Forward to the past

Way back in June this year, Lim Siang Jin and I had undertaken a photographic journey, dedicating ourselves to explore and capture the essence of Penang Free School with our cameras over three to four days. While my intent was simply to capture these memories for personal enjoyment, Siang Jin had a more pointed objective in mind. Armed with a borrowed Leica SL2-S, he aspired to showcase his work in an exhibition hosted by The Old Frees' Association, and what better time to do so than during the OFA's Centenary celebrations year.

Over the past three months, I have been assisting him in securing approval from the committee to hold this exhibition in the OFA hall. And now, at last, this is the culmination of his tireless effort—a remarkable exhibition featuring a collection of evocative black-and-white photographs. These images are meant to bring out nostalgic emotions in all who have walked the corridors of Penang Free School, unless, of course, one possesses a heart of ice.

I arrived at The Old Frees' Association this afternoon to find Siang Jin deep in preparing the multi-purpose hall for his photography exhibition. This exhibition showcases 31 black-and-white photographs that beautifully capture the essence of Penang Free School. These images are a poignant nod to the 1960s, a significant era in both our personal journeys of growth and transformation.

The exhibition will run from 28 September until 03 October and the hall will be opened daily from 10am until 5pm. The framed photographs will be on sale to the public at RM800 each, with 75 percent of the proceeds going to the PFS Student Leadership Workshops and Free School Guide, and 25 percent to the OFA Sesquicentenary Education Fund. Siang Jin and I hope that visitors to the exhibition will be generous enough to buy them and contribute to helping the students of Penang Free School grow. And I tell you this: they are worthy of your support!

Exhibition's website: https://www.limsiangjin.art/our-legacy-landmark-memories-of-penang-free-school/