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THE SCHOOL BLAZONRY The school motto is “Fortis Atque Fidelis” (pronounced for’tiz ud’kway fi’deliz) which means strong and faithful. The school colour is sky blue (azure) and the armorial bearings consisting of a white tower, a palm tree, and a lion are set on azure in the school blazon. A description of the arms of the Free School; azure, in the middle, a white tower (middle chief) between the gold numerals eighteen (dexter chief) and sixteen (sinister chief); in sinister base a gold lion rampant supporting a flag; in dexter base a palm tree proper. The white tower signifies qualities of strength and truthfulness; 1816 is the year Free School was founded; the lion signifies the preservation of the tradition and high ideals of the school; and the palm tree represents the state of Penang as well as the fertility of the mind. THE BLAZONRY OF THE PENANG FREE SCHOOL FLAG Per pale embattled, sinister azure; in dexter argent a lion rampant with numerals 18 and 16 on either side. The lion and the numerals are in azure. Towards the end of the last decade, a variation of the School Flag appeared with only the areas in argent (silver or white) replaced with navy blue. NOTE: All symbols used are the armorial bearings of the arms of the Penang Free School. THE MAGAZINE OF THE PENANG FREE SCHOOL 2023 VOL. XV NO. I IS PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PRINCIPAL, MR SYED SULTAN BIN SHAIK OOTHUMAN PENANG FREE SCHOOL JALAN MASJID NEGERI 11600 PENANG MALAYSIA TELEPHONE NO: 04-2815814 FAX NO: 04-2817737
THE MAGAZINE OF THE PENANG FREE SCHOOL VOL. XV N0. I
2 CONTENTS EDITORIAL 03 MESSAGES 06 ADMINISTRATION 12 OLD FREES 28 FEATURE 42 ACADEMICS 48 HAPPENINGS 54 STUDENT BODIES 62 SPORTS AND GAMES 86 LAURELS 102 FREES 110 AUTOGRAPHS 150
3 EDITOR’S MESSAGE Greetings to my fellow readers. Bonjour and welcome to yet another edition of our prestigious annual school magazine. I am honoured and utterly delighted to offer you the Penang Free School Magazine’s 2023 Edition. Our school magazine is more than just a publication; it’s an expression of the character, imagination, and diversity of skills prevalent within these walls. It captures the essence of our school experience and preserves memories that will be cherished for years to come. Without the combined efforts of the 11 members of the Editorial Board and our teacher advisors, especially Mr. Goh Seng Kar and Mdm Saw Eng Wah, our indefatigable Head Teacher Advisor and ever efficient English Proofreader, who have never shied away from offering assistance, this magazine would only exist in the realm of our imaginations. To the seniors, thank you for your continuous support and to my dear juniors, continue to bring the board to greater heights. Without an iota of doubt, this year has possibly been the most challenging year yet for the Editorial Board as we had to navigate our way in finishing the content in a short period of time. As Editor-in-Chief, my vision for this year’s magazine is to make it more inclusive, engaging, and representative of the entire student body. Together, we can create a publication that not only showcases the exceptional academic achievements but also celebrates the richness of our cultural diversity and the talents that go beyond the classroom. Now, as my term as the Editor-in-Chief comes to a close, I would like to wish my successor and his team all the best for the next year. It has been a pleasure serving all of you. Godspeed. We hope that this edition will bring contentment to all of you, our dear readers. Without further ado, I proudly present to you the fruit of our blood, sweat and tears.
4 EDITORIAL BOARD Mohamad Safarudeen Editor-in-Chief Teh Yun Zhern Deputy Editor-in-chief Jayden Chee Weiqien Business Manager Lim Jing Fuh Design & Layout Chief Nicholas Lew Hong Qing Design & Layout Assistant Shivesh Nair a/l Sourendaran Assistant Photographer Joel Lee Weng Choe Photoshoot Schedule Chief Sringenvi Kumar Happenings Chief Muhammad Daniel Naim Hezrey Happenings Assistant Muhammad Daniesh Rieza Student Bodies Chief Muhammad Safiy Sports & Games Chief
5 ADVISORY BOARD En. Syed Sultan bin Shaik Oothuman Headmaster En. Nasaruddin bin Ishak Senior Asst. Of Co-curriculum En. Goh Seng Kar Chief Advisor En. Ahmad Adzim bin Yahaya Photographer Pn. Seow Lee Ching Treasurer Pn. Suriya Kumari a/p S.P. Chandradass Expressions Pn. Saw Eng Wah English Proofreader En. Muhd Hanif bin Abdul Majid Malay Prooreader Pn. Sapina binti Md Saad Feature Interview En. Syaakir Rukaini bin Md Nor Sponsors Pn. Nur Liyana Nadhirah binti Mohd Sabri Sponsors
MESSAGES 6 Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera. Warga pendidik, murid-murid, warga sekolah dan ibu bapa yang saya kasihi, Sesungguhnya, tahun 2023 membuka lembaran baharu yang menuntut kita sebagai warga pendidik untuk melakar lebih banyak pencapaian yang signifikan dan mencipta lebih banyak peluang baharu. Yang pasti, seluruh nuansa ini pastinya perlu ditempuhi dengan semangat dan merangkul segala kekuatan yang ada. Terdahulu ketika negara ditimpa mehnah pandemik COVID-19, KPM telah memberikan komitmen penuh dengan mengambil pelbagai langkah proaktif termasuk Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran di Rumah (PdPR) bagi memastikan tiada murid yang ketinggalan dalam silibus pendidikan. Malah KPM cukup komited dalam melaksanakan pelbagai intervensi untuk merapatkan kesenjangan yang sedia ada. Di kesempatan ini, saya juga ingin merakamkan rasa simpati saya kepada warga pendidik serta murid dan keluarga mereka yang terkesan akibat bencana banjir di beberapa negeri. Tidak dilupakan buat keluarga mangsa kejadian tanah runtuh di Batang Kali, saya utuskan ucapan takziah sekudusnya. Landasan sistem pendidikan yang kita warisi pada hari ini telah pun melalui siri-siri pemurnian. Namun kita tidak boleh kompromi dalam memastikan tekad beban guru dikurangkan dan kesejahteraan murid diraih secara menyeluruh. Justeru, pendekatan untuk mengekalkan dasar sedia ada diangkat dan ditambah baik dengan pemantauan di peringkat kebangsaan.
MESSAGES 7 Penerapan nilai dan akhlak merupakan tunjang pembentukan diri seseorang murid secara holistik selaras Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan. Maka, besar harapan saya agar warga pendidikan terus istiqamah membawa watak pendidik dalam membangunkan serta melahirkan anak bangsa yang tinggi sopan dan susilanya, mulia pekertinya serta halus adab santunnya. Oleh yang demikian, tujuh teras utama yang menjadi tumpuan KPM dalam mengemudi sistem pendidikan negara mendambakan sinergi antara guru, murid, ibu bapa serta komuniti yang merupakan kunci kejayaan pendidikan masa depan negara. Pendidikan adalah pintu gerbang menuju galaksi pengetahuan yang tiada penghujungnya. Makanya, proses pencarian pembinaan serta pengumpulan ilmu wajib dijadikan budaya penerokaan yang bersifat membina otak dan watak. Ekosistem harmoni yang diterjemahkan dalam rangka murid ceria, guru bahagia, sekolah bitara dan negara sejahtera adalah aspirasi yang akan mengangkat darjat kemuliaan (karamah insaniah) seluruh warga pendidikan, warga sekolah dan murid-murid keseluruhannya. Menavigasi sebuah kementerian pasca pandemik dalam keresahan tantangan ekonomi serta kos sara hidup yang menekan memerlukan sarwa pandang yang merentas zaman serta kalis masa hadapan. Semoga kita semua akan terus kuat menempuh cabaran mendatang sebagai satu pasukan warga pendidikan yang kuat, padu dan saling menyokong antara satu sama lain. Akhir kata, tahniah dan syabas kepada semua warga sekolah khususnya sidang redaksi yang telah berusaha merealisasikan penerbitan majalah sekolah ini. Segala jerih payah dan sumbangan dalam penerbitan majalah ini adalah perlambangan kepada rakaman sejarah dan memori dari segenap sudut. Terima kasih seluhurnya kerana majalah ini telah melukiskan citra dan peta memori serta wajah kenangan yang manis. Besar harapan saya agar majalah ini dapat dimanfaatkan oleh seluruh pembacanya.
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MESSAGES 9 Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan Salam Sejahtera, Alhamdulilah, syukur ke hadrat Allah S.W.T kerana dengan taufik dan inayahNya, saya diberi kesempatan menitipkan kata alu-aluan untuk majalah Penang Free School (PFS). Tahniah dan syabas kepada semua pihak kerana telah memberi ruang kepada saya untuk bersama- sama menjayakan penerbitan majalah sekolah ini. Sesungguhnya usaha untuk menerbitkan majalah sekolah merupakan satu langkah bijak dan perlu diteruskan oleh pihak sekolah kerana majalah merupakan satu dokumentasi dan rekod per- jalanan aktiviti-aktiviti sekolah sepanjang tahun dalam semua bidang sama ada kurikulum atau kokurikulum. Selain itu, majalah juga dapat menjadi satu wadah kepada warganya sama ada guru mahupun pelajar untuk mengembangkan bakat dan kreativiti mereka dalam bidang penerbitan. Seterusnya majalah dapat memaparkan perkembangan serta kecemerlangan sekolah dari semasa ke semasa dan kejayaan menerbitkan majalah adalah manifesto kepada usaha gigih dan kerjasama berpasukan yang mantap. Kecemerlangan yang telah dicapai oleh PFS dalam semua aspek perlu diteruskan dan ditingkatkan agar visi yang dijana oleh pihak sekolah direalisasikan. Visi ini akan terlaksana apabila adanya usaha yang gigih dalam kalangan warga sekolah. Saya melahirkan rasa bangga dengan pencapaian sekolah setakat ini dan berharap agar sekolah ini akan terus cemerlang pada masa akan datang. Akhir kata, saya yakin dan percaya warga PFS akan terus berjuang bersungguh-sungguh untuk melahirkan pelajar yang berpendidikan, kukuh jati diri, berakhlak tinggi dan bersemangat kental demi memastikan PFS sentiasa berada di hadapan dan pada tahap cemerlang. Sekian, terima kasih. “MALAYSIA MADANI” “BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA” “PULAU PINANG PENERAJU TRANSFORMASI PENDIDIKAN NEGARA” Saya yang menjalankan amanah, (HAJI ABDUL RASHID BIN ABDUL SAMAD) Pengarah Pendidikan Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang PENGARAH PENDIDIKAN PULAU PINANG
MESSAGES 10 Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan Salam Sejahtera, Syabas dan tahniah diucapkan kepada Jawatankuasa Sidang Redaksi Penang Free School 2023 kerana berjaya mendokumentasikan pelbagai maklumat tentang aktiviti, kejayaan dan pencapaian pelajar di Penang Free School sebagai memori indah mereka di sekolah ini. Kecemerlangan sesebuah sekolah bergantung kepada tiga komponen yang tidak boleh dipisahkan iaitu kehebatan guru yang mengajar, kepakaran pihak pentadbiran sekolah dan kepaduan komitmen para ibu bapa dengan komuniti setempat. Kerjasama yang erat antara ketiga-tiga pihak ini akan menjadi pendorong efektif kepada kecemerlangan para pelajar. Kesepaduan dalam pemuafakatan yang tinggi daripada warga PIBG Penang Free School amat diperlukan bagi menjayakan setiap program yang akan dilaksanakan nanti. Permuafakatan seumpama ini diharapkan dapat membina kesefahaman tentang tugas dan tanggungjawab bersama dalam meningkatkan mutu pengajaran dan pembelajaran di sekolah selain mempertingkat kerjasama dan perkongsian antara pihak sekolah, ibu bapa dan komuniti setempat. Moga budaya kerja cemerlang sentiasa dapat dilaksanakan. Justeru, saya menyeru agar para pelajar supaya sentiasa berusaha membaiki pencapaian diri untuk mengapai impian yang diimpikan. Para pelajar perlu mempersiap diri untuk menghadapi cabaran yang lebih besar di luar sana. Akhir kata, sekali lagi saya selaku Yang Dipertua Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru Penang Free School dengan seikhlas hati mewakili semua ahli jawatankuasa PIBG akan sentiasa menyokong usaha pihak sekolah dalam merancang aktiviti untuk memajukan pendidikan anak-anak pelajar. Semoga warga Penang Free School terus maju menuju kegemilangan yang cemerlang. Sekian, terima kasih. (MOHD ZAIRULNIZAM B. JAMALUDIN) Yang Dipertua PIBG Penang Free School PIBG CHAIRMAN
MESSAGES 11 Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan Salam Sejahtera, Terlebih dahulu saya ingin mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan tahniah kepada semua ahli sidang redaksi majalah sekolah kerana telah berjaya menerbitkan majalah tahun ini setelah tertangguh untuk tiga tahun kerana Covid-19. Majalah sekolah Penang Free School (PFS) ialah dokumen dan laporan secara literasi yang memuatkan pelbagai aktiviti serta bahan rakaman peristiwa yang berlaku di PFS sepanjang tahun 2023. Setiap gambar dan rakaman peristiwa yang dimuatkan dalam majalah akan menjadi ‘momen-momen’ berharga dalam kehidupan para pelajar setelah tamat persekolahan. Malah, semua bahan dalam majalah ini akan menjadi inspirasi kepada semua pihak terutamanya warga PFS dan bekas-bekas pelajar PFS. Syukur, berkat usaha dan kerjasama semua pihak, PFS telah mengorak langkah mengalami perubahan dalam pelbagai bidang. Perubahan ini merupakan hasil usaha gigih pelbagai pihak bagi mengekal dan meningkatkan pencapaian PFS. Pada era globalisasi yang mencabar ini, murid-murid perlu berusaha lebih gigih untuk melengkapkan diri dengan pelbagai ilmu pengetahuan. Persediaan awal melalui kegiatan kokurikulum seperti bergiat aktif dalam bidang fotografi, penulisan, pengeditan dan penerbitan makalah merupakan satu nilai tambah kepada para pelajar sebelum melangkah ke alam pekerjaan yang semakin kompetitif. Usaha menyiapkan majalah sekolah memerlukan penglibatan dan penyertaan hampir seluruh warga sekolah. Setiap bahan yang dimuatkan dalam majalah perlu mengambarkan maklumat yang benar-benar berharga pada mata setiap warga sekolah. Penglibatan banyak pihak yang terdiri daripada kalangan para pelajar, persatuan, kelab, sukan dan pemainan merupakan aduan resepi dalam proses menyiapkan majalah sekolah. Kesungguhan penglibatan para pelajar ini merupakan platform terbaik untuk para pelajar dalam mengasah bakat dari segi kemahiran insaniah atau ‘soft skill’ mereka di bangku sekolah lagi. Akhir kata, saya berharap agar semua warga PFS terus melipatgandakan usaha untuk meraih kejayaan dalam semua bidang bagi menyediakan diri sebelum menghadapi dunia persaingan sengit yang menanti pada masa akan datang. Saya merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada semua yang terlibat secara langsung dan tidak langsung bagi menjayakan penerbitan majalah tahun ini. Sekian, terima kasih. (SYED SULTAN BIN SHAIK OOTHUMAN) Pengetua Penang Free School HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE
ADMINISTRATION 12
ADMINISTRATION 13
ADMINISTRATION 14 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL En. Syed Sultan bin Shaik Oothuman Headmaster Pn. Raihan bt Khalid @ Halit Senior Asst. Of Administration En. Leonard Selva a/l Gurunathan Senior Asst. Of Student Affairs En. Nasaruddin bin Ishak Senior Asst. Of Co-curriculum En. Syamsul Anuar bin Md. Azmi Senior Asst. Of Form 6
ADMINISTRATION 15 LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT Cik Cheong Lai Fong Head Of Department Cik Noor Aini bt Ahmad Pn. Izzah Solha binti Mat Zahari Cik Wan Noor Hamimi En. Mohd Hazman bin Ghazali Pn. Nor Farhanah binti Mazlan En. Muhd Hazrin bin Zainal Abidin En. Cheng Chee Choong Cik Nasriah binti Ramle Cik Eka Razani Malindo Cik Nor Shahira binti Ramli Pn. Nur Rasyidah Pn. Suriati binti Abdullah Pn. Nur Zahidah Pn. Wahidha Rani Pn. Nurul Suhaidah binti Khairol Adhar Pn. Seow Lee Ching Cik Siti Khadijah
ADMINISTRATION 16 SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Pn. Juma’iyah binti Salleh Head Of Department Pn. Norallia bt Md. Zain Cik Kamaria binti Kasim Pn. Ranjitham a/p Jayakumar En. Mohamed Khalid Pn. Nurul Syazwanie Cik Nuraien binti Abd Malek Pn. Melati binti Ahmad Pn. Nurfazerah binti Darol Khutny En. Kamar Zaman bin Idris Pn. Nurul Farihin binti Mohd Radzi Pn.Nurul Fatin Syamimi Pn. Rahimah binti Che Man Pn. Sarojini Devi a/p Raja Gopal Pn. Umi Rusyaida binti Ariffin Pn. Wong Kuank Hong
ADMINISTRATION 17 TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL DEPARTMENT Cik Vijaya a/p Arjunan Head Of Department Pn. Nur Hasliza binti lbrahim En. Azizi bin Shaari Pn. Siti Shakila binti Suhaimi En. Muhammad Hasbullah bin Daud Pn. Ruzaina binti Abdull Jabbar En. Ahmad Adzim bin Yahaya Cik Nur Aniza binti Abdul Horim Pn. Afifah binti Deres Pn. Suraya binti Mohamed Ali En. Ahmad Zambri bin Said En. Arif bin Yaakob En. Mohamad Khairul Adha En. Muhammad Amirul Asyraf Pn. Nurzahidah binti Zainudin Cik Teoh Bee Yan
ADMINISTRATION 18 HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT Pn. Hasniyah binti Abu Bakar Head Of Department En. Abd Rani b Hj Abd Razak En. Mohd Faisal Naim bin Harizan En. Muhammad Azmi Hamdan En. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail Pn. Wan Norashikin binti Wan Hussin En. Jeevan a/l Morgan Pn. Kavitha Veni a/p Thiagarajan En. Manak al/ Ek Klai Pn. Asmira binti Alias En. Mohamad Hafiz bin Tuan Hamzah Pn. Nor Atikah binti lsmail Pn. Siti Farhain binti Saini Pn. Ummul Aiman binti Yusop
ADMINISTRATION 19 SIXTH FORM TEACHERS En. Syamsul Anuar bin Md. Azmi Head Of Department Pn. Kanmani a/p Silvaraja Pn. Sapina binti Md Saad En. Muhammad Hanif Abdul Majid Pn. Mani Magal a/p Ramdas Pn. Suriya Kumari a/p S. P. Chandradass Pn. Saw EngWah Cik Nurul Nazila binti Ab Ghapa Cik Choo Li Suan Pn. Lim Li Yeong En. Goh Seng Kar Pn. Ratnavalli a/p Sanmugam Pn. Reegina K. Svet a/p Karunan
ADMINISTRATION 20 COUNCIL OF CLUBS & SOCIETIES Cik Noor Aini bt Ahmad Pn. Seow Lee Ching Pn. Suriya Kumari Cik Eka Razani Malindo En. Abd Rani b Hj Abd Razak Pn. Wan Norashikin Pn. Mani Magal a/p Ramdas Pn. Umi Rusyaida Pn. Saw Eng Wah Pn. Nurul Farihin bt Mohd Radzi En. Muhammad Hasbullah Pn. Ruzaina binti Abdull Jabbar Pn. Nurfazerah binti Darol Khutny Pn. Ranjitham a/p Jayakumar Pn. Nur Liyana Nadhirah Pn. Suriati binti Abdullah En. Ahmad Adzim bin Yahaya Pn. Asmira binti Alias En. Mohd Hazman bin Ghazali En. Muhammad Azmi Hamdan En. Muhammad Hanif Abdul Majid Cik Nur Zahidah Cik Nasriah binti Ramle Pn. Kavitha Veni a/p Thiagarajan
ADMINISTRATION 21 COUNCIL OF SPORTS AND GAMES Cik Nur Aniza binti Abdul Horim En. Mohamed Khalid Pn. Nurfazerah binti Darol Khutny Pn. Suriati binti Abdullah En. Mohamad Khairul Adha En. Jeevan a/l Morgan En. Faisal Naim bin Harizan Pn. Izzah Solha binti Mat Zahari En. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail Pn. Nur Hasliza binti Ibrahim Cik Nurul Nazila binti Ab Ghapa En. Ahmad Najmuddin En. Mohamad Khairul Adha En. Manak a/l Ek Klai Pn. Ratnavalli a/p Sanmugam Pn. Lim Li Yeong En. Arif bin Yaakob En. Ahmad Adzim bin Yahaya En. Ahmad Zambri bin Said En. Muhammad Hasbullah En. Azizi bin Shaari En. Mohd Hazman bin Ghazali Pn. Nur Rasyidah En. Syaakir Rukaini bin Md Nor Cik Wan Noor Hamimi
ADMINISTRATION 22 COUNCIL OF UNIFORMED BODIES En. Muhammad Amirul Asyraf Pn. Umi Rusyaida binti Ariffin En. Muhd Hazrin bin Zainal Abidin En. Mohamed Khalid En. Jeevan a/l Morgan En. Goh Seng Kar Pn. Ratnavalli a/p Sanmugam Pn. Wong Kuank Hong Pn. Norallia bt Md. Zain En. Mohamad Hafiz bin Tuan Hamzah En. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail En. Kamar Zaman bin Idris Cik Cheong Lai Fong Cik Teoh Bee Yan Pn. Siti Farhain binti Saini Pn. Nor Atikah binti lsmail Pn. Sarojini Devi a/p Raja Gopal Pn. Suraya binti Mohamed Ali
ADMINISTRATION 23 NON-ACADEMIC STAFF Cik Fadlina binti Ramli En. Muhammad Asyraf Atif Pn. Faradilla Wati binti Che Omar En. Muhammad Yazid bin Abdul Aziz Pn. Nur Syafiqah binti Sha’adin En. Mohd Shukri bin Mustafa En. Mohamad Ghani bin Mohamed Ali Pn. Nur Atikah binti Md Isa Pn. Masitah binti Baharudin Cik Nur Hazwani binti Rosli Pn. Nurhafizah binti Mhd Noor Cik Nur Syifaa Hanis binti Ghazali Cik Nur Fatihah binti Mohd Rosli En. Halim bin Md. Hussain En. Mohd Khaire bin Md Yusof En. Zainul Abidin bin Rahaman
ADMINISTRATION 24 DISCIPLINARY BOARD En. Mohd Hazman bin Ghazali En. Muhammad Amirul Asyraf En. Ahmad Zambri bin Said En. Ahmad Adzim bin Yahaya Pn. Kanmani a/p Silvaraja En. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail En. Jeevan a/l Morgan En. Muhammad Hanif Abdul Majid En. Mohd Faisal Naim bin Harizan Cik Nor Shahira binti Ramli Pn. Nor Farhanah binti Mazlan En. Muhammad Hazrin Cik Nur Aniza binti Abdul Horim En. Azizi bin Shaari Pn. Nur Liyana Nadhirah En. Ahmad Najmuddin En. Syaakir Rukaini bin Md Nor
ADMINISTRATION 25 GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING UNIT Pn. Nur Liyana Nadhirah En. Ahmad Najmuddin En. Syaakir Rukaini bin Md Nor MASCOLITE SDN. BHD. (201156-T) (Specialise In Gypsum Boards) (Pengedar Papan Plaster Dan Aksesori) TEH PENG KIM 012-519 9869 177, Jalan Jelutong, Tel 11600 Pulau Pinang. Fax Email : 04-282 9352 / 04-283 4699 : 04-282 9352 : [email protected]
ADMINISTRATION 26 BOARD OF PREFECTS Nicholas Lew Hong Qing School Captain Ooi Kai Yang Deputy School Captain Mahnushri a/p Suresh Kumar Secretary Pavyavisanthini a/p Thuraisingam Treasurer Jayden Chee Weiqien Head Of Asst. Prefect Lim Pei-En Head of Class Monitor Teh Yun Zhern Head of Traffic Warden
ADMINISTRATION 27 PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION Cik Nor Shahira binti Ramli Secretary En. Mohd Zairulnizam b. Jamaludin Chairman Pn. Nurzahidah binti Zainudin Treasurer En. Syed Sultan bin Shaik Oothuman Headmaster En. Abdul Haq B. S. Ahamed Parents Rep En. Mohamed Nizar b. Mohammed Ismail Vice Chairman Dr. Meena Subramaniam Parents Rep En. Deric Chew Parents Rep Pn. Rabikha Hasni bt. Suparman Parents Rep Pn. Wan Azni bt. Wan Mohamad Parents Rep Pn. Punithavalli a/p Nadeson Internal Auditor En. Mohamed Khalid bin Shahul Hameed Teachers Rep En. Mohd Faisal Naim bin Harizan Teachers Rep Pn. Nur Liyana Nadhirah Teachers Rep Pn. Sarojini Devi a/p Raja Gopal Teachers Rep Pn. Mani Magal a/p Ramdas Internal Auditor
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OLD FREES 30 ANDREW LIM CHONG HUAT President The Old Frees’ Association THE OLD FREES’ ASSOCIATION THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Congratulations to the Editorial Board for coming up with the publication of 2023 school magazine. Well done to the editorial board for your efforts. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to pen a few words in the magazine. The Old Frees’ Association is celebrating our 100th anniversary this year. In conjunction with the centenary celebrations, a list of events was held to mark our centenary. The Centenary Celebrations was officially launched by the Regent of Perlis, the Crown Prince, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Jamalullail on 17th April 2023. The summary of our events is as follow: Dates Events 29, 30 April Centenary Snooker Invitational tournament 1 May Centenary Table Tennis Invitational tournament 10 May Centenary Elocution Contest for Penang Free School students 20 May A celebration of food and games with entertainment by the Ray Rozells Band 3 June Centenary Tennis Invitational tournament 18 June Centenary Golf tournament 23 June Centenary Badminton Invitational tournament at CRC 14 July Centenary Walk & Run (simultaneous with the PFS Cross Country Run) 2 September The Centenary Show “A Celebration of PFS Music and Drama” at Pinhorn Hall 16 September Centenary Football and Hockey Invitational tournament 1 October Centenary Charity Cycling (time to give back to the community) 21 October Grand Centenary Dinner The Old Frees’ Association is still strongly connected with Penang Free School and we continue to support and encourage students to achieve excellence in their academics and sports. I am truly proud and lucky to be able to attend and experience the nostalgic moments of the Penang Free School Bicentenary Celebrations in 2016 and The Old Frees’ Association Centenary Celebrations in 2023. For the students of Penang Free School, keep in mind that you are smarter than you know and more determined than you realize. Always try to do better than what you did yesterday. No matter how stormy the journey is, you will be able to overcome it through your determination and effort. Keep up the spirit of Penang Free School and always be proud of your alma mater. Once a Free always a Free. *Fortis Atque Fidelis*
OLD FREES 31 The Management Committee 2022/2023 Mr. Andrew Lim Chong Huat President Mr. James Liaw Keng Siong Vice President (H. Management A. Shah) Mr. Enrique Tan Kim Hock Vice President (H. Management Bay Avenue) Mr. Alex Tan Hee Aik Honorary Secretary Mr. Raman a/l R.M Athappan Honorary Treasurer Mr. William Lim Indoor Games Chairman Mr. Cheng Soon Keong Membership, HR Development, Safety & Security Chairman Mr. Lo Liang Kheng Sports Chairman Miss Yuen Tim Mi Honorary Internal Auditor Mr. Barath Kumar Communications Chairman Mr. Roy Chai Heng Hock Social Activities Chairman Mr. Ezuan Bin Ghazali Library, Archives & Ses-Q Edu Fund Chairman
OLD FREES 32 A Century of The Old Frees’ Association – ǡͳͻͲȋ ȌȀͳͻʹȋȌ– The Old Frees’ Association, the original alumni body for ǡͳͲͲ ʹͲʹ͵ǤͳͲͲ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ͳͻʹ͵ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Penang Free School’s own Centenary in 1916 provided them with an appropriate reason to ǡ Ǥ ǡ ͳͻʹʹǡ Ǥ ͳͻͲǡͳͷ ǡ Ǥ ͳͻʹʹǡ ȋ ȌǤ ǡ Ǥ ͳͻʹʹǡ ǣ“My suggestion is that a modest commencement should be made with an Association that would, for instance, have a register of members, keep old boys in touch with each other and with the school, and ensure a reunion at least once a year. … The Association would presumably arrange occasional matches, debates, etc, with the school. … The reunions when held would be paid for by the subscriptions of those attending. From such modest beginnings as these we might venture later to more ambitious developments.” ǡ̵ Ǥffiǡ ǡ ʹͲ ͳͻʹ͵ǡ Ǥ ǡǡ ǡ ǡǡ ǡǡ ǡ ǡǦǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ At this meeting, the decision was unanimous to establish The Old Frees’ Association. Ǥ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ ͳ ͳͻʹ͵ǡ ffi Ǥ Ǧ ȋ ǦȌǡ
OLD FREES 33 ȋ ȌǡǦȋ Ȍǡ ȋȌǡ ȋȌ ȋȌǤǡ ǡ ǡǡ ǡǡ ǦǤ ǡ Ǥ ǡǤͳͲ ǤʹͲ ǡ ̵Ǥǡ ̵ǤͳͶǡ ǦǡǤͺǤ ǡǤ ǡ ̵ Ǥ ǡʹͳ ͳͻʹ͵ǡ ͳͲ ǡ Ǥǡ – Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ʹǦʹǤ ͳͻ͵ʹ ̵ Ǥ ͳͷ Ǥͳͻ͵ͻǡ ǡ ǤʹǤ ǤͶͳ ͳͻ͵Ǥ ʹͲͳʹǡ fflǤ ǡ Ǥ Ǥǡ ̵ ǡ Ǥ ͳͲͲ ǡ Ǥ ̵ Ǥ ǡ spawned two other official associations in the Old Frees’ Association Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and The Old Frees’ Association Singapore. ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ
OLD FREES 34 Group picture of the Old Frees who attended The Old Frees’ Association annual dinner on 21st October 1925 The present premises of The Old Frees’ Association in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah soon after it was declared open by the third Yang di-Pertuan Agung, Tuanku sued Putra Jamalullail on 17th June 1963
OLD FREES 35 Old Frees visiting Dittisham, England, in September 2016 as part of Penang Free School’s Bicentenary celebrations. The School’s founder, Robert Sparke Hutchings, grew up in Dittisham. The Regent of Perlis, Tuanku Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda Perlis, Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, at the launch of The Old Frees’ Association’s Centenary celebrations on 17th April 2023 ǡͳͻͲȋ Ȍ Ǥ a wide interest in the histories of Penang Free School and The Old Frees’ Association. In 2012, Ǧeditor of FIDELIS, a commemorative coffee table book of The Old Frees’ Ǥ ʹͲͳǡ ǡ ʹͲͲǦ Ǥ ǡffiǡ be published by The Old Frees’ Association on 21 ʹͲʹ͵Ǥ
OLD FREES 36 OFA KL/SELANGOR Old Frees Association Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (OFAKLS): Connecting Generations, Shaping Futures Established in Selangor, OFAKLS has been a dynamic hub for former students of Penang Free School and fostering a rich tapestry of physical and networking activities among its members, as well as facilitating connections with Old Frees’ worldwide. The association is committed to the exchange of knowledge and experiences, transcending time, and place. Leading the charge as our esteemed Royal Patron is HRH Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, The Raja of Perlis. OFAKLS Hari Raya Courtesy Call to HRH The Raja of Perlis & HRH The Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Istana Perlis, KL The OFAKLS traces its roots back to 1959 when it was founded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Over the years, OFAKLS has played an integral role in uniting Old Frees’ to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and give back to the school and future leaders. OFAKLS also proudly contributes to the Yayasan Penang Free School. In 2023, we extended our global footprint by officially establishing two chapters: Old Frees’ Australia, represented by Mr. Jonny Low, and Old Frees’ Indonesia, with representatives in Jakarta led by Mr. Hafiz Ibrahim and in Bali represented by Mr. Juarez Lowe. One of our flagship events is the annual dinner, traditionally held on the 21st of October each year, but as of 2023, we have transitioned to a biennial schedule. Membership in OFAKLS is offered as a lifetime commitment, with a nominal fee of RM200.00. Interested individuals can register via our official website at www.ofakls.com where members gain access to exclusive deals and privileges from our corporate partners, in addition to unparalleled networking opportunities, career support, and social events. Sports enthusiasts among our members are actively engaged in both indoor and outdoor activities. In 2023, we witnessed the grandeur of His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah OFAKLS Scholarship Fundraising Golf Tournament, graced by the presence of The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah himself. Our members also organised and participated in tournaments covering golf, football, bowling, darts, and various sport activities. The sports division has expanded significantly, with dedicated head representatives for each sport to ensure seamless operations. His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah OFAKLS Scholarship Fundraising Golf 2023
OLD FREES 37 The highlight of the OFAKLS calendar was the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 8th February 2023, which saw Mr. Ivan Ooi elected as the President for the term 2023-2025. We extend our gratitude to the immediate past president, Dato’ Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim, for his exceptional leadership from 2016 to 2023. Serving alongside President Ivan Ooi are Vice Presidents, Dato’ Sri Dr. Zulkharnain Ismail and Mr. Rosli Ghazali. The dedicated committee members are listed in the management committee official group picture. OFAKLS is poised to continue providing exceptional benefits to its members while actively seeking collaborations for a promising future. For more information on OFAKLS, please visit our official website at www.ofakls.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. We express our profound gratitude to all our supporters, particularly the past presidents and committees, and our esteemed counterparts, The Old Frees’ Association and the Old Frees’ Association Singapore in our shared mission to nurture the Old Frees’ Brotherhood. Thank you for your unwavering support. IVAN OOI President The Old Frees’ Association KL/Selangor At OFAKLS, we prioritise maintaining strong relationships with external associations and industry leaders. In 2023, we launched the “Building Bridges” initiative, establishing connections with key organizations such as the Old Putera Association (OPA), Victoria Institution Old Boys Association (VIOBA), and interactions with esteemed Judges of the Court of Appeal Malaysia, Yang Arif Dato’ Lee Swee Seng and Yang Arif Dato’ Lim Chong Fong. Building Bridges: OFAKLS Courtesy Call to Old Putera Association Building Bridges: OFAKLS Courtesy Call to Victoria Institution Old Boys AssociationAssociation Building Bridges: OFAKLS Courtesy Call to Court of Appeal Putrajaya - Justice Dato Lee Swee Seng & Justice Dato Lim Chong Fong Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility is unwavering. Earlier this year, OFAKLS launched an emergency fund for Türkiye & Syria, raising RM6310.00, which was subsequently donated to the Malaysian Humanitarian Aid And Relief (MAHAR). It was presided by Mr. Jismi Johari, an Old Free from the batch of 1991. Furthermore, in October 2023, we are set to launch an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiative, beginning with a tree planting campaign that is aimed at fostering ESG awareness among Penang Free School students.
OLD FREES 38 The OFA KL/SELANGOR Management Committee 2022/2025 The PFS Foundation Management Committee 2022/2025
OLD FREES 39 OFMA Management Committee 2022/2024 Old Frees Muslim Association atau lebih dikenali sebagai OFMA adalah sebuah pertubuhan bukan kerajaan yang telah ditubuhkan khusus untuk kebajikan bekas-bekas pelajar Muslim Penang Free School. Selain daripada itu, sumbangan terhadap sekolah adalah melalui peruntukan atau dana yang telah diluluskan untuk kebajikan pelajar-pelajar Muslim khasnya dan keseluruhan pelajar secara am-nya. www.ofma.org.my Yang Dipertua: Datuk Dr Zahari Noor Naib Yang Dipertua I: En. Zahari Zachariah Naib Yang Dipertua II: Leftenan Kolonel Zainal Abidin Ismail Setiausaha: En. Mohd Yusnizal Berahim Bendahari: En. Zaidy Bin Ismail Ahli-Ahli Jawatankuasa: 1. En. Abdul Halim Abd Hamid 2. En. Mohamed Ghous Ahmad 3. En. Zainol Arifin bin Ismail 4. En. Azril bin Abdul Aziz 5. En. Fikri Bin Zainol 6. En. Abu Hurairah Bin Aboo Bakar 7. En. Ahmad Shukri bin Ghazali 8. En. Rizol Md Ariff
OLD FREES 40 THE OLD FREES’ ASSOCIATION SYDNEY THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Editor, Thank you again for the invitation. The Old Frees have been canvassed for their input into this writeup. With the lifting of the travel restrictions, many of the Old Frees are frequently travelling overseas. It is interesting to note that many have chosen to travel to Kuala Lumpur and Penang as their destinations. The attachment to Penang remains very strong. It is so gratifying to meet up with our ex-school mates and to enjoy the unique Penang cuisine. As a result of the Old Frees travelling overseas, our local gatherings are smaller in numbers but no less gratifying. The camaraderie and friendships continue unabated. We do make a special effort to meet on 21st October every year. However, many have also chosen to visit Penang around this time to attend the Penang Old Frees Association Dinner and side-gatherings around that date. Unfortunately, one of us has been afflicted with a serious medical condition resulting in his inability to leave the house. Visits carry a risk of infecting him first with Covid and now with the winter flu. Consequently, we zoom him weekly to keep him company and engaged. Sick but not forgotten. There is a WhatsApp Group of Scouts from the 1960’s. The bond is strong as we have shared many experiences, especially the camping at Jubilee Camp and the Coronation Camp at The Botanical Gardens and, of course, the annual campfires on school grounds. One of our joint activities was in 1958, before the 8th Georgetown Group converted to become The Sea Scouts. This one activity has been firmly embedded in memory because it was unique. On the initiative of our Scout Master, Mr. Ch’ng Eng Kee and his fellow Assistant Scout Masters (all Old Frees), it was decided that the 8th Georgetown Senior Troop would undertake an overnight trek from Butterworth to as far inland as possible. The goal of the trek was to achieve the furthest distance on 2 Ringgit for the 48 hours. We were not allowed to carry cooked food but had to buy food along the way, as well as to set aside the fare back to Butterworth on the railway. We started forth in pairs and these were the experiences encountered. Some ventured onto the railway track, as the shortest distance between two points would be along the railway track. However, walking on the track was not easy as the sleepers were further apart than an ordinary stride. In between the sleepers, were small rocks and it was difficult to walk on those rocks. Consequently, it was easier to walk on the road. One experience recounted was associated with gunfire coming towards the walking pair at night on the deserted road. Being alarmed and frightened, without a word exchanged, both simultaneously jumped into the trench beside the main road (in those days, on both sides of the main road, there were trenches, often filled with water where edible fish could be caught by 2 metres square lift nets). Fortunately, the trench was dry. It turned out that the gunfire was caused by a backfiring car. Another enterprising pair went by on roller skates. The rest of the group were green with envy. Along the way we had to refill our water bottles. One pair approached a kampong house and instead of receiving water, they were offered young coconuts freshly plucked by the house owner. Imagine the delightful quenching of thirst with young coconut water on a hot day, when drenched with sweat. It was certainly a welcome surprise.
OLD FREES 41 DR YEOH OON HOCK President The Old Frees’ Association Sydney Trekking along the main road with no wayside trees was hot and sweaty. It was a grilling challenge to put one foot ahead of the other and longing to see the next concrete mile stone. There was no talking, just saving the energy to just walk walk walk. Mutually, after mile on mile, it was time to rest, hopefully under the occasional tree. Then up again. One pair carried a tent but it was impractical to erect it near to midnight. For safety, they slept on the grass verge outside a local hospital, hoping that it would not rain. Eventually, all of us reached Bagan Serai, 60 kilometres from Butterworth, on the following day. There was an excited and inquisitive exchange of experiences and events along the way. After reaching Bagan Serai, one enterprising pair continued on to Simpang Empat. They certainly gained our respect and admiration and were the deserving winners of the trek. All of us caught the afternoon train back to Butterworth. Tired, worn out but knowing that we had achieved and experienced a special life event. The trek was a testament to the spirit of young hearts and bodies. They were willing to be put to the test to demonstrate their initiative, confidence, perseverance and mutual dependency on their partner. Such activities bonded us and we have remained brothers. Our Scout Master, Skip, was our inspiration and mentor and remains beloved to this day.
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FEATURES 44 Justice Dato’ Lim Chong Fong D.S.P.N. has a Bachelor of Science (Building) Honours degree from the National University of Singapore, a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree from the University of London, and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Malaya. He is a Chartered Arbitrator, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, and Barrister at Law (Middle Temple). He has worked as a quantity surveyor in the construction industry and practised as a construction lawyer and arbitrator from 1985 to 2013. He was ranked as a leading lawyer in construction dispute resolution by Chambers & Partners, Asialaw Profiles, and The International Who’s Who of Construction Lawyers’ legal directories. He has undertaken research on the security of construction payment as a Fulbright scholar at the William S. Richardson School of Law in Hawaii, USA, and was subsequently appointed by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia to formulate the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication bill (now Act 746 of Malaysia). He was the Honorary Advisor (Contracts) of the Master Builders Association Malaysia and was appointed by the Minister of Works in 2013 as a member of the expert panel to review the Malaysian construction industry practices following the construction accident at the Penang Second Bridge project. In 2017, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award (Quantity Surveying) by the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia. Justice Dato’ Lim Chong Fong was appointed as Judicial Commissioner on 15 January 2014 and confirmed as Judge of the High Court of Malaya on 30 January 2017. He has served the general civil & criminal courts as well as the specialist intellectual property & construction courts. On 17 January 2023, he was appointed as Court of Appeal Judge and presently serving the Court of Appeal in the Palace of Justice Putrajaya, Malaysia. Did Dato’ enjoy studying more or being active in extracurricular activities? By nature, I was neither a bookworm nor a brilliant student. In my early years, I was never in the A class in Penang Free School. Back in the lower secondary years, I was mainly in the B class. I went to the science stream in the upper secondary years. In sixth form, I made it also to the science stream. So, I thought I had to be in the biology class, and I went into Lower and Upper Six Science 2. That was perhaps my mum wanted me to be a doctor, following my uncle’s footsteps. As a student, what I really enjoyed most was to be in the scout troop. I spent seven years as a scout in the 7th Georgetown South scout troop. As a student in Penang Free, which subject did Dato’ enjoy the most? Why? My favourite subject is chemistry amongst the three types of sciences we learnt at the Penang Free School. I think the chemistry equations are not as complicated as those in physics and the subject matter is not so theoretical and dry as biology. So it’s probably somewhere in between and somehow it suited me best. In fact, at one point in time I had thought of taking up chemical engineering. I applied for the UM chemical engineering as my first choice, but for some personal reasons, I, eventually, didn’t go there.
FEATURES 45 PFS has produced a plethora of successful people. Does Dato’ think it is still true until today? Yes, most certainly. Looking back, Penang Free School has produced many distinguished people in many fields. The school had the Raja of Perlis as an alumnus. We also had distinguished statesmen like our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman; the former Chief Minister of Penang, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and many others. We have directors of businesses and industries as well, not only nationally, but internationally too. Internationally, we have Dato’ Seri Cheah Cheng Hye in the US, the CEO of Value Partners Group. Back home, there is Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong, the owner of Giant Malaysia and Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal, who is in the CEO of DNeX. We have also produced many academicians. The most distinguished include Dr Wu Lien Teh, a physician and plague fighter and Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaramwe, a world reowned economist. Then, of course, we have artistes like Tan Sri P. Ramlee being the most obvious, as well as sportsmen and many professionals men. There are also judges who hailed from Penang Free School. Amongst the judges of yesteryears, we had Justice Tan Sri Dato’ Eusoffe Abdoolcader and Justice Dato’ Seri Shaik Daud, who was a judge of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal respectively. There was also the late Justice Wee Chong Jin who was the first Chief Justice of Singapore. Presently we have several judges from Penang Free School serving in the Malaysian Judiciary: Justice Dato’ Lee Swee Seng and myself in the Court of Appeal as well as Justice Dato’ Roslan Abu Bakar and Justice Ahmad Murad Aziz in the High Court. So that’s 4 out of about 140 in the country. I hope more lawyers are produced and more judges are appointed in the future from the old boys of Penang Free School. What was the most memorable event for Dato’ as a student in PFS? The most memorable event for me was to make it to Lower and Upper 6 Science 2. That is the de facto A class. Of course, there were other memorable events as well. I was elected as the Hargreaves house captain. That was an honour. As a scout, I attained the Pengakap Raja (King Scout) badge. Consequently, I received the PFS Certificate of Merit in scouting as well as the Goodman Scholarship in 1980. Those awards were for a promising scout with a good academic record. I recall the Goodman Scholarship was RM150. Back in 1980, this was considered a very big amount where you could buy a lot of things. That notwithstanding, I had always wanted to be a school prefect, but was not appointed. I was appointed chairman of the Board of the Break Monitors though, and that to me, was the next best thing. Unexpectedly, I became an honorary school prefect in 2017 when Tuan Omar bin Abd Rashid, the former HM, started the honorary school prefect scheme for outstanding Old Frees. I am truly elated that I was one of the few appointed that year. To me, the best institution within the school is still the Board of Prefects. The most memorable event for me in recent times was having the honour and privilege of presenting the old boy rally speech on Penang Free School 201st speech day.
FEATURES 46 One’s ambitions during childhood usually differ from his present profession. What was Dato’s initial ambition then? Frankly, I didn’t really know what I wanted to be initially. I only hoped to be a professional man. Hence the study of medicine in fulfilment of my mum’s wishes then just sounded fine to me. However, the thought on becoming a doctor was dashed when my HSC physics result horribly fell into error and I could not therefore secure a place in a medical faculty of either the University of Malaya, University Science Malaysia or the National University of Singapore. Though I took the setback rather well, I was at a loss on what to do next. Fortunately, my grandfather gave me some advice and I applied and secured a place to study the building course at the National University of Singapore. Even though the building and construction business was alien to me, I managed to graduate with the Bachelor of Science (Building) degree and immediately commenced work in a construction company in Singapore as a quantity surveyor. After working a few years in the construction industry, I realized that my university friends in the legal profession were doing better than me, both in terms of work satisfaction as well as financial rewards. As a believer of “if you can’t beat them then join them” and being an ardent fan of the 1980s hit television series, L.A. Law, I decided to embark on studying the Bachelor of Laws degree as an external student of the University of London. This is a very tough endeavour meant for only those with limited financial means who seriously aspire to have another undergraduate qualification. While embarking on this journey, it occurred to me that it would be an excellent idea to combine my skills and experience in construction with the knowledge of law and this would ultimately lead me to become a construction lawyer. That spurred me on. It may be surprising to you or if I say that I only found my ambition to be a construction lawyer when I was 24 years of age. Eventually, I practised as a construction lawyer for 22 years. At 50 years of age, I was nominated by the Bar Council Malaysia to serve in the Malaysian Judiciary, particularly in the Construction Court that was established through the recommendations of the Bar Council Sub-committee on Construction Law. To date, I have served the Malaysian Judiciary for almost 10 years including the specialist Construction Court for 3 years. Looking back, it had really been a very tough, but a very satisfying and worthwhile roller coaster ride for me. (L-R): Nicholas Lew, Sringenvi, Safarudeen, Dato’ Lim Chong Fong, Teh Yun Zhern, Jayden Chee, Mr Goh Seng Kar
FEATURES 47 What would Dato’ consider as the greatest achievement in your life? I think it would be having been appointed to the Malaysian Judiciary. To serve the nation is in a way the ultimate dream for me. I am also proud to have been the first Old Free to serve as judge in the Penang High Court from 2015 to 2018. What is Dato’s principle in life? It is to have an admirable character. This has been drummed into me since my days in Penang Free School where it was prominently displayed on the school wall that “Academic brilliance is no substitute for poverty of character”. In my view, there are five facets in the moulding of an admirable character and I would put them as this: (1) Humility, (2) Ambition, (3) Industriousness, (4) Fairness in all your dealings and finally, (5) Patriotism – that is the ultimate one, to serve the nation. Lastly, what is Dato’s advice for the present Frees in order to be successful? In a nutshell, “To formulate your dreams early and live your dreams passionately.” What motivates Dato’ the most in your professional life? It is being a specialist in the chosen profession as it brings recognition that is critical to one’s self-esteem. This is highly motivating. As a specialist construction lawyer, I was better able to interact with; hence attract construction disputant clients as well as better equipped to advance my client’s case in court or arbitration. It is also good to practise the principle of “snowballing” in life; maximizing the accumulation of one’s experiences. As for me, it was an evolution from building construction management to construction law and now to administration of justice. But if you look back, again, it is an accumulation of everything that was put into action. Time, as they say, is a precious commodity that is often wasted. How does Dato’ manage your time? Well, everyone has 24 hours. The key is prioritization and balancing between career, family, friends, exercise, and rest. How do you do that? I think it is subjective. It is entirely up to the person. We face different challenges at different points in our lives. I experienced that in school when faced with the dual academic and extra-curricular activity commitments. It was a tough balancing act indeed. My mum was really very worried. Later when I wanted to study law as a second degree, that was again very challenging. I got married when I was working full time in the construction industry. All this and then at night, I had to study law part time; that’s another big balancing act. So at different points, you will have these challenges but it’s really a matter of prioritization and balancing.
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