for professionals is to give my children the leeway and who look at different things, with different responsibility for them to grow up as young skillsets and qualifications. Some people individuals. PFS has shaped me and has are visual, others are audio and some others impacted my life and those around me in just “feel” the market. In hiring, I look for so many ways. Yeoh Herr-Ling (right, pictured on a family people who are able to bring something Happy 200th Birthday and may you holiday in Japan) is Global Head - Foreign different to the table. have many more to come! Exchange Local Markets at ANZ Bank. chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 77 Growing up in an awesome environment By Yeoh Kheng Hock Year left school: 1972

fter completing Primary 6 in “I remember our very loyal jaga “The school had other unique Francis Light Primary School in (watchman) Hashim who would protect us characteristics such as PERA (Physical, 1966, I joined PFS where I was from harm after every hockey match in case Exercise, Recreational Activities) which was a“A member of Pinhorn House. Entering the some hoods from elsewhere were there to performed by all students together on an school was a god-send. create trouble. afternoon every week with students “The dedicated teachers during my The clock tower, four playing fields as leaders. time there imparted to us a genteel ethos joined as one and the sports pavilion still “Our environment was also something and equipped us with many life skills. bring up goose bumps in me whenever to remember. The road around the They were all par excellence. The man that I reflect upon them. What a conducive perimeter of the school field with its impressed me most was our headmaster environment it was to grow up in. Awesome Angsana trees was something to behold Dato’ Tan Boon Lin for the pomp and is how I would describe it. in April when their yellow flowers would dignity of his conduct at every school “There were other memorable fall like gold-flakes. But it also meant that assembly. You could hear his march from moments that I can recall even to this day. it made the road wet as April was a rainy his office to the stage. There was a good There was Ebenezer Billings, an Indian month and many of us would skid and fall five minutes of silence in the hall while we teacher who taught us not to call others from our motor-bikes. So we had to learn witnessed his steady gait in his shoes that names when he cornered us after hearing to be careful. went ‘clikkerty-kok’. us call him “OR BEH”. We became good “Also special was the Head Prefects “How proud it was at every assembly friends after our profuse apologies. He Board’s list hanging behind the School for those of us who marched on stage to was so integrated that he could speak the Assembly Hall containing so many receive the accolades won the previous dialect. distinguished names that have done week in front of a packed hall with all the “Then there was a teacher, Lim Fong Juan, Singapore proud – Tan Ah Tah, Wee Chong teachers seated in an arc on stage shaped who offered us chalk whenever we yawned Jin, AV Winslow, JWD Ambrose, Tneh Say like a semi-circle. and saying, ‘You must be lacking in calcium.’ Koo, just to name a few.”

78 LIVE FREE Top: Kheng Hock in 1972 and 2016. Above: Kheng Hock receiving confirmation of his appointment as a Reciting the Prefects’ Pledge. prefect in 1969. After leaving school, Kheng Hock basis in a family business, apart from being in the real world. Negotiations became joined Singapore Airlines as a Cadet Flight a doting grand-dad. our strength, excuses we heard aplenty and Engineer based in Singapore in 1973. On how PFS helped shape him, he being conned was not so easy. He enjoyed a literally high-flying career said, “The school motto and high ethos are ‘‘We were always willing to help that took him far and wide. In 1998 after very sound guides. Even the lyrics of the each other. the planes he flew (B747-300) were phased school song hold dear to me. The extensive “I would like to take this opportunity out, he was content to become a stay-at- background of students and the first time to thank the so many who have given me home father and husband to his daughter I tasted power as a traffic warden and three a spot in their lives to experience such a and wife to “make up for my frequent years as a prefect reminded me that power wholesome journey.” absences during my flying years,” he said. comes with utmost responsibility and FORTIS ATQUE FIDELIS. For some time he became a head- understanding. The autonomous Prefects’ hunter and today is working on a part-time Board helped many of us to grow up fast Yeoh Kheng Hock is a retired flight engineer. chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 79 Blessed by the ties that bind By Neo Kim San Year left school: 1963

n 1963 while I was in Form 6, and started, I did not report as I felt I did not pay him a visit to see if he could connect got into a bit of trouble with the law, have the calling and it would not be fair to me to the other Old Frees. my father, realising that any prospects the Lord to take up the place and deprive Reaching No.13 Jalan Belangkas, I rang I had had were greatly curtailed, decided the Lord of a more committed servant. I the gate bell and instantly a boy came to to send me to Singapore. Through the thus did not commence my studies. the gate and asked me what I wanted. He intervention and recommendation of my After a few weeks of interaction, Pastor replied in the positive when I asked if Mr. pastor, David Nilsson, I had been slated to Nelson, impressed with my command of Lim Thean Soo lived here. I continued by attend Trinity Theological College. the English language, offered me a position telling him I was from Penang Free School Sending me to the ferry point, my father as supervisor of the Lutheran church and was looking for the Secretary of the Old gave me RM 50 and a TITONI watch, saying kindergarten at Queenstown at $60 a Frees Association. He said he understood and sheepishly that that was all he could afford. month plus the servants’ quarters to stay in. asked me to wait. Returning to the house, He admonished me not to get into trouble he came back with a sheet of paper. It was again, gave me a pat on my back and sent me In the beginning a cyclostyled list of members of The Old on the way to the Prai railway station. There being no classes on Saturdays, I Frees’ Association, Singapore. Thanking him Reaching Singapore, I walked from had a lot of free time and started missing profusely, I took my leave. Tanjong Pagar Railway station to Chin school life, especially detention class where On the way back, I studied the list. It Chew Street where my mother had I was a constant attendee. I had brought had names like Ernest Clark, Kok Weng arranged for me to stay with my uncle. a copy of the 1962 School Annual with On, both of Fraser and Neave, Dr. GK The next day I went to call on Pastor me and glancing through it, I saw a letter Lim, TQ Lim, Dr Chan Kong Thoe and John Nelson at the Dukes’ Road Lutheran from Mr. Lim Thean Soo addressed to the Woo Kam Seng of Shell. I had a hankering Church. He took me to Trinity College on school, under the auspices of The Old Frees’ to better my station in life and thought that Mount Sophia and enrolled me. However, Association, Singapore. The address given the Old Frees would be able to help me and a few months later, when the semester was No.13 Jalan Belangkas. I decided to might have an opening where I could fit in.

80 LIVE FREE Right place, wrong name was at Cluny Road. Dropping off from Maiden attendance at That Saturday morning I reserved the office the bus at the junction of Farrer Road and OFA picnic telephone for my use. At about 10 am I Bukit Timah Road, we made our way to Hock Heng kept his word and at the end rang Woo Kam Seng. The reply was “Tadak, Cluny Road which was long and winding. of March 1967, I received an invitation tadak, tadak Woo Kam Seng.” Thinking After 30 minutes we came to the and application form to join the OFA that I might have dialled a wrong number, house. We rang the doorbell and a stout Singapore. Accompanying the form was I asked if this was Shell’s office. The reply gentleman of about 30 opened the door an invitation to attend a picnic in one of was “Ya, ini Shell, betul.” I reiterated “Mr and we asked whether Heah Hock Heng the colonial bungalows. When Weng Yoke Woo Kam Seng, Sales Director please” to lived here. He replied that he was Heah and I reached the venue, a good number which the reply was “Tadak Woo Kam Hock Heng. Weng Yoke and I were stunned of members were already there. We were Seng, Ada Makam Singh.” I then realised as he was not the Heah Hock Heng of welcomed by Heah Hock Heng who that Shell worked five days a week and the our year. introduced us around, especially to a Mr. phone must have been transferred to the We apologised profusely and explained Wee Chong Jin who was Chief Justice then. watchman or jaga whose name must have that we thought he was Heah Hock Heng, Both of us were in awe of him but also been Makam Singh! one of our classmates from Penang Free proud to be Old Frees. Mr. Wee sat in an School. He said he was an Old Free. We armchair on the porch and watched the HHH’s double were only too happy to meet him and we members and their families frolicking in Still thinking of a higher pay than $60, I chatted for an hour about the school. He the sea and on the shore. A repast had been looked again at the list but by this time I asked us for our contact numbers and prepared and everybody had a good time. had met one of my classmates, Lim Weng promised that the OFA Singapore would In early October 1967, I received Yoke, who was working in Singapore. I contact us. With that, we took our leave a notice to attend an Annual General invited him to join me to visit Heah Hock and left for lunch. Meeting (AGM) at the Kelong Restaurant, Heng since he was in our class. The address . Payment was to be $30. chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 81 I sent back my returns declining since been cemented with time. I immediately One evening, I received a call from attendance would have meant 50 per cent had a feeling of euphoria. Mrs.Yip Mun Kong imploring help from of my pay. When the meeting concluded, I made plastic surgeon Lee Seng Teik to attend to a promise to attend every meeting which I her son, who had just suffered from a deep Maiden attendance at AGM did without fail until 1975 when someone cut on his cheek. She was frantic, afraid that For the rest of 1967 and half of 1968, I made a serious mistake and proposed her son would be saddled with an ugly scar worked at various odd jobs on top of my me for the post of secretary. Oh, well. on his face for the rest of his life. I called supervisory job and managed to accumulate Remembering the first picnic I attended, I Lee Seng Teik who was at dinner; when he $100, so when I received the notice of hankered for another. So the first function heard my request on behalf of another Old OFA’s AGM towards the end of September, I organised was a picnic, not at the seaside Free, he left his dinner there and then, and I was prepared this time, again to be held at but at Mitsukoshi gardens in Jurong. My rushed to the Singapore General Hospital. the Kelong Restaurant at Cathay Building. wife had learnt to cook Penang laksa so she The last I heard, Mun Kong’s son has a scar When I reached it, I found it to be provided the laksa for the picnic. No doubt but a very faint one. a small cosy restaurant. I felt at home the venue had no salt-tainted air but all in immediately with the crowd using Penang all we had a good time. Wah Seng’s magnanimity patois which could be distinguished amidst Another incident, which strengthened my the babble. When the AGM was called to Old Frees are compassionate passion for the OFA Singapore occurred in order, I found myself seated next to member The title of this caption has been chosen with 1996. I needed an X-ray report for my Kok Weng On who introduced himself. care and after much thought for it encaptures employer and my thoughts turned to Chin He told me his father was also a the heart and soul of the Old Frees. I say this Wah Seng, who was working as a radiologist. customs officer when he heard I was staying with conviction because of two incidents Proceeding to his clinic, I registered in the customs village, Bukit Glugor; a where the Old Frees truly and unstintingly myself and waited for my turn. When it friendship developed between us which has demonstrated their compassion. came, I was pleasantly surprised when

82 LIVE FREE Wah Seng himself walked up to me and sponsor a dialysis machine so that I could through the years and since I was leaving guided me to his laboratory. Strapping me self-treat and have dialysis at home as to take up a post in China, he said the to a large machine, he switched it on. The treatment at dialysis centres was expensive. OFA wanted to present me with a gift in machine rotated for a few minutes and After these acts of kindness, I made it appreciation. He then gave me a Samsonite stopped. Wah Seng told me to put on my known that anyone who bad-mouthed an briefcase by courtesy of Gary Yeang who was shirt and I dressed up. Old Free would have me to contend with! the Samsonite representative for Southeast Asia. Stopping at the registration counter I cannot recall when we started holding As the office bearers had not been to make payment, I was taken aback when our AGM at Kings Hotel - perhaps when they elected yet that evening, I announced to the the receptionist told me that Dr. Chin had launched the Penang Food Promotion but I meeting that we were fortunate to have three taken care of it. I did not leave but waited remember that we changed our venue once in young Old Frees who had volunteered to at the receptionist area to thank Wah Seng 1999 and held it at the Concorde Hotel. help and I suggested that such enthusiasm personally but the number of patients At the registration desk, three young should be rewarded by electing them to the waiting made me leave after an hour so as men approached me and their spokesman committee. They stood up and graciously not to disrupt Wah Seng’s schedule. told me they were from Free School and accepted to be elected. Thus Malcolm Tan, wanted to be members. Handing me their Khoo Boo Aik and one other (the name Dialysis machine name cards, one name stuck out - Malcolm which I am unable to recall) were elected. I was diagnosed as diabetic in 1998 and was Tan Ban Hoe. He then asked how they weak when I visited Yam Mow Lam. A few could help out. Having matters under The late Captain Neo days later, I received a call to lunch with control, I thanked him and told him I Kim San, also known Ooi Teng San. Over lunch, he enquired would let him know later. as Neo Ah San was about my diabetic condition. After hearing When the AGM started, the president Honorary Secretary the details, he told me that should I have thanked me for the years of accepting and and President of OFA to be treated by dialysis, he would willingly discharging the duties of honorary secretary Singapore for several years chapter 6 Reminiscences & Recollections 83 From George Town chapter 7 to Dittisham

Window into The Past

84 LIVE FREE “What was it that made this young man sail all the way to the Far East, to the island of Penang, to establish a school? I found it to be totally intriguing.” Steve Foong Marine Consultant

On the road across Central Asia. chapter 7 From George Town to Dittisham 85 f all the inspirational people school to an educational institution that and intelligence can only bring you so far but associated with Penang Free was tops not only in Penang but also in character is important. School, one name stood out: Malaysia,” he said. “But our teachers tried to help ORobert Sparke Hutchings, its founder. Indeed, in the first year, he found academically too. In fact, one of my teachers, It was this name that drove a himself struggling to cope. Yet, even though Goh Teng Kiang, my physics and class passionate Old Free, marine consultant he fared badly, ending up in the bottom teacher warned me that if I did not buck Steve Foong, to travel 22,000 kilometres on 10 of the class, he was elected to become up in my studies, I might end up selling a two-month journey across half the world a prefect. Hokkien mee!” to uncover the school’s past. He said, “I then realised that the school And so he bucked up; for his ‘O’ levels, As Steve puts it, “What was it that looked at students differently and gave us he dropped all his games to study and did made this young man sail all the way to the opportunities to excel in other ways. I also well in his final year examinations. Far East, to the island of Penang, to establish represented the school in karate, rugby, So well that he was able to clinch a a school? I found it to be totally intriguing.” swimming, scouting and canoeing. In fact, I job in Singapore in 1999 with Neptune was doing more sports than attending classes! Orient Lines (NOL) that came with a Struggle in early years “All of us representing the school in three-year scholarship to do nautical studies One of the younger members of The Old national and state events were all very proud. at Singapore Polytechnic. After graduating Frees’ Association, Singapore, Steve was in We were very strong as one and we would in 2003, he worked for two years on NOL’s Penang Free School from 1994 to 1998, go all out just for the sake of the school. We container ships to serve his bond. which he entered after leaving Jelutong Barat were taught to keep up the good name of the Today, Steve is a manager in a private Primary School, a feeder school. school. It trained us to be champions from company in the offshore gas industry “There were 10 of us and we were the start. overseeing marine operations of offshore initially quite fearful as to how we could cope “All this served to mould our characters. vessels to ensure they comply with as we were literally moving from a kampong As one of our teachers used to say, education industry standards.

86 LIVE FREE board a ferry for Baku in Azerbaijan and to continue the journey through Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Western Europe, ending at Dunkirk in France. From here it turned out to be a short ferry crossing and drive to Dittisham, the hometown of Hutchings where the key to Penang Free Expedition members in Dittisham. School’s heritage lay. It was to be an Old Free event, Fund-raising charity ride transcontinental journey, which took over a supported by the Old Frees Association in While carving out his career, Steve still year to organise. Essentially, it would raise Penang and in Singapore. Seven members entertained the idea of researching the funds, through donations from supporters and (mostly Old Frees from different cohorts roots of Penang Free School’s founder and sponsors, for the Borneo Child Aid Society, then aged between 32 and 59) comprised indirectly that of the school. In 2010, a visit a non-governmental organisation based in the expedition team. Because of the rugged that he and his wife, Suchin Koay, made to , Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. conditions in especially Central Asia, only a children’s home in Penang provided the The society operates over 128 plantation four-wheel drive vehicles — a Toyota Hilux unexpected catalyst. Their decision to do a schools for more than 12,000 children of and a Toyota Land Cruiser — could be used. world tour to raise funds for disadvantaged poor plantation workers who would not The other participating Old Frees children while travelling from Penang otherwise have access to education. were Hoe Kek Fei, Cheah Chuan Lok, to Europe ended up giving them the The plan was to drive north from Neoh Soon Heng, Saw Sek Lam, Saw opportunity to research Hutchings’ origins. Penang through Thailand, Laos and China, Saik Mun and Adrian King. Two non-Old Thus was born the “From Malaysia then across the Central Asian countries of Frees who went along were Lee Huat Hin with Love World Tour for Children” Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to better known as Haha Lee, a professional chapter 7 From George Town to Dittisham 87 “We chose this route because it was the Old Silk Road. This was where the world’s three main religions interacted and we saw cameraman tasked with recording the some very precious religious Rajendran in the presence of Penang Global expedition in pictures and Hoe Cher Hoe, artefacts ... We certainly learnt a Tourism’s then managing director Ooi Geok the wife of Kek Fei. lot of history on our tour than in Ling and chairman of the Penang Free Saw Saik Mun and Neoh Soon Heng School’s board of directors Dato’ Haji Abdul our 11 years in school.” joined the team mid-way on two different Rafique bin Abdul Karim. segments — Soon Heng from Chiangrai, If there is one word that best describes Thailand to Jiuzhaigou, China and Saik the experience the expedition team went Mun from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Beyneu, through on their gruelling transcontinental Uzbekistan. driving trip, it is “extreme”. The cost of the expedition, covering They had to contend with many rough 20 countries in 63 days, was between and pot-holed roads in parts of Central RM150, 000 and RM200, 000. Apart Asia, abrupt changes in weather conditions from sponsorship from motor oil company which sometimes saw them going through Kendall, Papago which supplied the four seasons in one day and primitive navigational system, Toyota Prima Pearl accommodation facilities. They battled Auto, which provided the vehicles and foggy mists, muddy roads and sometimes Penang Global Tourism, the rest was paid had to struggle to find diesel, which was in for by the seven participants themselves. short supply in some places. But there were ample compensations: World Tour Flags Off Spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful The intrepid travellers were flagged off on lakes and the chance to interact with people 31 May, 2012 from the Penang Town Hall along the way especially in the rural villages by Old Frees’ Association president MS (Above and top) Interacting with the locals in Central Asia. where they stayed. The opportunity to learn

88 LIVE FREE orphanages where they donated educational books and supplies from Penang sponsors.

Journey’s End After 63 days on the road, the World Tour for Children team was nearing journey’s end — Dittisham — a name that Steve remembered from his schooldays as the village where Hutchings’ family came from. Ironically, the team had not planned to visit Dittisham until they were in France

St George’s Church towering above the thatched roof cottages of Dittisham. when they realised they were two days ahead of schedule. It was Kek Fei who came up about other cultures and especially the rich earliest Holy Koran scripts written on with the idea of travelling to Dittisham from history and heritage of countries such as buckskins that are kept in the Tashkent Dunkirk to learn more about their school’s Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Library in Uzbekistan. In Samarkand, we revered founder. was priceless. saw a book of the Koran that was as big as a So on 1 August, the team sailed from As Steve explains, “We chose this route table. We certainly learnt a lot of history on Dunkirk in France to Dover in the south because it was the Old Silk Road. This our tour than in our 11 years in school.” of England. After exploring Stonehenge, was where the world’s three main religions What’s more, they were also able to fulfil they drove to the county of Devon, where interacted and we saw some very precious another of their goals — raising awareness Dittisham is located. religious artefacts such as the mantel of of underprivileged children in China Situated beside the river Dart in Christ in Georgia as well as some of the and Central Asia through their visits to idyllic surrounds, Dittisham is a small but chapter 7 From George Town to Dittisham 89 attractive village of stone-built and thatched cottages. Brightly coloured boats huddle on The village of Dittisham in Devon county. the river front. It is interesting to note that modern Dittisham has perhaps not changed much from the past at least in terms of its population. In 2011, it was listed as having 424 residents, fewer than the 639 inhabitants living there in 1801 during the time of Hutchings, who was then 19 years old. In 1901, it had a population of 549.

School history comes alive Hutchings’ family crest in a window panel of Village historian Helen briefing the OFA expedition St George’s Church. team in St George’s Church. Expedition leader Steve As in any English village, the pub in Foong is on the right. Dittisham is at the heart of the community and it was here that Steve and his team- Church played a central role in society. St. George’s is now no longer able to have a mates dropped in for they knew this was St George’s Church, dedicated to the rector of its own and in 1982 became part of the place to ask where they could find the patron saint of England, in its present form the Benefice of Dartmouth and Dittisham. person who knew St George’s Church well. dates back from 1333 when it was rebuilt But things were different in Robert The person turned out to be Helen, on the site of a Norman church which Sparke Hutchings’ time. His father, Reverend considered the village historian. had replaced an even earlier Saxon Church John Hutchings was the rector of St. George’s Traditionally, English village life revolved that had been established after the Saxon Church Dittisham from1768 to 1802. His largely around churches and this was no conquest of Devon in 755. mother was Sarah Sparke from Dartmouth exception in Dittisham where St George’s Despite its long and illustrious history, and he was the youngest of 16 children.

90 LIVE FREE “Even the fort in a Dittisham banner was the same fort that was later reproduced in our school crest. Our visit revealed how passionate the English were of their heritage as they borrowed many symbols and names from their birthplace for The young Hutchings, who was born in 1782, followed the same path trodden by use in their adopted countries. Now I know why St George’s his father, matriculating at Christ Church Church in Penang got its name as it was the same name of College in Oxford University in 1798 and Hutchings’ parish in Dittisham.” taking over as rector of St George’s Church in 1805 after obtaining his MA degree. As rector, Robert Hutchings was Hutchings thrived in his new Today, it houses the Penang State credited with building a new magnificent environment and became adept in the Museum. The letters in both crests were rectory house that still stands today and Malay language. He produced one of the written in a similar cursive style. for constructing the first road for carriages first books and dictionaries on Malay “Even the fort in a Dittisham banner going from Dartmouth to Dittisham. grammar and was responsible for translating we saw during our visit was the same fort In 1814, apparently due to financial the Old and New Testaments of the Bible that was later reproduced in our school difficulties, Hutchings gave up his position into Malay. crest,” observed Steve. “Our visit revealed at St George’s Church to travel to India On the tour of St George’s Church, how passionate the English were of their to take up a Chaplaincy in Bengal. It was Steve saw the beautiful memorial window heritage as they borrowed many symbols from here that he was posted to Prince of dedicated to Hutchings and his father. and names from their birthplace for use in Wales Island (as Penang was then called) in He also noticed that one of the church their adopted countries. Now I know why 1816 to succeed Rev Altwill Lake, who was panels had a Hutchings family crest that he St George’s Church in Penang got its name the first Resident Chaplain appointed in recognised was similar to the crest etched as it was the same name of Hutchings’ 1804. It was common then for the British on the side and front of Penang Free School parish in Dittisham.” East India Company to appoint Anglican when it moved to Farquhar Street and was For Steve and his team-mates, the chaplains to serve as part of its overseas later converted into the Hutchings answers they found in Dittisham made for a military service. Primary School. satisfying conclusion to an epic journey. chapter 7 From George Town to Dittisham 91 chapter Wu Lien-Teh 8

Plague Fighter Extraordinaire

92 LIVE FREE chapter 8 Wu Lien-Teh – Plague Fighter Extraordinaire 93 By Alison Chong

y great-grand uncle Dr Wu The documentary rediscovered Dr Wu’s Lien-Teh was a doctor very work in tackling the Manchurian Plague of much ahead of his time. 1910, which was far worse than SARS, where MHe was a doctor whom and For his work on in four months 60,000 people lost their lives forgot until SARS (Severe pneumonic plague he in this terrifying pneumonic plague which Acute Respiratory Syndrome) surfaced in had then threatened the world. Asia in 2003. The world owed him a debt was nominated for for the research work and papers he had the Nobel Prize for Early Life written during his illustrious medical career Dr Wu was a Penang Free School student of 63 years in medicine, on pneumonic Medicine in 1935. from primary through secondary levels, plague and public health. He invented beginning in 1886 till 1896 when he the “Wu mask”, started the trend for the left for Emmanuel College, Cambridge cremation of dead bodies and probably three-hour documentary titled Plague Fighter University. He was also School Captain initiated the largest cremation in history in Dr Wu Lien-Teh, which was screened on (Head Prefect). He was then known as 1911 and introduced quarantine measures Channel NewsAsia in April 2008. This was to Gnoh Lean Tuck, his dialect name. in plague eradication protocol. commemorate the fifth anniversary of SARS, Dr Wu won the Queen’s Scholarship For his work on pneumonic plague to remember those who lost their lives in the twice but was considered too young at he was nominated for the Nobel Prize for frontline when SARS broke out in Asia. the age of 16 to go to England on his first Medicine in 1935 and I believe he still The film was based on Dr Wu’s plague success in 1895. He tried again in 1896 holds the record for being the only medical work in Manchuria on whom medical and was the only successful candidate. His doctor from the Straits Settlements and the professionals in both Singapore and China, parents were reluctant to permit him to go first to be so nominated. who were combatting SARs fell back on, using to England. However, on the persuasion of MediaCorp Singapore produced a his papers to guide them in tackling SARS. my great grandfather Ng Lean Heng, his

94 LIVE FREE Dr Wu faced competition in the romance stakes from lawyer Sir Song Ong- Siang, a Queen’s Scholar 10 years his senior and Tan Boo Liat, a descendant of Tan Tock Seng, but Ruth decided to share her life with Dr Wu and they eventually married on 9 July 1905 at the American Methodist Church, Singapore. Ruth Huang was an accomplished writer and she was the first Chinese woman Dr Wu marries Ms Huang Shu-chiung on 9 July 1905 in Singapore. to publish in English. Right: Dr Wu’s autobiagraphy.

Making social service second elder brother, he was able to take On his way his calling up the scholarship at 17 years of age and to back from his Dr Lim was also attributed to have sail for England in August 1896 to be the studies in England, initiated Dr Wu into devoting time to first Straits Chinese to enter Cambridge France and social service, a passion he held deep University. Germany, his ship throughout his life. According to Ong He had to travel from Penang to docked in Singapore in 1903. He stayed Lay Hong, who researched extensively to Singapore to sit for the Queen’s Scholarship with Dr Lim Boon Keng, another Queen’s produce the MediaCorp 3-part series The exams and he stayed at Telok Ayer Street Scholar (1887). It was during this visit that Plague Fighter, Dr Wu used to give free while he was preparing for the exams over he met his future wife Ruth Huang, who treatment and medication to the poor and seven to 10 days. was the younger sister of Dr Lim’s wife. hawkers during the period 1937 to 1960, chapter 8 Wu Lien-Teh – Plague Fighter Extraordinaire 95 when he was practising in Ipoh, . Wu Yu-lin (1926-2012, who later became Mrs Betty Tai after marriage) the eldest daughter of Dr Wu as the author of the book Memories of Dr Wu Lien-Teh – Plague Fighter, records her father’s work most vividly. This photographic book is a valuable supplement to Dr Wu’s own autobiography The Plague Fighter, from his private collection showing the medical Dr Wu (left) constructing a plague experiment with a colleague in an open field, 1921. scenes and his anti-plague work in China during the period 1908-1937. which he founded. Subsequently, Tianjin, China to be the vice-director of Dr Wu had initially returned to conferences were held in Penang, Federated the Imperial Army Medical College, which Malaya, after completing his medical Malay States and Singapore. he accepted. studies, to work at the Institute of Medical Dr Wu was also known in Singapore Two years later, he was sent to Research in Kuala Lumpur. Following that, and Malaya as one of the three editors of Manchuria in the depths of winter to deal he spent three years as a doctor in Penang. the Straits Chinese Magazine, (1903-1907) with the horrific pneumonic plague that Distressed with a problem of opium with Sir Song Ong-Siang and Dr Lim Boon was threatening to engulf the world. In addiction at that time, he put his own Keng, a journal produced by the Chinese four months with a death toll that reached money into efforts to rehabilitate addicts. diaspora in Southeast Asia in the late 19th 60,000, he managed to bring the disease In 1905, at the age of 25, Dr Wu and early 20th centuries. under control. His work was to bring him became the President and Physician-in-Chief In 1908, he received an invitation from international fame. of the Penang Anti-Opium Association Yuan Shih-Kai, then Grand Councillor of

96 LIVE FREE hostilities ended, he renewed his contacts in China and began compiling works of art, philosophy, science, culture and history that form part of the Wu Lien-Teh Collection and are now kept in the Central and Medical Libraries of the National University of Singapore.

Dr Wu (in the foreground) was the Hospital Director of Harbin Hospital, completed in 1925. Dr Wu frequently visited Yu-lin at her home in Bukit Timah. Whenever he drove His work in China Nanking which was completed in 1933, down from Ipoh to Singapore, he would drop What he did was recognised as the start of with $300,000 funds raised from the by Kuala Lumpur to visit my grandmother, 30 years of unfailing service to China and developer of Tiger Balm, Hu Wen-hu, one his niece and then in Seremban to see my humanity. For one, he invented the “Wu of Singapore’s philanthropists. mother. My mother related to me that mask” still used widely by healthcare workers. He set up the China Medical Dr Wu carried me as a baby during one of Dr Wu also initiated the largest and Association and its first national quarantine these stopovers in Singapore. first mass cremation in China history’s in service. He also began work for the League Some of his children settled in 1911 and introduced quarantine measures of Nations (now United Nations) as a Singapore and some in Australia. Yu-lin, the in plague eradication protocol which helped recognised authority on plague prevention founding director of the Regional Language to bring the disease under control. and eradication. Centre, Singapore, and eldest son Fred Wu During his three decades in China, In 1937, Japan invaded China and Chang Sheng were the ones who settled in Dr Wu helped to build some 20 modern Dr Wu, whose villa had been bombed, Singapore. Fred was the first Asian senior hospitals and medical institutions. One decided to bring his family back to Malaya. partner of Donaldson & Burkinshaw, with of these was the Central Hospital in He set up a clinic in Ipoh, Perak. After a distinguished career at the Singapore Bar. chapter 8 Wu Lien-Teh – Plague Fighter Extraordinaire 97 “by his death, the world of medicine has lost a heroic and almost

Keeping his memory alive legendary figure” On 14 October 1983, Yu-Lin presented The Times of London to the National University of Singapore’s 27 January 1960 Faculty of Medicine a special album of 400 photographs from Dr Wu’s private collection. Dr Wu also donated most of his collection In 1950, Dr Wu wrote his of books to Nanyang University (renamed autobiography, an effort that took more Nanyang Technological University). than seven years. Published in 1959, it was When he was alive, researchers from all titled Plague Fighter: The Autobiography of a over the world regularly consulted Dr Wu on Modern Chinese Physician. his plague work and after he passed on they He continued to practise medicine used to call on Yu-lin who had inherited all until the age of 80, when he bought a new her father’s personal papers and books. house on Chor Sin Kheng Road, Ayer Itam, She donated all of Dr Wu’s papers Penang for his retirement. He collapsed and some books to the National Library from a stroke and died on 21 January 1960, of Singapore in November 2011, which aged 81, barely one week after moving has plans to digitalise them for medical into his new home. Scouts of Penang Free researchers’ ease of reference. School escorted his hearse for cremation at Early on, the Art Museum, University Batu Gantung, his final resting place. of Malaya in Singapore, received part of The Timesof London on 27 January Dr Wu’s collection of priceless ancient 1960 wrote that “by his death, the world Chinese paintings by old masters and an of medicine has lost a heroic and almost official imperial seal of Emperor Chia Ching. Dr Wu and family. legendary figure”.

98 LIVE FREE Uncovering the work of a great Old Free By Alex K H Ooi

y first contact with the legacy of could contribute to modern-day society and an Old Chef’) which had a menu of spicy Dr Wu Lien-Teh was in August spent much time and effort researching and dishes and food reminiscent of Penang’s, 2008 when I visited Harbin for gelling this concept. influenced apparently by Dr Wu who dined theM opening of a museum dedicated to his there frequently and was a close friend of its life’s work – the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Museum - Second visit chef cum owner. led by Dato’ Ng Kong Yeam, along with Mrs Then, in January 2011, I accompanied Ng, Lim Ho Hup, Larry Lai, Chia Lin Sien Ong Lay Hong to the 100th anniversary of The journey and Kitson Ng. It was truly an eye-opener. Dr Wu’s Mukden (Shenyang) Conference There were many hurdles in putting Though from Penang Free School on the Plague in Beijing. The Old Frees’ together the symposium and I recall the and aware of a Sports House named after Association, Singapore (OFAS), of which many moments of doubt and the need to Dr Wu, that was about all I knew of him. I am President, gave support. I roped in doggedly persist. On this trip, the man came “alive”. I also Loke Gim Tay, an old Penang Chung Ling Timing-wise, January appeared best – met Prof Fu Shiying who worked with Mrs High School boy. being Ice Festival time (and when Dr Wu Betty Tai (Wu Yu-lin, eldest daughter of Dr From Beijing, we proceeded to had first arrived in Harbin) – though the Wu) to materialise the museum, Marie Wu, meet Prof Fu Shiying in Harbin – only to extreme cold could be daunting for many. Wong Ai Luen and Ong Lay Hong. These confirm his unrelenting strong desire to see However, holding it in 2012, the year personalities were to be later involved in a Dr Wu’s principles of medical service and first chosen, was not to be, as the stimulus commemorative symposium that I decided public health placed on a better footing could not be applied in time. Prof Fu at the spur of the moment to organise in and to extend their reach. We checked out then sent Prof Ye Tian of Harbin Medical Harbin. This ultimately took place from the city’s conference facilities, the hotels University and Dr George Liu in May 2012 January 18 to 20, 2013. and the local sights. I got to dine a second to meet me to lay the groundwork. They I also developed a strong desire to time at the “Old Chef”! This was the Lao managed to visit Mrs Betty Tai (who was promote the lessons that his work and life Chu Jia restaurant (translated as ‘Home of born in Harbin) while in Singapore. chapter 8 Wu Lien-Teh – Plague Fighter Extraordinaire 99 Welcome ceremony at the opening of the Harbin Conference. Alex Ooi (third from left) and members of Dr Wu Lien-Teh’s family posing next to the bust of Dr Wu in Harbin.

That was also when Penang Heritage the January 2013 symposium and I was to committee meeting for the Dr Wu Lien- Trust put on Think City’s Penang Story undertake the logistical necessities outside Teh Society was held on 14 October 2012. with Ong Lay Hong speaking on her 3-part of Harbin and to act as go-between. The society was later registered on 2 January documentary on “The Plague Fighter” aired The logistics and linkages went 2013 with Dato’ Anwar as inaugural on Channel News Asia and also shown smoothly (along with the usual hassle of President and myself as Secretary-General. in 2008 at the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Museum getting registration details and participation Dato’ Anwar was invited to be our opening. Loke Gim Tay and I sponsored fees!) – with language concerns eventually OFAS AGM guest speaker on 21 October the Chinese visitors to Penang. sorting itself out when more effectively 2012 and to be introduced to Mrs Betty Tai That proved to be the pivotal point to bilingual people came on board. and Wong Ai Luen. turn feasibility into reality. Chief Minister We take cognisance of InvestPenang’s Lim Guan Eng officiated the Penang Moving Forward strong support for the Harbin Symposium Story. Prof Tian issued the invitation to Penang’s officials moved fast. A pro-tem – with Dato’ Lee Kah Choon representing

100 LIVE FREE At the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Consequent to the strong interest of Understanding between Penang Medical College Penang officials to forge corresponding links and Harbin Medical University. in Harbin, many were initiated including the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between Penang Medical College and Harbin Medical University. I thank the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society

OFAS president Alex Ooi, Dr Lucy Ooi, Chief Minister and all parties involved for helping to Lim Guan Eng and John Wu, son of Dr Wu Lien-Teh in front of the bust of Dr Wu at the Penang Medical complete the journey – now fulfilled. The College. fruition of a sound scientific programme, linkages and friendships is now history for Members of the Singapore delegation at the opening of the Wu Lien-Teh Museum, (from left) Lim Ho Hup, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was all to judge and to build upon for further Larry Lai, Mrs and Dato’ Ng Kong Yeam, Kitson Ng, collaborations and for global public health. Alex Ooi and Chia Lin Sien. unable to leave Penang due to exigencies. He led the Penang team, comprising also representatives of Penang Institute, Penang Pride of Penang Unveiled Heritage Trust, Penang Global Tourism and In March 2014, Chief Minister Lim Penang Medical College. Guan Eng officiated at the inaugural The large delegation from Island Symposium and Installation of the bust Hospital, led by Dato’ Dr Chong Keat of Dr Wu, donated by Harbin Medical Foong, two top officials of Penang Tourist University, at the Penang Medical Guides’ Association and many others lent College. A large contingent of Dr Wu’s colour and enthusiasm to the gravity of family was present to witness the event. Singapore delegation members presenting a picture of Dr Wu Lien-Teh and his wife to Prof Fu Shi Ying. the objective. chapter 8 Wu Lien-Teh – Plague Fighter Extraordinaire 101 chapter Old Frees 9

Profiles

102 LIVE FREE Old Frees’ Contribution To Singapore’s Success Story

What is astonishing too is that the Penangites in Singapore’s administration and three judges mentioned – Tan Ah Tah, the professions that if all were to return home, The Judiciary AV Winslow and JWD Ambrose were all Singapore would not be able to function! Queen’s Scholars. Lawyer and Old Free Kok Weng On And it is not just the judiciary that pointed out, “At one time in the history Old Frees have dominated. They have also of Singapore, the judiciary was almost occupied some of the highest levels of other completely ‘run’ by Old Frees — from the areas of Singapore’s public service as well as Chief Justice and the judges, the Chief t is a well-known fact that Old Frees in private enterprise. Registrar, the Attorney-General and the have dominated some of the top Singapore’s first Speaker of Parliament, Solicitor-General. The legal might of Penang positions in Singapore’s public service Yeoh Ghim Seng, a prominent surgeon, was Free School!” I- a tribute indeed to the calibre of students an Old Free. So was Lim Ho Hup, described who have gone through the portals of the by former PM Lee as the “lieutenant” How it came about venerable Penang Free School (PFS). of then chairman of the Economic How, you might ask, did all this come about This is most apparent in the case of Development Board, Hon Sui Sen (himself – that is, the prominence of Old Frees in Singapore’s Judiciary. This was acknowledged a Penangite, though not an Old Free) who Singapore? no less by the late Singapore’s first prime was responsible for mapping out Singapore’s The answer lies in the historical links minister himself in a speech industrial expansion. Then there was the which date back to 1826 when Singapore, given at a mass rally at the Penang Esplanade chairman of the Singapore Institute of Penang and Malacca were combined as the as far back as 24 March 1964 when he said Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) Straits Settlements and were an outlying “… (our) Chief Justice and three judges — Lee Kum Tatt. residency of the British East India Company all these people were Penang’s contribution Indeed, one of Penang’s chief ministers headquartered in Calcutta, (now Kolkatta) to the success story of Singapore.” once remarked that there were so many India. In 1867, the Straits Settlements were chapter 9 Old Frees 103 made a Crown Colony and came under the Chairman of the Public Services same administrative entity for over 120 years, direct British control until 1946. Commission (PSC), a Judge of the Supreme first as part of the Straits Settlements and There was a gap during the Second Court appointed by the Chief Justice, the later as part of Malaysia, it is little wonder World War years of 1942 to 1945 when the State Advocate-General and two other that the movements of people in the two three territories were subjugated under the PSC members. territories would be fluid especially that of Japanese during the Japanese Occupation During the two years of merger from public servants who would serve in wherever of then Malaya and Singapore. The British September 1963, there was a common Fed- their posting would take them. returned in 1945 but a year later, the Straits eral Judicial and Legal Service, with a sepa- That is not the only reason. As former Settlements were dissolved and Singapore rate branch in Singapore. The Legal Service PM Lee put it so well, “It was not chance was made a British Crown Colony while Commission was superseded by the Singa- that brought so many able and outstanding Penang and Malacca became part of the pore Branch Commission under the Federal persons to Singapore. For decades before Malayan Union. Constitution. The High Court of Malaysia the war, Singapore was the centre of In 1959, Singapore achieved self- and the Federal Court of Malaysia replaced education. Before and after the war, many governing status. In 1963, it became part the Supreme Court of the Colony of Singa- able students came to Singapore for their of the newly independent Federation of pore and the Court of Appeal respectively. education - to secondary schools, several Malaysia, together with Malaya, Sabah (the After Singapore’s separation from of which had hostels run by missionaries former British North Borneo) and , Malaysia, the Federal Judicial and Legal to (the KE) Medical College (established both former British territories. In 1965, Service Commission was replaced by the 1905), to Raffles College (established 1928), Singapore left the Federation to become an Legal Service Commission. and later, to the University of Malaya, sited independent republic. in Singapore, when these two Colleges Under self-government in 1959, Fluidity of movement combined in 1950 (sic). It was only in 1962 Singapore created a separate Legal Service With such a long intertwined history, and that the University of Malaya moved to Commission comprising the Chief Justice, with Singapore and Penang belonging to the Kuala Lumpur.”

104 LIVE FREE Justice Tan Ah Tah retirement when he finally called it a day four ustice Tan Ah Tah was a Queen’s Scholar years later in November 1975, as he died Jin I924. Born in 1906, he was originally nine months after in August 1976. from Kuala Lumpur where he studied at During his entire career he was very before enrolling in PFS in active in the Old Frees’ Association of 1918. His scholarship took him to Cambridge Singapore serving as its president for University to read law. He was called to the several terms. Bar in 1930 before returning to Penang Preponderance of Old Frees in where he worked in a legal firm for a decade. Justice James Walter Davy law and medicine In 1941, he moved to Singapore when Ambrose This brings us to another point: Why the he joined the Straits Settlements Legal orn in Penang in 1909, JWD Ambrose was a star student at PFS where he preponderance of Old Frees in law and Service. In 1946, he was made Commissioner B of Estate Duties and Stamps – the first Asian topped the Senior Cambridge examinations especially now in medicine? As an Old Free to be appointed. of 1925. He was awarded the Queen’s put it, “The aspiration for top students in He made news again a year later Scholarship in 1928 to study law in Keble PFS was to become a lawyer or a doctor, when he was the first of two locals to gain College at Oxford University. Apart from as these were considered prestigious promotion to the Colonial Legal Service. his scholastic abilities, Ambrose displayed professions.” The following year saw him being appointed prowess in sports, thanks, no doubt, to his Those awarded Queen’s Scholarships, as first magistrate, civil district judge and PFS’ grounding. He was Oxford’s first foreign student to be awarded varsity colours for which were discontinued in 1957, were district judge in quick succession. In July 1954, he was made acting puisne badminton and was made captain of the invariably sent to the University of judge and confirmed as a judge in October badminton team. Cambridge to study law or medicine. Those 1955. In 1958, he rose to the position of After graduating from Oxford, Ambrose who aspired to become doctors and were acting Chief Justice of Singapore. In 1964, enrolled in the Inner Temple and was called paying their own way came to Singapore after Malaysia was formed, he was made to the Bar in 1935. because of the excellent reputation of the a judge of the Federal Court, which saw Shortly after, he returned to Penang KE (King Edward VII) Medical College. him presiding over cases in Malaysia and where he served an apprenticeship with the law firm, Wreford and Thornton. In 1936, he That PFS had special classes to prepare these Singapore. Slated for retirement in November joined the courts of the Straits Settlements aspiring students for the medical entrance 1971, Justice Tan had his term of office as an advocate and solicitor. He was made exams contributed to the pull factor. extended after an amendment was made to assistant official assignee, assistant registrar the Singapore Constitution to allow judges of companies and assistant official receiver. to prolong their careers. In 1939, he was posted to Malacca to serve Alas, he was not able to enjoy his as assistant public trustee of a newly formed chapter 9 Old Frees 105 Public Trustee Office of Malacca. In 1940, he joined the Straits Settlements Legal Service and in 1953 was promoted to the Colonial Legal Service. He served as the magistrate of Penang in 1954 before his transfer to Singapore as the new registrar in the Singapore High Court. He went on to become magistrate and district judge. In 1957, he was appointed official assignee and public trustee before being appointed high court judge a year later serving in the position for 10 years before his retirement in February 1968. He was the fourth Asian in Malaya to become a high court judge and the first judge of Indian ethnic origin to be made a puisne judge. Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin. Justice Tan Ah Tah. He died on 28 October 1992 at the age of 82. He is remembered for his patience and composure as a judge and praised for his extensive knowledge of the law.

Justice Alfred Victor Winslow orn in 1916 in Perak, AV Winslow was a Bbrilliant student who passed his Senior Cambridge examinations at the tender age of 13. As he was too young to enter university and thus could not sit for the Queen’s Scholarship examination, he spent his time doing other examinations including the London matriculation. In 1934, he was finally considered old enough for university and sat for the Queen’s Scholarship examinations. He aced it and Justice Alfred Victor Winslow. Justice James Walter Davy Ambrose. was awarded a Queen’s Scholarship to study

106 LIVE FREE mathematics in Cambridge University. He Singapore from 1963 till his retirement in coming from Oxford and Cambridge but was a gifted mathematician and indulged in 1990, a post he held for over 27 years. The his favourite was local geography teacher his passion for Part 1 of his “Tripos” before first Asian to be appointed, he was also Zainal Abidin. switching to studying law as he wanted to the longest-serving Chief Justice in the After he was called to the English Bar, join “a profession of high integrity” and Commonwealth. Wee returned to Penang in 1940 where he which also served the common good. Known to be strict in court because of was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of He was called to the English Bar in 1940 his desire to uphold the highest standards the Straits Settlements. after graduating and worked for a while in of the law, he has been praised by many He then went into private practice Britain before returning to Malaya. He joined lawyers - including those who had been in Singapore until 1957, working first with the Straits Settlements Legal Service, serving ticked off by him - for his professional talents renowned criminal lawyer DK Walters and as assistant official assignee, deputy registrar especially a photographic memory that later with Wee Swee Teow and Co. which and sheriff, magistrate and district judge. In allowed him to recall the facts of each case had offices in Singapore and Malaya. Chambers, he was known to be welcoming in precise detail. In August 1957, he was appointed a to newcomers and the inexperienced, often Well-respected and admired, Justice judge at the Supreme Court of Singapore, dishing out friendly advice. Wee was also known to be fair and impartial. the first Asian to achieve this honour. He In 1948, he was made crown counsel Born in Penang in 1917, he attended went on to become the Chief Justice in and deputy public prosecutor. In 1949, he PFS before leaving in 1935 to study law 1963, breaking the century-old tradition of was promoted to the Colonial Legal Service at Cambridge University where he was appointing British Chief Justices. Aged just and was acting senior crown counsel until awarded the MacMahon Law Studentship, 45 then, he was also the youngest to be 1957 when he was appointed solicitor- considered to be one of the most appointed. general. In 1962, he was elevated to the prestigious scholarships. He was also named After his term of office as Chief Justice Bench of the Supreme Court of Singapore the university’s outstanding cricketer in 1937. expired when he turned 65 in 1982, he had where he remained before retiring in 1977 In an interview with The Straits Times his term extended thrice, in 1982, 1985 and because of health reasons. He died in 1984 in 1991 when he was guest-of-honour at a in 1988. at the age of 68. dinner organised by OFAS to celebrate the Justice Wee also served as first Winslow was active in OFAS serving 175th anniversary of PFS’ founding, he spoke chairman of the Presidential Council of as its president for several terms. At his fondly of his student days. He said, “School Minority Rights for 18 years from 1973. passing, his colleagues lamented on “having then was a whole-day thing, with the He had also stood in as Singapore’s lost a legal luminary and one of the most afternoons devoted to sports. For me, that head-of-state on several occasions, as distinguished and learned judges.” was the best part of the day when I didn’t acting Yang di-Pertuan Negara and as have to go home and I could play cricket, acting President. Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin basketball and football.” Acknowledged for his love of sports imilarly lauded was Justice Wee Chong He recalled that many of the school’s especially cricket and badminton, thanks SJin who served as the Chief Justice of teachers were expatriates with many to his PFS days, the Chief Justice kept chapter 9 Old Frees 107 up his interest throughout his career. He Mohamed Ibrahim was made ambassador Eu Cheow Chye was captain of two cricket teams and was to the United Arab Republic (now Egypt). He nother president of the Singapore Golf Association was confirmed in his post in January 1969. Old Free for 40 years from 1962 to 2002. He died As A-G, he was the government’s chief A who served in in 2005. legal adviser and public prosecutor and Singapore’s Legal so played an important role in moulding System was Eu Singapore’s legal environment. Under his Tan Boon Teik Cheow Chye who part from sitting guidance, the Attorney-General’s Chambers won a scholarship on the Bench, produced revised editions of Singapore’s A to study law in there were also other legislation in 1970 and 1985 and the first Raffles College Old Frees serving in reprint of the Constitution in 1980. after leaving PFS Singapore’s judicial One of his major contributions in 1936. system. to Singapore’s legal system was the After One of them was establishment of the Singapore International Eu Cheow Chye as a member of the Penang graduating in Tan Boon Teik who Arbitration Centre of which he was the Chinese Cricket XI in 1935. 1939, he worked was Singapore’s longest-serving Attorney- founding chairman. He realised the The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required as a barrister and General (A-G), a position he held from 1969 growing importance of arbitration as a for reproduction as a member of until his retirement in 1992. means of dispute resolution and advocated the Colony Administrative Service attached Born in 1929, Tan left PFS to study law Singapore’s accession to the New York to the Colonial Secretary’s Office. at University College London (UCL) where he Convention and promoted arbitration In 1952, he became the First District graduated with an honours degree in law in extensively in Singapore and abroad. Judge and in 1963 was made the First 1951. He was called to the Bar the following Despite his heavy legal workload, the Magistrate for three years before his year and in 1953, received his Master of Laws A-G, who was a skilled pianist, devoted appointment as Registrar in the High Court degree from UCL. On his return to Penang, much time to developing Singapore’s arts in 1966. he worked as an advocate and solicitor in scene. He was the founding chairman of the Apart from his legal work, Cheow Chye Malaya and Singapore. Singapore Symphony Orchestra and gave it was also well known as a state cricketer. He In 1955, he joined the Singapore Legal direction for many years. He died in 2012. He played for Singapore in the early post-war Service, serving first as magistrate and later is remembered for his exacting professional years. In fact, before joining Raffles College, deputy registrar of the High Court. He was standards but would give due praise to he was actively playing for Penang and was appointed director of the Legal Aid Bureau good work done. part of the Penang Chinese Cricket XI team. in 1959 and senior crown counsel in 1963 He died prematurely in 1970. before being appointed solicitor-general. In February 1967, he was appointed acting A-G when the incumbent Ahmad

108 LIVE FREE had, which helped to stimulate young He and six of his cohort were selected minds. There was an Art Society which he for the scholarships for which three were Medicine could belong to as he was interested in art for medicine and the rest for science and and painting. He was also a member of the engineering. Aristotelian Society, which was about maths He studied in the University of and science while a Debating Society helped Adelaide and after obtaining his MBBS to sharpen one’s oratorical skills. returned to Penang where he said he had He joined PFS from a wonderful working experience at the High School where former Malaysian prime Penang General Hospital. Lee Seng Teik minister Abdullah Badawi was a classmate. “Then came Confrontation with Professor of Plastic Surgery Enrolling in Form 3, he remembers being Indonesia and doctors were needed to Year left school: 1959 interviewed by the outgoing headmaster JE serve in the armed forces. We were asked Tod. He studied in PFS from 1954 to 1959 to volunteer especially those who wished to ubbed the father when the new headmaster JMB Hughes go overseas for post-graduate training. I was Dof plastic surgery took over. one of them. in Singapore, Lee He said, “The spirit of the school was to “We trained for three months as Seng Teik is a doyen in go for excellence in study, sports and other medical officers in the army and were then the field of medicine. activities which served to inculcate qualities posted to various military units. He attributes his of tolerance, leadership and sportsmanship “I was with the Third Malay Regiment, achievements to the for all irrespective of background. an active fighting unit in Alor Star where I solid foundations laid “The pride for our school was served 18 months. That was in 1966. Later, down by PFS for which he is grateful. something that grew in us and we just I was sent to Taiping to serve in the artillery “We were so very fortunate because PFS cannot help it.” unit for six months. was at the pinnacle during the era of colonial On how he came to specialise in “In 1968, after finishing my scholarship English schools and English government medicine, he said, “In school, there was bond, I went to the UK for post-graduate schools. While Penang had Chinese, Malay a natural gravitation towards medicine as training, which was long and tedious, taking and other vernacular schools and mission we excelled in the sciences especially in six and a half years. Training in the UK at that schools as well, in terms of public schools, the biology. Maybe I was also influenced by time was very tough and highly competitive. Free School was right on top. Albert Schweitzer’s writings. The Colombo The country was flooded with doctors from “The school excelled in sports and Plan Scholarships then (which replaced the sub-continent – India and Pakistan – so other activities and out of this milieu you find the Queen’s Scholarships) given out to qualifying for training positions in institutions the best people.” developing countries were awarded more was very tough. What impressed him was the range of for medicine and science than for law and “I enrolled in the Royal College of activities and unusual societies the school other disciplines.” Surgeons to do the basic fellowship exam so chapter 9 Old Frees 109 that I could compete for the better training come to Singapore where I had a meeting time and resources for further study, such posts. I was in rotational posts for two years with the then permanent secretary of regeneration is possible.” after which I could choose any discipline. health, Andrew Chew, a trained doctor Before completing it I presented myself himself, who offered me a job on the spot. for the Edinburgh fellowship exams. I went I have been here since.” Chin Wah Seng to see my supervisor and said I wanted to Professor Lee has held various posts Radiologist learn something I had seen in the course of in SGH such as Head of Plastic Surgery and Year left school: 1961 training – burns. Burns. He is the founding director of the “There was a nasty accident when an SGH-Postgraduate Medical Institute and oil truck had gone through a tunnel after the founder director and advisor of the SGH someone threw a cigarette. It caught fire Museum. He also founded the skin culture and I saw patients with burns but did not lab in the National Burns Centre in SGH know how such patients could be treated. in 1990. My supervisor Dick Heslop said he would Today, he is an emeritus consultant at put me in the burns unit in a hospital in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive Birmingham, which was a leading centre and Aesthetic Surgery in SGH and holds then, to learn. So I went there as a registrar a faculty position in Duke-NUS graduate and learned all about burns in a very medical school. research-oriented and academic unit. It In 2015, he and a close family friend, or Chin Wah Seng, PFS was a school like was the best trauma unit at Birmingham Lee Hoo Leng, contributed $2.5 million to Fno other. He counts his fondness for his Accident Hospital (BAH). set up a new Professorship in Plastic Surgery alma mater in many ways. “I did six months’ training in burns and and Regenerative Medicine to encourage He said, “It starts with the physical from there gravitated into plastic surgery research into the regeneration of body parts. surroundings. It has fantastic grounds. because of reconstruction work and for the He said that while laboratories in the There is this huge field surrounded by next four years I trained in plastic surgery Burns Unit have been growing skin for architecturally beautiful old-style buildings. in the UK. I was lucky to end up in various transplant onto patients for several years Then there is the culture of closeness that hospitals that were top plastic surgical now, it is hoped that the same thing could binds the students. I can’t quite pin it down centres. And this end part of training was be done for other damaged or ageing but I think it stems from the leadership very gratifying because I worked with the organs and tissues. shown by our headmasters and senior best people. He said, “In an ageing population, teachers. It also stems from our curriculum “Returning to Malaysia in 1975, I went regeneration of body parts is crucial. Tissue and the wide range of activities that catered directly to Kuala Lumpur to look for a job and organ regeneration is possible but we for the sporty boys and the less sporty types. but they could not offer a suitable position have a long way to go before we can achieve “I was taken by the number of societies for what I was trained for. So I decided to it. I believe that if researchers are given the we had, including even an Aristotelian Society.

110 LIVE FREE “In my mind, we clicked not because Tinggi and also two years of compulsory we were looking for something like in some National Service as a doctor (Captain) in schools where students are there because the Malaysian Armed Forces. This was they want to build up a network for the during the communist insurgency period future. We were more altruistic and valued when there was combative activity in North more the spirit of comradeship. Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. “Another binding thread was the school He subsequently joined Singapore’s magazine given free (until 1962) to each Ministry of Health where he specialised student at the end of the year. It was a kind in diagnostic radiology in the Singapore of year book encapsulating what had gone General Hospital. He obtained a on in the school for the whole year. It made second Colombo Plan Scholarship to for good reading and helped to strengthen Winners of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s Cup do postgraduate studies in London the sense of belonging.” 1961; from left, Khor Cheng Chye, Lee Chong Hoe and subsequently sub-specialised in (Captain), JMB Hughes (Headmaster), Chin Wah Seng One of his favourite recollections was and Phoon Chek Hoong. Interventional Radiology where radiological the school assembly on Monday morning techniques are used in treating diseases in when every student would gather in the badminton and went on to win the inaugural the internal organs. school hall to listen to the headmaster’s Agong’s Cup for the school in 1960. Thanks In 1979 he was head-hunted to join speech and teachers’ announcements of to him, other boys represented the school at the newly formed private Mount Elizabeth activities for the week. The occasion was a the state level in rugby and other sports. Hospital as consultant radiologist. poignant one for him when he was elected “All this has contributed to the feeling His greatest pride, he says, was in head prefect (school captain) and it became of pride among Old Frees that holds them setting up the first diagnostic interventional his duty to call the school to attention to together,” he said. radiology and cardiovascular laboratory, await the arrival of the headmaster. The school was tops not only in sports the first of its kind in a private hospital in “The prefect system was well organised. but also on the scholastic side, sweeping Southeast Asia. This was with the help of Prefects had their own room and well- many Queen’s Scholarships in the past and a specialised supporting team consisting defined roles of helping to keep discipline in later years the Colombo Plan Scholarships. of an angiographic radiographer, nursing in the school. As part of the system, senior He himself was a beneficiary having clinched sister, cardiac cath technician and dark prefects had to mentor junior prefects so a Colombo Plan Scholarship to study room technician. that they could step up, thus adding to the medicine in Canada where he graduated After five years with Mount Elizabeth grooming of leadership.” with a MD degree in 1967. Hospital, he decided to open his own The way Wah Seng sees it, PFS did On his return to Malaysia, he served practice in the then Promenade. He ran it not do things by half. He talked about how two years as a medical officer in the General for 17 years before The Promenade was re- he was inspired by his physical education Hospital in Kuala Lumpur and , developed in 2000. When the hospital made teacher Teh Kheng Chooi to take up district hospital in and Kota an offer then to buy over his practice, he chapter 9 Old Frees 111 accepted and he has been with the renamed lymphoma. Since 2000, more new drugs are secondary three and if we wanted to get into practice, Parkway Health Services, Singapore available for treating other cancers.” the science stream which took the crème ever since. Fascinated by the changes in the de la crème of students, we had to do well. world of oncology, he says, “Now you can There was more streaming to get into Lower offer patients hope that they can be cured. Sixth Form. Tan Yew Oo For those who cannot be cured, they can “All this helped to keep you focused, Oncologist live longer. The pace of change has been competitive and achievement-oriented.” Year left school: 1964 tremendous and I am very excited by how All of which came in useful when it the changes can give hope to people came to deciding on a medical career. chat with Yew Oo and how these have changed people’s Opting for the more established medical Areveals his passion perceptions that cancer is not all doom school in Singapore over Kuala Lumpur’s for his work - oncology and gloom. newly opened medical school of two years, or the treatment of “What I find satisfying too is in how Yew Oo graduated with a MBBS degree cancers. these changes have inspired bright young then went to Canada, the US, Scotland and Yet if he were to doctors to go into medical oncology.” Australia for specialist training in internal pursue his original Yew Oo’s journey in medicine had its medicine, haematology and oncology. dream to become beginnings in PFS. His plans to return to Penang to an agronomist, he would not have been an “I was in a cluster of students for practise were scuttled when he was offered oncologist and Singapore would have lost whom floating into medicine seemed to a position that did not allow him to make an important mentor and trainer in medical be a natural thing to do. But it was very use of what he had been trained for so he oncology. competitive trying to get into medicine.” decided to join the University of Singapore’s He said, “Forty years ago, there were Then again, the school prepared its Faculty of Medicine where he was a tenured hardly any drugs for cancer treatment, students well because of its “culture of faculty staff for 20 years from 1973 to 1993. perhaps just four or five drugs. No one had diligence in which you are ingrained to During this period, he helped to establish heard of oncologists until 1978 and the rate work hard but also play hard. So while we the Department of Medical Oncology in the of cure for patients then was very low. were expected to do well academically we Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and later “Today over 100 drugs can be used were also expected to enjoy sports and in the National University Hospital (NUH). for treating cancer. So there has been other activities. He became a mentor and teacher to doctors an explosion in the knowledge of cancer “Our school system may not have among whom are several well-known biology and cancer treatment. Now people been like a pressure cooker but it was medical oncologists today. can be cured and the rate of survival has still competitive because of the practice Despite being in private practice, gone up by about 20 per cent. of streaming. Yew Oo is still active in teaching and “Before, in the 1990s, drugs were “Before we could get into secondary postgraduate medical training. He continues available mainly for treating leukemia and four, we had to pass our streaming exams in to be involved in clinical cancer research and

112 LIVE FREE clinical trials on novel anti-cancer agents. training where hospitals and developments “Singapore is an active centre for trials. in oncology treatment are considered more For new drugs to be licensed, they have to modern and structured, he was able to gear go through trials and if data can be shown teaching methods towards those practised that the drugs are good, safe and useful for in the US, a turn-around of 180 degrees from patient use, drug companies are allowed to the former British-based system. sell them. We get experts to evaluate the The change was justified as major drugs and submit their reports. discoveries in medicine have recently been “The government here approves new done more in the US, he said. drugs quite quickly so in neighbouring countries, if doctors cannot get access to these drugs, they can at least send their Lee Eng Hin Examining a disabled child. patients here. Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon “This helps make Singapore an Year left school: 1966 attractive place to come to for treatment. “After all, the government wants to or Lee Eng Hin, life promote Singapore as a medical hub and Fin school was not centre for this part of the world.” all work and no play, To this end, doctors in oncology are thanks to The Fenders, given training here and elsewhere to equip a band that he formed them with special skills, thus “adding to “modelled after the the talent pool”, he says. “It also helps Shadows.” to publicise Singapore’s expertise in the He said, “The treatment of certain cancers and enhances lead guitarist was Khoo Soo Teik, (he’s its reputation as a medical hub.” teaching in Kuala Lumpur) while Yong Leong Eng Hin (second from left) with fellow residents Today, Singapore has 96 oncologists, Chong, who trains pilots in Singapore during orthopaedic training in Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. the highest number in this part of the world. Airlines was our rhythm guitarist. Lawyer Yew Oo does his bit to contribute Chan Ban Eng was our drummer while I appeared at talentime shows and played by providing training and mentoring, played the bass guitar and accordion. state-wide in Penang as guest artistes and something he has been doing for the past “We also had two buddies, Koh Kim even did two recordings. 15 years. Eow and Fong Chek Hong who sang with us, “I come from a musical family. My father As he was head of department in singing hits from the Everly Brothers and The played the violin, my mother the piano while the Faculty of Medicine, he was able to Blue Diamonds. I played the guitar and ukulele. We started institute changes. Thanks to his American “We played at school concerts, the band when we were 14 years old and

chapter 9 Old Frees 113 stopped playing to study when we were 17. Hospital (NUH). In 1997, he was made a they can see their environment instead of “Our school mates enjoyed our music full professor of orthopaedic surgery. He just looking at the ceiling, and to learn to and found us entertaining.” then went on to head the Department of use their hands. He was inspired to do this Despite a musical background, when Orthopaedic Surgery at NUS and NUH because of his training in Toronto. it came to a career, he decided to follow and eventually became the Dean of the One of his other contributions is the a different path. With a Colombo Plan Faculty of Medicine at NUS. As Director of setting up of two special schools under the Scholarship, he left to study medicine at the the Division of Graduate Medical Studies at Rainbow Centre to provide early intervention, University of Western Ontario in Canada NUS he was responsible for ensuring that all as well as programmes for autistic children where he graduated with a MD in 1973. postgraduate trainees were properly trained and physically disabled children. One of the “I had to decide on whether to be and rigorously assessed for competence aims, he said, was to help integrate these a general practitioner or a specialist, and before becoming specialists in their children into normal schools. I chose orthopaedics as it was a happy respective fields. For his efforts, he has won the specialty where most of the conditions were He recalled, “Nobody had been President’s Social Service Award, Public not life-threatening and patients would formally trained in paediatric orthopaedics Administration (Silver) Medal, Public Service usually get better,” he explained. here and as one of the first to have special Medal and the Clinician Mentor Award for He trained in Orthopaedic Surgery training, I was asked to start and develop mentoring students and trainees. at the University of Toronto Residency it as a sub-speciality in NUH. When KK His contributions go beyond medical Training Program, obtaining his FRCS(C) in Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) was education, specialist training and social Orthopaedic Surgery in 1982. He continued, established in 1997, I was asked to start the service. He has also contributed in research “When I did residency training I enjoyed Orthopaedic department. by setting up the NUS Tissue Engineering my stint in paediatric orthopaedics and “As part of my university work, I teach Programme, in which he and his team decided to do a fellowship at the Hospital undergraduates and train post-graduate are working on stem cells to regenerate for Sick Children in Toronto. I was attracted students to become orthopaedic surgeons. cartilage. “Instead of replacing worn out to paediatrics because it is very challenging I have been doing this for over 30 years joints with metal and plastic prostheses, we to treat children as the treatment has to take since 1983. I am glad to have played a try to heal them with the patient’s own cells.” into account that they are still growing. part in nurturing our young doctors and In addition, he was involved with “In 1983, the head of orthopaedics in increasing the pool of paediatric and general Singapore’s biomedical initiative from the Singapore heard of me and went to Toronto orthopaedic surgeons; I find it very satisfying start in 2000 and he was the Executive to recruit me while I turned down a job offer and fulfilling.” Director of the Biomedical Research at the same time at the Chinese University of He also started Multidisciplinary Clinics Council of the Agency for Science, Research Hong Kong.” for disabled children in both NUH and KKH, and Technology (A*STAR) between 2008 He was appointed as a senior including a Seating Clinic which builds and 2012. lecturer at the National University of special seats to help severely disabled Eng Hin reflects, “From a lowly Singapore (NUS) and National University cerebral palsied children to sit up so that background in Penang, I have helped

114 LIVE FREE Singapore in medicine, education, social or Soo Khee Chee, what stood out Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. service and research. I probably would not Ffor him in PFS was the “intense sense After deciding to specialise in head be able to do all this if I had remained in of belonging that comes from a total and neck surgery and surgical oncology, Penang.” He attributes much of his success immersion in an old school culture that he moved to London to work in the Royal to the early formative years in the PFS. emphasised not just achievements in Marsden Hospital and later in the US at the He is currently still actively practising academic studies but also in extra-curricular Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre’s as a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at both activities, especially sports.” Department of Surgery in New York. NUH and KKH. He is a Senior Consultant He credits the school’s British In 1988, he returned to Singapore to to the Ministry of Health, Senior Advisor to headmasters for having set the traditions work at the Department of Surgery at the the Division of Graduate Medical Studies and tone, running it like an English public Singapore General Hospital (SGH). In 1993, at NUS and is also helping Nanyang school. But the teachers were “rather stern” he was appointed head of the department Technological University (NTU) and Imperial and he remembers being punched by one of and also senior consultant surgeon until College London with the development them in the face when he was in Form 2 as a 2004. In 1995, he obtained his Doctor of of the new Lee Kong Chian School of means of instilling discipline – “all part of the Medicine from the National University of Medicine as member of their Governing growing up experience,” he said. Singapore (NUS). Board and Chairman of the Academic What he treasures most are the Today, Khee Chee is the director of the Affairs Committee. friendships forged among students of diverse National Cancer Centre, providing strategic races and the “intense loyalty all of us have to leadership to more than 500 staff engaged in our friends and school.” As proof, he has kept clinical care and research. He is also Vice- in touch with his classmates over the years, Dean of Clinical and Faculty Affairs at the Soo Khee Chee especially those who had enrolled in the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. He is Head of National Cancer Centre University of Singapore’s Medical School. also Professor of Surgery at NUS. Year left school: 1969 “There were six of us and we are all still He has helped to introduce a speciality here,” he said. “I think the school provided of head and neck surgery and surgical us with a vision of a broader world. It taught oncology in Singapore. He is also involved us good written and spoken English. It in mentoring and nurturing a group of provided us with friends for networking and clinical scientists. “These are positions gave us a sense of belonging and pride in actively involved in medical science and the achievements of our old boys.” serve as a bridge between basic scientists After graduating in 1975, Khee Chee and clinicians,” he said. “It is about bringing went to New South Wales, Australia where discoveries from the bench to the bedside he worked as a Resident and Registrar at and from the bedside to the bench.” the Prince of Wales-Prince Henry Hospitals. He has wide-ranging research

Khee Chee examining a patient. In 1982, he obtained his Fellowship of the interests in conducting clinical trials for new chapter 9 Old Frees 115 cancer treatments as well as in the field of build the cancer centre while we provide the hard and striving for your goals. These biophotonics and its role as a new imaging expertise. We also host training sessions for qualities are what older schools effectively modality for the early detection of cancer. their doctors and nurses here.” put in you as they have been developed He has also trained international It is a project that resonates with him for over the years. surgeons and has been Visiting Professor in as he says, “Penang is close to my heart”. “These traditions are very important the University of Toronto, Canada, the Jaslok as you know you are part of a distinguished Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, school where very notable people came India, as well as Stanford University Medical from – high court judges, kings and our first Center (USA). Peter Lim Ai Chi prime minister. The implication was that you For his work, he was recognised with Senior Consultant should similarly distinguish yourself because the Outstanding Teacher’s Award in 1995 Singapore General Hospital this is your bloodline and roots. It gave us and Best Teacher (Undergraduate) Award in Year left school: 1972 a sense of belonging and continuity that 2001. In 2003, he was awarded the National goes back two hundred years and a sense Day Award, Public Administration Medal of fellowship with people who are highly (Gold) for all his contributions. accomplished in other fields. In 2008, he was given the National “Oxford, Cambridge or Harvard are Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award from the successful and create successful graduates Ministry of Health. In 2011, he was awarded in part because belonging to such august the President’s Science and Technology institutions imbues in the students a sense Medal in recognition for his contributions to that they are in a special place. They tend to Singapore’s clinical service and healthcare be self-motivated and self-confident. landscape. He is currently the Benjamin “So too in PFS where we were expected Sheares Professor of Academic Medicine in to do well in education while also focusing Peter teaching in Qingdao, China. Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. on outdoor activities and developing other He is now involved in establishing eter Lim was in PFS for three years qualities. Being in the Boy Scouts, for collaborations between Singapore and Pfrom 1970 to 1972 studying from Form instance, taught us character, resilience, and Malaysia to bring the latest in cancer 1 to Form 3 before moving with his family cheerfulness. We went on tough hiking trips, treatment to those who need it. to Kuala Lumpur, where he completed his camped in the pouring rain, but also had “This is a cancer centre that we are secondary education. fun campfire sessions where girls from St helping to set up in Penang. It started five Yet, despite the short stint in PFS, his George’s and from the Convent Green Lane years ago and we are partnering with the time there made the greatest impressions also took part. I used to be sickly as a kid but Adventist hospital to set up the Adventist on him. when I joined the Boy Scouts, I rarely got Oncology Centre. It is a not-for-profit He explained, “The school instilled in sick again.” venture – the hospital provides the land to us loyalty, camaraderie, an ethos of working He was referring to a time when as

116 LIVE FREE a young boy he was often in and out of Speaking of his work, he said, “We take of orthopaedic surgeons to lead the hospitals and clinics. He found hospitals care of people with disabilities – patients development of Rehabilitation Medicine and their smell of antiseptic fascinating. “I with strokes, spinal injuries, multiple as a medical specialty in the Singapore saw things such as needles and syringes fractures, joint replacements or cancer. General Hospital (SGH). Today, there are being boiled for reuse, as well as sick “We are doctors that can cross 10 consultant physicians and three senior people getting well. That was the start of boundaries as our training is medical; we resident specialists in training with the SGH my interest in medicine,” he said. It was also understand surgery, know what therapists Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. the school spirit and ethos of serving which do, and know what support systems exist in Setting up the programme was in a explains why “there are so many doctors the hospitals and community. In other words, sense fulfilling his duty. He continues to among Old Frees.” it is holistic medicine. be actively involved in the teaching and He took a less well travelled path “Immediately after an accident or development of medical rehabilitation not when he went to medical school in stroke, after the neurologist or surgeon only in Singapore but also in Malaysia and India after completing his A-levels. He finishes his job we take over. We have three around the region. went on to do postgraduate medical main jobs. We take care of medical issues He is President of the Rehabilitation training in the US where he specialised in such as high blood pressure, blood sugar Medicine Society in Singapore, Chair of the rehabilitation medicine. Peter’s interest in or electrolyte control, manage infections, Rehabilitation Physicians Chapter, College this field stemmed from his orthopaedic and help to set medical parameters for of Physicians Singapore, and was President surgery postings in India which included therapists to work with. We also deal with of the ASEAN Rehabilitation Medicine rehabilitation, and when he received an offer complications resulting from these types Association. He is an associate editor of from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago of illnesses such as neurogenic bowel and the American Journal of Physical Medicine (RIC) at Northwestern University Medical bladder, autonomic dysfunction, neuropathic and Rehabilitation, and is peer reviewer for School to further this interest, he took it or musculoskeletal pain. And we lead the various journals. up immediately. rehabilitation team which includes therapists, A senior consultant of SGH and After the residency programme, he prosthetists and social workers. Group Chief Risk Officer, SingHealth, stayed at the RIC as an attending fellow to “Our job is to help people get back on he holds four faculty positions: Clinical do a subspecialty in arthritis-orthopaedic their feet or regain mobility and function so Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, rehabilitation, working with patients with that they can return home and into society.” Houston; Adjunct Professor, Medical arthritis, fractures and joint replacements. He returned to the US in 1993, where Faculty, University of Malaya; Clinical When he arrived in Singapore in 1992, he established a fellowship programme Senior Lecturer, NUS (National University he joined the only other rehabilitation for Singapore rehabilitation doctors of Singapore) Yong Loo Lin School of physician in the public sector then and to train at Baylor College of Medicine Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor, together they went on to train new in Houston, Texas. He was persuaded Duke-NUS Medical School. specialists in rehabilitation in Tan Tock to come back to Singapore in 2000 by Seng Hospital. Professor N Balachandran, the doyen

chapter 9 Old Frees 117 Lim Beng Hai for Hand and Microsurgery in 1994. schools such as a recent team which had Hand surgeon He now wants to improve on it. He said, arrived to play in a rugby tournament with Year left school: 1976 “I am developing a tendon development Raffles Institution. device, provisionally called a teno button. I Of his donation, he said it was or Lim Beng Hai, have been working on this since 1997/98. It prompted by a suggestion of his former FPSF provided the is a long road and we are now almost in the classmate, Jalil, the school’s past principal platform for what first stage. who said that help was needed to replace he is doing now – “I want to do a stronger technique some ageing equipment, among them the microsurgery. after tendon repair. This is a paradigm shift basketball court, to maintain the school’s He explained, since the patient does not have to wear a standards. “Our teachers splint, usually for six weeks, for the hand to “Since I benefitted from the school, I encouraged us to be heal. He can go back to work much earlier. thought I should give back and so made the creative and to think out of the box. Because In other words, I am aiming to go towards a donation,” he said. of the many experiments we were tasked splint-free repair which will be pioneering in “Some Old Frees among us went back to do, I realised I was good at tinkering the world.” to PFS last year to visit the place and some with many hands and that is how I ended Of his time in PFS, he said, “I have very old boys relived their experience there by up in microsurgery as it is the only thing in good memories. They were very stimulating sitting in the chairs in the classrooms!” medicine that allows me to do that. times.” Beng Hai’s journey as a hand surgeon “What’s good about it too is that I can Yet for him, life was about meeting began after he graduated from the National recreate nice things so it is very satisfying.” targets rather than studying hard. He said, University of Singapore (NUS) with a medical Microsurgery is surgery that requires “I was in Wellesley School and knew that degree in 1985, following which he obtained a microscope as the structures being if I did well enough I would end up in Free his Master of Medicine and joined the Fellow operated on are very small such as blood School. Every year, the quota was the first Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) in vessels, nerves and capillaries, so it is “very best performing 50 students. But in one 1990. In the same year, he did an Advanced challenging,” he said. year, it took only 45 and since I was 46th on Hand Surgery Traineeship. Beng Hai is also involved in research. He the list, I did not get in. I finally entered the After completing his training in the was part of the team that developed the six- school only in the Lower Sixth Form.” Christine Kleinert Institute, he was awarded strand loop suture tendon repair technique Despite spending two years there, he the Senior Fellowship in Hand Surgery by used for flexor tendon repair known as the said he benefitted from the school. He also the University of Louisville Hospitals in 1995 Lim-Tsai technique. He had developed it has a strong attachment to it as evidenced to 1996. He was later appointed Adjunct with his boss Dr Tsu-Min Tsai when he was by his donation to build a new basketball Assistant Professor to the Department of studying in the US where he was doing court to replace the old court and his Surgery, University of Louisville. his fellowship in Hand and Reconstructive efforts to host students from PFS coming He returned to Singapore and in 1998, Microsurgery at the Christine Kleinert Institute to Singapore to play games with Singapore was accredited as a Specialist in Hand Surgery.

118 LIVE FREE He was appointed consultant Hand Wong Peng Cheang Surgeon at the Singapore General Hospital Obstetrician and gynaecologist (SGH) and in 2000 became Chief of the Year left school: 1970 Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery at the National University studied four years Hospital (NUH). “Iin PFS before He revels in teaching undergraduate leaving after Upper and postgraduate students. Among his Six in 1970 for the accomplishments as chief of the Department University of Malaya to of Hand and Reconstructive Surgery study medicine. I had was setting up the Department’s annual been in the Science cadaveric symposium and workshop for stream all along. General Practitioners in 2000 and in 2001, “For me, the school was probably the the Foundations in Musculoskeletal Surgery best school in Penang and perhaps in all of for advanced trainees in Hand, Plastics and Malaysia. It was very old with a long history Orthopaedic surgery. with many illustrious alumni. Looking at the He also established the Microsurgical long list of successful alumni and what they Training Laboratory in NUH in 2001. As achieved only motivated us to excel. its Programme Director, he set up a joint “A few things stood out during my training programme in microsurgery with time there. Germany’s Aesculap Academy in 2003. The “One was the ‘click-clock’ sound of my success of the training laboratory prompted Headmaster’s (Tan Boon Lin) shoes as he him to set up the STAR (Skills, Training And walked around along the corridors inspecting Wong Peng Cheang (standing, extreme left, in the group photo on the front page of The Straits Research) Laboratory two years later, in the school, staff and students. Another was Times, 21 May 1983) was a member of the original NUH. This has since expanded to include a rather painful witnessing of a boy receiving team which pioneered IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) in Singapore. the Digital Medicine Laboratory. public caning during school assembly in front Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction Today, Beng Hai is the director and of all the teachers and students. senior consultant hand surgeon at the “Lower Six was a year of reckoning Centre for Hand And Reconstructive because my class became co-ed and we had of the famous Kandang Kerbau Hospital MicroSurgery (CHARMS) located at Mount five girls joining us. They were very popular and of its doctors like Dr Lean Tye Hin and Elizabeth Medical Centre. He is also a among the boys. We welcomed them. Professor SS Ratnam. visiting senior consultant hand surgeon at “After graduation, I came to Singapore “After obtaining my MRCOG, I became the Department of Hand and Reconstructive in 1977 because I wanted to be trained to be interested in the study and treatment of Microsurgery, NUH. an obstetrician and gynaecologist. I heard fertility problems and was a member of the chapter 9 Old Frees 119 original team which pioneered IVF (in-vitro Chan Kong Thoe Recalling the times then, he said, “I was fertilisation) in Singapore. Retired surgeon in PFS in December 1941 for only about a “Next I went to the US on a fellowship Year left school: 1948 week. I was so impressed by it. The school and on my return to Singapore started to get looked immense with its long corridors. The even more involved. By then the thought of school field was endless in my mind with a returning to Malaysia did not arise because shooting range at an inner end which made at that time IVF treatment was not carried the school look ‘very advanced’. But I never out in Malaysia. It was obvious that if I saw it used though. wanted to progress in this field, I should “After the war was over when Penang remain in Singapore and pursue my career was liberated in August, PFS reopened further here. in September. Things happened pretty “The school’s motto ‘Strong and quickly. A brigadier in the British Army was faithful’ struck a chord with me. The school appointed our headmaster but was soon helped us to learn how to be independent. assigned to Kuala Lumpur to be the Director In extracurricular activities or in the various of Education, Malaya. Some teachers were societies that we joined, the teacher-in- also from the British Army. I remember charge was more of a guide and we were a Major Miller who taught Geography; largely left to pursue our projects. So we he always wore shorts and had a very developed a lot of leadership, drive and strong Midlands accent and it was difficult team building. We grew into the role. sometimes to make out what he was saying. “I think one of the school’s special traits “Our Maths teacher and Form Master, is well reflected in our school song which we s a star surgeon he made headlines Mr Ong Teong Guan was outstanding; he sang at assembly. One of its lines was ‘Free Ain May 1970 when he performed was patient and made maths easy. Later, it School for the brave and for the true’ - it was Singapore’s first kidney transplant. Yet, that was Ooi Khay Bian, who had a BA. He was a constant reminder that we should pursue was only one of a long list of milestones also very good but had favourites, which was our goals with heart and soul.” Chan Kong Thoe had been chalking up, quite a common weakness in those days. right from the time when he enrolled in Targar Singh was a great Geography teacher, Penang Free School in December 1941 to making the subject lively and interesting. begin Standard VI. He was a very friendly man who used to Alas, his education was interrupted cycle to school. I had known him since my when Penang fell to the Japanese soon after elementary school days at Westlands School. and it was not until September 1945 when Later, he went to PFS and was an excellent World War II ended that he was able to Scoutmaster and became the Rover Master resume schooling. when I started the first Rover Crew in PFS for

120 LIVE FREE Senior Scouts. I was the Senior Rover Mate, although they never persuaded me.” three months of preparation instead of a which was the equivalent to Troop Leader in He was thrilled to be awarded the projected 33 months, Kong Thoe worked in Scouting. A Rover crew traditionally cannot Queen’s Scholarship although by his own two of England’s most famous hospitals – be headed by a minor (below age 21) and admission, he was “not too surprised”. He St Thomas and St James University Hospital we were all schoolboys. It was the first Rover explained, “I had a very good academic – with top British surgeons. Crew in a school in this part of the world so record and could speak well and with After two years, he returned to work in we made history. confidence in interviews. By special the University of Singapore’s department of “Competition in PFS was very keen as it dispensation from the Malayan Government, surgery as a lecturer and also as a surgeon had high academic and leadership standards I was allowed to keep the title of Queen’s back in the “A” unit at SGH where he did all and we were studying among the very best. Scholar as I had won a better scholarship the liver surgeries using techniques he had The kind of environment it provided helped from the Singapore Government. I kept learnt from England. to shape and mature my character.” the title of Queen’s Scholar but had no In 1965, he took a sabbatical leave of It also propelled him to maintain emoluments. The rule then was that a six months after he had won a Hunterian high standards for himself throughout his person could hold only one scholarship or Professorship from the Royal College of life - winning awards in school, getting prize at any time. It also meant that I had to Surgeons, England to do research on liver appointed as School Captain, winning the give up a Hutchings Scholarship that I had cancer. He later went on to study kidney coveted Queen’s Scholarship in his final also won.” and liver transplantation in the United year at PFS and topping his medical school He began his medical career in 1955 as States where he performed experimental examinations for all his six years of study. a trainee under (who later kidney transplants on dogs. In 1967, he was In his graduation year in 1954 when he was became Singapore’s second president) in the appointed head of the “A” unit as well as awarded the degree of Bachelor of Medicine Obstetrics & Gynaecology department of head of the university department of surgery and Bachelor of Surgery, he scooped up Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH). Part of his where he introduced new and up-to-date all seven awards that were up for grabs by two-year training had to include six months surgical procedures. He was the first to do medical students. of full-time surgical training. He was attached gastroscopy, laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) Ironically, medicine was not his first to the “A” unit at the Singapore General and other surgical procedures. choice. He said, “It was engineering all my Hospital (SGH). The unit was headed by His preoccupation then as he puts it, life till then. I had scholarships for both the Yeoh Ghim Seng who was later appointed “was to do liver transplants as liver cancer King Edward VII Medical College and Raffles as Singapore’s Speaker of Parliament. It was one of the commonest cancers here. College in Singapore, but my preference was Professor Yeoh who steered him into a I was learning about liver transplants at was Science and to obtain a BSc at Raffles surgical career by declining to let him return Harvard Medical School and was on its Liver which baffled all the teachers and my fellow to KKH. Transplant Team but no liver transplant students as medicine was the prime choice In 1959, after passing the difficult was done during my time there. Finally, in then. I changed to medicine at the last FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Singapore, we did kidney transplants instead minute as I knew my parents would like it Surgeons) England examination after only as all artificial kidneys for dialysis then at the

chapter 9 Old Frees 121 National Kidney Foundation were fully used.” monuments, Chong Keat has put an His historic kidney transplant in 1970 indelible mark on Singapore’s architectural was so successful that the recipient of the Architecture scene. transplanted kidney, who had been very The former, which has been recognised ill prior to the surgery, went on to live for as a first-rate example of international style another 22 years. architecture in Singapore, emphasises the Although Kong Thoe retired from the universality of his work even though it has department of surgery before it carried out also been noted for the mengkuang mat- Singapore’s first liver transplant in 1990, it inspired mosaic pattern on one of its exterior was his work and teaching that had set the walls, a nod to the architect’s penchant for stage for the transplant. Lim Chong Keat including local elements in his designs. He observed, “There has been Year left school: 1948 And thanks to his background in immense progress since I started doing acoustics, Chong Keat went on to design surgery with many new surgical procedures ato’ Seri Lim other concert halls such as DBS Auditorium and research being done now.” DChong Keat is in Singapore, the Geodesic Dome (Dewan a significant figure Tunku) and Shah Alam Town Council in Singapore’s Auditorium in Kuala Lumpur and Penang’s post-independent 65-storey Komtar Tower in George Town, architectural scene, Malaysia’s tallest building until 1988. having been the Outstanding practitioner apart, Chong man behind some of Keat has also been influential in moulding the Republic’s most noteworthy buildings the earliest batches of architectural built in the 1960s and 1970s. They include graduates when he was a lecturer at the Singapore Conference Hall and Trade Union Singapore Polytechnic where architecture House (completed in 1965 under Malayan was first established as a course in 1958 Architects Co-partnership with partners before it became a degree course at the Voon Fee and William Lim), Malaysia- University of Singapore in 1965. Singapore Airlines Building (completed in Chong Keat has also played an 1969 under Architects Team 3) and Jurong important role on the architectural Town Hall (completed in 1974 also with world stage in organisations such as the Architects Team 3). Commonwealth Association Architects With two of these buildings - Singapore (CAA), as the co-founding chairman of Conference Hall and Trade Union House Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) and Jurong Town Hall - declared national and as chairman of the Commonwealth

122 LIVE FREE initiative to develop a database on pioneer Tay Lee Soon architects and to record the republic’s Year left school: 1949 architectural history as part of its SG50 efforts to celebrate Singapore’s Jubilee he ‘accidental year of its modern founding. He has served “Tarchitect’ label as president of the Singapore Institute of given to me may Architects and on several public boards appear to be so when including the Singapore Housing and one looks in retrospect Development Board. to the years spent in Today, the retired architect spends schools in Penang and Singapore Conference Hall and Trade Union House. his time researching on botanical species in the University in and conservation in Penang and publishes Melbourne. Board of Architectural Education (CBAE). the journal Folia malaysiana. As an avid “Listening to stories from family Chong Keat belongs to one of Penang’s botanist for the past 30 years, Chong Keat is members of the greatest school in Malaya most prominent families. His brother, Lim passionate about documenting the island’s and to enrol in it in January 1950, from Chong Eu, served as the state’s second Chief rich flora, particularly palms and gingers Francis Light School was a dream. I could Minister from 1969 to 1990. of which he has discovered some 30 new not forget the concern of the class masters, Chong Keat studied architecture in species that are endemic to Penang. the winning spirit of the sports masters and the University of Manchester where he Apart from pursuing his botanical the camaraderie of the fellow students in graduated with a BA Hons in architecture passion, Chong Keat continues to cultivate the classes. and at the Massachusetts Institute of his long-standing interest in the artworks of “I played cricket and hockey for Wu Technology (MIT) where he obtained his regional artists of which he has a very large Lien-Teh’s House and was swimming captain master’s degree in architecture with special private collection. A man of eclectic tastes, for the school. We all wanted to do well and interest in acoustics. Chong Keat’s interests extend to design, give our best. Like when I hit the winning Although he was born in Penang, his anthropolgy, music and art. run in the inter-college cricket match against links with Singapore go deep as it was the He is the founder chairman of the Malay College or when the birthplace of his father, Lim Chwee Leong Penang Heritage Trust and has served on School beat Chung Ling High School in who was sent to Penang to serve as a doctor the board of the Penang State Museum. water polo. Announcements were made in by his father while his brother, also a doctor, the school assembly recognising the feats of remained to serve in Singapore. the sportsmen of the school. Chong Keat was invited back to “In the early days at school, I dreamt of Singapore in April 2015 to share his joining ‘General Templars 1000’ or the police memories by giving a public talk as part force or the teaching profession since both of the Singapore Institute of Architects’ my parents were school teachers, as some of chapter 9 Old Frees 123 my buddies in the projects I have done, I find that I enjoy the cricket, hockey and challenges imposed on the conservation swimming teams of old buildings and houses, where I have did. However, after to balance and appreciate the philosophy much thought and and structure of the original architect and advice, and the also enhancing the buildings to meet the family realising requirements and aspirations of the Clients. that I had the Architecture to me is to not only to conceive ability, talent and beautiful building structures but it has to tenacity to achieve meet the owner’s functional requirements Lee Soon on his design for the Tan Chong Motors showroom on Bukit Timah Road: something, I “I deliberately made it slightly slanted so that the cars in the showroom did not reflect and complete it within the budget and time. decided to study off the cars passing by thus blinding motorists.” Within these confines and if we can produce a architecture. This masterpiece, then it is a bonus. decision did not arrive easily as I was made practising as an architect. I was a member “The grounding of honesty, integrity to sketch most of the iconic buildings in of the very successful Singapore Water Polo instructed and learned early from family and Penang such as the Municipality Buildings team at the SEAP (Southeast Asia Peninsular school has been my guiding principle through at the Esplanade, Buddhist Association Games) and SEA (Southeast Asia) Games the years. An ‘accidental’ architect? … Building at Anson Road and, of course, from 1965 to 1969. I don’t think so. FORTIS ADQUE FIDELIS.” the Penang Free School. Finally I secured “On graduating in 1961, I joined Booty a job as an apprentice draughtsman in an Edwards Sdn Bhd and later was transferred to architectural office in Singapore. its Singapore office. I started Architects 61 Pte “I made an application to the Royal Ltd in 1974 and retired from practice in 2008. Heah Hock Heng Melbourne Technical College and joined the Architects 61 Pte Ltd developed into one Year left school: 1953 college in January 1956. I later joined the of the major architectural firms with offices University of Melbourne and graduated in and projects completed in Kuala Lumpur, nother architect 1961. That was how I became an architect. Penang, Jakarta, Manila, India, Cambodia Awho has put his ‘Accidental’? No, and it did not turn out too and Vietnam. I completed many major works mark on Singapore’s badly. and won awards including the Presidential architectural landscape “In keeping with and true to the PFS Award for Design of the Conservation of is Heah Hock Heng. spirit, I managed to balance studies and Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. The firm has He is best known sports, excelling in hockey. I played premier also associated and collaborated with many for having designed grade hockey for the school, the Crusaders renowned architects such as Paul Rudolph, I the tower wing of and the University of Melbourne. The M Pei, Kenzo Tange and Helmut Jahn. the Shangri-La Singapore, which opened in work/sport spirit held on even when I was “On reflection of the many types of April 1971 as one of Singapore’s first five-star

124 LIVE FREE luxury hotels. Its owner, Robert Kuok, also concept,” he says. “Deciding that I would be safer out tasked him to build the Rasa Sayang Resort Hailing from a prominent family in of Penang, he packed me off to England to in Penang, which opened in November 1973. Penang, Hock Heng was the youngest of do my ‘A’ levels. I suspect he also did not Located at , it earned a name several brothers who all studied at PFS. “I approve of my being smitten with a fellow as the largest beach resort in the region thought it strange at first as our father was student in PFS!” and till today is known for its distinctive himself educated at St Xavier’s. He was a He went on to study architecture in Minangkabau roofs. rubber magnet and had dealings with many Cambridge. Working on hotels was a delight for British brokers and I guess he could see Despite being in PFS for only three Hock Heng as he had written on hospitality the difference between PFS which had the years, Hock Heng says he has fond architecture for his thesis at Cambridge cream of the crop among its teachers, many memories of his school days. University. His first project though was not of whom, like our headmaster then (JE Tod) “We had a maths teacher, Khoo Kay a hotel building but Singapore’s Ngee Ann came from Cambridge and Oxford University Beng, who gave us a good grounding in College (now Polytechnic) on Clementi Road. while St Xavier’s was run by missionaries. the subject. Our headmaster JE Tod who From hotels, his architectural firm, “My brothers and I, however, were came across as very strict was actually very Seah, Lee & Heah went on to design several grateful for being in PFS as we were able to kind. He helped me when I was in England other buildings in Singapore – many of benefit from its traditions, its emphasis on and got me to understand what studying in them luxury condominiums such as Futura, good ethics and the teaching of English.” Cambridge was all about. Draycott Towers and Westwood that were His school years were compressed as “We also had a voluptuous biology classified as iconic then because of their he did not start education until the age of teacher and her classes were always well- unusual look. 11. Recalling the circumstances, he said, attended and we all passed with flying colours. He said, “We were experimenting with “I was in Westlands Primary School for just “I was involved in sports - badminton, new forms then. Having studied classical three days when the Japanese bombed volleyball and football - which led to a lot architecture we did not do irregular shapes Penang and our family was whisked to of camaraderie among players. Through that computers can now give you. We had to Penang Hill for our safety. We stayed there badminton, I got to know Eddy Choong, draw then and that was the most satisfying for four years.” who later became a four-time champion of part of our work.” After the end of the war, he returned the All-England Open. However, he laments that after 30 years to Westlands to study for four years before “There were less glorious moments many of his projects have been torn down he moved on to PFS in 1950. “I left in 1953 though like when I was made to stand on the during the enbloc sales fever a decade ago at age 17 without finishing school. My father chair at the back of the classroom for being which saw owners selling their properties to Heah Joo Seang was heavily involved in naughty and a girl that I liked came by and developers to re-build anew. politics as president of the Malayan Chinese saw me – it was most embarrassing.” Today, Hock Heng works as consultant Association (MCA) and Penang had a lot of These days, it looks as if Hock Heng’s to firms such as New Space Architecture. thugs then. I remember having bodyguards life has come full circle. He is about to embark “I bring in projects and do the initial when I was in my teens. on another hotel project, back in Penang.

chapter 9 Old Frees 125 “This is to restore the former Crag naturally-ventilated central atrium and other and biointegrate with nature instead of the Hotel on Penang Hill to AmanCrag and innovations. other way around, as has been the standard make it a luxury resort. It will have 20 rooms Another building that Ken completed practice. To do this, his design approach and the plan is to offer guests who stay there in Singapore is the Solaris at the one-north is to mimic the attributes of ecosystems in the same unique Aman experience of resort business park which has received numerous nature. Besides his work on eco-architecture, living,” he said. awards. The building uses a ‘tree’ as a he is also a pioneer in the bioclimatic design metaphor for its design, with a spiralling of tall buildings. vegetated ramp in an ecological nexus from His bioclimatic designs can be seen in Ken Yeang the basement to its top-most level, which Malaysia and elsewhere in the world. The Year left school: 1962 Ken calls a ‘vertical linear park’. Solaris was high-tech Menara Mesiniaga in Subang also given a BCA Green Mark Platinum Jaya, is a 15-storey tower capped ecognised Award and was shortlisted for the Royal by a sun-roof over a pool. Built over a raised Rglobally as an Institute of British Architects’ Lubetkin Prize green mound, it has terraced gardens eco-architect, Dato’ in 2012. gracing the balconies and external louvres Dr. Ken Yeang’s Eco-architecture, also known as as sun-shades while the tower uses natural design for Singapore’s green architecture, gained prominence ventilation in its elevator lobbies to reduce National Library in 1990 when the United Nations met energy consumption. It received the Aga Board headquarters to discuss the impact of climate change Khan Award for Architecture in 1995 and on Victoria Street and what could be done to deal with several other industry awards. received Singapore’s Building and it. For Ken, however, his interest in eco- Even Ken’s residence, the Roof-Roof Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark architecture started long before it became House completed in 1985, reflects his novel Platinum Award when it opened in 2005. This an industry buzzword in 1971 when he did ideas on bioclimatic passive-mode low- is the highest level of rating for environment- his PhD at Cambridge University on the energy architecture, having a double roof friendly buildings. topic. He started as a researcher at the that lets in light and shades out the sun The building, besides consuming university working on the “autonomous” depending on the time of the day and the 70 per cent less energy than the industry house project as a building that operated sun’s path. His recently completed Extension average, also scored in its deployment of without relying on the city’s utilities of to the Great Ormond Street Children’s other ‘green’ features such as the ecological electricity, water and sewerage. His Hospital in London received the UK’s use of vegetation and landscaping that doctoral dissertation on ecological design BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. contributed to improving the indoor thermal and planning gained him a PhD in 1974, Ken interned for a year in Singapore environment and enhancing the biodiversity and became his life’s agenda. He was made from 1969-1970, working on the Mandarin of its urban locality, its multi-storey sky- an Honorary Fellow of Wolfson College Hotel extension before returning to the UK courts, large light-shelves to the Reading in Cambridge University in 2015. to complete his studies. He is a corporate Rooms, solar sun-shading to the facades, a For Ken, buildings should respect member of Singapore’s Board of Architects

126 LIVE FREE and a Fellow of the Singapore Institute of 2006 and he is credited with pushing Asian degree in architecture in Yale University. He Architects. architecture into new directions. moved there after completing a degree in Singapore’s BCA awarded him He has a slew of other awards to his architecture from Washington University. He its lifetime achievement award in name including the Miami Biennale 2005 then worked for two years in the well-known green architecture in 2015. He received International Competition for The Ladyhill architectural firm of Kohn Pederson Fox. A Malaysia Government’s Merdeka and The Royal Institute of British Architects company project in Singapore led him here Award, being its equivalent of the Worldwide Award 2005 for the Lincoln Modern in 1990. Nobel Prize. The UK newspaper, Guardian - both condominium projects in Singapore. He later joined Architects 61 before named him as ‘one of the fifty people Founder and principal design director striking out on his own with SCDA (Soo who could save the planet.” of SCDA Architects, his company is engaged Chan Design Associates) in 1995. He lives between Kuala Lumpur and not only in architecture but also in interiors, Soo Khian has expanded the scope London. landscaping and product design. of his company’s work to include other Its multi-faceted approach has led it aspects of lifestyle such as the design and to work in areas such as master planning, furnishing of Alila Villas Soori, Bali, a luxury Chan Soo Khian resorts and hotels, commercial buildings, resort that he owns and Comptoir Soori, a Year left school: 1980 high-rise luxury apartments and houses wine bar and epicerie located in the same all over the world. This includes the row of shophouses as SCDA in Singapore’s han Soo Khian, Lonudhuahuttaa in the Maldives, the OneKL Chinatown. C also known as condominium in Kuala Lumpur and the Apart from being a practitioner, he Soo K Chan, is known Singapore High Commission in New Delhi. imparts his knowledge through teaching for clean modern lines Currently, he is involved in four projects architectural courses in various universities yet with a touch of the in New York City, three of which are luxury such as the University of Paris and Notre classical when it comes condominiums while the fourth is a hotel in Dame University, Syracuse University and to designing buildings. Lower Manhattan. the National University of Singapore, which However, while His first development, the 31-unit Soori recently conferred him as Professor in NUS aesthetics are important in architecture, he High Line project made headlines with its (Architecture). firmly believes that buildings must also be “resort living in the city” theme when it was He has fond memories of his time functional and serve the client’s needs. launched in 2014. Half of its units will feature in Penang Free School where he enjoyed He describes his style as “neo-tropical a private pool while all of the interiors drawing caricatures of his teachers and architecture”, a term that has since become and furniture in every one of its units are passing them around. This penchant for part of the architectural lexicon. personally designed by Soo Khian. drawing and his interest in building toys such Indeed, his characteristic tropical yet Soo Khian’s interest in New York as Lego stimulated his desire to become an contemporary buildings earned him the stems from the time he had spent there architect – a good choice indeed. President’s Designer of the Year Award in as a doctorate candidate for a master’s

chapter 9 Old Frees 127 It may be a bit of a bohemian lifestyle, “These were presented by various he says, but he enjoys it despite the organisers including Donald Moore, the then The Arts uncertainty about where he might be going. Ministry of Culture and the Singapore Music With his regular concert schedule, however, Teachers’ Association. he knows well in advance where he is “It was a helpful experience for a young heading to. The 40 concerts he does each aspiring pianist like me. I also played a year take him around the world but he says concerto with the Goh Soon Tioe Orchestra, he tries to make sure he returns to Singapore as well as charity recitals for churches and and Penang at every available opportunity. orphanages. Both places hold a soft spot for him “Later on, there was a ‘mixed’ Dennis Lee – Penang as it was his hometown and programme presented by the Economic Pianist Singapore as it is where he has held many a Development Board at Suntec, and more Year left school: 1962 concert over the past four decades. recently, two recitals of French piano music His interest in music began when at the National Museum when the Musée he started piano lessons in the 1950s. He d’Orsay of Paris loaned Singapore more than remembers how he used to practise on 100 Impressionist paintings. the piano and the violin instead of joining “There have also been numerous his classmates in playing football in PFS. masterclasses at the Nanyang Academy Although it might have created a bit of a of Fine Arts, and various talks about the barrier then, he managed to forge some importance of careful reading of piano long-lasting friendships with other Old Frees. repertoire and how to prepare for music One of them is Tan Yew Oo who always exams for private music schools. looks forward to welcoming Dennis “I treasure the many occasions when I to his home whenever he is in Singapore have played with the Singapore Symphony to perform. Orchestra, at the Victoria Concert Hall as Dennis says, “I left PFS after Form 5 in well as the Esplanade Cultural Centre. Most iving the life of a nomad is par for the 1962 to take my A-levels, two diplomas and recently, my wife (Toh Chee Hung) and I Lcourse for Dennis Lee, a world renowned two degrees in the UK. I also hold Singapore performed a recital at the newly refurbished concert pianist. His performance schedule Permanent Residence. Already when I was Victoria Concert Hall for SG50. is booked two years ahead but he can still studying in the UK, I came back to “We continue to hold dear our links sometimes receive a call to replace someone the East periodically and gave recitals in with the cultural life of Singapore, while who has fallen ill and he has to take the first Singapore - usually at the Victoria Concert fulfilling our commitments in Europe, the flight out as a replacement with just a few Hall, Conference Centre and the DBS USA and Canada, and other parts of Asia.” hours’ notice. Auditorium. “I was also an examiner for the (UK)

128 LIVE FREE Royal Schools of Music for over 30 years, While carrying out his duties as an appreciated for his willingness to help. and this work took me to many countries interpreter, CM Wong found time to deepen His home in Tiong Bahru was described including Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, his interest in Chinese arts and to share his by a journalist Hoo Yew Gee during a visit as USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Switzerland and knowledge with others. being akin to a Chinese museum. He wrote, Scandinavia. Now and then I am still invited To this end, he co-founded the China “The furniture in his home and the paintings to judge festivals and competitions all over Society of Singapore with Lee Siow Mong, on the walls were all antiques.” the world, as well as give masterclasses. another renowned Chinese culture expert, Despite his large collection of priceless I find this variety stimulating, and hearing in January 1949. The idea behind the society treasures, he was quoted by his daughter how other people approach music in was to spread the word on the finer aspects Rollyne, at his passing at the age of 88 in different countries has helped me widen of Chinese culture to locals and expatriates 1991, “All of man’s material possessions are my horizons.” alike. He reached out to them with talks transient. Only experience and knowledge and courses in Chinese arts and literature in our minds can be permanent and no one conducted in English. can take them away from us.” CM Wong He even put together a book on the Chinese Antiques Collector and Historian subject in a 25th anniversary journal of the Year left school: 1921 China Society of Singapore 1949-1974 as P Ramlee part of the organisation’s commemorative Actor/director noted antiques collector and celebrations. The China Society with Year left school: 1947 Aacknowledged as an authority on its office at the Singapore Chamber of Chinese arts and culture, Wong Chong Min, Commerce on Hill Street still thrives today. he name P Ramlee better known as CM Wong, received his For years, CM Wong and Lee Siow Tis synonymous with early education in English at PFS after his Mong were much sought after to give talks on the Malay film industry. family had moved to Penang from Hong “all things Chinese” at luncheons organised He was a man Kong where he was born. by associations such as the Rotary Club. He of many talents – The year was 1910 and the family was was often quoted for his views on Chinese actor, film director, to move again in 1921, this time to China. culture and had been referred to on many an singer, songwriter, It was during his two-year stay there that occasion as a “Chinese almanac expert”. music composer he developed an interest in the Chinese To further promote Chinese antiques and comedian. On top of this, he was an language and culture. and paintings, he formed the Eastern Antique accomplished musician who played the In 1923, the family moved to Singapore and Appreciation Society in 1980 with fellow ukulele, guitar, piano and violin. No other where the young CM Wong’s proficiency in antiques collector Lieu Tien Chung. artiste in the Malay entertainment industry English and Chinese landed him a job as a An affable man, CM Wong was also could hold a candle to him – even today, 40 court interpreter, a position he held for well noted as an authority on Chinese jade. years after his passing. over 35 years. He was well-respected by his peers and Born in Penang in 1929 of an Achehnese

chapter 9 Old Frees 129 father and Malayan mother, P Ramlee legendary figure and an icon of Malay arts studied in PFS until the outbreak of World and entertainment. War II. During the Japanese Occupation In 1967, MFP shut down when Kuala that followed, he attended the Japanese Lumpur became the new hub for Malay films Navy Academy but after the war ended, he after Shaw Organisation set up the Merdeka was able to resume his studies at PFS where Film Productions studio there. he was very active in sports, particularly Ramlee relocated there and made badminton, football and sepak takraw. several more films before it closed down In 1947, P Ramlee made a name for in 1977. But alas, he was unable to retain himself when he came in first in a song the fame that he enjoyed while he was in competition organised by Penang Radio. The memory of P Ramlee lives on in his old family Singapore. Still, no one has come close to home, which has been preserved in Penang. A year later, he was spotted by film director matching him in his acting talents. B S Rajhans when he sang in a music festival cinema, the Shaw Brothers’ studio located at He died of a heart attack in May 1973, in Bukit Mertajam, Province Wellesley. 8 Jalan Ampas was prolific, churning out 150 aged only 44. In 1990, he was posthumously Rajhans offered P Ramlee a role in Malay-language films in 20 years. P Ramlee awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota Singapore as a playback singer for the lead was involved in one third of them. The 1950s (PSM), with the title Tan Sri. In the same actor in a movie titled Cinta (Love). It was and 1960s were truly the Golden Age of year, he was accorded the title of Seniman to be produced by Malay Film Productions Malay cinema. Agong (Great Artiste). (MFP) which had been set up by the famed Hardworking and talented, P Ramlee Although MFP in Singapore was shut Shaw Brothers in 1947. went on to not only act but also direct down after Ramlee had left, its premises at It was another film director, L Krishnan movies. He acted in 65 movies, directed 34 Jalan Ampas remain and there has been talk who gave P Ramlee his big break when films and sang 390 songs. He had a close about preserving it as a film museum. he cast him in the lead role in Bakti relationship with Run Run Shaw, who was Today, Ramlee is remembered in (Faithfulness) in which he was required to running the family business in Singapore. He Penang by a road named after him in sing five songs. It would be the first time that brought Ramlee to film festivals around the 1983 – Jalan P Ramlee, formerly known as an actor would sing in his own voice. It was globe. It was said that Run Run Shaw had Caunter Hall Road where he was born. His L Krishnan’s first film after joining MFP such faith in P Ramlee that he would easily family’s wooden house, built by his father in 1949. The movie was to launch both approve the projects that the latter wanted and uncle, has been restored and is open for Krishnan’s and P Ramlee’s careers. to work on. visits. Next door is the Pustaka Warisan Seni The movie premiered at Shaw’s Rex Ramlee directed his first movie Penarik Complex which houses the P Ramlee Gallery Cinema in April 1950. It was a box office Beca in 1955. Some of his best known films displaying various aspects of the artiste’s success and the film was shown in cinemas were Hang Tuah (1956), Musang Berjanggut illustrious career. throughout Malaya as well. (The Bearded Fox, 1959) and Madu Tiga Acknowledged as the pioneers of Malay (The Three Wives, 1964). Ramlee became a

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adjust to school so he quit in 1946 to work in a trading company Chee Seng & Co that Business had been set up by his father and some partners. The company was an importer and exporter of goods and produce to and from Indonesia. Trade had to be conducted by barter as Indonesia, which was fighting the Dutch for independence then, did not have a lawful currency of its own. The company had to obtain permits Chan U Seek from both Dutch and Indonesian officials Businessman to conduct its business. What’s more, all Year left school: 1946 cargo had to be inspected by the Dutch navy to ensure that restricted items were e was one of the earliest high-flyers, not entering Indonesia. Despite the trying Hholding a trusted position as director times, the work that U Seek did provided him with valuable experience in dealing with Chan U Seek was a well-respected figure in in various companies and as a government Singapore’s business community and beyond. advisor. the Indonesian business community and Born in 1925 in Ipoh, Chan U Seek spent Indonesian officials – know-how that would his early childhood in Medan, Sumatra, come in useful later in his career. where his family had settled when he was In 1955, the Hong Kong-based Jardine just six months old. Matheson Group (Jardine Group) was keen In 1938, he was sent to Penang to be to expand their business in Southeast Asia educated in a secondary school. He secured due to trade restrictions in China. The a place in PFS but the Japanese invasion Jardine Group conducted this expansion of 1942 and subsequent occupation of through an investment in Henry Waugh and Penang cut short his schooling. He returned Co. In the same year, U Seek was offered to Medan where he worked as a clerk for employment by Henry Waugh and Co (later Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha. When the war ended renamed Jardine Waugh Limited) as an in 1945, he went back to Penang to resume executive director based in Singapore. his studies but a lack of tables and chairs in The Jardine Group did not have PFS saw him spending the first several weeks business in Indonesia at the time, and U Seek was responsible for expanding its in Chung Ling High School. U Seek at the Airbus Golf Invitational in Maui, Hawaii Alas, U Seek found it difficult to re- business interests there in various sectors in June 2008. chapter 9 Old Frees 131 In the early days of the Jardine Group in Singapore. U Seek was intimately involved in the aviation industry. such as consumer goods, aviation and held until his resignation from the Jardine Sim Kee Boon. In the same year, U Seek newsprint. In September 1963, U Seek Group in 1970. accepted an appointment as a member and a colleague from the Jardine Group Building on the foundation laid by of the Economic Development Board (EDB), were appointed by the Deputy Colonial his exposure to businesses and government a government agency in charge of Secretary of Hong Kong to negotiate the in Indonesia early on in his career, U Seek creating business and job opportunities terms of agreements between Hong Kong became an advisor to the Singapore for Singaporeans. and Indonesia for the processing of raw government on the development of trading Through to around 1969, U Seek cotton supplied to Indonesia. Hong Kong relations with Indonesia on numerous continued to promote trade between was involved as Indonesia did not have occasions. Singapore and Indonesia through various sufficient spinning capacity to turn the raw The earliest known record of U Seek’s official dialogues of a similar nature held in cotton into yarn. U Seek negotiated the public service was his participation as a each of the two countries. One of these was allocation of raw cotton and yarn prices member of Singapore’s trade and economic a Tourism Technical Fact Finding Mission on with the Indonesian government. mission to Indonesia on 12 February 28 April 1968 to discuss with the Indonesian U Seek rose through the ranks steadily 1967 in response to an invitation from the government certain proposals to develop and was appointed by the Jardine Group Indonesian government. This mission was the island of Bali for tourism. to act as its Director of Aviation and led by then permanent secretary (Economic Led by then deputy secretary of the Armaments in 1963. This was a position he Development) at the Ministry of Finance Ministry of Finance and deputy chairman

132 LIVE FREE of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board skilled negotiator, he was involved in in Singapore and the activities of OFAS. He Ngiam Tong Dow, the mission comprising 10 Metro Holdings’ acquisition of the Orchard would attend meetings regularly to give his delegates spent 12 days in Jakarta and Bali. Square Project (today’s Ngee Ann City) input,” recollected OFAS’ honorary secretary With great foresight, the Singapore from the British Crown Agents for Overseas Gabriel Teh. government believed that tourists flying to Governments and Administrations in 1975. Sadly, he passed on in 2009 without Bali would pass through Singapore if Bali In 1973, U Seek was a founding director seeing the book to fruition. He was aged 84. were to become a tourist destination. U Seek of Avimo Singapore Ltd, a joint venture was appointed advisor to the mission. between Sheng-Li Holdings Co Pte Ltd With contribution from Nicholas Thio, As a result of his business and personal (predecessor of Singapore Technologies a grandson of Chan U Seek. reputation in Singapore, U Seek was also Engineering) USH International and himself. invited to chair the Singapore Ex-Political Avimo was engaged in the making of Detainees Aftercare Society from March defence-related electro-optical equipment, John Lim Kok Min 1970 to 2000 (following his role as committee and held a successful public offer in 1987. Company Director member since April 1968). This was an A regular fixture at the Paris and Year left school:1958 organisation formed to reintegrate former Farnborough air shows for decades, U Seek political detainees into mainstream society had a keen interest in aviation and was the hile many Old and to help them live stable and productive Chairman of Aerostar Leasing Ltd, a company WFrees have been lives in Singapore. Having served its purpose, formed in the 1990s which helped to modernise known to have made the Society was dissolved in 2000. In the fleet of Vietnam Airlines through the an indelible mark in recognition of his contributions, U Seek was leasing of Airbus aircraft to the airline. the fields of law and honoured with a National Day Award in 1984. Despite a very successful career that medicine in Singapore, In 1970, U Seek resigned from saw him moving around in the highest levels others have made their Jardine Waugh Limited to set up his own of the business world and in top government own contributions in a business, conducted through Associated circles, those who knew U Seek recall him totally different field – the corporate world. Equipment Pte Ltd. Over the years, he as an amiable, warm, down-to-earth person John Lim Kok Min probably would acquired a reputation as a leader in the with no airs. not have imagined the significant inroads business community by embarking on a Outside the corporate boardroom, he he would be making when he first joined myriad of commercial ventures in diverse always found time for friends and treasured Singapore’s Fraser & Neave (F&N) as a sectors ranging from aviation to retail by particularly his involvement with The Old trainee executive in 1962 after completing forming lasting partnerships with local Frees Association, Singapore (OFAS). He was his BA Honours degree at the University of business magnates. proud to be an Old Free. Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. He served as a director in Metro “He was, in fact, one of the prime He climbed up the corporate ladder Holdings Limited for more than three movers of having a coffee-table book very quickly and eventually became F&N’s decades, since its listing in 1973. As a published to document PFS, the Old Frees Group Deputy Marketing Manager. He later

chapter 9 Old Frees 133 joined Pepsico International, an American Authority, Senoko Power Ltd, Gas Supply “In addition, the school taught me multi-national company as its Regional Pte Ltd, Singapore Institute of Directors as the values of honesty, integrity and humility, Marketing Director in 1978, based first in well as deputy chairman of four institutions: especially in victory, and the importance Bangkok and then in Singapore. Agri-Foods & Veterinary Authority, Temasek of teamwork.” He was head-hunted four years Polytechnic, NTUC Fairprice Co-operative He looks back with fondness on later to join Cold Storage Holdings as its and Singapore Institute of Management. He his days at PFS where he studied from Distribution Director and rose to become is also a past president of Sentosa Golf Club. 1953 to 1958. He excelled in football and its first local Group CEO (Chief Executive Another area of his expertise is hockey, representing the school in many Officer), a significant milestone as this corporate governance and he is recognised competitions and was a school prefect as position had until then always been held as a leading figure in this field in both well as House Football Captain. by expatriates. Singapore and the region. Since the He said, “I have wonderful memories He has also been Group Managing beginning of 2000 he has been a core of PFS – my time there were some of the Director of JC-MPH Ltd, Pan-United member of the OECD (Organisation for best years of my life. The friends I made Corporation and finally as President and Economic Co-operation and Development) and the camaraderie forged, especially on Executive Deputy Chairman of LMA - Asian Roundtable on Corporate ‘outstation’ trips for inter-school football and International NV, from which position he Governance and is a Resource Person for hockey matches are memories that I always stepped down at the end of 2010. Asian Development Bank and International treasure. I also have fond recollections of my Today, more than five decades since he Finance Corporation, which is part of the many expat teachers who took a genuine started his career, and at 75, an age when World Bank. He also served as Chairman interest in our welfare and treated us, in many others would have long retired, John of the OECD Asian Corporate Governance many respects, as equals.” remains active in the corporate world. He Network for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Of his past headmasters and teachers, continues to serve on the boards of various from 2006 to 2012. both local and expatriate, he remembers public listed and private companies. He For his outstanding contributions to the best JE Tod, JMB Hughes, Brian Smith, is currently the Independent Chairman of corporate community, John was awarded the G Bainbridge, WE Howe, W Williams, Boustead Projects Ltd and of IREIT Global Public Service Medal (PBM) by the President De Turville, Ong Poh Kee, Rajendra Nath, among other directorships. of Singapore in 2006. Lim Boon Hor, Teoh Cheng Hai, Tan Boon John is also active in the public sector John credits Penang Free School for Soon, Tan Ah Fee, MSR Ambrose and and GLCs (government-linked companies) having shaped his life and career. He says, Tan Boon Lin. as well as the non-profit sector, devoting “My alma mater prepared me well for my For John, one of the school’s special much time and energy to serve on several many leadership roles in life. It gave me self- traits was that every boy studying there statutory boards, GLCs, trade associations confidence and resourcefulness to adapt to - irrespective of race, language, religion, and professional bodies over the years. His all kinds of environment and equipped me social status or wealth - was treated equally. many appointments have included being with the ability to adjust where necessary He said, “It was all about integrity, chairman of the Building & Construction and to strive to succeed. fairness and treating others as you would

134 LIVE FREE want others to treat you. This was what though he and his fellow editors did not redevelop the land by building office blocks, the school imparted to me - the virtue take part. he and his buddies were able to sell the of humility and the importance of racial Luckily, upon appeal to the state plot to Far East Organisation for more than harmony in a multi-racial society.” authorities, he was allowed to enrol in PFS 20 times their purchase price after a short where he sat for his ‘O’ levels. period of time. Ng Kong Yeam He started working life as a chief clerk in Much of Kong Yeam’s life after that Retired. Formerly Group Chairman, a village council in Perak and later became a would bear proof of the entrepreneur that Sino-America Tours. court interpreter. he is. Year left school: 1961 Determined to get into university, he After the windfall, he quit his career as sat for his ‘A’ level examinations after just six a lawyer to become a property developer. ato’ Ng months of self-study. His results enabled him He was only 40 then. Although most of his DKong Yeam to clinch a place in the law department at developments were in Singapore, Johor, demonstrated the the then University of Singapore. Kuala Lumpur and Penang, he ventured as staunch spirit of an However, he was no ordinary student, far afield as the United States. In the 1990s, Old Free by adopting skipping classes while working as a full- he developed a 394-unit condominium a ‘never say die’ time court interpreter in Johor Bahru and named Opulence in Las Vegas and it quickly attitude in the face of attending only evening tutorials. sold out. adversity. And like a He was 25 and had a wife and young He is noted for giving unusual touches true alumnus, he believes in ‘giving back to daughter to support. to his properties such as the Tudor-styled society’ and so had been quietly donating to Graduating with honours after four Greenridge housing project in Singapore. his former schools to assist needy students. years, Kong Yeam landed a job in a law firm. From developing properties, Kong Born into a wealthy family, the young The income then was so good and costs Yeam moved into the travel business. He Kong Yeam lived a life of luxury including of living so cheap that he was able to save bought over Sino-America (SA) Tours with a even wearing a Rolex watch when he was money to invest in property. partner UIC. In 2003, he decided to buy over just in Primary 1. However, when his father, In an interview with The Straits Times in UIC’s share and became the sole owner of who owned a chain of goldsmith shops and 2006, Kong Yeam said that back in the 1970s, the agency. several properties in Penang, was cheated he was able to earn more than enough to He admits that it is difficult to make and saw his business collapse, Kong Yeam buy a car (it cost just $8,000 then) and a profits in the travel agency business but he was steeled to rebuild his family’s fortunes. house in two months. says he is in it not for the money but for the He was 15 then and to make matters He and a few friends pooled their pleasure it gives. worse, the young boy who had been savings to invest in a piece of land and some Not surprisingly, he has travelled studying in Chung Ling High School was shophouses on Cecil Street. extensively for business and leisure. Old expelled for writing about a students’ It proved to be a fortuitous move. After Frees remember the golfing trips he often demonstration in the school magazine even receiving approval from the authorities to organised including one to the UK, which

chapter 9 Old Frees 135 included visiting JMB Hughes, the popular was excellent and I enjoyed her classes headmaster. He was also a prime mover in tremendously. inviting Hughes to visit Old Frees in Penang, Education “Mrs Hughes was approachable and Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, contributing had a talent for story-telling. She and the generously to host him. other English teachers would begin each In fact, Kong Yeam revealed that he has lesson by getting the students to laugh to been contributing to his two alma maters – make them at ease and win them over. That Chung Ling and PFS - regularly. must have rubbed off on me as I tend to do “I support education. It enhances that with my audiences whenever I give a the human race,” he has been quoted as Catherine Lim talk. But as our teachers used to say, being saying, and this is reflected in his children’s Educator/Author sincere was important as well. education and careers. His eldest daughter Year left school: 1958 “Mr Hughes himself was extremely Irene is a Professor at Warwick University popular. He was very fair, kind and honest and and a senior member of Wolfson College, s an author, was greatly missed when he retired. Over the Cambridge University. His second daughter ACatherine Lim years, ex-students invited him back to Penang Iris graduated from Pepperdine University in needs no introduction – that was a measure of his popularity. California and is in the Film/TV production having published, to “I was very diffident and shy as a business in New York, while his son Gabriel date, nine collections student but I spent many happy moments completed his undergraduate and Master’s of short stories, five there. I played netball and enjoyed the degrees from the London School of novels, two collections school’s scout outings. When I was in the Economics and Political Science, and has of poetry and several Bukit Mertajam Convent prior to PFS, now taken over the family businesses. political commentaries. I related only to the nuns. But in PFS, Today, at 76, Dato’ Ng is retired to Although she traces her love for suddenly we had to learn to relate to boys Johor Bahru and lives with his wife Datin literature back to her childhood days in and to teachers from overseas. We also had Ling Chooi Sieng, who was also a lawyer and Kulim, Kedah where she was born and in to do projects that I never did before in the his partner in his legal firm. He leaves the Province Wellesley where she first studied, convent such as giving speeches. I wouldn’t overseeing of his travel agency and other devouring books by Enid Blyton and Richmal be surprised that my confidence to speak in businesses to his son. Crompton, she acknowledges that her time front of others today stemmed from there. in PFS helped to deepen her interest in the “We also had social gatherings which written word. was nice as I had never been to dances or She said, “We had good English parties before.” teachers, one of whom was Mrs Hughes, Catherine credits the exposure to a the wife of the headmaster JMB Hughes. new environment and a different culture in She was not a regular teacher but she PFS for instilling in her certain skills that have

136 LIVE FREE since stood her in good stead such as social In 1980, she went into administrative Betty Ooi Poh Gek skills and public speaking. work as a project director with the Teacher/Principal/Deputy Director Schools (West) “Our literature texts were more Curriculum Development Institute of Year left school: 1964 demanding than what I had been exposed Singapore. to before and this pushed us up to a higher In 1988, after completing her PhD n alumna of St level of thinking,” she explained. in applied linguistics from the National AGeorge’s Girls’ Catherine began her teaching career University of Singapore, Catherine was School, Poh Gek at St Andrew’s School soon after graduating appointed a specialist lecturer with the recalls having to from the University of Malaya in Kuala Regional English Language Centre teaching sit for an entrance Lumpur and moving to Singapore in 1967. sociolinguistics and literature. In 1992, she examination to get Determined to make sure her own students left her educational career to become a full- into the Sixth Form would enjoy literature as much as she did, time writer. of PFS. she found ways and means to inject interest It was not a difficult decision as “St George’s had no sixth form classes and inspire creativity. Catherine had been published much earlier, then,” she said, “and we all aspired to get “I made sure my students would not be starting with her first short story collection into PFS because of its reputation as a bored. I would encourage them to write of called Little Ironies: Stories of Singapore premier school. local superstitions for instance. Sometimes in 1978. “When I first entered, I was in awe I got them to prepare three stories “I was lucky as I was publishing at because of my impression of it producing beforehand - one happy, one sad and one of a time when it was a novelty. I also used top scholars. The school took in top students a personal experience. I taught them how to names like Ah Bah, which resonated with of diverse backgrounds. We mixed well fit their story to a title thus preparing them the local environment. I had these 18 stories together but there was always the pressure for composition. and I showed them to Heinemann and they to do well and to excel. “I wanted to make a good job of my decided to publish them. I think there is “The culture of diligence in school was work and help the students to build up on an element of luck when it comes strong, the teachers were caring and we their vocabulary. to publishing.” were all motivated to do well. “I was excellent in preparing them for Catherine has not looked back “Girls were in a minority and thank exams, I think. I would scour exam papers since. She continues to write focusing on goodness, the boys treated us sensitively. for the past ten years, observe trends and Singapore society and themes of traditional They were quite mischievous though. I was advised the students to go for topics that Chinese culture. in the science class and often when we did were easy to write. “My stories always have an underlay dissection classes, I remember a few of the “I taught them to use dialogue and of humanity, courage, compassion and boys were fond of putting in things like rats’ write local stories as examiners tended to trust, which are the most important human tails in the pockets of our skirts! be taken by these. I loved interacting with attributes that I got from my parents,” “But there was a lot of collaboration young people so it was a gorgeous job.” she concludes. among us even if we were in competition. chapter 9 Old Frees 137 We helped each other with schoolwork and deputy director schools (west). In all, she by rote but to explore and go beyond their shared notes. spent 34 years in the education service. textbooks and to have a joy and passion for “In PFS, we were also encouraged to Her time in PFS helped her to deal with learning and – like in PFS - help develop the be well-rounded, so I took up badminton. her ‘difficult’ task of disciplining the students students’ leadership potential. The annual sports day was a big affair and of Yuan Ching Secondary School. She said, “It worked well with the students the House fever was very great as those “Most of them were latch key children who taking part in project work, leadership belonging to the various Houses would did not know how to spend their time after programmes, a diverse range of co-curricular cheer vociferously for their team-mates to school; they were not very disciplined. I tried activities and community service.” win the championship shield. to inculcate a sense of discipline among In her last posting from 2002 to 2003, “Apart from sports day, the other them and raise their self-esteem and to get Poh Gek was still involved in developing memorable occasion for me was the them to take pride in their work, just like the leadership, this time among principals and weekly school assembly. It was a formal and students in PFS. vice-principals. dignified affair. The school captain would “I focused on pastoral care “As deputy director of schools, I go on stage to announce the arrival of the programmes and after three years could led a group of cluster superintendents in headmaster. He was Tan Boon Lin then and derive satisfaction from the programmes as the west zone with over 90 primary and he would stride into the hall amid a hushed they had a positive effect on the students. secondary schools and junior colleges,” she silence. Only his shoes could be heard – clip The students were involved in community explained. “Our main role was to supervise clop, clip clop…” projects including dancing and singing. the principals and vice-principals in these After PFS, Poh Gek studied science at They learnt to gel together and were schools and evaluate and develop them the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. extremely proud that they could even beat to make sure there was quality leadership She taught for one and a half years in some of the better schools in a whole-school in schools. We worked closely with them Penang and Kuala Lumpur before moving to effort national community singing/ to ensure that schools were effectively Singapore in 1970. dancing competition. managed and quality staff and quality She began her teaching career as a “I guess it all stemmed from my PFS programmes were in place with students the biology teacher in Beatty Secondary School experience where our teachers were caring ultimate beneficiary.” before moving on to Anderson Junior and so I tried to do the same to the students College and Cedar Girls’ Secondary School. at Yuan Ching. She was later appointed principal of Yuan “At Temasek Junior College which Ching Secondary School and of Temasek is one of the top five junior colleges, the Junior College. She also took up a series of students there were already very motivated, appointments at the Ministry of Education so my role was different. My mission was to as senior inspector of schools, assistant build a caring and achievement-oriented director of schools, deputy director of school college. My focus was to stretch the placement and scholarships and finally, potential of the students further, to learn not

138 LIVE FREE Chong Tian Hoo ”In 1965, I was recruited as a headmasters’ and teachers’ names, events Teacher/Educator mathematics and physics teacher in PFS by such as Additional Sports in which everyone Year left school:1961 the then headmaster Tan Boon Lin. had to take part and School Sports, and the ”In 1970, I left for the United States to school’s special milestones. was born in do a master’s degree in education at Eastern ”Mr Tod (when I was admitted into PFS ”IPerak in a small Illinois University. After graduating in 1971, in 1955) and the ever popular JMB Hughes rubber estate known I taught in the university for a year before were our headmasters when I was a student. as Banir Estate, 12 coming to Singapore in 1973 as I had been After Malayanisation, Tan Boon Lin was the days after Japanese offered a teaching job by the Ministry of headmaster, the first Asian to be appointed troops landed in Kota Education. I was posted to the Teachers’ after colonial rule. Poon Poh Kong was Baru, . I don’t Training College (TTC) as lecturer. I was headmaster just before I left for my further think the estate exists offered sabbatical leave to do a masters’ studies in USA. anymore. degree in Computer Science in Western ”I also remember my teachers very well. ”I came to Singapore in 1947 and Michigan University in 1980 and later in 1984 Among those who taught me were Ong enrolled in the Chinese Commercial and was awarded study leave to do my PhD at Teong Guan and Lye Tong Weng (Maths), Industrial School (renamed Gong Shan Primary the University of Pittsburgh. Tan Ah Fee (Chemistry), Lim Boon Hock School now located in Tampines) in Tiong ”I went on to become senior lecturer and Lim Boon Hor (Geography), Teh Kheng Bahru. After my primary education in the and principal lecturer in TTC and at Chooi (History), Tan Boon Soon (PE), Chinese stream, I went to St Patrick’s School the Institute of Education (IE). Later, JMB Hughes (English Literature), for Standard III and IV from 1953 to 1954. when IE became part of the Nanyang Mrs Hughes (General Paper), Eddy Chung ”I moved to Penang and continued Technological University and was renamed (Applied Maths), Lee Eng Leong and Khoo Elementary 6 in Westland School. I was National Institute of Education (NIE) I was Tiang Lim (Biology), Beh Teik Chooi and Lim selected for Form 1 in PFS in 1955, sat for elevated to associate professor and made San Hoe (English Language), Capt Mohd the Lower Certificate of Education at Form an associate dean in 2000. As a maths Noor and Iskandar (Bahasa Kebangsaan), 3, completed Form 5 and obtained the specialist, I headed a project to train Teoh Cheng Hai and GS Reutens (Art) and School Certificate. I continued with Lower selected groups of experienced maths C Ganasalingam (Physics). and Upper Form Six classes in PFS after teachers so that they could go back to their ”The school in my time had a spirit which I sat for the Higher School Certificate respective schools to conduct refresher of excellence and focused on character examinations in 1961. courses for their teachers – it was a kind of development so that we might grow up to ”My results got me admitted into the train-the-trainers programme. be well-behaved and refined “gentlemen”. 2nd year of a science course in the University Besides excellence in studies, good values, of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. I graduated with Fond Memories of PFS integrity, trustworthiness and kindness were a BSc in 1963 and Diploma in Education ”I have fond memories of my time in some virtues constantly being emphasised, in 1964. PFS. I can even remember to this day, our encouraged and inculcated. To achieve chapter 9 Old Frees 139 these goals, all of us had to perform additional sports & school sports, to be still graces the tower of our main building. chores including the daily cleaning of our competed among the five Houses named It was our own ‘Big Ben’. I remember on classrooms and painting of classroom walls after headmasters and a well-known Old one occasion when the clock needed once a year. Free: Cheeseman, Hamilton, Hargreaves, massive repairs, Old Frees in Singapore ”As an elite school, it accepted some Pinhorn and Wu Lien-Teh. Tunku Putra House were asked to donate money. We all 200 students each year from various feeder (named after the founding Prime Minister contributed willingly. schools (Westland School, Hutchings School of Malaya who was also an Old Free) was ”Another tradition was that every 21st and Francis Light School) who had to sit for later added. I was the Housemaster of the October, which was Founder’s Day, the an entrance exam. last two mentioned Houses for a number of headmaster and prefects at PFS would go, ”We had many school traditions. years. We also had an annual cross country in the early morning before school began, School assembly was held once a week in run (from school through to the tomb of Reverend Hutchings, our the school hall; male teachers had to wear a cemetery), and an annual hike up Penang Hill founder, to attend a memorial service. I tie and coat (as the oldest school in Malaya, from Moongate near the Waterfall Gardens. was a Hutchings scholar and was given we were following the British grammar ”Another valuable feature of the school the honour to lay a wreath. The tomb in school model). The whole assembly was was the extra-curricular activities held every the Christian cemetery in Farquhar Street called to attention by the head prefect – Monday and Thursday afternoons. I was is incidentally the resting place of Francis in my Upper Sixth Form year it was Chin in charge of the Sixth Form Recreational Light, Penang’s founder.” Wah Seng – after which the school bell Activities (SFRA) and Alex Ooi Koon Hean would ring announcing the arrival of the was the inaugural chairman before he left for headmaster who would walk from one end Singapore to do his medical course at the Lily Yeap Lay Leng of the hall through the middle aisle to get to university. It was an enjoyable time for me as Teacher/Educator the stage at the other end. the student leaders were very enthusiastic Year left school: 1962 During the assembly, teachers would and hard-working involved in not only make announcements and the headmaster planning physical activities but also writing was in St would give his message touching on various and designing newsletters for distribution ”IGeorge’s Girls’ topics such as academic excellence, values, as well as organising other activities such as School and sat for integrity, good attitude and behaviour, and movie shows. the entrance exams filial piety. We would finish by singing “God ”Other cherished memories were our for PFS as I wanted Save the Queen” before independence and school hall which had a uniquely designed to get into Form Six “Negara Ku” after Merdeka; this would be cement semi-dome above the stage at one to learn among boys! followed by the School Song composed and end of the school hall. It was a bit echoey Apart from the school’s written by GS Reutens. and was demolished and replaced with what image of excellence I also liked the way in ”Then there were the Sports days. it has today. which Penang Frees carried themselves; they We had two kinds of sports, namely ”There was also our school clock which were gentlemanly and not stuck up.

140 LIVE FREE ”I remember JMB Hughes teaching me e was Singapore’s Speaker of Geography, Mrs Hughes General Paper, and HParliament for 19 years — from 1970 to Mr Bennet and Mr Baird English Literature. Public service 1989 — one of the longest-serving of any What I recall vividly was our English parliament in the world. Language teachers insisting that we should Born in Ipoh, Perak, in 1918, he studied always speak properly. in St Michael’s Institution in his hometown ”Tian Hoo and I met in PFS. Our ‘love before entering PFS. affair’ only started when we were in the He then went to Cambridge University University of Malaya. My career more or to study medicine in the 1940s. After less paralleled that of Tian Hoo’s as I also Yeoh Ghim Seng graduating, he worked on attachments became a teacher and served in the Penang Speaker of Parliament/Surgeon with various hospitals before becoming Chinese Girls’ School after graduation with a Year left school: 1940 a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons BA degree and Diploma in Education. I also of England (FRCS) in 1950. A year later, he studied in USA at Eastern Illinois University returned to Malaya and was appointed (MS in Ed), Western Michigan University consultant surgeon to the Singapore (MS in Librarianship) and University of General Hospital (SGH). Pittsburgh (Doctor in Education), specialising In 1956, he was made Professor of in pedagogy. I also joined TTC and IE as Surgery at the University of Malaya in Lecturer and Senior Lecturer and NIE as Singapore, the first Asian to hold the chair. Associate Professor before retiring. He left in 1962 to go into private practice ”What I found amazing about PFS although he continued to train medical was how great its reputation was when for graduates from the university. Six feet tall its 150th anniversary or sesquicentenary a and lanky, he was dubbed “the biggest but special postage stamp was issued by the fastest Asian surgeon”. Malaysian Government.” The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore President Alex Ooi, himself a doctor, said Tian Hoo and Lay Leng are still contributing that he was reputed even among surgeons to society today. They helped train in-service to have the “steadiest pair of hands”. teachers in Indonesia and the United Arab Professor Low Cheng Hock, emeritus Emirates and are doing consultancy work consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and in schools. Past Associate Dean and Chairman, Medical Board said, “Professor Yeoh Ghim Seng symbolises the great Asian surgeon of the early days. I admired his confident hands

chapter 9 Old Frees 141 that moved with beautiful dexterity. I could Ahmad Ibrahim in the Legislative Assembly elections as an never get more than being a third assistant Minister for Health/Minister for Labour independent candidate for Sembawang. or a note-writer.” Year left school: 1947 He won and later was co-opted into the In 1962, Dr Yeoh entered politics after People’s Action Party (PAP) central Executive accepting an invitation to join the People’s Ahmad Ibrahim was born in 1927. After Committee in 1956. Action Party. He stood in a by-election in the completing his education in Penang Free In 1959, contesting under the PAP constituency of Joo Chiat, which he won by School, he made his way to Singapore, banner, he again won the Sembawang seat a walkover. He was to serve as its Member of where he already had an older brother as a member of the Legislative Assembly. In Parliament for 22 years. working and where he believed he would the same year, when the PAP government In 1968, he was made Deputy Speaker secure a better job with his fluency in the formed its first Cabinet, Ahmad was of Parliament and in 1970, he was elected English language. appointed the Minister for Health and was Speaker of Parliament, which was a He was able to clinch a job, soon after also made Assistant Secretary-General of the departure from the norm as those before his arrival, as a telephone operator at the PAP’s central Executive Committee. him came from a legal background. Singapore Naval Base in Sembawang. In September 1961, in a Cabinet reshuffle, If not for his dedication to medicine, It proved to be the turning point in his he was appointed the Minister for Labour. he would have become a minister – a life resulting in him eventually carving a He died prematurely at the age of fact alluded to by then Minister of Law, name for himself as one of the early Malay 35 in 1962 while still in office because of a Environment, Science and Technology, E W pioneers of Singapore, including being an liver ailment. Barker, who said if not for his commitment active unionist and a political leader. Despite his short stint in public office, to surgery, Dr Yeoh “could with ease and Working at the Naval Base was an he made an impression on those around him. distinction occupy one of the front benches eye-opener for Ahmad as he learnt about He was given a state funeral, which was on this side of the House.” the poor working conditions of his fellow attended by Singapore’s then Head-of-State In 1977, Dr Yeoh was appointed the workers such as the long hours they put in, , then Prime Minister Lee Kuan ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation’s the late payment of their wages and how Yew, other Cabinet Ministers, and thousands (AIPO) first president. A Public Service badly treated they were. It was to provide the of people from all walks of life. Star (B.B.M.) recipient, an active Rotarian platform for his leap into the world of politics. Then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in and Justice of the Peace, Dr Yeoh sat on He quickly gained the respect of his a tribute said, “He made friends easily, and various boards as chairman including the colleagues who elected him as the Vice- there are many in Singapore who cannot Detainees’ Aftercare Association and the President of the Naval Base Labour Union. help liking him as a man, his modesty and University of Singapore Council. In 2005, He later also became the first branch straight-forwardness.” the National University of Singapore secretary of the All-Singapore Fire Brigade Today, he is remembered in Singapore created the Yeoh Ghim Seng Professorship Employees Union. in many ways - by a road called Jalan Ahmad in Surgery in his honour. In 1955, he was persuaded by his Ibrahim in Jurong, two schools (Ahmad He died in 1993 aged 74. trade union in the Naval Base to contest Ibrahim Primary School and Ahmad Ibrahim

142 LIVE FREE From left: The Straits Times 10 June 1959, The Straits Times 24 September 1959 The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction. chapter 9 Old Frees 143 Secondary School) both in Yishun (a district East Asia, in the Department of History in former colleagues, next to Sembawang) and a mosque, the newly formed University of Singapore students and friends. Masjid Ahmad Ibrahim, also in Yishun, named in 1959, later renamed National University To this day, the gold after him. of Singapore (NUS) in 1980. He rose to medal and book eventually head the department. In 1966, prize are awarded he was made Raffles Professor of History each year to the top (the first time a local had been appointed), a student from the Wong Lin Ken chair he held until his demise in 1983. NUS’ Department Historian/Minister of Home Affairs He left academia for about a decade of History. Year left school: 1951 to make forays into the world of diplomacy Professor Wong and politics. He was appointed as is also remembered Born in Penang in 1931, Wong Lin Ken, who Singapore’s first Ambassador to the United through two books was known to be a bookworm since his early States, serving with distinction from May and several articles days was a respected name in academia. He 1967 to December 1968. While serving as that he has authored. was a brilliant student in Penang Free School ambassador, he entered politics to contest One of them is on after which he entered the University of the General Elections of April 1968 as a Penang, entitled Malaya in Singapore where after graduating candidate for the People’s Action Party. He The Revenue Farms with an MA in 1955, he was awarded a was elected as Member of Parliament for the of Prince of Wales Queen’s Scholarship to do his PhD in Britain. Alexandra constituency, a position he held Island 1805-1830 first At the age of only 24, a thesis which he from 1968-1976. published in 1964 in had submitted for his Master’s degree was In September 1970, he was appointed the Journal of the published in 1961 and was acknowledged as Minister for Home Affairs but left two years South Seas Society a work of classic. Entitled Trade of Singapore later in September 1972 to return to the and reprinted by the 1819-1869, it was praised for its meticulous academic fold. National University research and has long been recognised as He was active in other realms - as of Singapore in 1985. having made an invaluable contribution to a member of the Cinematograph Films Another article, the economic history of Southeast Asia. Appeal Committee (1963); Chairman of the first published in After graduating, he went to the Singapore Adult Education Board (1964- 1978, in the Journal School of Oriental & African Studies of the 1967); and Patron of the Junior Chamber of Southeast where he obtained of Singapore. He was conferred the Public Asian Studies was his doctorate with his thesis, The Malayan Service Star in 1966. Tin Industry up to 1914. Upon his return, He died in 1983 at the age of 51. In the The Straits Times 5 July 1959 he was appointed a lecturer to head a new same year, a Wong Lin Ken Memorial Medal The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission course, Economic History of Southeast and and Book Prize was set up in his name by his required for reproduction.

144 LIVE FREE was a clamour among Asia. But after he returned to academia them to have his first from politics, he widened his scope of work Trade of Singapore research to the recent political history of 1819-1869, which had Singapore, and Singapore’s place in the been long out of print, history of Southeast Asia.” republished. Mr Kwa elaborated, “He started In the reprint, researching into Singapore’s strategic and eminent historian military history, on which topic he asked Professor Wang deep questions about Singapore’s strategic Gungwu wrote a special location and was working towards an answer preface about Professor terminated by his premature death. Wong whom he had “His talk to the Singapore Command known when they were and Staff College on ‘The Fall of both undergraduates Singapore [in 1941] A Wider Historical and graduate students Perspective’ provided an insight into the at the University of line of questioning he was developing on Malaya in Singapore in Singapore’s military history. the 1950s. “I republished the text of Professor According to Wong’s talk in a small volume I edited on another renowned Singapore’s military history, Defending historian Kwa Chong Singapore, 1819-1965 in the Singapore Guan who knew Armed Forces publication Pointer in 1996. Professor Wong and His essay on ‘The Strategic Significance worked with him in the of Singapore in Modern History’ was one University of Singapore of his last articles published in 1981 and and later in NUS, republished in A History of Singapore, The Straits Times 5 September 1970 Professor Wang also edited by Ernest C T Chew and Edwin Lee, The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction. noted in his obituary of outlining the deep questions Professor Singapore: Its Growth as an Entrepot Port Professor Wong published in the Journal of Wong was asking about Singapore history.” 1819-1941. Southeast Asian Studies vol. 14, no. 2, Sept As Professor Wang Gungwu observed, So acclaimed are his scholarly 1983, that “in the first half of his academic “Wong Lin Ken was intense in his enquiry, contributions that a tribute was made to career, from his MA thesis to his PhD thesis, rigorous in his thinking and extremely him at a meeting of historians of Southeast Prof Wong was working towards becoming demanding of himself as he was of his Asia in Singapore in October 2002. There the first economic historian in Southeast colleagues and students.”

chapter 9 Old Frees 145 Lee Kum Tatt Chairman of SISIR Year left school: 1947

orn in Penang in B1927, he had to disrupt his studies at Penang Free School to move to Medan, Sumatra with his family due to the impending war. He was only able to return in 1947 to resume his studies. In 1948, he won a scholarship to study science in Raffles College. After graduating in 1954, he joined the Government Department of Chemistry as a chemist, toxicologist and biochemist. Two years later, he went to Canada and the United States on a United Nations (UN) fellowship to study the international opium trade and represented Canada in the UN Narcotic Commission. Returning in 1958, he was appointed head of the forensic laboratory in the Department of Chemistry. A year later, he was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Singapore Polytechnic. In 1960, Dr Lee was appointed biochemist in the Department of Pathology in the Ministry of Health. In 1965, he was made Chairman of the Science Council with the task of creating activities to promote science to the public. He also travelled Lee Kum Tatt at Raffles College.

146 LIVE FREE Dr & Mrs Lee Kum Tatt: Courting days at the Botanic Dr & Mrs Lee Kum Tatt (1976). Gardens (1956). to London and California seeking expert beyond even his expectations. seem to be on the fringe of grey areas that advice on the notion of establishing a Describing how RISIS came about at nobody wants to touch. And I enjoyed science centre. It took seven years before its launch in 1976, Dr Lee said in an oral doing that. You see, you trace my life, it’s his efforts bore fruit with the opening of the history interview: like that. Science, I never do Science. Bio- $14 million Singapore Science Centre “RISIS was a fluke. It was a fluke. It chemistry, I never do bio-chemistry. Quality in 1977. was never planned. Everyone comes and control, I know nothing about quality In 1969, Dr Lee was also appointed asks me: ‘Dr Lee, how did you think of control. Business, I never trained to do chairman of the newly formed Singapore the orchid?’ It was never planned. So we business. Standards Council, I never know Institute of Standards and Industrial said, ‘Okay, we just try and do the orchids anything about standards. There must be Research (SISIR) which was responsible for and preserve it.’ Can we do it? Well, we’ll something basic that we can use in some of the promotion of scientific research and try. We’ll get the technology. Orchid is us…So creativity means you see things like development. something native to us. The technology is other people are staring at you and other In the 1970s, he spearheaded efforts ours. How do we overcome time? So we people cannot see or dare not see. And I to develop a tourism souvenir that could put some gold on it because gold is time- seem to enjoy doing that kind of thing.” be identified as unique to Singapore. The honoured. After that, it caught.” When Dr Lee retired as Chairman of result was RISIS – SISIR spelt backwards - a Looking back at his long civil service SISIR in 1985, it had a staff of 360. He died gold-plated orchid that became a success, career, Dr Lee had this to say, “I always in 2008 at the age of 81.

chapter 9 Old Frees 147 Recalling his spirit of adventure first came to know Dr. Lee Kum Tatt when and Industrial Research (SISIR). He was of “applied science” in the true sense. Ihe was in his Honours year (B.Sc) at the the Founder Chairman, a post he held He was able to take an orchid, which University of Malaya, now the National until retirement in 1985. The “SISIR Mark” is organic in nature, and find a way to University of Singapore (NUS) in 1952. I was became a hallmark of quality and reliability gold-plate it, without contaminating and one of his lecturers. and was much sought after by both local destroying the gold bath. It may seem I supervised his PhD in Chemistry which and foreign manufacturers. simple, but it took a lot of research to he was awarded with in 1955, becoming the Always passionate about Science, he perfect the technique, and he was awarded first recipient of a Chemistry doctorate from founded the Singapore Science Council many patents for the technique. To this the University. During the period he was and was instrumental in initiating the day, the RISIS orchid remains an iconic preparing his thesis (1952-1954), he became Singapore Professional Centre and the and unique gift from Singapore. very close to me and my family. He treated Science Park. He also helped to initiate Kum Tatt received many awards for me as his “surrogate” family as he had no the Singapore Quality and Reliability his achievements, but perhaps the award relatives in Singapore, being from Penang. Association (now the Singapore Quality he treasured most was the Distinguished These were important years that forged the Institute). To inculcate the love for science Alumni Award presented to him by the bond between us which lasted a lifetime. in the young, he created the Science Quiz, Faculty of Science of NUS in 2005. Kum We chose different career paths – I a popular TV programme where children Tatt always regarded himself as a Scientist, continued in academia and he ventured from various schools competed to answer and Chemistry held a special place in his into the “open” untested waters. He questions about science. This programme heart. He felt therefore, like the prodigal started off as a Forensic Chemist with the sparked interest not only in the school son, highly honoured that the Faculty of Government Chemistry Department but children, but also in their parents and Science recognised him for his scientific made the first side-step in 1960, when he grandparents, who, whilst supporting their achievements. assumed the post of Senior Biochemist children by watching the programme, in the Department of Pathology, Ministry were also learning science. Thereafter he Professor Rayson Huang taught chemistry at of Health. He subsequently became initiated the Science Centre, today a well- the University of Malaya in Singapore and later the Chief Biochemist serving for seven years visited attraction for school children, the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. In 1969, he before his second side-step, when he was public and tourists. was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Nanyang University, Singapore and in 1972, he became the first Chinese Vice- Another example of the innovative seconded to lead the Industrial Research Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong. The article is Unit. He transformed it into the well- side of Kum Tatt is the creation of the RISIS part of a foreword he wrote for Lee Kum Tatt’s published respected Singapore Institute of Standards orchid in 1976. This is probably an example blog, A Fabulous Journey.

148 LIVE FREE Lim Ho Hup Higher School Certificate and got the credit “After seven years, Jurong Town Cor- Director, Economic Development Board in English language that I wanted. With this poration (JTC) was set up as our task was to Year left school: 1949 and some luck in getting a scholarship, I was promote investment and create new industries able to get into the University of Malaya in and jobs and not be a real estate operator ntering PFS for Lim Singapore, studying science.” running the industrial estate, a role handed EHo Hup was for Describing himself as a ‘Johnny come down to JTC. Later, we started the Industrial one reason: Acquiring lately’ he said, “I was not a typical ‘Old Free’ Research Unit (IRU) which morphed into the a qualification in who would have studied four to six years.” Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial English to enable him After graduating, he worked at Research (SISIR). I knew Lee Kum Tatt, another to get a ‘proper’ job. the university as a graduate assistant, Old Free, who was a chemist in the General He said, “I demonstrating laboratory sessions, which Hospital and asked him to look after the IRU as needed an English enabled him to study for his master’s its first director. He made a good job of it.” education, otherwise I would starve. Coming in Chemistry. “I then got a job in the In 1970, he was seconded to the Ministry from a poor family, I needed to ensure I Government Chemistry Department as a of Education as director of technical education. could get a job. A Chinese education was document examiner. My job was to identify His role was to develop and promote not good enough; one needed grounding handwriting in criminal cases and for the technical education. “In those days, if a in English so I moved from Chung Ling High Special Branch, to identify people involved student’s primary school results were not School to PFS in mid-1947. It would be a in communist activities.” good enough for mainstream schools, he lifelong handicap if one were not able to In 1961, when the Economic Develop- would be posted to a technical school, which speak English. I had actually spent two years ment Board (EDB) was formed, Ho Hup was was considered inferior. in an English primary school before the war made the first local director, taking over from “My task was to change this thinking. disrupted everything. an appointee of the United Nations. He was The first thing I did was to induce confidence “Being in Free School helped because to occupy the post for nine years. in technical teachers by increasing their of its ambiance; everybody spoke English Citing it as his most important career pay and to instil pride in them so that good so I was forced to speak English too. It also move, he was the right-hand man of then students would not shy away from the had top English teachers; as a school that chairman, Hon Sui Sen, a Penangite himself technical stream. was free of religion, race and promoting free (alumnus of St Xavier’s Institution). “After all, a school is good only if it can thinking, it attracted the top teachers. “EDB in those days did nearly every- attract good students and the quality of the “The Free School culture must have thing. Our role was to promote industrial school is determined by the student intake.” influenced me as I went from junior middle development and provide facilities for indus- He must have done a sterling job as in Chung Ling to completing Standard Eight; tries. We had to create the right climate and after his two-year secondment was over, before the war, I managed to only finish overcome difficulties of land supply, water the post of director of technical education Standard One in English. and infrastructure. So we developed Jurong was scrapped. “After one and a half years, I sat for my Industrial Estate to house the industries. He then returned to EDB, leaving in the chapter 9 Old Frees 149 early 1980s to start a plastics company. that was instilled in us. It prepared us well “We bonded in other ways through Declaring that no other school came when the time came for my classmates sports and going on excursions. I was close to PFS, he said, “There has been no and me to think of how we could establish honorary secretary of a UNESCO club which true competition, even from our rival, St the best route to get into university. There organised trips to various places in Malaysia Xavier’s. We had illustrious Old Frees. When were not many international schools in to visit historic institutions such as the Yeoh Ghim Seng was appointed as the first Malaysia then so we had to look outwards. Parliament in Kuala Lumpur. These were very Asian professor in the university, we were all We found out about the prestigious ASEAN popular.” very proud. Then there was Lim Chong Keat scholarships that were being offered by After his ‘A’ Levels, Keat Chuan who designed some of Singapore’s best Singapore to students wanting to pursue applied for, and was awarded, a Glaxo- known buildings. There was also Wong Lin their ‘A’ levels so quite a few of the students EDB scholarship that enabled him to study Ken, a history professor and later Minister in my batch applied for them. chemical engineering at the Imperial for Home Affairs. He was the patrol leader “Eight of us from PFS were awarded College of Science, Technology & Medicine of boy scouts in PFS while Chong Keat was the scholarships. I went to Temasek Junior at the University of London the tenderfoot. College and stayed in Anglican High School He was part of the first batch of “The school had a well-deserved Hostel. I learnt to be independent, living scholarship holders of Glaxo, which reputation.” on my own for the first time. My time in had donated S$60 m to the Singapore PFS helped me adjust as we were taught government to start a scholarship fund to to study on our own. Coming from a top help students kick off an EDB career. Yeoh Keat Chuan school with an exceptional reputation, even “Three hundred people have benefitted Managing Director in Singapore, we knew we had to represent from this programme to date,” he said. Economic Development Board it well and not let it down while studying for When he returned, he joined the EDB Year left school: 1988 our ‘A’ levels.” as senior officer in the Industry Development Keat Chuan has other fond memories Division (Chemicals) in 1994. e is the second of his schooldays. “There was this tradition In 1997, he was posted to Washington HOld Free to of throwing first-year newcomers into the DC as EDB’s centre director. Then he was head the Economic school pond if they happened to be nearby. based in New York in 2000 as regional Development Board I enjoyed being part of the scouts move- director for Eastern Americas for the next (EDB) following in the ment. We had a wonderful scoutmaster, three years. footsteps of Lim Ho Mr Khoo Poh Kheng, who guided us well. His role was to travel around the US to Hup, who was the first We went camping, learnt to cut bamboo to meet with companies to persuade them to director. build things and cook. We did other out- invest in Singapore. For Yeoh Keat Chuan, it all began door activities in the beach, park or botanic He went on to enrol in Stanford thanks to a solid foundation gained at PFS. gardens which all helped to get the scouts University’s Graduate School of Business “It was the school’s drive for excellence to know each other. Masters in Management Science

150 LIVE FREE programme graduating in 2004. He returned in 2005 to head the Biomedical Sciences Cluster in EDB. In Sports 2008, he was posted to San Francisco as international director overseeing the Americas region, which included the EDB’s seven offices. He returned to Singapore in 2010 as Assistant Managing Director overseeing the engineering industries. In July 2012 he was appointed Managing Tan Poh Seng Director of EDB. Tennis coach/teacher Conscious of how he has benefitted Year left school: 1964 from scholarships, Keat Chuan says one of the reasons why his work is perfect for lthough Tan Poh Seng taught biology helping him “give back” is because of the Ain New Town Secondary School, he was EDB’s role to create a better economic also well known outside the classroom for future for Singaporeans. another activity — tennis. He said, “We are proud of our role to Indeed, several old boys of New Town bring in and develop industries in Singapore. have fond memories of the man who taught “EDB is responsible for securing multi- them to wield a tennis racket, play the sport million dollar investments leading to good well and help pave their paths to a lucrative jobs and exciting careers for Singaporeans. future career — as a tennis coach — when I am privileged to have had the opportunity they found studies were not their forte. A to work with companies such as Shell, few like Wong Chee Leong and Yang Siang ExxonMobil, GlaxoSmithkline, Novartis, played Davis Cup for Singapore. Rolls-Royce, and ST Engineering. When reminded of this, Poh Seng “Our role is to look at which industries modestly brushes aside his role, remarking are competitive and in which area and that he did not consciously get his students try to bring in the leading companies in to choose coaching as a career, but it these sectors. did dawn on him that for those not too “EDB’s industry clusters contribute 35 to academically inclined, tennis coaching could 40 per cent of Singapore’s GDP.” become an alternative career. Apart from mentoring his young charges, Poh Seng also played a major chapter 9 Old Frees 151 role in training and grooming promising While in Penang as a Biology teacher at taught in the classroom but were actively Singapore tennis talents who went on to Methodist Boys’ School, a number of his engaged after school activities. In games, become national players when he served tennis students like Kuldip Singh and Francis the older students - many of them school not only as the Republic’s national coach, Su became national players and represented team players - would teach the younger Davis Cup non-playing captain but also Malaysia in Davis Cup. ones and pass on their skills. As such, every as the Head Coach of Singapore Sports At the Chinese Recreation Club where student had the opportunity to participate Council Junior Scheme in the late 1980s and he was the Captain and Head Coach of the and appreciate the varied activities offered. early ’90s. Tennis Section, the club produced many Our headmaster whose house is situated He also served as Vice-President of national champions like Toh Seok Har and within the school grounds would be around the Singapore Lawn Tennis Association Albert Cheah. Poh Seng himself was the most afternoons at inter-school matches in charge of technical development for Malaysian National Champion in 1974-75. mingling with the students and lending several years. By wearing many tennis hats, He represented Malaysia in the Davis Cup his support.” he could set up a nation-wide scheme to tournament in 1970, 1974 and 1975 and the He attributes his love of sports to his groom young tennis talents as well as run SEAP (Southeast Asian Peninsular) Games in father who not only encouraged him to play age-group tournaments to give aspiring 1973 and 1975. different sports but also bought him all the juniors exposure to competitive tennis. By Like most Old Frees, Poh Seng is equipment that he needed. As for tennis, his being involved with the Singapore Lawn very passionate when it comes to sports. father brought him to Chinese Recreation Tennis Association and the Singapore Sports When he was in PFS, he represented the Club to play the game. Council, he could also coordinate coaching school in tennis, hockey, cricket, athletics Poh Seng now resides in San Diego, clinics and tennis courses run by noted (javelin) and the occasional rugby matches. California. Retired, he is happily engaged foreign coaches to elevate the coaching He also played soccer and badminton. He not only in coaching his grandchildren and standard of Singapore coaches. represented Penang Combined Schools in taking them to tennis tournaments but is He was also tasked by the International tennis, hockey and cricket and University of also actively competing in tennis. He and Tennis Federation to run tennis clinics in Malaya and Penang in tennis and hockey. He his grandson won the USTA (United States Guam and Mongolia. He holds a United was appointed Head Prefect in 1964. Tennis Association) National Grandfather- States Professional Tennis Association Pro 1 He described his time at Penang Grandson doubles title in December 2014. certification and is an International Master Free School as one that was fun-filled as In 2016, he hopes to compete in Professional in the United States Professional there were so many games that he could the USTA National Super Senior Father- Tennis Registry. participate in. Although he admitted he Daughter doubles event. This event is Contributing to the popularity of did not study too much, he praised the for fathers who must attain the age of 70. tennis in Singapore is nothing new to Poh school for instilling in its students a sense of “My daughter and I are looking forward to Seng as he was instrumental in improving responsibility. compete in this event. What’s so great about the sport of tennis in Penang in the 1970s He said, “We learned how to organise tennis is that it is a sport that one can play to before emigrating to Singapore in 1980. and lead. We had teachers who not only a ripe old age.”

152 LIVE FREE Selvadurai Sooceleraj Hockey coach/Teacher Year left school: 1953

etter known as Sooce (pronounced BSoocy), Selvadurai Sooceleraj was a true- blue Old Free with his love for sports, thanks to PFS’s policy of a well-rounded education system that included equal emphasis on sports development. Sooce shone in hockey, cricket and rugby, representing not only the school and Penang nationally but also Malaya on the international stage. He came to Singapore soon after leaving PFS and was recruited as a chemistry teacher at (VS) where he was also a physical education teacher and hockey coach. He taught hockey not just to VS students but he also trained national hockey players. He was credited with producing some of Singapore’s finest hockey players such as national hockey captains Lam Yin Koi and Kee Yaw Lin and well-known cricketers such as Hira Singh and M Neethianathan and Singapore’s acknowledged best national cricketer Stacey Muruthi. Indeed, cricket was especially dear to his heart and he himself indulged in the Sooce represented not game till he was 60 years old. A feared leg- only the school and spinner for the Ceylon Sports Club, he was Penang nationally but also Malaya on the the oldest player in Division One cricket. international stage. Source: The Straits Times There were memorable headlines to his © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for winning exploits on the cricket field such as reproduction chapter 9 Old Frees 153 “Sooceleraj hero in a 2-win run” in of St Hilda’s Church, Singapore, from 1952 The Straits Times (20 May 1963) and to 1955 and then served as the Vicar of “Sooce, 59, still has batsmen in a spin” Others Selangor (the first Asian to be appointed) in The Straits Times (27 July 1989). and Canon of the Diocese of Singapore. He was well known for his booming During his time in Selangor, he was voice, his love for sports and his fervent elected the first vice-president of the Old desire in instilling in his wards a similar Frees’ Association in Kuala Lumpur and passion. For him, training in sports was all Selangor, which was formed in 1959. about getting his students into the field to He was appointed home secretary of toughen up and develop the right frame of Joshua Chiu Ban It the Australian Board of Missions from 1959 mind to compete in tournaments. Anglican Bishop to 1962 after which he served as Secretary Sooce served as a sports teacher and Year left school: 1938 for Laymen Abroad in the World Council of hockey coach in VS for 30 years before Churches in Geneva. retiring in 1990. In 2011, he died in his oshua Chiu Ban It was a brilliant scholar at From 1964 to the beginning of 1966, he sleep at the age of 81, sorely missed by his JPFS. He was active in school representing was a lecturer in Ecumenics at St Augustine’s students, colleagues and the hockey and the badminton team of the Wu Lien-Teh Theological College Canterbury in the UK cricket fraternity. But his name lives on in a House of which he was a member and as until his elevation to the Episcopate. special sports award announced a year later. editor of the school magazine. In 1937, he Upon his return to Asia in 1966, he was In 2012, when The New Paper’s School was elected Head Boy or School Captain consecrated as the first Malayan-born Bishop Sports Stars were made public, a special and in 1938, he was awarded the Hutchings teacher-coach award was also given out Scholarship. He went on to study at King’s to recognise the people behind these College, University of London, graduating stars. Named the S Sooceleraj Award and with a in 1941. presented by Soilbuild Group, the award He was ordained at Westcott House, was to acknowledge the hard work and a Church of England theological college dedication of teacher-coaches. Such coaches in Cambridge in 1943 after a period of study. have a heavy load — regular class teaching His first posting was as curate of the followed by sports coaching in the field and St Francis of Assisi Church in Bournville, the marking of papers and preparation for near Birmingham. the next day’s lessons at night. He returned to Penang to practise as It was an award Sooce would have been acting vicar for a while before becoming a proud of. full minister with the Church of England in 1950. He was assistant priest at St Andrew’s Cathedral before becoming parish priest In Chambers, 1941.

154 LIVE FREE Bishop Chiu and his wife Wendy after his consecration ceremony as bishop in 1966. of the Diocese of Singapore and Malaya, a post he held until he retired in 1982. He was the sixth bishop. He was also Dean of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore from 1970 to 1982. Between 1968 and 1973 he was Vice- Chairman of the Council of Churches in East Asia and acting Chairman from 1970. On 20 February 1972, on the last day of her first state visit to Singapore, Queen Elizabeth II and the British Royal Family attended a service at St Andrew’s Cathedral. It was presided over by Bishop Chiu. In 1982, Bishop Chiu retired and is now Bishop Chiu greeting Queen Elizabeth II at a church service in St Andrew’s Cathedral during her state visit to residing in Britain. Singapore in 1972. Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction chapter 9 Old Frees 155 EK Lim “As it turned out, optometry was good classroom with Khoo Teck Hock standing on Optometrist for me as it was a course that enabled me to another chair in the back while some girls Year left school: 1953 serve people. were walking past. Someone told us to get “London was very advanced in the field down just as the girls were passing by but etter known as of optometry. The course was quite exacting we could not as our history teacher was still BEK, Lim Eam as apart from the course in college, I had to there! No boy ever liked to have girls see Khoon was hoping to be attached to a spectacle-making company him standing on chairs. be an architect but after which I could sit for the diploma for “There were also teachers with other ended up in the eye- which I was made ‘freeman of the city peculiarities. We had Captain Mamat Nor, care industry instead of London’. With this, I could practise a very strict Malay teacher, who was always and carving out a optometry in London which I did for a year smartly dressed in a white suit and wore a reputation as ‘pioneer’ after I had qualified in 1959 before returning songkok. Then there was Lee Eng Leong, optometrist. to Penang in 1960.” who taught us biology, with his fondness for Recounting how this came about, he Recalling his schooldays, he said, half-eye glasses, which he peered over to said, “After leaving PFS, Tay Lee Soon (my “I was in PFS after Hutchings Primary School. look at us. We also had an assistant teacher classmate) and I did sketches to be sent to I spent most of my time in sports playing from Ireland, Penny Pettigrew, who always Regent Polytechnic in London. He ended up football, rugby, hockey and badminton. I wore low cut tops, making her a favourite studying architecture in Melbourne instead represented the school in football and rugby among the boys! when he was there to watch the Malayan although I was better known for the latter. “Apart from these, there were other hockey team playing in the Olympics. In fact, from 1956 to 1958 when I was in memorable occasions. In 1952, our class “I trooped off to London on my own London, I was the only Asian representing held a tea party to celebrate Queen but found out that my application did not my college in rugby. Elizabeth’s coronation, which was attended reach Regent Polytechnic. As luck would “I remember some of our teachers rather by headmaster Tod.” have it, I met an Old Free, Khoo Boon well. One of the classic punishments in PFS During his student days in London, Haw, who had been studying medicine in was getting students to stand on a chair. EK was in touch with other Old Frees. He Singapore the year before but had to drop For our history teacher, Lim Boon Hock, this explained, “Penang was a British colony out of the course. He decided to go to would be for things like forgetting history and for most of us, the UK was considered London to study optometry and persuaded dates. He would make you stand on a chair ‘our motherland’. When it came to studying me to join him at the Northampton College for the rest of the class. I did this three times. overseas, the UK and especially London of Advanced Technology (renamed “On one of these occasions, when would come to mind. City University). our Sixth Form classes had turned co- “I joined the Old Frees Association “It seemed like an attractive alternative educational and we had girls from St (OFA) there and our former headmaster Tod as it was only a three-year course versus six George’s enrolled in our school, I remember who was from Hove and had just retired years for architecture. standing on a chair in one part of the was our patron. The association was active,

156 LIVE FREE Singapore as I was constantly in touch with other Old Frees. We would always end up with a dinner; I would call Chor Pee and Lee Soon to join in. For me those links were, and still are, very important. I continue to keep in touch with Arul.” On his reputation as pioneer optometrist, EK said, “It all started when I had just arrived in Singapore in 1971 when soft contact lenses had just been introduced. Like everyone else, I had been working with hard contact lenses in Penang during the 10 years of my business there. “When soft lenses were first approved for use here, nobody knew how to fit them. I decided to learn how to do it by going to London. I went to the manufacturer to see how the lenses were made. Convinced of their usefulness, I started ordering them to 1958 UKOFA Reunion at Malayan Hall, London. fit my customers. I had to do measurements organising get-togethers from time to time. London, I like to organise functions. I was for each patient’s eyes and had to order the When Malaya became independent in a prefect and that helped develop my lenses specifically. 1957 for instance, we had a celebration in organisational skills. Chor Pee and I enjoyed “It did not take long for the trend Malaya Hall. organising picnics and dance functions of wearing soft lenses to take off when “Among the members of OFA London when we were in school. PFS encouraged us people realised how comfortable they were were Lim Chor Pee, who was studying law to be sociable. compared to the hard lenses which were and had his own private law practice in “That came in useful whenever I rigid and difficult to wear. Singapore and Chandran Arul, who is still attended functions in optometry and when “Because I was the first to introduce practising as a lawyer in Singapore. Chor Pee people came from overseas to Singapore for the lens, I was called a pioneer in the field, was the OFA secretary in 1955 and 1956. He optometric meetings, I would take them out. making a name for my company which was handed it over to me so I became secretary I liked doing that. EK Lim Pte Ltd. Other optometrists soon in 1957. I asked Arul to take over when I had “The same applied to Old Frees. I followed suit. to leave London after finishing my course. was always encouraging Old Frees to get “Now of course, ready-made soft lenses “Because of PFS and later OFA in in touch with me whenever they visited are used in the market.”

chapter 9 Old Frees 157 Alex KH Ooi responsibility to self and others. ‘thankless’ but Alex sees it from a different Obstetrician and gynaecologist “I was a Sea Scout and school prefect perspective. He explains, “I find them Year left school: 1969 and played games, mainly rugby, volleyball challenging. It is difficult to change human and waterpolo. I remember the grueling and nature but it is work that needs to be done e wears many character building experience of canoeing and which I feel I have the disposition for. I Hhats but unlike round in our self-made canoe, just face the duties, taking obstacles in my the proverbial ‘Jack of carrying our own supplies for sustenance!” stride. Keeping up with my own professional all trades and master His sense of social responsibility began work, which I find gratifying, keeps me sane! of none’, Alex has early, starting with his days as a medical “Many people may believe otherwise been on top of all the student in the University of Singapore. but, for me, it is often not difficult to handle roles he has taken on He said, “The university provided many people in committees as I believe the during his career and extra-academic service avenues. I had the greater majority of volunteers serving in accomplished them well. honour of being class representative for all these committees are people with an innate When asked why he felt compelled five years of medical school. I was President nature for observing good governance, to take on social responsibilities despite a of the Medical Students’ Society and the doing due diligence and expecting only busy medical practice to attend to, he says, first Asian President of the International self- satisfaction.” “I have always had an inclination towards Federation of International Student The motivation for serving stemmed service to others or to causes where I am Associations. I was also Vice-President of the from the desire to help resolve conflicts, able to contribute. This trait, I feel, is a University of Singapore Students’ Union and which were a bane in some of these clubs natural extension of the desire to be a Chairman of the Asian Students’ Association. and to help make progress on the clubs’ doctor. It carries with it a sense of caring, “I have also been involved in fund- original objectives. professionalism and empathy.” raising and activities for charity, sometimes He looks back with satisfaction that It is, without doubt, the result of years of as Chairman. I have been President of The the club accounts at Warren, for instance, nurturing in PFS where students have always Old Frees’ Association, Singapore for some were nursed back to health while its golf been encouraged to serve the community years and was instrumental in bringing the course was re-configured and its social and think of others and its spirit of discipline. Dr Wu Lien-Teh legacy to light and setting facilities enhanced. At The Tanglin Club, the Recalling his time there, Alex said, “In up the Wu Lien-Teh Society in Penang. ability to help resolve the conflicts then and my time at the school, we were made to “Other organisations where I have developing and executing the Master Plan play as many games as possible and take served as president include the Rotary Club to enhance the clubhouse and building a on at least one extra-curricular activity and (and twice as district-secretary), Warren Golf sports complex gave him a sense of pride. yet be focused on studies as required. This, Club (1984-87), The Tanglin Club (2000-2003) “They were challenging yet rewarding coupled with encouragement (sometimes and, presently, Singapore Island Country times especially as I could leave office on a pure designation!) to lead, was to be the Club from September 2015. happy note.” catalyst to the moulding of character and These roles are often categorised as

158 LIVE FREE Lim Chor Pee Kheng Kooi, an Old Free and a Queen’s Lawyer and playwright Scholar in 1927, who scored a double-first in Year left school: 1954 law at the same college. After graduating in 1958, Chor Pee was lthough he carved called to the English Bar in 1959 as a member Aout a name for of The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. himself as a successful He then joined the Singapore Legal litigator in several Service serving as a Crown Counsel and high-profile court Deputy Public Prosecutor in the Attorney- cases, Lim Chor Pee General’s Chambers and District Judge as was also well-known as well as the first Legal Adviser to the Tax a luminous playwright. Department. In 1962, he was called to the He was credited with sowing the seeds of Malayan Bar in Singapore. local English-language theatre in Singapore It was while he was working in the Legal and nurturing it to what it is today. When his Service that he started to write Mimi Fan highly acclaimed first play Mimi Fan, written in his spare time in the evenings. It was the in 1962, took to the stage, it was hailed 1960s and Singapore was in the throes of as having set a milestone in home-grown early nationhood. It had just been granted And so with a group of like-minded drama production. self-governing status by the British in 1959 individuals, he founded the Experimental Yet when Chor Pee left Penang Free and in 1962 it was on its way to gaining Theatre Club (ETC) in 1961 to create School in 1954 to go to Britain to read law in independence by joining Malaya, Sarawak ‘Malayan theatre’ and encourage local St John’s College, Cambridge, becoming a and Sabah to form the new Federation of playwrights by staging their works. ETC playwright was probably not his first priority Malaysia a year later. staged Mimi Fan in 1962 to packed houses despite a widely recognised passion for the All this gave rise to stirrings of a during its three-day run at the then Cultural theatre during his school days. national identity and a clamour for a Centre on Canning Rise. It was a story He joined PFS in 1949 after Wellesley Singapore voice to be heard on stage amid about an English-educated Singaporean Primary School and Francis Light School. what was then a Western-skewed presence returning home from Britain in the liberal A member of Hargreaves House, he took mounted by expatriate theatre groups. swinging ‘60s and his encounter with a free- part in many activities including joining the As Chor Pee put it in an article he spirited good-time girl Mimi Fan. The core Scouts. In December 1952, he attended the wrote in the journal Tumasek in 1964, “The of the play centred on the theme of truth Pan-Pacific Scouting Jamboree in Australia amateur theatre anywhere in the world is the and identity. as one of the school’s representatives. place where the future professional theatre Coincidentally, one of the actors in the In going to Cambridge, Chor Pee was begins. And there can be no proper theatre critically acclaimed play was another Old following in the footsteps of his father, Lim unless there are playwrights.” Free, Lim Teong Quee, better known as chapter 9 Old Frees 159 TQ Lim, retired judicial commissioner and father of Singapore actor Lim Yu-Beng. Reflecting on its sensational success and on why he wrote the play for an English- speaking new generation, Chor Pee was quoted as saying: “It went down nicely because the audience could feel and see for themselves that is…you can identify yourself with one of them on stage because it’s the way we normally would have spoken or would have reacted in a similar situation, rather than some foreign play which is of foreign values that is not totally known to us….” Lim Chor Pee’s play, Mimi Fan, was first staged in 1962 featuring (from left) Annie Wee, Ronald Bloom and Lim Chor Pee was the first to dream the Teong Quee better known as TQ Lim, an Old Free. Singapore play and give it its initial shape. Right: Cover of Mimi Fan, recently re-published by Epigram Books. Photo: Epigram Books But he was not just a playwright. He was sort of attitude should have gone with the of Singapore’s English-language theatre also a theatre company director and a plumed hat.” for years, Chor Pee gave up drama to theatre theoretician. He is widely credited It was his determination to distinguish concentrate on his legal career in 1964. for having kick-started the local theatre local theatre and end the domination of He had just started his own law scene in Singapore and galvanising locals expatriate-produced plays that moved him practice then named Chor Pee & Hin to follow suit. to write Mimi Fan. He wanted to produce a Hiong, after leaving the Legal Service. Chor Pee took on the role of ETC’s realistic play with characters making punch After some years the firm dissolved and he artistic director from 1962 to 1967. He lines that a local English-speaking audience founded Chor Pee & Company. This firm wanted to set ETC apart from other theatre could appreciate rather than spouting became the first of a handful of foreign law companies especially expatriate-run ones ‘Queen’s English’, which he felt was not a firms that were given licences to operate such as The Stage Club. He was also true representation of Singaporeans. in Vietnam, at a time when few local firms against patronising colonial influence in Chor Pee followed up on his success had ventured out into the region. In the local drama, which was prevalent in the by writing another play A White Rose at late 1990s he formed Chor Pee & Partners. days following Singapore’s independence. Midnight in 1964 about a romance between Several notable Singapore lawyers and In one instance when a theatre critic of an English-educated university graduate former lawyers either chambered or worked The Straits Times M. E. Constant wrote and a Chinese-educated former nightclub at these firms. In Malaysia, Chor Pee also condescendingly: “Let the local theatre singer, which was also staged by ETC. practised under Albar Zulkifly & Yap and clubs be not too proud to learn from the Despite skilfully juggling between later Chor Pee Anwarul & Company with expat clubs,” Chor Pee retorted: “This being a practising lawyer and a stalwart offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

160 LIVE FREE As a lawyer with a fine reputation, competition, politics, negotiation, nastiness, doers, scientists, artists, money-spinners and he had a flair for handling extremely everything! I was a prefect and the Prefects’ yes, rogues among us, but there’s one thing difficult cases and was held in high regard Board did crazy things like going out on in common: We all love the school. by his clients. Chor Pee’s endurance as motorcycles to bust smoking students – “I hated the idea of becoming a lawyer, a lawyer can be seen in four decades of when I think back, we were downright crazy. so I do something even better: teaching and cases reported in the law reports. His talent But we were happy. spawning them. So I’m incredibly fortunate and skill as an advocate has been etched “Our form teacher, Ms Choong Lai to have a great job, mentoring young in the memories of many Singapore and Yong, remains in the school. She holds would-be lawyers and moulding them into Malaysian lawyers. the distinction of being the last remaining responsible and ethical individuals. And it Remembered for his kind and teacher of that generation who’s still has to do with the Penang Free School, the likeable disposition, he was also known teaching. We were fond of Molly Ooi (our institution whose teachers and environment to be a hardworking member of the first teacher in Form 1), Johnny Ooi (whose gave me the very same drive and inspiration. legal community. Throughout 2006, even prime mission was to ensure the school’s “As a Professor of Law at the National while battling lung cancer very bravely, dominance in hockey), Lim Lay Eong University of Singapore, I specialise in the he continued with his legal practice with (later Mrs Ooi!) and Low Boon Ewe (who law relating to aviation and airlines, advising admirable dedication until his final days. drummed into us that we were the crème de airlines like AirAsia on the regulation of He died in December 2006, aged 70. la crème). What I remember was the entire the airline industry. I also research into class landing in detention (DC) one day and Indonesian environmental issues, particularly being lectured by the principal, GK Iyer. the haze problem that has afflicted us in Alan Tan Khee Jin Someone had written something crass on recent years, as well as criminal law. I teach Law professor the blackboard about a teacher and never these areas of the law to my students at Year left school: 1986 owned up to it, so everyone was punished … the National University of Singapore (NUS), we still don’t know who did it. where I’ve been teaching for 22 years now in was from the “We knew the school was special, what has been my first and only job.” “IClass of 1986 with her incredible history, and she gave (Form 5), and over half us the platform, the confidence, to excel in my class have ended whatever we did. I’d like to think my friends up in Singapore. Says and I live the school motto – Fortis Atque a lot, doesn’t it? … My Fidelis – Strong and Faithful. I still wear the fondest memories are school tie when I do TV interviews. It gives us of my teachers and a kick to tell Singaporeans that we’re older classmates. Those were the formative years, than their country! and everything in my life I have learned “It would be too romantic to paint all from those years – leadership, hard work, Old Frees as gentlemen. There are thinkers,

chapter 9 Old Frees 161 Preserving the Past and Looking Ahead

Epilogue By Lee Eng Hin and Steve Foong

his coffee-table book was conceived dedication of the headmasters and teachers, in 2016 in time for the PFS Bicentenary by a dedicated group of Old Frees the quality of the education as well as the Speech Day. with the desire to document the emphasis on character-building that has As we celebrate our bicentenary in historyT of our beloved alma mater and produced a diversity of highly talented 2016, we will no doubt look back with celebrate the contributions of Old Frees to students who have gone on to be leaders in nostalgia on our days in the School. We will nation-building in Singapore. It has been a their own fields far beyond the confines of remember with fondness and appreciation long, challenging and interesting journey Penang and Malaysia. at what the school has done for us, but at to uncover the past 200 years of our Two events stand out in our recent past. the same time we will also look forward Grand Old Dame. Our immense gratitude One is Alex Ooi’s role in tracing the roots of to see what we can do for the School. As to the author and editorial consultant one of our most famous Old Frees, Dr Wu each generation passes, we should aim to Tan Chung Lee who upon taking on Lien-Teh, the Plague Fighter which took him preserve the greatness of the School and this massive task spent many hours in to Harbin in China. Dr Wu is revered by the enable its current and future students to rise researching the archives and interviewing Chinese for his dedication and contribution to greater heights. Old Frees before finally expertly weaving to saving countless lives by controlling the the text and photographs to produce this spread of the Pneumonic Plague. “Let us onward to win and new laurels gain wonderful book. The other is Steve Foong’s road trip Free School for the brave and the true!” This book not only tells the story of with a group of Old Frees from George the Penang Free School but captures the Town to Dittisham, South Devon, England Fortis Atque Fidelis essence of what it was like as a student where he traced the origins of our founder of this magnificent School. Through the Reverend Robert Sparke Hutchings. The interviews and personal recollections, the PFS Bicentenary Committee is planning a reader cannot help but be impressed by the return trip from Dittisham to George Town

163 Annexes

Head Boys (Head Prefects) Penang Free School 1865-2015 1 Eng Tin 1865 25 Phuah Chin Beng 1895 49 Ong Chong Keng 1922 2 Charles Nelligan 1866 26 Quah Sin Keat 1896 50 Lim Khye Seng 1923 3 Low Ah Maing 1867 27 Phung Chock Kong 1897 51 Ch’ng Eng Hye 1923 4 Chan Kim Keat 1868 28 Saw Whee Leow 1898 52 Tneh Say Koo 1924 – 1925 5 Quah Beng Poh 1869 29 Yeoh Guan Seok 1899 53 M M Hashim 1925 – 1926 6 Hobart D Caunter 1870 30 Koh Kheng Seng 1900 54 Yeap Choong Lyow 1926 – 1927 7 Beng Hong 1871 31 RH McCleland 1901 55 Lim Peng Kok 1928 8 John Anthony 1872 32 WW Davidson 1902 56 Cheah Heng Sin 1928 9 T Cawthorne 1879 33 Lim Guan Cheng 1903 57 Tann Wee Chong 1928 10 Yu Phung C 1880 34 Axel Hastrup 1904 58 JWD Ambrose 1929 11 Koh Cheng Siew 1881 35 Lim Keat Leong 1905 59 Yeoh Bok Choon 1929 – 1931 12 Lim Teow Chong 1882 36 Kam Ching Poh 1906 60 Lim Keng Eok 1931 13 Khoo Ee Ghee 1883 37 Khoo Heng Kok 1907 – 1908 61 Tan Ah Ee 1932 14 Yeoh Lean Hong 1884 38 Abdul Kareem 1909 – 1910 62 Khoo Phin Hong 1933 15 PV Locke 1885 39 Saw Whee Seong 1911 – 1913 63 Chung Shiu Tett 1936 16 Tan Choo Choy 1886 40 Ong Huck Chuan 1913 64 Chiu Ban It 1937 17 Law Ewe Ee 1887 41 Cheah Tiang Lim 1914 65 Leong Mun Sen 1938 18 Toh Lip Khoo 1888 42 Lee Boon Hock 1914 – 1915 66 Tan Ah Fee 1939 -1940 19 Ung Bok Hoey 1889 43 Chee Chuck Lum 1915 67 Lim Teik Ee 1940 20 Lim Chin Poh 1890 44 Ng Cheong Yew 1916 68 Lau Kam Phooi 1941 21 Koh Leap Teng 1891 45 Cheah Teik Hong 1917 69 Joseph Isaac 1940 -1941 22 Gun Chaik Seng 1892 46 SM Zainul Abidin 1917 – 1918 70 Lee Chin Thuan 1946 – 1947 23 Koay Thean Chin 1893 47 Basha Merican 1919 – 1921 71 Lim Chiang Choo 1947 – 1948 24 Gnoh Lean Tuck 1894 48 Syed Omar 1921 72 Chew Kim Seng 1948

164 LIVE FREE 73 Chan Kong Thoe 1948 97 Lim Hun Soon 1970 121 Adrian Tay Peng Kuan 1994 74 Lim Ewe Hin 1948 – 1949 98 Yew Teik Chye 1971 122 N Sunderaj 1995 75 Goh Hock Lye 1949 – 1950 99 Lim Siang Jin 1972 123 Santosh Raj 1996 76 Yiap Khin Yin 1950 100 Ng Beng Lee 1973 124 Tan Hee Seng 1997 77 Lim Ah Soo 1950 – 1951 101 Tan Hock Guan 1974 125 Ding Teng Yew 1998 78 Eddy Chung 1952 102 Yeang Hoong Kheng 1975 126 Jeffrey Woo 1999 79 Boey Khoon Loong 1952 – 1953 103 Lim Kew Seng 1976 127 Lim Teong Keat 2000 80 Mahinder Singh 1953 – 1954 104 Goh Kok Yew 1977 128 Lee Teong Ghee 2001 81 NA Ogle 1954 – 1955 105 Ch’ng Geam Liang 1978 129 Kenneth Teow Kheng Leong 2002 82 Lee Teng Chye 1955 – 1956 106 Lim Hoon Chong 1979 130 Goh Kok Yun 2003 83 Teoh Soon Teong 1956 107 Soh Yew Siang 1980 131 Teo Lee Ken 2004 84 Kee Yong Tau 1956 – 1957 108 Tan Poh Eng 1981 132 Ivan Ooi Jieun Vei 2005 85 Thong Kar Cheong 1957 – 1958 109 Khoo Guan Huat 1982 133 Yeoh Jit Wei 2006 86 Tan Teng Nam 1959 110 Ong Ewe Lee 1983 134 Ritchie Lee Zhe Zin 2007 87 Koe Eng Ghee 1960 111 Yeoh Hock Thye 1984 135 Kenneth Tan Yu Shen 2008 88 Chin Wah Seng 1961 112 R Angappan 1985 136 Jashan A/L Siva Sankar 2010 89 Chan Hen Sam 1962 113 Boo Soon Yew 1986 137 Koh Cheang Huat 2011 90 Lim Chin Kee 1963 114 Khor Seng Teng 1987 138 Por Kai Yann 2012 91 Tan Poh Seng 1964 115 Y Narendran 1988 139 Ooi Jian Ming 2013 92 Teng Kok Seng 1965 116 Abdul Aziz B Haji Sulaiman 1989 140 Teoh Ewe Mun 2014 93 Teh Ping Choon 1966 117 Eric Chang Choong Yin 1990 141 Amirul B Akbar Khan 2015 94 Tan Heng Soon 1967 118 Lye Chien Chai 1991 95 Goh Hong Guan 1968 119 R Murali 1992 96 Tan Kheng Kooi 1969 120 Jerry Chang Shang Yu 1993

Annexes 165 Queen’s Scholars Penang Free School 1893-1957 1 Ung Bok Hoey 1893 14 Oon Khye Beng (BA) 1926 2 Koh Leap Teng (MB B.CH) 1894 15 Lim Kheng Kooi (BA, LLB) 1927 3 Gnoh Lean Tuck also known as Wu Lien-Teh (MA, MD, ETC) 1896 16 Cheah Heng Sin (BA) 1927 4 Quah Sin Keat (BA, LSA) 1898 17 JWD Ambrose (BA,BCL) 1928 5 Yeoh Guan Seok (BA, LLB) 1901 18 Ooi Tiang Eng (MA, BM, BCH, ETC) 1929 6 RH MacClelland (BA, LCE) 1901 19 AV Winslow (BA, LLB) 1934 7 Koh Kheng Seng (BA) 1902 20 Lim Chong Eu (MB, BCH) 1937 8 WW Davidson (BA) 1903 21 Chung Shiu Tett (BA, LLN) 1940 9 Lim Guan Cheng (MB, BCH,ETC) 1904 22 Cheah Bian Kung (MSc, PHD) 1948 10 Khoo Heng Kok (BA, LLB) 1909 23 Lim Kee Jin (MB, BS) 1952 11 Tneh Say Koo (BA, ACA) 1924 24 Chan Kong Thoe (MBBS) 1954 12 Tan Ah Tah (BA, LLB) 1924 25 Wong Lin Ken (MA) 1955 13 Yeoh Cheng Hoe (LRCR, MRCS) 1925 26 Khoo Soo Hock (BA Hons) 1957

166 LIVE FREE The Old Frees’ Association, Singapore

Presidents Life Members (As of 30 June 2016)

1962-66 Mr Justice Tan Ah Tah 1 Dr Alex Ooi Koon Hean 21 Captain Lim Cheng Leong 2 22 1973 – 74 Mr Justice Alfred Victor Winslow Professor Alan Tan Khee Jin Dr Lim Eam Khoon 3 Dr Chan Kong Thoe 23 Mr Malcolm Tan Ban Hoe 1975 Mr Heah Hock Meng 4 Mr Chan Soo Khian 24 Dato’ Ng Kong Yeam 1976 – 80 Professor Chan Kong Thoe 5 Dato’ Cheah Cheng Hye 25 Ms Ong Su-Chzeng 6 26 1981 – 83 Mr TQ Lim Mr Cheah Hock Leong Dr Ooi Choon Jin 7 Dr Chin Wah Seng 27 Professor Peter Lim Ai Chi 1984 – 85 Mr Ng Kong Yeam 8 Dr Chong Tian Hoo 28 Mr Philip Ling Soon Hwa 1985 – 86 Professor Chan Kong Thoe 9 Mr Dennis Lee Ean Hooi 29 Ms Poh Cheng Kin 10 30 1986 – 87 Mr TQ Lim Mr Gabriel Teh Choo Thok Professor Soo Khee Chee 11 Mr Gan Khai Choon 31 Mr Sreenivasan Iyer 1987 – 88 Professor Lee Seng Teik 12 Mr Heah Hock Heng 32 Mr Steve Foong Ther Hoei 1988 – 89 Mr TQ Lim 13 Dr Jeevendra Kanagalingam 33 Dr Tan Seang Beng 14 34 1989 – 92 Dr Oh Siew Leong Mr Jeff Yeo Nai Kwang Dr Tan Yew Oo 15 Mr John Lim Kok Min 35 Mr Tay Lee Soon 1992 – 95 Mr Kok Weng On 16 Mr Khaw Teik Kooi 36 Mr Thanneermalai Lakshmanan 1995 – 96 Mr Chong Soon Khean 17 Dr Khoo Hoon Eng 37 Professor Wong Peng Chiang 18 38 2007 – 2010 Mr Neo Kim San Professor Lee Eng Hin Mr Yeoh Herr-Ling 19 Professor Lee Seng Teik 39 Mr Yeoh Keat Chuan 2010 – 2016 Dr Alex Ooi Koon Hean 20 Dr Lim Beng Hai 40 Mr Yeoh Kheng Hock

Annexes 167 About the author Singapore-based Tan Chung Lee is an independent writer, researcher and editor. She began her career in journalism when she joined the foreign desk of The New Nationafter obtaining a political science honours degree from the University of Singapore. She moved on to do investigative reporting and writing on social issues such as housing for which she had her own column. She was the editor of two regional travel magazines and a contributor to travel and trade publications in Hong Kong, Bangkok and San Francisco before joining the public relations industry as a consultant specialising on tourism and travel. Although best known for her travel writing for which she has won three awards, Chung Lee has a penchant for the eclectic. She has written, edited and published several specially commissioned works for various governments, corporations and institutions on a wide variety of topics, from nature, wildlife and the environment to culture, industries, finance, travel and tourism. This is her 19th book. Her commissioned works include Cultures of the World: Finland; Bali, Isle of Light; Lending a Helping Hand on Fullerton Financial Holdings’ micro-financing activities in six countries; Warming Hearts for Generations: 150 Years of City Gas and The Story of NWCon the National Wages Council in Singapore.