“Do Not Tell Secrets To Those Whose Faith And Silence You Have Not Already Tested” HRH Queen Elizabeth II Monarch of the United Kingdom Features | 49
Academics | 50 ACADEMICS
Academics | 51
SPM 2020 AN INTERVIEW WITH THE TOP ACHIEVERS KRISADA OOI SHEN YANG 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? Yes, I did expect myself to be one of the top scorers in Penang Free School. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? I’m very glad that I managed to maintain my results from my trials. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? In this era of online learning, self determination, motivation, and drive is key. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? Do the things with the highest priorities first, before going to the lower ones. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Do so much more than academics, put yourself out there. SHAUN KOAY XIN SHOU 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? No. I did not expect myself to be the top scorer. I am only average at best. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? It was extremely difficult to prepare for the exam. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? I did constant revisions and kept practising. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? I will constantly revise for a fixed amount of time, and then do some relaxing. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Manage your time between studying and relaxing. DERRIC KUAN ZHEN ZIE 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? Honestly, yes. I did expect myself to be one of the top scorers. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? It was quite tough as online classes were new. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? Keep a tight schedule and don’t overdo. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? I set myself a target everyday. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Keep studying and keep working hard. LIM XUAN NING 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? I know my schoolmates quite well. So yes, I did expect it. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? I am very proud of myself. It was quite tough but I managed to pull through. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? A secret everyone knows, effort. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? I managed to consistently focus and concentrate on my studies. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? My advice would be that all of you can do better than me. HENRY LAW ZHI XUAN 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? To be honest, no. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? Stressed but hoped it would not affect my results that badly. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? I don’t even know myself. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? Get a schedule. Ask teachers about stuff. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Just study, do whatever i didn’t do cuz it was a fluke. Academics | 52
STPM 2020 AN INTERVIEW WITH THE TOP ACHIEVERS KAREN LEE MYN HUI 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? I did, but being the top student with a 4.0 GPA was a pleasant surprise. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? Stressed. Honestly, I dont really remember much from that time. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? Consistency, hard work, and discipline. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? I’d say putting effort in school is the best foundation for a solid studying system. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. MARK LIM WEN YI 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? I am really grateful that I have managed to achieve such excellent results. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? I believe the pandemic didn’t really have a negative effect on my studies. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? I’ve always believed that mindset and consistency are the key elements. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? I personally don’t believe that there exists a one-size-fits-all method of studying. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? My advice would be to just don’t forget the advice in No 3 and No 4. NUR NAJWA BINTI ALIAS 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? I didn’t really focus into becoming one of the top scorers. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? It was a challenge for me to stay focussed in every class. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? Active recall. When I study, I don’t just read and copy notes. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? It depended on my mood so do what works best for you. Find your rhythm. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Just go with the flow but work hard in whatever you choose to do. JOSHUA VINCENT VEGA 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? I did expect myself to be a top scorer as I definitely worked towards that goal. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? It felt, in every sense of the word, dreadful. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? Do what works best for you, since everybody has their own ways. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? It’s all about time management. Form 6 definitely teaches you that. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? I would say to not rely on everybody to tell you what to do. PAVITRAA A/P PUVENESWARAN 1. Did You Expect Yourself To Be One Of The Top Scorers In Penang Free School? Nope, but I did have high expectations for myself. 2. How Did You Feel When You Were Taking The Exam During The Pandemic? It was more like a challenge for me rather than a problem. 3. What Are The Secrets That Led To Your Achievement? I believed in myself and wanted to make myself and the people I loved proud. 4. How Did You Organise Your Studies During This New Norm? I like experimenting different study techniques and what suits me best. 5. Do You Have Any Advice Or Tips For Your Fellow Frees? Give your best shot at anything you do at all. Academics | 53
SPM 2020 ANALYSING THE RESULTS SIJIL PELAJARAN MALAYSIA 2020 NO SUBJECT ATTENDED CANDIDATES AMOUNT & PERCENTAGE OF EXCELLENCE AMOUNT & PERCENTAGE OF HONOURS AMOUNT & PERCENTAGE OF A+ A A- TOTAL B+ B C+ C TOTAL D E TOTAL 1 BAHASA MALAYSIA 144 7 4.86% 21 12.58% 34 23.61% 62 43.06% 42 29.17% 21 14.58% 15 10.42% 2 1.39% 80 55.56% 1 0.69% 1 0.69% 2 1.38% 2 ENGLISH 144 37 25.69% 26 18.06% 18 12.50% 81 56.25% 18 12.50% 8 5.56% 8 5.56% 16 11.11% 50 34.72% 12 8.33% 0 0.00% 12 8.33% 3 ISLAMIC EDUCATION 75 4 5.33% 9 12.00% 19 25.33% 32 42.67% 17 22.67% 14 18.67% 10 13.33% 1 1.33% 42 56.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 4 MORAL EDUCATION 69 1 1.45% 17 24.64% 26 37.68% 44 63.77% 11 15.94% 6 8.70% 4 5.80% 4 5.80% 25 36.23% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 5 HISTORY 144 9 6.25% 22 15.28% 26 18.06% 57 39.58% 24 16.67% 25 17.36% 14 9.72% 16 11.11% 79 54.86% 6 4.17% 1 0.69% 7 4.86% 6 MATHEMATICS 144 26 18.06% 48 33.33% 8 5.56% 82 56.94% 12 8.33% 15 10.42% 11 7.64% 6 4.17% 44 30.56% 9 6.25% 5 3.47% 14 9.72% 7 SCIENCE 54 0 0.00% 1 1.85% 7 12.96% 8 14.81% 4 7.41% 15 27.78% 9 16.67% 14 25.93% 42 77.78% 3 5.56% 1 1.85% 4 7.41% 8 VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION 22 1 4.55% 1 4.55% 6 27.27% 8 26.26% 7 31.82% 5 22.73% 2 9.09% 0 0.00% 14 63.64% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 9 ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS 99 6 6.06% 12 12.12% 4 4.04% 22 22.22% 5 5.05% 8 8.08% 13 13.13% 9 9.09% 35 35.35% 7 7.07% 18 18.18% 25 25.25% 10 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING 39 7 17.95% 11 28.21% 4 10.26% 22 56.41% 3 7.69% 0 0.00% 4 10.26% 2 5.13% 9 23.08% 5 12.82% 2 5.13% 7 17.95% 11 BUSINESS 22 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 13.64% 4 18.18% 4 18.18% 2 9.09% 13 59.09% 7 31.82% 2 9.09% 9 40.91% 12 TECHNICAL GRAPHICS COM 7 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 28.57% 2 28.57% 3 42.86% 0 0.00% 1 14.29% 0 0.00% 4 57.14% 1 14.29% 0 0.00% 1 14.29% 13 PHYSICS 90 5 5.56% 8 8.89% 7 7.78% 20 22.22% 4 4.44% 13 14.44% 17 18.89% 18 20.00% 52 57.78% 15 16.67% 3 3.33% 18 20.00% 14 CHEMISTRY 89 6 6.74% 3 3.37% 9 10.11% 18 20.22% 9 10.11% 10 11.24% 7 7.87% 13 14.61% 39 43.82% 15 16.85% 16 17.98% 31 34.83% 15 BIOLOGY 58 1 1.72% 9 15.52% 8 13.79% 18 31.03% 9 15.52% 10 17.24% 5 8.62% 9 15.52% 33 56.90% 5 8.62% 1 1.72% 6 10.34% 16 SPORTS SCIENCE 31 0 0.00% 4 12.90% 4 12.90% 8 25.81% 10 32.26% 4 12.90% 4 12.90% 4 12.90% 22 70.97% 1 3.23% 0 0.00% 1 3.23% 17 TAMIL LANGUAGE 4 0 0.00% 1 25.00% 0 0.00% 1 25.00% 2 50.00% 1 25.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 75.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 18 TAMIL LITERATURE 1 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% Academics | 54
CANDIDATE TURNOUT NO SUBJECT REGISTERED ATTENDEES ABSENTEES 1 BAHASA MALAYSIA 144 144 0 2 ENGLISH 144 144 0 3 ISLAMIC EDUCATION 75 75 0 4 MORAL EDUCATION 69 69 0 5 HISTORY 144 144 0 6 MATHEMATICS 144 144 0 7 SCIENCE 54 54 0 8 VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION 22 22 0 9 ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS 99 99 0 10 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING 40 39 1 11 BUSINESS 26 22 4 12 TECHNICAL GRAPHICS COM 7 7 0 13 PHYSICS 90 90 0 14 CHEMISTRY 89 89 0 15 BIOLOGY 58 58 0 16 SPORTS SCIENCE 31 31 1 17 TAMIL LANGUAGE 4 4 0 18 TAMIL LITERATURE 1 1 0 OVERVIEW NO SUBJECT PASS FAIL GPMP AMOUNT PERCENTAGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE 1 BAHASA MALAYSIA 144 100.00% 0 0.00% 2.78 2 ENGLISH 143 99.31% 1 0.69% 2.52 3 ISLAMIC EDUCATION 74 98.67% 1 1.33% 2.92 4 MORAL EDUCATION 69 100.00% 0 0.00% 2.46 5 HISTORY 143 99.31% 1 0.69% 3.27 6 MATHEMATICS 140 97.22% 4 2.78% 2.71 7 SCIENCE 54 100.00% 0 0.00% 4.54 8 VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION 22 100.00% 0 0.00% 2.91 9 ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS 82 82.83% 17 17.17% 5.37 10 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING 38 97.44% 1 2.56 3.08 11 BUSINESS 22 100.00% 0 0.00% 5.55 12 TECHNICAL GRAPHICS COM 7 100.00% 0 0.00% 3.57 13 PHYSICS 90 100.00% 0 0.00% 4.53 14 CHEMISTRY 88 98.88% 1 1.12% 4.98 15 BIOLOGY 57 98.28% 1 1.72% 3.84 16 SPORTS SCIENCE 31 100.00% 0 0.00% 3.52 17 TAMIL LANGUAGE 4 100.00% 0 0.00% 2.75 18 TAMIL LITERATURE 1 100.00% 0 0.00% 3.00 All Data Was Redesigned By The Penang Free School Editorial Board Academics | 55
SIJIL TINGGI PELAJARAN MALAYSIA 2020 NO SUBJECT ATTENDED CANDIDATES FULL EXCELLENCE HALF EXCELLENCE A A- B+ B B- TOTAL C+ C C- D+ D TOTAL 1 BAHASA MALAYSIA 3 1 33.33% 1 33.33% 1 33.33% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH 5 2 40.00% 3 60.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 5 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 GENERAL STUDIES 14 1 7.14% 6 42.85% 6 42.85% 1 7.14% 0 0.00% 14 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 4 ECONOMICS 9 7 77.77% 1 14.28% 1 14.28% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 9 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 5 HISTORY 4 3 75.00% 1 25.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 4 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 6 PHYSICS 2 1 50.00% 1 50.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 7 CHEMISTRY 2 1 50.00% 1 50.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 8 BIOLOGY 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 9 ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS 2 1 50.00% 1 50.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 10 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING 3 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 11 BUSINESS 12 7 58.33% 4 33.33% 1 8.33% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 12 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 12 TAMIL LANGUAGE 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% STPM 2020 ANALYSING THE RESULTS All Data Was Redesigned By The Penang Free School Editorial Board Academics | 56
“It’s Fine To Celebrate Success, But It Is More Important To Heed The Lessons Of Failure” Bill Gates Co-Founder of Microsoft Academics | 57
Happenings | 58 HAPPENINGS
Happenings | 59
TEACHERS’ RETIREMENTS MR HO NEAN CHAN Senior Assistant of Administration Penang Free School Mr Ho can be described as someone who is ambitious and always expects the best. He began his teaching career in 1985 at Saint Mary’s High School in Sandakan, Sabah. In 1992, he was posted to his alma mater, Penang Free School where he eventually retired. MR TEOH SONG KOON Chemistry Teacher Penang Free School Teaching Chemistry to the Form 6 is not an easy task. However, Mr Teoh does it perfectly. He not only knows his way around the subject, he also does it with the utmost excellence. Started teaching in 1985, and began his journey in Penang Free School in 2012. MDM RUBY MANGALAM JANET General Studies teacher Penang Free School As a General Studies Teacher, Mdm Ruby was responsible for teaching countless of Form 6 students from Penang Free School. She began her teaching career in 1987 in Penang Free School and has been a teacher here ever since. MDM POOMANI KALAMAGHAM Biology Teacher Penang Free School As a Form 6 Biology teacher, Mdm Poomani was tasked on instilling crucial knowledge into her students. She began her teaching career in 1994 at Saint Michael’s High School, Sandakan, Sabah. She then moved to Penang Free School in 2004. Happenings | 60
SPEECH DAY 2021 FORTIS ATQUE FIDELIS Story by John Kavinraj Philip On the 21st October 2020, Penang Free School had it’s 204th Speech Day. The day began at approximately 7am with the Board of Prefects, Teachers, and Alumni of Penang Free School and SMK Hutchings, together with Representatives of St George’s Church, who gathered at the Northam Road Protestant Cemetery to honour the late Reverand Robert Sparke Hutchings. Rev Hutchings was an Anglican Colonial Chaplain of the Prince of Wales Island (Penang) who lived in the era of the 1700’s. On 21st October 1816, he founded Penang Free School. It was the first ever English medium school in the whole of South-East Asia. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF Happenings | 61
T his inspiration also soon led to the construction of the St George’s Church in 1818. The church is currently the oldest Anglican Church in South-East Asia. He was also said to have written and compiled what were considered to be the first ever books on Malay Grammar, in addition to several other elementary textbooks including a dictionary written mainly for school use. At 8:00am, the pastor began the service by reading the opening prayer. He then started to quote a few Bible versus in honour of Rev Hutchings. The service then ended after about an hour and a half. After the service, all the guests stayed back to have a few photo sessions to commemorate this event. Everyone arrived at the school at approximately 10:00am for the main ceremony while all the other guests were already in the hall. “Logic Will Get You From A To Z. However, Imagination Will Get You Everywhere” ALBERT EINSTEIN Theoretical Physicist The event began with the arrival of the guest of honour, Mr Lee Eu Beng, President of The Old Frees’ Association, alongside all the other distinguished guests. Speeches were then given by the President of The Old Frees’ Association, Mr Lee Eu Beng, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Mr Ahmad Azhari, and the Headmaster, Mr Syamsul Fairuz. The occasion then continued with the prize giving ceremony. Due to the pandemic, the school hall was not allowed “” to accomodate many people, so awards were narrowed down and given only to the best performing students of each form. At around 2pm, the School Band performed the School Rally marking the end of the Speech Day for the year 2021 Happenings | 62
“I Think You End Up Doing The Stuff You Were Supposed To Do At The Time You Were Supposed To Do It” Robert Downey Jr American Actor-Producer Happenings | 63
Expressions | 64 EXPRESSIONS
Expressions | 65
ARTWORK Miles Morales by MUHAMMAD FADZIL BIN ADBUL RAHIM 5 Amanah @zil_muhd Our Story In One Picture by JOHN KAVINRAJ PHILIP 5 Amanah @JohnKavinraj Expressions | 66
Nunha Lisa by NUH ABDULLAH BIN HARASHID 5 Amanah @nuh.wau.ha Kaedehara Kazuha by ARVINTH A/L KUMARESON 5 Dinamik @fire_lith Expressions | 67
Artwork by NUR ADRIANA TASNIM BINTI MU’MIN 6A4 @adrianatsnm Cybercity by DINISH A/L KANESEN 5 Amanah @resinevil Expressions | 68
Kakashi by MOHAMAD SAFARUDEEN BIN JALALUDEEN 3 Elit @safarudeenmohamad 200 Years Of Excellence by PAUL NG XIN YI 1 Dinamik @username Expressions | 69
In The Mist by WONG WEI LIANG 5 Amanah @wei_liang04 A Sedentary Life by WONG WEI LIANG 5 Amanah @wei_liang04 PHOTOGRAPHS Expressions | 70
Folklore by TEH WEI YAO 5 Amanah @kennethteh50 Scattering Sunrise by TEH WEI YAO 5 Amanah @kennethteh50 Expressions | 71
WHEN IT RAINS E ver since I am alive again, I have always feared the rain. It makes my body weak, vulnerable. That is why I am in this church alone, chanting prayers. My breathing ragged, my skin clammy despite the heat. Susurration grows stronger in my ears and I dare not open my eyes, for I know there will be a crowd of spirits gathering around me. Each filled with envy, greed and wrath. All of these spirits vie for my body and I am not one to concede easily. It has been this way for two years, I would keep praying until the rain recedes. However, today I feel inexplicably weaker. Every breath is labour and the world around me is pulsing in and out of focus. I am immediately jerked awake from my prayers when I realize their touch was palpable and their murmurs audible, “My turn”. My blood turns frozen when I realise they are trying to claw their way into my body. My heartbeat grows erratic and I try to force my way out through the throng of spirits gripping onto my body. However, as their touch is palpable to my body, I am unable to break free of their grip. I rally on, refusing to cede this body to another spirit. My shouts of despair fill the church. Suddenly, the temperature of the church plummets and all of the spirits have seemingly disappeared all at once, leaving me alone on the floor curling in a fetal position. I am about to heave a sigh of relief when I look up and see a hooded figure donning a black parchment robe looking down at me. Alvin Song Chun Yi 5 Budiman @alfwin_scy ESSAYS Expressions | 72
“Hell has called in his due,” his sepulchral voice immediately sends chills skittering down my spine. My heart beats hollowly and the realization dawns on me. The Grim Reaper has found me. He raises his hand, and a scythe slowly coalesces. Fear twists in me, a wobbling cup of panic that threatens each moment to spill. Without sparing a beat, I will myself out from this body and narrowly escape his slash. The body which used to be mine took the blow instead and crimson slowly pools around it. The Grim Reaper then laughs, his sound rich and gravelly. “Where do you think you are escaping after seeking refuge in another mortal’s body for two years? You might have escaped from me then, but you shan’t this time.” As if to punctuate his words, a resounding clap of thunder booms in the sky. He walks towards me, his steps each slow and deliberate. I marshall all my strength and try to teleport away, but to no avail. My end is near and I know it, yet I refuse to accept it. He stops right before me and asks, “Any last words before I mete out punishment to you?” My soul is bubbling with fury and I retort. “Why? This boy was weak, and if it wasn’t me, it would have been another taking over his body. At least, I harmed no one, I did no evil. So why, why are you taking away what’s mine?” “The act of taking over another mortal’s body is an act of transgression itself. It is your folly and hubris praying in a church when you are wanted by Hell himself.” “How is it hubris when all I want is a chance to be alive again. I had just graduated, I had a whole new chapter of life lying ahead of me.” “Pray tell, did that boy not too have a whole new chapter of life lying ahead of him? Woe if every mortal seeks a chance to be alive again by stealing it from others with impunity.” I keep my silence. Once again, he raises his scythe, his obsidian eyes impassive and slashes right through me. Immediately, I can feel a visceral pain as the scythe reaps my soul. Millions of memories flashed through my mind all at once. The memory of my graduation day, the memory of driving my new car, the memory of my last breath in a sinking car and then it stops. My very fabric of existence has been torn asunder by a single slash, severing all my tethers to this world and just like that I completely cease to exist. Expressions | 73
HAYWARD COUNTY S anta Valentina, where heaven meets Earth. A common world where different flawks of life, from the rich to the poor call it home. Out of its 20000 residents, 3 teenagers could never have imagined the adventure they were about to face. So who are they? Well let’s start off with Jamal, the brawns of the trio, a well-known athlete who is rising from the ranks of SV High School through his professional swimming abilities. Next up we have Alex, the brains of the group. He’s been the top student of SV High School for 4 years running. And then there is Kai, famed son of Sarah and Robert Wilkins, treasure hunters extraordinaire. His parents had separated when he was only 2 years old due to his father’s obsessive gambling addiction. Despite this, Kai was always a breath of fresh air, a leader and the glue that held the trio together through thick and thin. The group were inseparable.They were the perfect trio and unstoppable force known as ‘The Aces’. They had the perfect lives living in paradise. But everything would change on one summer afternoon. June 20th 1999, the authorities received word that a corpse had washed ashore on the beaches of Santa Valentina.The body was identified as 32 year old Steve Hamill, the mayor of Santa Valentina. Word spread like wildfire across the island. When Kai heard of the news, he rushed to the police office to ask them about the whereabouts of his mother. Kai had been living with Sarah since his parents divorced and roughly 18 days before Steve Hamill’s body being found, she had left on a trip with the mayor himself.The police insisted to Kai that they would find his mother. Javed Narayan 5 Amanah @javednarayan Expressions | 74
However, they would need time especially as their hands were tied in solving another mystery: the sudden spread of an unknown plague on the island.Kai spent the next few days at Alex’s house .July 2nd , Sheriff Walters, the lead detective on the case informed Kai that his mother’s boat in which they were travelling in had been found partially sunken. The sheriff stated the storm had most likely capsized the boat and drifted his mother’s body out into the ocean. Kai broke down mere seconds after hearing the news. Back home, Jamal and Alex were consoling Kai, having decided to stay over at his house to make sure he didn’t feel alone.Kai decided he would help clean up his mother’s office to help him cope, but the entire time he was there, the lingering thought on whether his mother’s death involved much more sinister forces crept into his mind.That’s when he noticed that one of the floorboards had been undone.He pried it open to reveal a tape recorder.Kai and his friends listened to the recording.It was Sarah. She explained that she ventured off with the mayor in search of a legendary treasure, an elixir that could cure any disease, which she was going to use to cure the unknown plague terrorizing the people of Santa Valentina. She had tracked down the elixir but was cut short by a supporting party wanting to profit from it.In the final minutes of the recording, she revealed the location where she hid the elixir: the abandoned underground train station and expressed how proud she was of the man Kai had become. Kai realized he had to finish what his mother started.Jamal and Alex immediately offered to help .The group rushed over to the underground train station. When they arrived ,it was almost completely submerged in water.Jamal offered to swim and look for the elixir. Alex had pointed out that the elixir must have been stored in a glass container, so if they were to shine their flashlights on the surface of the water, it should produce a reflection. Sure enough, they identified the position of the elixir and Jamal swiftly swam and retrieved it.Their excitement echoed across the entire station, and for a split second Kai was in contempt that he had completed his mother’s dream. Suddenly, a gunshot could be heard across the station, and blood began to spew from Jamal’s stomach. A masked man approached them demanding for the elixir or he would kill them all. Kai recognized the man’s voice and immediately screamed , “DAD?”.The scream had startled the man, who revealed himself to indeed be Robert Wilkins. Robert had recently faced financial troubles due to his gambling addiction and was also a secondary partner to Sarah’s conquest for the elixir. When he found out that Sarah was not going to sell the elixir but rather use it to prepare a cure for the people of Santa Valentina, he snapped, killing the mayor and Sarah, tossing their bodies overboard.He was unaware of Sarah’s suspicion towards him though, and as a precautionary measure, she left the recording for their son to find and stop him. With his friend bleeding to death and the realization that his father killed his own mother, Kai became possessed with rage and lunged at his father, knocking him out cold.Alex immediately called the police and medical support for Jamal,who was thankfully saved.The days that followed were bitter sweet for Kai, as his father was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. Circumspectly, he handed the elixir over to a local herbalist, who managed to devise a cure for the whole of Santa Valentina.A parade was thrown in his mother’s honour, and as Kai looked over the thousands of people who chanted his mother’s name, he whispered “Thank you, Mom, I did it , you can rest now.” Expressions | 75
BOYS DON’T CRY S tudies have shown suicide cases are four times more prevalent amongst men than women. Still, as mental health awareness has grown, men have become more and more lonely. Hence, the question arises, why are men struggling – and what can we do about it? One key factor is communication. It’s too simplistic to say women are willing to share their problems whereas men tend to bottle them up. But it is true that, for generations, society has encouraged men to be “strong” and not to admit they’re struggling. Male gender roles tend to emphasise greater levels of strength, independence, and individualism. Rather than seeking help, men are programmed from young to fight their own battles. The classic “Boys don’t cry” has been lectured over and over again in households throughout the centuries. Boys have been conditioned from a very young age not to express emotions because to express them is to be ‘weak’. In an attempt to fight our own battles, men often turn to substance abuse and alcohol. This form of ‘self-medication’ may fill the void temporarily, but results in a more severe problem. Drinking can and will deepen depression and increase impulsive behaviours, whereas overdosing is a common form of suicide. Another element to this is the growing competition for status and power amongst men. We’re brought up our entire lives to judge ourselves in comparison with our peers and to be successful, both economically and in terms of status. Lee Jun Siang 5 Amanah @leejunsiang1028 Expressions | 76
When there are economic factors which we can’t control, life becomes very difficult. A study conducted in 2015 has found that for every 1% increase in unemployment, there is a 0.79% increase in the suicide rate. However, on the other side of the curve, the outwardly successful professional who prioritises career advancement to the detriment of all else, including social relationships, may find himself at the top of the pyramid, alone. There is sadly no straightforward solution for a problem of this complexity. The issue of traditional masculinity in our culture must be tackled. Our society and culture need to take collective responsibility in redefining what it means to be a man. Civilization has reached a point where societies must change their views and be more accepting of a man’s vulnerability. Vulnerability has traditionally been associated with being cowardly and timorous. But in reality, vulnerability requires immense strength. It is a sign of courage, an attribute of true masculinity. Only when this renewed positivity gets engraved in everyone’s mindset that men can finally be free from the crushing weights of responsibilities and expectations of “being a man”. Together, we can create a safe space for men. A space free from shaming, and in its place, be filled with support. However, men must learn to open up. We must understand that by suppressing our emotions, trying to look secure, a bigger toll is taken on our emotional well-being. And this would subsequently lead to our failure in building trust or even manifesting our feelings. We can try to reject emotions like grief, agony, self-doubt, and disappointment. But they would never go away. Push them down as far as you can, they’ll always find a way up. Only when we embrace ourselves for who we are, will we be comfortable living our lives. It is okay to not be okay, it doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. It is alright to let your close ones know what you’re going through. For even the strongest of us fall apart sometimes. To quote the world-renowned motivational speaker, Les Brown, “Ask for help. Not because you’re weak. But because you want to remain strong.” “Boys don’t cry.” Not because we have no reasons to, but because we feel obliged not to. For the betterment of men’s mental health, we as a modern-day society must come together to remove the stigma around men’s vulnerability. Hardships are inevitable in life, and in these trying times, we must be accepting of men’s emotions for we are all merely human. Expressions | 77
THE BLEAK REALITY L ife is not a bed of roses. It is a phrase many often hear but few really understand. Many are blinded by the idea that we are in total control of our life. Of course, to a certain extent this may be true, but there are plenty of other elements that are overlooked. As we grow up, and become so-called adults, the element of bias will become more evident. It is a sad and painful truth that other people who perhaps do less than what you do, end up getting recognition for things they do not necessarily deserve. For example, in an organisation, your boss would also have his own superior and so on. A task assigned to you, the average worker, is what your manager presents to the executive. Who do you think gets the credit when the work is deemed good? In addition, the exact opposite would happen when your work is deemed bad. You face the consequences, your boss gets the plaudits. Besides, do not be jaded by the idea that you can work your way up the ladder. Unfortunately, the top of the ladder is usually dominated by ‘connections’ or ‘cables’. Reaching the top of a ladder for some, is not always the fairytale it appears to be from the bottom. Adam Imran Bin Iskandar 5 Amanah @adamrockz Expressions | 78
“When Something Is Important Enough, You Do It Even If The Odds Are Not In Your Favour” Elon Musk Founder and CEO of SpaceX, Co-Founder and CEO of Tesla Motors Expressions | 79
Student Bodies | 80 STUDENT BODIES
Student Bodies | 81
BOARD OF ARCHIVES BOARD OF SCHOOL CORP MDM SURAYA BINTI MOHAMED ALI Teacher Advisor MR NASARUDDIN BIN ISHAK Vice President MR SHAMSUL FAIRUZ BIN MOHD NOR President MDM SAADIAH BINTI JAAFAR Teacher Advisor JOHN KAVINRAJ PHILIP President WONG WEI LIANG Vice President MUHD FADZIL Form 5 C.M. LIM HUI ZERN Treasurer TEH WEI YAO Secretary MDM SURAYA BINTI MOHD ALI Secretary MS VIJAYA ARJUNAN Treasurer MR NASARUDDIN BIN ISHAK Stock Manager MDM SITI SHAKILA BINTI SUHAIMI Asst. Secretary MDM SURAYA BINTI MOHD ALI Asst. Treasurer MDM IZZAH SOLHA Asst. Stock Manager DANIEL NEOH Form 4 C.M. DOUGLAS CHEE Form 3 C.M. NUH ABDULLAH Form 2 C.M. Student Bodies | 82
BOARD OF LIBRARIANS BOARD OF SPBT MDM MELATI BINTI AHMAD Teacher Advisor MOHD HARITH BIN HASNAN Vice President MOHD SHAMSUL IZZAT BIN MANSOR President MR FIKRI BIN YUSOF Teacher Advisor THAARUNSHANKAR A/L KALIMUTHU President THINESSWAARAN A/L VESUVANATHAN Vice President KUHANVEL A/L GANESAN Discipline Officer MOHD SAFARUDEEN BIN JALALUDEEN Treasurer NERVINESH RAMES Secretary ABDUL RAHIM BIN MOHD NAZRI Secretary AQIL NAZHIM BIN ZUL AKMAL Treasurer MOHD SHAMSUL BIN MANSOR Form 5 C.M. NORMAZUAN MAZRIN Form 4 C.M. MOHD AQMAL Form 3 C.M. MOHD DANIAL HARITH Form 2 C.M. NIVASH A/L NADANDRA C.M. BERNARD NATHAN IT Officer THANUSH Asst Discipline Officer Student Bodies | 83
COMBINED SCOUTS COUNCIL 1ST GTS TROOP MR MOHD HAZRIN BIN ZAINAL ABIDIN Teacher Advisor MOHD SHARIN BIN YASIN Assistant Troop Leader DHAARSHAN SANEU KATHIRESH Troop Leader MR MOHD KUSHAIRI BIN ZAINUDDIN Teacher Advisor ALVIN SONG CHUN YI President MOHD HANIF BIN JAMIN Vice President LIM HUI ZERN Form 5 C.M. JOHN KAVINRAJ PHILIP Treasurer TEH WEI YAO Secretary MOHD FARHAAN Secretary HARRIS A/L THANABALAN Treasurer OOI KAI YANG Form 5 C.M. NERVINESH RAMES Form 4 C.M. MOHD HAFIZ BIN SAZALI Asst.Treasurer MALIQUE AMMAR BIN MOHD YASSIN Form 3 C.M. NARESH RAI SHARMA Form 4 C.M. UBENDHRE PHRAHAT Form 3 C.M. MUAR JUN WEI Form 2 C.M. Student Bodies | 84
7TH GTS TROOP 8TH GTS TROOP MR OOI HOI SENG Teacher Advisor ALVIN SONG CHUN YI Assistant Troop Leader ALVIN JOSEPH ALBERT Troop Leader MR MOHD KUSHAIRI BIN ZAINUDDIN Teacher Advisor WONG JING WEN Troop Leader MOHD HANIF BIN JAMIN Assistant Troop Leader LIM HUI ZERN Venture Unit Leader JOHN KAVINRAJ PHILIP Treasurer TEH WEI YAO Secretary AMEER SHAFIQ Secretary AARON YEANG ZHI XIANG Treasurer NARESH RAI SHARMA Venture Unit Leader AARON YEANG ZHI XIANG Senior Patrol Leader MUAR JUN WEI Patrol Leader UBENDHRE PHRAHAT Senior Patrol Second WONG JING WEN Form 5 C.M. TEH WEI YAO Patrol Leader BRANDON NG CHEE WERN Patrol Leader Student Bodies | 85
SCHOOL BAND RED CRESCENT SOCIETY MDM LEE LAY FEN Teacher Advisor KUHANVEL A/L GANESAN Vice President JAMIE TAN JEN-TSEN President MR LEONARD SELVA A/L GURUNATHAN Teacher Advisor ADAM BIN AZRAN Drum Major MOHD AMIR SYAFIQ BIN MOHD AZMAN Assistant Drum Major ISHWAR A/L HEMANATHAN Quartermaster 1 ADAM BIN AZRAN Treasurer LIM HUI YEANG Secretary ADRIAN MIKAEL BIN ALWI Secretary SHREE VARSAN A/L MANISEKAR Treasurer JAMIE TAN JEN-TSEN Section Leader MIRZUAN DANIAL BIN MARZUKI Asst Secretary BERNARD NATHAN Assistant Treasurer SHREE VARSAN A/L MANISEKAR Duty Coordinator ADAM BIN AZRAN Percussion Leader ISHWAR A/L HEMANATHAN Senior Leader LIM HUI YEANG Quartermaster 2 Student Bodies | 86
2ND CLOVER GIRL GUIDES ROVER SCOUTS TROOP MR ABDUL SAMAN BIN ISMAIL Teacher Advisor NICOLAS CHEE JENN HINN Assistant Troop Leader HARISH JEYARISHI Troop Leader MDM RUBY MANGALAM JANET A/P DAVID SOLOMON Teacher Advisor SITI NORFARHANNI BINTI SHIKH FAZHEL Troop Leader NUR ADRIANA TASNIM BINTI MU’MIN Assistant Troop Leader NURUL NATASHA BINTI AMIR Logbook Keeper OOI SOK YING Treasurer NUR ADRIANA TASNIM Secretary SARRVINRAJ A/L MURUGAN Secretary NEOH HAO SHENG Treasurer LUVINASSH A/L SUNDRA SEKARAN Troup Commander TAN YOU YI Asst.Secretary AMUTHAN A/L KANNAN Asst.Treasurer MOHD AFSHAR SEHU MOHD Disciplinary Master VENASSA WILSON RAMAMOORTHY Patrol Leader LIM JANE Patrol Leader NUR IZZATI ADLINA Patrol Leader Student Bodies | 87
POLICE CADET BOYS BRIGADE MR GOH SENG KAR Teacher Advisor JEDIDIAH THAM YAN PENG Vice President JEZREL KHOO KAR SHERN President MR ABDUL RAHMAN BIN ISMAIL Teacher Advisor MOHD MUKHRIZ BIN MOHD MOKHTAR Sergeant JONY ADPRILAH LIM BIN MOHD JUNI LIM Deputy Sergeant MOHD AMIRUL HAFIZ BIN ZALI Corporal MOHD ADIB BIN MOHD RIZAL Treasurer MOHD HAZIQ WAFRIE Secretary HOVAN TAN YUAN CHAO Secretary NICHOLAS PHUAH CHONG WEI Treasurer CHUAH CHING YU Badge NOEL LEE WENG KIT Asst Secretary HOVAN TAN TUAN CHAO Form 5 C.M. JEDIDIAH THAM YAN PENG Uniform MOHD IMAN DANISH BIN ABDULLAH Form 5 C.M. ARDEEP SINGH A/L PARVINDER Form 4 C.M. AN NAZEEF BIN AHMAD NIZUAR Lance Corporal Student Bodies | 88
KARATE SOCIETY SHAOLIN WUSHU MDM SAPINA BINTI MD SAAD Teacher Advisor JAX CH’NG XUE HAN Vice President HARESH SINGH BEDI President MDM SITI FARHAIN BINTI SAINI Teacher Advisor SIVAGURU A/L RUTTIRA KUMARAN President TAN BOON LENG Vice President ABDUL RAHMAN BIN AZMAR Quartermaster RAGHUNATH GANESAN Treasurer THANEEGEIVAL A/L ELUMALAI Secretary TOE ENG HONG Secretary SHARUL AIMAN BIN SYAHMI Treasurer TOE ENG HONG Form 4 C.M. JAYDEN CHEE WEIQIEN Form 3 C.M. LAI BO REN Form 2 C.M. RAX CH’NG XUE KEN Form 1 C.M. THANEEGEIVAL A/L ELUMALAI Asst. Secretary BENNY KOAY HEAN SENG Asst. Treasurer RAAKESH A/L SIVAKUMAR Asst. Quartermaster Student Bodies | 89
TAEKWONDO ITF TAEKWONDO WTF MDM SURAYA BINTI MOHAMED ALI Teacher Advisor MOHD ALIF BIN AZAHARI Vice President DINISH A/L KANESEN President MDM SITI NOORSHA BINTI NAINA MOHAMED Teacher Advisor MOHD SAFARUDEEN BIN JALALUDEEN President GIDEON SELVA Vice President WONG WEI LIANG Form 5 C.M. MOHD FADZIL BIN ABDUL RAHIM Treasurer JEREMIAH SELVA Secretary DANIEL NEOH HERH SHIAN Secretary THINESSWAARAN A/L VESUVANATHAN Treasurer JAVED NARAYAN Form 5 C.M. AIMAN MOHD KHAN Form 4 C.M. KAVIN PUSPARAJAN Form 3 C.M. THINESSWAARAN A/L VESUVANATHAN Form 2 C.M. MUHD FADZIL Form 4 C.M. GIDEON SELVA Form 3 C.M. WONG WEI LIANG Form 2 C.M. Student Bodies | 90
“If We Did All The Things We Are Capable Of, We Would Literally Astound Ourselves” Thomas Edison American Inventor, Co-Founder of General Electric Student Bodies | 91
Clubs And Societies | 92 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Clubs And Societies | 93
ROBOTICS CLUB TOURISM CLUB MDM SURIATI BINTI ABDULLAH Teacher Advisor NURUL IZZAH BINTI AHMAD IZHAM Vice President JONY ADPRILAH LIM President MR MUHD HASBULLAH BIN DAUD Teacher Advisor JOHN KAVINRAJ PHILIP President LIM HUI ZERN Vice President ADAM AZRAN Form 5 C.M. DANIEL NEOH Treasurer TEH WEI YAO Secretary HUGO TAN FENG Secretary DAYANG DANDIA Treasurer ADAM DANIEL Form 5 C.M. TOE ENG HONG Form 4 C.M. ADAM DANIEL Form 3 C.M. JONY ADPRILAH LIM Form 2 C.M. ADAM AZRAN Form 4 C.M. LIM PEI EN Form 3 C.M. DANIEL NEOH Form 2 C.M. Clubs And Societies | 94
BUSINESS MGM CLUB COMPUTER CLUB MDM RUZAINA BINTI ABDUL JABBAFR Teacher Advisor CHUNG JIN KANG Vice President AIMAN MOHD KHAN BIN WAJAHATULLAH KHAN President MR SYAMSUL ANUAR BIN MD AZMI Teacher Advisor NUR SYAZWANI BINTI JASMI President DAYANG DANDIA BINTI MUBIN Vice President AINAA MAS YANIS HAZMIN Form 5 C.M. SITI AISYAH GHAZALI Treasurer NUR IZZATI ADLINA AZRIZAL Secretary MOHD FIRQIN Secretary TAN BOON LENG Treasurer MOHD FIRQIN Form 5 C.M. JEZREL KHOO KAH-SHERN Form 4 C.M. MUHD RIDHWAN RAHMAT Form 3 C.M. KIVENTHIRAN THARMABALAN Form 2 C.M. DAYANG DANDIA BINTI MUBIN Form 4 C.M. SITI AISYAH GHAZALI Form 3 C.M. NURUL IZZAH IZHAM Form 2 C.M. Clubs And Societies | 95
CHRISTIAN SOCIETY INDIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY MDM MANI MAHGALI A/P NARAYANASAMI Teacher Advisor KABILAN A/L PALANY Vice President VIDYAGARRAN A/L SELVAM President MDM SAW ENG WAH Teacher Advisor BRYAN TAN ZHU WEI President LAU CHIEN ZHEN Vice President AZRIEEL ISAAC Form 5 C.M. JOSHUA TAN PENG BOON Treasurer JOSHUA MURUGAN Secretary POVINKUMAR THEVARAYAN Secretary SACHIN DEV SIVAKUMAR Treasurer HARIGAURA THEVAR Form 5 C.M. KUHANVEL GANESAN Form 4 C.M. KABILAN A/L PALANY Form 3 C.M. POVINKUMAR THEVARAYAN Form 2 C.M. Clubs And Societies | 96 LAU CHIEN ZHEN Form 4 C.M. CALEB TAN PENG BOON Form 3 C.M. AARON PHILIP KENNEDY Form 2 C.M.
BUDDHIST SOCIETY ISLAMIC SOCIETY MR MUHD AZMI HAMDAN BIN MUHD NOOR Teacher Advisor MUHD AFIQ BIN JOHARI Vice President MUHD ILHAM NUFAIL BIN AHMAD RUSHIDI President MR TEOH SONG KOON Teacher Advisor NEOH HAO SHENG President OOI KAI YANG Vice President DOUGLAS CHEE Form 5 C.M. NG KAH CHYE Treasurer NICOLAS CHEE Secretary MUHD KHALIS ADAM Secretary FARRIS AZWAR AMIR Treasurer ABDUL HAIKAL Form 5 C.M. AFIF ABDUL RAHMAN Form 4 C.M. KHAIRIL AIMAN Form 3 C.M. MUHD SHARIN YASIN Form 2 C.M. WONG WEI LIANG Form 4 C.M. BRANDON NG Form 3 C.M. NICOLAS CHEE Form 2 C.M. Clubs And Societies | 97
ARTS & CRAFTS CLUB MOVIE & DRAMA CLUB MS NG JICK LIM Teacher Advisor MUHD AMIR SYAFIQ Vice President ADAM BIN AZRAN President MDM ASMIRA BINTI ALIAS Teacher Advisor KOAY HEAN SENG BENNY President MALIQUE AMMAR Vice President AHAMED SYAFIQUL MUBIN Form 5 C.M. ALIF DANIEL SUFFIAN Treasurer MUHD FARHAAN NAZRI Secretary RAEMY IMRAN ROSLAN Secretary MUHD AMIR SYAFIQ Treasurer RAEMY IMRAN ROSLAN Form 5 C.M. BERNARD NATHAN Form 3 C.M. AHAMED SYAFIQUL MUBIN Form 4 C.M. AMIR NAZRIN AZHAR Form 3 C.M. MUHD FARHAAN NAZRI Form 2 C.M. MUHD ARMAN YUSRI Form 4 C.M. IZMEER ISHAK Form 2 C.M. Clubs And Societies | 98