Red packets (紅包)

I daresay that for at least the past two decades, Chinese New Year red packets (紅包) have undergone remarkable transformations, as though businesses are engaged in an unspoken competition to produce the most eye-catching designs—turning them into near-collectors’ items. Gone are the days when ang pow packets were plain, predictable and uninspired. There were once boundaries that businesses dared not or could not cross, for fear of being seen as even mildly avant-garde or straying too far from cultural traditions. Yet, with the turn of the millennium, designers have gradually refined the red packet into an art form, making them larger and sturdier to accommodate banknotes without the need for folding. This subtle yet practical evolution reflects both aesthetic innovation and a response to modern gifting preferences.

Last-minute deals

Some random pictures of a bustling Kampong Baru wet market in Bukit Mertajam on the eve of Chinese New Year. It was Jee Kow Meh (the 29th day of the 12th lunar month in the Chinese calendar), and I had hoped to catch sight of the last moonrise of the Year of the Snake before the Year of the Horse dawns tomorrow. Unfortunately, a very cloudy sky dashed my plans.

Instead, I wandered into the market to pick up some last-minute foodstuff and was greeted by a throng of early-morning shoppers. Back in the good old days, markets would be packed until two days before the holidays began, and by Chinese New Year’s Eve, the crowds would have thinned to a trickle. These days, it’s a different story. Shoppers now seem intent on grabbing the freshest deals right up to the last moment, before the Chinese traders siew kang (close their businesses) for the festive break.

Even the Indian and Malay stall owners now follow suit, keeping their stalls closed on the first day of Chinese New Year. As a result, the market will likely be unusually quiet tomorrow, with at least a full day of rest for everyone.

Jackie Tang Heam Peng (1954-2025)

This January has been a truly torrid month for us former Westlanders, Class of 1965. As we were still reeling from the loss of our two dear 70-year-old friends, Oon Hup and Seng Oo, who passed away on the third and fourth of the month respectively, news came last Thursday, the 23rd, of yet another classmate's death.

I must admit, I did not know Tang Heam Peng well. In fact, I believe the last time I saw him was during our school days at Penang Free School, sometime in the latter half of the 1960s. We lost touch after that and never crossed paths again, though mutual friends occasionally spoke of him, mentioning his early career in London, where he ran an outlet of Ladbrokes, the gaming company, and shared stories of meeting him either in London or in Singapore, where his daughter lived.

In his younger days, Heam Peng was known for his skill in horse riding, a passion nurtured by his father, who owned a racing stable. Friends recall seeing him ride horses at the Polo Ground in Sepoy Lines, near the Penang Sports Club.

Tragically, Heam Peng, also 70 years old, suffered a heart attack on Thursday evening, just about a month after having a pacemaker implanted. Although paramedics made valiant efforts to revive him, he never regained consciousness.

Three old classmates, all the same age, gone in the space of a single month. This January has been a harsh and poignant reminder of life's fragility.

Blooming season

It must be the season of orchid blooms. I went to the Nandaka Vihara two days ago and had wandered further afield to visit their orchid patch. Pleasantly surprised to find many of the plants there were flowering. As an aside, some of my own orchids had also bloomed recently, but they were not as impressive or at the same time as Nandaka's.

Challenge yourself to succeed

Khoo Yeoh Gan Hong knew both my wife and I

Khoo Yeoh Gan Hong (born May 1928, died January 2025) was one of those larger-than-life figures who left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. A staunch member of The Old Frees' Association (OFA), he made it a point to attend the annual dinner on the 21st of October whenever possible, even well into his nineties. This nonagenarian's last appearance at the OFA annual dinner was just last year. Invited onto the stage by the management committee to join in the cake-cutting ceremony alongside past presidents and the guest of honour, he gamely accepted despite his unsteady gait, supported by a cane.

True to form, after being helped down from the stage, he surprised everyone by breaking into an impromptu speech, leaving the guest of honour stranded at the rostrum, waiting for this grand, then-96-year-old gentleman to finish. And finish he did—with a flourish, reciting a pantun to the delight of the audience:

Tenang tenang air di laut, 

Sampan koleh mudik ke Tanjung, 

Hati terkenang mulut tersebut, 

Budi yang baik rasa nak junjung.

Khoo's connection to Scouting began in 1940 when he joined as a Wolf Cub at Westlands School. After the Second World War, he continued his studies at Penang Free School, where he joined the Hamilton Scout Troop and remained until 1948. That same year, he was one of six Scouts selected to attend the Scout Jamboree in Melbourne, Australia—a trip he always described as the adventure of a lifetime. 

His dedication to scouting influenced his career choices. He applied to join the teaching profession primarily to continue his scouting journey as a Scoutmaster. In 1950, he became a teacher at Westlands School, where he also served as Scoutmaster. His passion and perseverance were rewarded in 1952 when he was selected for the Malayan Teachers’ Training College (MTTC) in Kirkby, Liverpool.

While in England, Khoo seized the opportunity to attend the internationally renowned Woodbadge Course at Gilwell Park near London, a rite of passage for dedicated Scoutmasters. In 1961, when Khoo returned to Kirkby for another training course, he attended the Training the Team Course at Gilwell Park, earning the distinction of Assistant Leader Trainer. He often credited his time at Gilwell for teaching him resourcefulness, leadership and the importance of earning respect to lead effectively.

His passion for youth development and Scouting led him to rise through the ranks, eventually serving as the president of the Penang State Youth Council and later as the Penang State Scout Commissioner. His contributions to youth leadership and Scouting left a lasting legacy in the community. In 2018, Khoo achieved yet another milestone when he was recognised as the oldest Scouter to receive the Bintang Kesetiaan Mutiara during the World Scouts Day award ceremony at the Ixora Hotel in Penang. It was a fitting tribute to his unwavering dedication to Scouting and youth leadership.

My wife had known him since the 1990s, when he was an appointed trainer of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. However, I only got to know him personally in 2011 while co-editing Fidelis, the commemorative coffee table book for The Old Frees' Association. Knowing he was one of the association’s most senior members, I reached out to see if he might contribute to the book. True to his generous nature, he shared handwritten notes about his trip to the Scout Jamboree and asked me to clean up his story for publication. Later, he was effusive in his praise for my efforts. In truth, I did the minimal because I wasn't prepared to deviate much from his story. However, at every OFA annual dinner, he would proudly tell those around him, “This is the man who wrote my biography,” much to my mild embarrassment.

Sadly, such moments will no longer be a part of future gatherings. Khoo Yeoh Gan Hong passed away on the 20th of January at the remarkable age of 97. His presence, wit and spirit will be dearly missed.

As a tribute to Khoo Yeoh Gan Hong, I reproduce this story from Fidelis in 2012. I have made further refinements to it.

Challenge yourself to succeed

My life challenges began with the amazing trip to the Pan-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Australia from December 1948 to February 1949. As Troop Leader of First Penang (Hamilton), I had earned a place in the Penang Contingent. This was to be my proudest moment but towards the end of the year I was dropped when the officials realised that the boat would be leaving before the Cambridge Examinations would be over. I was aghast. I had paid my Jamboree fees and then was told that I could not go. To make matters worse, they forgot to refund me!

So there I was, grappling with the difficulties and difficult decisions of life: balancing the dilemma of studying to pass my examinations while brooding about literally missing the boat, saddled with the lack of a passport and also essentially, no funds.

I was in despair. Sometime later in a chance meeting with Mrs Seow Siew Jin, mother of Rodney Seow who was a fellow Scout in the Troop, became a turning point. Having related my predicament to her, expecting her sympathies, she simply asked, “Who said you cannot go?” 

Her words hit me like a lightning bolt. For the first time it dawned on me that I had allowed myself to be consumed with self-pity. I was already accepting defeat without searching for an alternative solution to my problem. This was not the Free School Spirit I had been imbued with. My years at Penang Free School would have counted for nothing if I did not try to rise above the challenge. I should not be talking about failure before I had even considered alternatives. This invaluable lesson of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity remains with me till today. 

The moment I acknowledged that there was indeed a solution somewhere sparked off the whole machinery of re-discovering myself and me finally making it to the Jamboree. No money? Why, go raise new funds for the journey. The boat would leave before my examinations could end? Well, go find another ship to Australia! By challenging my mindset and embracing the problem, I quickly discovered my potential for leadership and resourcefulness. Today, I still remember the very many benefactors – Heah Joo Seang among them – who believed in me and went the extra mile to make my “Mission Impossible” possible. 

That I succeeded despite all the odds became a mini saga. I have to be grateful to the playing fields of Penang Free School for shaping me, developing my leadership and organisational skills. This is my life lesson that I wish to share with my fellow Old Frees and the present pupils of Penang Free School. In the depths of despair, there is always hope. Never give up but continue to challenge yourself, and success will follow. 

Celebrating departed old friends

In my opinion, the turnout could have been much better for this intimate gathering yesterday in the Penang Sports Club yesterday to celebrate the life of Oon Hup, who passed away earlier this month. Clearly, Oon Hup should have had more friends than this on Penang island! Surely, more than 50 years of friendship that began from schooldays should count for something, right? And yet....

Anyhow, among the few of us there, we spent well over three hours sharing memories of our departed comrade. Some of us also reminisced about Seng Oo, another old schoolmate we recently lost, and reflected on life and health. The sudden loss of two friends in such quick succession was deeply unsettling for everyone.

Throughout the conversation, we shared stories about Oon Hup and Seng Oo—their quirks, their lives and the times we spent together. Some had known them since Westlands Primary School, others only from Penang Free School, while a few knew them more recently. 

I took the opportunity to recount my recent encounter with Ajahn Siripanyo, who advised me to live the remainder of our lives as fully and meaningfully as possible. If anything, learn from both Oon Hup and Seng Oo who remind us how fragile life is, how little we know of the time we have left, and how important it is to cherish every moment.

Guided by this thought and led by Leslie, we came together in prayer for Oon Hup before moving to a simple lunch within the club premises. The event was organised at the request of his sister, Emily, to honour his lifelong friendships, and it was generously hosted by Leslie.

In the picture below, we have (from left to right): Yoong Koi, Hock Thiam, Sukumaran, Kay Liang, myself, Swee Poh and Letchmi, Emily, Sanan and Leslie. I had also earlier informed Emily of the apologies from Michael, Teik Wah, Guan Khim and Chien Ch'eng, who were unable to attend as they were either out of town or living overseas. But Guan Khim went a step further to connect through social media and spoke to everyone present.

Rabbit or goddess?

Last night, I stepped outdoors to admire the moon and found myself imagining both the Moon Rabbit and the Moon Goddess gracing its surface. On full moon nights, if you look at the moon at different times—say, at 8pm and again at 4am—you’ll notice something fascinating. The moon seems to have turned on its head. Before midnight, you can discern the rabbit, while after midnight, the goddess reveals herself.

The Moon Rabbit and the Moon Goddess are two of the most beloved figures in Chinese mythology, their tales intricately intertwined. The Moon Goddess, Chang'e, is a figure of grace and longing, and it is no coincidence that China chose her name to represent their ambitious space programmes—a fitting homage to this celestial legend.

The story of Chang'e begins with her husband, Hou Yi, a legendary archer renowned for his unparalleled skill. Hou Yi became a hero when he shot down nine of the ten suns that scorched the earth, thus sparing the world from devastation. As a reward for his heroic deed, the Queen Mother of the West gifted him an elixir of immortality. But Hou Yi, not wanting to ascend to immortality alone, planned to share the elixir with Chang'e so they could live forever together.

Fate, however, had other plans. One day, while Hou Yi was away, a treacherous apprentice named Peng Meng tried to steal the elixir. To protect it from falling into the wrong hands, Chang'e drank the elixir herself. Upon consuming it, she was lifted into the sky and ascended to the moon, where she remains to this day, an immortal figure of grace and longing, gazing wistfully at the earth she left behind.

Chang'e is not entirely alone on the moon. She is accompanied by the Moon Rabbit, often called the Jade Rabbit, a loyal companion. The rabbit is frequently depicted pounding ingredients with a mortar and pestle, said to be preparing the elixir of immortality for Chang'e or perhaps medicine for mortals. Some even imagine it crafting mooncakes, the traditional delicacy of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The origins of the Moon Rabbit are equally charming. One popular tale tells of a rabbit that offered itself as food to a beggar who was, in reality, the Jade Emperor in disguise. Touched by its selflessness, the Jade Emperor placed the rabbit on the moon as an eternal reward. Others suggest the rabbit’s myth stems from the dark markings on the moon, which resemble the silhouette of a rabbit, sparking imaginations and giving birth to the legend.

Together, Chang'e and the Moon Rabbit are central to the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. In the past, families gathered for prayers to the full moon, savour mooncakes and recount these timeless tales. Chang'e symbolises beauty, grace and the bittersweet nature of longing, while the Moon Rabbit represents purity, selflessness and healing. Their stories evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the moon, inspiring countless poems, artworks and traditions over the centuries.

Pre-CNY full moon

The first full moon of 2025, illuminated at 99.7 percent, as seen from my home in Bukit Mertajam. After days of cloudiness, the sky was kind enough to clear up last night. The full moon broke through the clouds and shone brightly. I first noticed it around 7.20pm while out walking through the neighbourhood, but unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me. It would have made for a beautiful shot, with the sky still light enough to serve as a backdrop. By the time I remembered my camera, it was 8.30pm, and the night had already set in.

Overhead, Jupiter was visible, but try as I might, I couldn’t capture the planet along with its four Galilean moons.

Interestingly, the full moon reached 100 percent illumination in the early hours of today, the 15th day of the Chinese lunar month. This timing, rather than it occurring tonight or even tomorrow, indicates that this year’s 12th Chinese lunar month will only have 29 days instead of 30. This means that Chinese New Year will fall on 29 January 2025, with the eve of the celebration—what we Hokkien people in Penang call jee-kow meh (29th night)—falling on that same date, rather than sah-chhap meh (30th night).

Penang's LRT

At long last, Penang will finally see its own Light Rail Transit (LRT) system after decades of waiting. The project has faced years of opposition from heritage conservationists and environmentalists, along with ambivalence from the federal government, but it is now scheduled for completion in 2031. By then, I shall be 77 years old, and I can’t help but wonder if I will ever have the chance to experience it.

The LRT line will cost approximately RM13 billion and will begin at Silicon Island, just off the Penang international airport, heading northwards to KOMTAR. It will feature 21 stations in total, including a cross-channel bridge that will connect the island to Butterworth. Construction of the bridge is set to begin in 2026, and it will span four kilometres from the Macallum station on the island to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. The midsection of the bridge will be elevated to 62 metres, allowing ships to pass beneath it.

The Macallum station will serve as the main interchange for passengers travelling between the island and Butterworth. Once completed, the LRT is projected to serve 60,000 passengers daily within its first three years, with numbers expected to rise to 168,000 passengers a day after 20 years of operation.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sungai Pinang station, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of the LRT in connecting the island with the mainland. Investors had demanded better infrastructure, he said, and this was why the federal government would fund the project. 

I, for one, have no objection to the LRT project, but I would have liked to see the revival of a tramway system within George Town’s inner city as well. After all, Penang once had its own trams until the early 1960s, and such a system could have complemented the LRT while preserving a nostalgic charm unique to the state.

Regardless, this long-awaited project promises to transform public transport in Penang. Yet, for someone like me, the long wait until 2031 feels bittersweet, leaving me to wonder if I’ll ever get to ride this long-overdue milestone in the state’s development.

Rurouni Kenshin, the 2023 anime remake

Having watched the five full-length Rurouni Kenshin films a few years ago, I’ve now returned to Netflix to enjoy the 2023 anime remake. I’m nearly through Season One, with its 24 episodes, and am eagerly hoping that Season Two will be released soon.

Model for Malaysian education

Penang Free School served as a prototype for national education in Malaya, pioneering practices that shaped the development of the country’s education system. From its founding in 1816, the school embodied the principles of inclusivity, academic rigour and holistic development—values that resonated deeply with the multicultural and multi-racial fabric of Malaya. These ideals not only contributed to the school’s success but also influenced broader educational policies, making Penang Free School a model for other institutions.

The school welcomed students from diverse backgrounds. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and Europeans studied side by side, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This integration demonstrated the potential of education bridging social divides, offering a practical model of harmony in a pluralistic society. The school’s success in creating a cohesive learning environment became a key inspiration for the national education system that emerged post-independence. The Malaysian government recognised the importance of integrating students from all ethnic communities into unified schools, drawing directly from the Penang Free School experience.

One of Penang Free School’s most enduring contributions was its role in establishing English-medium education. During the colonial period, the school’s use of English as the primary medium of instruction not only prepared students for roles in administration and commerce but also equipped them with language skills that were increasingly valued in a globalising world. The school’s success demonstrated the utility of bilingualism, influencing the inclusion of English in Malaysia’s post-independence education policy. Even as Bahasa Malaysia was promoted as the national language, English remained a key subject, ensuring that students were equipped to compete globally while maintaining their national identity.

Penang Free School also pioneered a holistic educational approach that balanced academic achievement with extracurricular development. The emphasis on extracurricular activities became a hallmark of the school’s philosophy. Sports, debating societies and cultural events instilled discipline, teamwork and leadership qualities, preparing students for challenges beyond the classroom. This focus on holistic development became a cornerstone of Malaysia’s national education system. Recognising the importance of producing well-rounded individuals, the government encouraged schools nationwide to adopt similar practices, integrating co-curricular activities into the broader curriculum.

The introduction of merit-based scholarships, such as the Queen’s Scholarships and Hutchings Scholarships, at Penang Free School highlighted the importance of rewarding academic excellence regardless of socio-economic background. By enabling talented students to pursue higher education abroad, these scholarships demonstrated how education could serve as a vehicle for social mobility, inspiring national initiatives aimed at promoting equal opportunity.

As one of the most prestigious schools in the Straits Settlements, Penang Free School often influenced educational reforms. Practices such as the integration of science and technical subjects and the adoption of the house system were later emulated by other institutions across Malaya. During the post-independence era, the school’s model of education continued to inspire national strategies. The Malaysian government recognised the need to create schools capable of producing leaders adept at navigating the complexities of a multicultural society. Penang Free School’s success in balancing tradition with modernity provided valuable lessons for achieving this goal.

Even after the process of Malaysianisation, Penang Free School remained a symbol of educational excellence. Its alumni, known as Old Frees, have consistently made significant contributions to Malaysia’s development, reinforcing the school’s status as a national institution. Prominent figures such as Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Dr Wu Lien-Teh, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tan Sri Justice Eusoffe Abdoolcader, Tan Sri Dato’ Amar Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh (also known as P. Ramlee) and many others exemplify how Penang Free School has shaped Malaysia’s history and future.

The school’s ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its founding principles of inclusivity, academic rigour and holistic development ensures that it remains a beacon of inspiration. Its legacy continues to influence educational policies and practices, reinforcing the transformative power of education in building a united and progressive society.

Concise history of Penang Free School

Over the past few days, I’ve been busy writing and editing some articles for the Penang State Museum. It seems to me that the museum will soon be relocating back to its original premises on Farquhar Street after completing extensive repairs, having been temporarily housed on Macalister Road. The Farquhar Street building, as many will know, was originally the home of Penang Free School, and there will be an acknowledgment of this historical connection.

Last month, I was approached by the Headmaster, who asked if I could provide some information about the Free School. How could I possibly say no to both the school and the museum? Three days ago, I received the initial storyline, and since then, I’ve been hard at work revising it—correcting inaccuracies, expanding on key points, and ensuring the narrative is both concise and engaging, as the essay needed to be kept succinct.

Anyhow, this is as good a time as any to present a new concise history of Penang Free School for the record. Let's see what the state museum thinks about it when they finally get round to translating the text:

History of Penang Free School's Establishment

Thirty years after the British established Prince of Wales Island as a trading post, Penang Free School became the first English school in Southeast Asia. Founded by Reverend Robert Sparke Hutchings, then Colonial Chaplain, the school's proposal was presented to Governor William Petrie on 6 January 1816. Hutchings envisioned a public, inclusive institution open to all children regardless of class, race or religion, with financial support provided for those unable to pay tuition. Special care was taken to respect the religious beliefs of all students.

The founding committee, which included leading merchants and military officers like Robert Ibbetson, Captain John Monckton Coombs, David Brown and Richard Caunter, was secular with no clergy representation. This non-denominational ethos was reflected in the school’s charter, which prioritised practical education in reading, writing, arithmetic and trades such as carpentry and tailoring, explicitly stating that “the prejudices of Parents averse to the Christian Religion be not by any means violated.”

On 21 October 1816, Penang Free School (originally named Prince of Wales’ Island Free School) opened as a day school in rented premises on Love Lane, Penang, with plans for a permanent building next to St George's Church. At its first annual meeting in 1817, Captain Coombs described the institution as a “Public School,” highlighting its secular foundation and distinguishing it from contemporary mission schools that often aimed to spread Christianity. Despite its founder being an Anglican clergyman, historical evidence confirms that Penang Free School was never affiliated with any religious mission or denomination.

Penang Free School adopted a modified version of the Madras System of Education, a popular method in English elementary schools during the first half of the 19th century. This system, devised by Dr Andrew Bell, employed a "monitorial" approach: a single master oversaw the entire school, but instruction and discipline were largely carried out by selected senior students known as "monitors." These monitors assisted "tutors" (also students, but slightly younger or less advanced) in learning their lessons, and the tutors, in turn, instructed the younger pupils assigned to them. This peer-teaching structure allowed a single teacher to manage a large number of students.

Penang Free School at Church Square

Soon after the school's establishment, the East India Company granted land for the construction of the school’s first buildings in Church Square, next to St George’s Church. They were completed in 1821 and used for 80 years. The original school buildings, constructed in four blocks with a fifth added in 1879, faced St. George's Church and were connected by covered passageways. The central block was a two-story brick structure while flanking it to the north and south were identical single-story blocks. A driveway ran along the school's front, connecting Farquhar Street with a back lane off Stewart Lane and separating the school from the church grounds.  

In 1821, the Girls' Day School which was established four years earlier was suspended due to the resignation of the school teacher and the inability to find a replacement. However, within the school premises, two schools were opened in that year to instruct Tamil and Malay students in their respective languages. The Tamil School operated until 1823, and the Malay School until 1826. A branch of the Malay School also existed at Glugor from 1821 to 1839. The Higher Scholarship, later known as the Queen’s Scholarship, was first awarded to a Penang Free School student in 1887, just two years after its establishment by the British government. Over the course of its existence, no fewer than 31 Penang Free School students earned this prestigious scholarship before it was discontinued after 1957.

Penang Free School on Farquhar Street

By the 1890s, the Church Square school building had become overcrowded. To accommodate the growing student population, part of the original structure was demolished to make way for a new building on Farquhar Street. Public donations, totalling at least Straits Dollars $12,000, were matched by a similar contribution from the government. The first phase of construction was completed in 1896, and the first students occupied the new building. The second phase was finished in 1907. To acknowledge the donors, their names and contributions were etched onto three marble slabs which still stands today on the walls of the building. 

Once the building was fully operational, the remaining structures in Church Square were demolished to create the school's first dedicated football field. Penang Free School occupied this building until the end of 1927 when the upper forms relocated to new premises in Green Lane. The lower forms remained in Farquhar Street and the building was renamed Hutchings School. Since 1965, the building is now the home of the Penang State Museum.

Penang Free School Celebrates its 100th Anniversary

Despite World War I taking place in Europe, Penang Free School still celebrated its 100th anniversary on 21 October 1916. Although a relatively modest anniversary celebration, Penang Free School students and alumni still managed to hold lively performances for two days to impress the local community. On the eve of the anniversary, the students performed for the public at the Town Hall. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was a performance of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Later, Malay students presented an impressive show. On the anniversary day, the entertainment at the Town Hall was repeated for the entire school. From afternoon onwards, various sporting events were held until late into the night. Throughout the two days, the school buildings were cheerfully decorated and brightly lit. Resulting from this occasion, there were many calls to form a club for the former students of the school. However, this proposal was only realised in April 1923 when The Old Frees’ Association was finally established.

Penang Free School on Green Lane

In October 1919, there was the first indication that Penang Free School might be relocated, as the existing premises on Farquhar Street had also reached maximum capacity. The plan to move Penang Free School from Farquhar Street was not only intended to meet the needs of the growing school but also to adapt to a new school system. This system proposed that upper-form students be moved to a new building, while lower-form students remained in the old building on Farquhar Street. 

In May 1920, the government purchased a 30-acre plot of land on Green Lane for approximately Straits Dollars $148,000. The first construction in 1924 was to build quarters for British teachers. Construction of the school's main block began in mid-1925, and a sports pavilion was added in 1927. After the upper-form students moved to the new premises in January 1928, quarters for local teachers were built in 1929 and 1930.

Penang Free School Leading up to and After Independence

During World War II, the invading Japanese military turned Penang Free School over to the Indian National Army (INA) which converted the premises into a training camp. The school was renamed Hind Swaraj Vidyalaya (Indian Swaraj Institute) to accommodate the training of INA recruits. Classrooms were converted into dormitories and instructors, along with the Balak Sena or INA Boys’ Organisation consisting of boys no older than 14, were housed in the teachers’ quarters. 

After the War ended, recovery from the effects was difficult. However, one great asset that Penang Free School possessed was a group of dedicated local teachers who returned to the school and strove to continue the school's progress. Through the perseverance of these teachers, Penang Free School regained its position as a leader in educational excellence.

In 1949, a class for Form Six students began at Penang Free School. This class was the pioneer for the new Form Six classes at the school. Two years later, in 1951, female students were admitted into Form Six.

Although Malaya achieved independence in 1957, Penang Free School was only fully absorbed into the Malaysian education system in 1963 with the appointment of the first Asian Principal. By 1966, the year when Penang Free School celebrated its 150th anniversary, the remnants of British influence in the school were finally eliminated. For the first time in the school's history, its entire teaching staff now consisted of Malaysians.

Penang Free School Sesquicentenary Celebration

Penang Free School's 150th anniversary on 21 October 1966 was celebrated joyfully by Old Frees throughout the country. It was a very meaningful celebration as this was the school's first major celebration since Malaysia achieved independence.

Among the VIP guests present, none was prouder than Tunku Abdul Rahman. He had entered Penang Free School in 1916 and left in 1919. Tunku Abdul Rahman was a student during the school's Centenary celebration, and after 50 years, he returned to the school, but this time as the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

For this special event, various activities were planned. First, there were commemorative stamps and first-day covers issued by Pos Malaysia. Then, there was also a historical performance organised by students, a reunion week filled with games between Old Frees and Present Frees, a school drama performance and a large science and mathematics exhibition. The lasting legacy of this Sesquicentenary celebration is the practice of the spirited School Rally, composed by a Penang Free School teacher, Gerard S Reutens, which continues to resonate throughout the following decades as a call to all Old Frees around the world.

Penang Free School Bicentenary Celebration

The Bicentenary of Penang Free School, celebrated on 21 October 2016, marked yet another historic milestone. The celebrations were officially launched on 31 March 2012 by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, at a gala dinner at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang. This event set the tone for years of activities leading up to the landmark day.

Fundraising efforts, such as the Bicentenary Putra Invitational Golf Tournament organised in 2013 by the Old Frees’ Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and a food carnival by the Parent-Teacher Association, demonstrated the unity and dedication of the Old Frees. On 25 January 2014, the unveiling of a digital countdown clock at the school gate heightened the anticipation, marking the final 1,000 days to the Bicentenary.

A notable highlight was the overland convoy to Dittisham, the hometown of the school’s founder, Robert Sparke Hutchings. The first journey, organised in 2012, saw a group of Old Frees embarking on a 63-day expedition from Penang to England, travelling through China, Central Asia and Europe. Inspired by this remarkable feat, another convoy set out in July 2016, taking a slightly different route to avoid conflict zones. This three-month journey replicated the spirit of the first trip, culminating in Dittisham, where the team honoured Hutchings’ memory and the enduring legacy of the school.

A series of local events added to the festivities, including heritage cycling tours, band performances, concerts and inter-school games. The celebrations culminated in a week of historic activities. On the morning of 21 October 2016, representatives of the school and its supporters gathered at the Protestant Cemetery to honour the legacy of Robert Sparke Hutchings. Later that day, the Bicentenary Speech Day took place, attended by the Raja of Perlis and the Penang Governor, where the book Let the Aisles Proclaim, authored by an Old Free, Quah Seng Sun, was launched and the singing of the School Rally echoed with unmatched pride.

The grand reunion dinner that evening brought together 5,000 Old Frees from around the globe, celebrating their shared identity and deep connection to their alma mater. The Raja of Perlis announced that henceforth, the school would retain its original name and be known formally as Penang Free School. 

Diversity

I consider myself rather fortunate to be among the few who are firmly grounded with the Class of 1972 at Penang Free School while maintaining ties with my original cohort, the Class of 1973. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a post-New Year lunch with some old schoolmates from the latter class. It was a delightful gathering—a different circle of friends, bringing fresh ideas and diverse discussions to the table.

Oon Hup and Seng Oo (1954-2025)

The turn of the year has been a sombre one for me. As I sat having lunch with friends at the Penang Club on 3rd January—and listening to an impromptu talk on Buddhism—a heavy thought lingered at the back of my mind: one of my closest school friends, Yeoh Oon Hup, was being cremated that very moment. A loyal OFA life member, Oon Hup had battled cancer for 11 months before passing away less than two months after his 70th birthday. He had requested no wake, choosing instead for his ashes to be scattered into the sea, a quiet farewell befitting his unassuming nature.

The very next day, 4th January, brought more devastating news. Another old schoolmate, Ang Seng Oo, passed away suddenly while on holiday in Busan, South Korea, less than three weeks after celebrating his 70th birthday. Seng Oo will be cremated in Busan, and his ashes will be brought home to Kuala Lumpur. The shock of losing two cherished friends—whom I had known since Standard Two at Westlands School—on consecutive days is indescribable. The sense of loss is profound, leaving me numb and grappling with the fragility of life.

These losses are not isolated. Over the past nine months, I have bid farewell to five school mates who had just crossed their 70th or 71st birthdays, Oon Hup and Seng Oo among them. Two were based in Penang and were OFA life members, while two others lived in Kuala Lumpur and one overseas in California. Each departure serves as a stark reminder of the significance of reaching 70—a milestone both physical and mental.

To all those still in your forties, fifties, or sixties, let me tell you this: cherish every moment of your life's journey. Reaching 70 is not just a number but a testament to resilience and fortune. And to those who have crossed this landmark age, treasure each day you have. We never know who among us might not see 71.

My dear friend Seng Oo, in particular, leaves behind a legacy of integrity and compassion. An accomplished accountant, he was deeply committed to issues of social justice, fairness and equality. He was never afraid to speak up against monopolies or political hegemony, often articulating his views with clarity and courage. His humour and camaraderie were equally memorable. It’s difficult to reconcile his untimely passing with the image of someone so vibrant and fit.

These losses weigh heavily, especially at the start of a new year. Yet, they also remind us of life’s impermanence and the need to cherish those around us. As we continue our journeys, let us remember to celebrate milestones, honour friendships and carry forward the legacies of those who have touched our lives.

Such is the progression of life and death—a poignant reminder that each day is a gift not to be taken for granted.

POSTSCRIPT: 

The three other schoolmates who passed away in the past nine months were Lee Keat Heng, Wong Ban Pak, and Kam Wei Lin.

Keat Heng and I shared a classroom in Standard One at Westlands School, but our educational paths diverged from Standard Two onwards. While I moved to an express class that skipped to Standard Four, he remained in the regular stream, advancing to Standard Three. This divergence meant that he became a year my junior at both Westlands School and Penang Free School. Due to this gap, our paths only crossed again in the last decade or so, allowing us to reconnect. Tragically, in May last year, just three days after celebrating his 70th birthday, he collapsed while jogging.

I came to know both Ban Pak and Wei Lin in Form One at secondary school. Ban Pak was, sadly, a rather irritable character. Though I loosely describe him as a "friend," he was not someone many would have stayed in close contact with. However, we did share a unique connection—we travelled to school together in a hired car. In those days, there were no school buses, and most parents couldn’t afford cars or the time to ferry their children to school personally. Instead, families relied on "school taxis," hired private cars who picked up students and dropped them off. By coincidence, Ban Pak and I shared the same school taxi. Every morning, the driver would pick me up before stopping at Ban Pak’s house on Bawasah Road. Ban Pak had a sharp eye for electronics and pursued a career in the field, eventually finding work and settling down in the United States after graduating. He passed away in June last year, leaving behind memories of our shared rides and a glimpse into a different era of schooling in Penang.

Wei Lin, on the other hand, was someone whose path intertwined with mine beyond Free School. After completing our studies, we both attended Tunku Abdul Rahman College in Petaling Jaya. Following his graduation, he joined Malaysia Customs, with an office conveniently located near Ban Hin Lee Bank. As a result, we often bumped into each other during that time. Unfortunately, in September, Wei Lin succumbed to septicaemia, a condition that claimed him far too soon.

An ambitious misstep

The 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, held on Wall Street in New York City during the final week of the year, aspired to be a defining moment for the sport—a bold showcase aimed at propelling chess into the global spotlight. Instead, it unravelled into a display of organisational chaos, overshadowed by controversy and FIDE’s failure to reconcile tradition with the demands of modernisation. At the centre of this debacle was Magnus Carlsen, whose actions revealed him as a polarising figure wielding his influence with little regard for the broader community. More tellingly, the fiasco laid bare FIDE’s systemic weaknesses, highlighting an organisation ill-equipped to manage the sport’s evolution while safeguarding its integrity.

The $1.5 million prize fund, backed by NASDAQ-listed Freedom Holding, marked a new high for financial investment in chess. Selecting Wall Street as the venue was a strategic gamble meant to imbue the championships with prestige, aligning the intellectual rigour of chess with the financial world’s high-stakes allure. However, the symbolism was overshadowed by logistical failings and internal discord. While the glitzy location added flair, it underscored FIDE prioritising image over substance. The grandeur of Wall Street ultimately felt like a hollow attempt to mask deeper organisational weaknesses.

FIDE’s introduction of a two-stage knockout finale for the Blitz Championship was designed to inject excitement into the format. While this innovation added drama for spectators, it inadvertently diminished the importance of earlier rounds, undermining the tournament’s competitive integrity. 

Magnus Carlsen’s role in the championships was both pivotal and divisive. His earlier disqualification for wearing jeans, after signing an agreement that prohibited jeans in this event, sparked widespread criticism, leading eventually to a U-turn from the FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich. In an era where chess strives to shed its elitist image, FIDE’s insistence on rigid formalities seemed both regressive and petty. This decision not only alienated fans but also shifted attention from the games themselves to a trivial matter of attire. 

Carlsen’s subsequent withdrawal from the Rapid Championship and initial refusal to compete in the Blitz underscored his dissatisfaction. His eventual participation, though welcomed by fans, highlighted the disproportionate influence he wields within the chess world. FIDE’s inconsistent handling of the situation—from rigid enforcement to eventual accommodation—painted the organisation as weak and easily swayed by its star players.

The controversy reached its zenith when Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi tied for first place in the Blitz Championship. Carlsen’s proposal to share the title, and FIDE’s agreement to this unprecedented arrangement, flew in the face of the tournament’s rules. By allowing this compromise, FIDE undermined the spirit of competition and set a dangerous precedent.

The disparity in treatment between the men’s and women’s events compounded the issue. While the women’s Blitz Championship required tie-break games to determine a clear winner, the men were allowed to share the title. I don't believe that this glaring double standard exposed entrenched gender biases within FIDE, but the decision devalued the achievements and efforts of female players, and tarnished the organisation’s credibility further.

So who were the winners and losers? A hollow victory for whom? 

Where FIDE was concerned, I would say Loser to them. FIDE’s reputation emerged battered and bruised. The handling of the dress code incident, followed by its capitulation to Carlsen’s demands, portrayed the organisation as inconsistent and ineffectual. The emphasis on image over substance and the selective application of rules left a sour taste among players and fans alike.

As for Magnus Carlsen, he was also a Loser in my eyes. While his actions exposed legitimate flaws in FIDE’s governance, his behaviour risked being perceived as self-serving and arrogant. Leveraging his star power to force changes may have achieved short-term gains but at the cost of appearing dismissive of the broader chess community and its principles.

Amidst the power struggles and questionable leadership, the real losers were the players and the sport itself. The championships, intended to showcase chess’s brilliance, became mired in controversy. Players’ achievements were overshadowed and the event failed to project the modern, inclusive image FIDE had sought to cultivate.

The decision-making failures reinforced negative stereotypes of chess as an elitist and insular pursuit. Rather than inspiring growth, the championships highlighted the deep divisions within the sport and the urgent need for reform. 

There are lessons for the future. The 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships were a case study in mismanagement. While FIDE demonstrated a willingness to innovate, these efforts were undermined by poor execution and wishy-washy leadership. Magnus Carlsen, for his part, acted as both a catalyst for change and a reminder of the dangers of unchecked influence in a sport built on fairness and intellectual rigour.

For chess to flourish in the modern era, FIDE must address its systemic issues, from updating outdated regulations to enforcing them consistently. Transparency, inclusivity and a focus on the sport’s integrity must take precedence over optics and star appeasement. Without these changes, chess risks losing its unique identity and becoming a mere spectacle of egos and excess.

Okay, I've vented enough!

#fide #carlsen #magnuscarlsen

Farewell, Oon Hup (1954-2025)

I dreaded for this day to come and today, my heart grieves as I say my farewell to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Yeoh Oon Hup. 

I had known him since Standard Two in Westlands Primary School. He passed away this morning after an 11-month battle with cancer. Glioblastoma multiforme, I am told, is rather aggressive. After his operation, he recuperated at a nursing home in Ross Road while undergoing chemical and radiotherapy sessions. But by end of October, he had been taken off treatment as his body was already too frail. It was downhill after that. Every time that I visited him, I could see his condition worsening. He could barely whisper and the only way I could think of communicating with him was through music. I loaded my mobile phone with the music he loved, songs of the 1960s and 1970s, and I played them close to his ear. I shall cherish those remaining moments of interaction. 

I shall miss you terribly, Oon Hup. I shall miss the annual telephone calls we made to one another on our birthdays, even when you were working overseas. I shall miss all that but most of all, i shall miss your intellectual presence and your forceful opinions.

Our last picture together, taken at a nursing home on 08 December 2024:

FIDE trainers

Obviously, Malaysia must have a world-class Train the Trainers programme. How else can we explain the paradox? We don’t have a single Grandmaster, yet we boast the fourth-highest number of FIDE-registered trainers in Asia!