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LUMEN | EVENTS
Class of 1954
The Momentous
Diamond Anniversary
By Partick Mowe
Ten years ago the the Class of 1954 met to celebrate their 50th anniversary . This was followed by the Diamond ( 60th ) Anniversary celebration on 17 May , 2014 .
Seated L - R Wong Loke Jame ( Teacher , Author , Counsulor , SIA Airline Stn . Mgr ) Low Yong Kee ( Teacher ), Ernest Wickramasinghe ( Teacher , Naval Commander ) Pang Boon Seng ( Rotarian , Businessman ) Raymond Ambrose ( Teacher Australia 25 yrs + Singapore 20 yrs ), James Tseng ( Latin Teacher 1954 & Scout Master ), Bro . Paul Ho ( Sector Leader , All La Salle Brothers Singapore Guest of Honor ) Lester Tan ( Teacher ), Moses Tay ( Teacher ), Fr . Paul Pang ( Redemptorist ), Peter Thong How Soon ( Teacher , Philosopher ), William Chee ( Civil Servant , SPH )
Standing L - R : Patrick Mowe ( Head Prefect ’ 54 , Best All round Teacher TTC ’ 57 , CEO MPH Group ) Daniel Choong ( guest La Salle Org .), Anthony Tang , James Rodrigo , Peter Colaco ( Teacher , Humourist ), Denis Distant ( Banker , Voice of Small Investors ), WST , Ng Fook Lam ( Doctor , sings cantonese opera , golfer ) Anthony Mak , Low Siew Thiam ( Head Prefect 1955 , Chairman Global Leadership Forum , Journalist , Adjunct Prof . Turiba Univ . Latvia ) John Yip ( Head Prefect ’ 55 , Teacher RI , Director of Education ), Granville Gross ( SJI Soccer First XI )
Most of the 1954 cohort joined SJI in 1946 as the school reopened after the Second World War . SJI admitted students much older than normal into classes according to their level for the English language and arithmetic . Rapid promotions of the students were common for those who were home schooled .
Some emigrated to Australia or Canada . Many found their first jobs as teachers in the 50s . The Class of 1954 had a fair share of educators who built up the ‘ pioneer Nation ’ because they came from good quality mission schools .
This generation saw the setting sun of the British Empire . Then came the Rising Sun of Japan , flexing its muscles in the Pacific and causing the Russian Navy in 1905 to lose its dominance .
We endured the scarcities and cruelties of the Japanese occupation for two and a half years when our fathers had to bow before the heads of beheaded Singaporeans along Anderson Bridge .
We took the first steps towards independence as part of Malaysia , then riots broke out , followed by the withdrawal of the British forces . Eventually there was a political separation from Malaysia that still lingers .
Finally this generation took the reins of independence and bore all the worries of Nationhood . But we took it in our stride fearing no one and conceding to no one . We made our luck .
At this function , we recognised that we have to take care of our classmates who are no longer as strong physically as they were once . It was with lumps in our throats that we extended a hand to our disabled classmates who did not make excuses for their circumstances . Helping them gave the Spirit of SJI true meaning .
The Class of 1954 produced many educators and leaders who have gone on into commerce . Now we need the vocations to give back to SJI their sons .
... everyone thinks of money , works and toils to earn money . But money is not the most important thing in life . Have enough money to sustain life , one ’ s basic needs , maintain a decent life .
Helping those in need will make one a happy person . One should never measure anything in terms of money .”
Peter Thong How Soon