Thumbs Up, SMI

Got a call from Mr Waran at 11.20pm (Mar 30) informing me that SMI won the Rotary Club Debate 2007 final against Tarcisian Convent Ipoh.

Congratulations to our boys and teacher advisers for a job well done!

Victorious Michaelians !

After more than 20 minutes of deliberation by the adjudicators on which team should be declared winner, St Michael's won the debate against Main Convent, Ipoh. It was a tough fight but our boys stood firm in their argument.

Congratulations to Mr Rajan (extreme left) and Mr Waran. Both of you were called to get a job done and it was accomplished wonderfully!

Picture courtesy of Mr Brindes Lawrence

The Formidable Michaelian Debaters!

From left (Harkirath Singh, Jon Silendra, Kavesunder and Johnathan Diyou)

In a brilliant display of debating prowess, SMI debaters brought cheers and honour to the school by thrashing Methodist Girls School, Ipoh in the 1st round of the Taylor's College Inter-School Debate Tournament.
Four schools took part in the tournament--SMI, Main Convent, Ipoh, Tarcisian Convent Ipoh and MGS.
Tomorrow, SMI faces Main Convent in the final. (Fri, 29 Mar at MC)
The Rotary Club of Ipoh is also organising similar event.
On Mar, 23 during the preliminary round SMI beat Main Convent Ipoh. SMI team was undoubtedly more polished and better prepared. During the semi final yesterday (28 March 2007), SMI had to face Anderson School, Ipoh. Our boys were able to convince the adjudicators again. Our debater Jon Silendra was named as the best speaker.
On Friday, Mar 30, in the final, SMI boys will be at the battle field with the Tarcisian Convent girls.
Venue: Chin Woo Hall, Jalan Hussein, Ipoh. Time: 7pm.
"It is my aspiration to see fellow Michaelians do well. The boys are well-groomed this time around as those selected have gone through a tough filtration process," said Mr Waran, when asked about his style of management.
Mr Waran's motto to them is - Give The Best, Expect The Best.

Note: I acknowledge Mr N. Palaiswaran (Mr Waran) and Mr A. Thederajan (Mr Rajan) for their excellent coaching and superb grooming in producing these competent debaters.

Mr Cheng Ah Laik Bids Farewell to SMI!

St Michael's bade farewell to Mr Cheng Ah Laik, one of its most dedicated and distinguised teachers on Saturday, March 24. Mr Cheng, the head of the technical and vocational studies department, was transferred to St Michael's 16 years ago from SMK Pasir Puteh. He is known among the Michaelian fraternity for his hardworking nature and his constant encouragement to his students. Mr Cheng's passion for teaching had been a powerful inspiration to his colleagues and students.

Michaelians remember him as a teacher of high calibre and had always ensured that they followed his lesson well. His talent is obviously in Additional Maths. For him, all students are able to learn and succeed - which clearly tells of Mr Cheng as a caring and passionate Michaelian.
He said one of the keys to success is to be inquisitive. "That's the element most Michaelians have", he said.
When asked about his retirement plans, Mr Cheng said he was going to take a good rest and spend more time with his family.
Your parting advice to Michaelians, Mr Cheng? He replied in five simple words.
"Keep the Michaelian spirit strong".
We wish you a happy and fruitful retirement, Sir.

MCO Concert -- An Astounding Success!

The public concert by the Michaelian Chinese Orchestra, held to commemorate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, Mar 24, was officiated by Dato' Chew Wai Khoon, the state assemblyman of Tebing Tinggi.
He represented state MCA chief Dato' Ong Ka Chuan. Chew also announced an allocation of RM5000 for the MCO on behalf of Ong.

In his speech, he praised the MCO and the school for the initiative in organising a concert of high standard to promote Chinese classical music. And the very fact that SMI, being a national school, could produce such students is worthy of mention.


caption: Datuk Chew officiating the concert. On the right is
principal Mr Phoon Chong Chee.


From right: Datuk Chew, Mr See Tean Seng (state assemblyman
for Kuala Sepetang, former teacher and counsellor of SMI),
Mr Phoon and Dr Mamjunder.


The strokes of a master... Timothy Chee

One of the highlights of that night was "Mu Min Xin Ke" when Master Timothy Chee, armed with just a container of black paint, a brush and a paint roller, succeeded in the creation of a 4-metre dragon on a canvas. The final touch to the painting was completed in just 5 minutes after he creatively sprinkled some green, blue and gold dust on the still wet paint. As an appreciation to Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, the painting will be delivered to his office in two weeks.

The other slots worth mentioning are "Fang Sheng De Re Zhe- Full Orchestra" and Once Upon A Time In China - Wushu.
The lion dance, conducted by our very own Michaelians, had indeed created an atmosphere befitted our school theme this year, "Quality Michaelians - The Engine For Future Success".

The boys behind the vibrance of the dragon dance.

Teachers worthy of mention in the brilliant organisation of the concert -- Puan Chia and Ms Corinne Mah. I must thank the students for their untiring efforts and time in ensuring the success of this splendid performance.

Homecoming For Koo Kien Keat

Cheered by some 1500 Michaelians, Koo Kiet Keat inspired the students by telling them it was the Michaelian spirit within him that propelled him to great victory. He said every Michaelian should work hard to achieve personal victory and to continue lifting the Michaelian flag high.
Koo said wherever he goes, he has never failed to mention his alma mater whenever he had the opportunity. For him, SMI represents his numerous victories in badminton and his homecoming this time is to acknowledge the good works carried out by the LaSallian brothers, the school heads and the teachers.
Talking to reporters later at a press conference, Koo said he cherished the school for grooming him to be who he is today. "I will never forget St Michael's because this is a school I learn humility and how to honour those who have sacrificed for me," he said.
His short visit had indeed impacted the school community.

"QUIS UT DEUS"

A Wonderful Message From Brother Vincent!

Below is my e-mail to Brother Vincent. I believe many Michaelians would like to hear from our dear and loving Brother.

The e-mail I sent on March 21, 2007 -- Brother Vincent, kindly pen your thoughts and kind words to all readers of my blog esp our old boys, former teachers and the LaSallian fraternity. I must say that many would like to hear from you Brother. Thank you.

Note: It took barely eight hours for his reply to come through. Appreciate your message Brother and on behalf of our readers out there, my heartfelf thanks.

Dear Michaelians,

I wish to congratulate Peter Khiew on his delightful initiative, a longstanding dream come true. Few have his range of gifts for such a venture, fewer still can measure up to his level of personal commitment and dedication. Many thanks to Peter.

I wish also to extend a greeting to the increasing number of Michaelians who are logging on to keep abreast of developments in our Michaelian world.

Be assured that the school continues to compete with the best in all fields, and the public performance by our Michaelian Chinese Orchestra this weekend is a sign that we excel even where not everyone can follow.

Peter, despite his many other commitments, has kept you up to date on important developments such as the new primary building and the replacement of the roof of our main building.

This latter project is taking 4 months to complete and involves a massive dislocation of classes. As always Michaelians learn to adjust with a smile.

I wish to place on record our deep appreciation to all our benefactors who came forward so readily and generously in our hour of need. God bless them one and all.

Every blessing to you and all dear to you.

QUIS UT DEUS.

Brother Vincent

Badminton Hero Koo Kien Keat Visits Alma Mater

Michaelian Koo Kien Keat, who won the Asian Games gold medal in Doha last December, and the Malaysian Open which was the first in the Super Series, is visiting his alma mater tomorrow, Friday at 7.30am.

A warm reception is being arranged by the school administrators to welcome home the hero of SMI. Koo is expected to present a speech to inspire all Michaelians at the morning assembly, to be attended by some 1600 students. The school will also be notifying former Michaelians and members of the Board of Governors to join in the function.

Koo will be accompanied by his father, Koo Chiew Wah, who himself is a familiar face among the Michaelian fraternity. The senior Koo, who was attached to the SMI science laboratory, started work in St Michael's in 1979 and continued serving here until his retirement four years ago.

The press will be informed of Koo's sweet return to his alma mater.

Koo made headlines when he and Tan Boon Heong won the All-England tournament and continued with their winning streak by capturing the doubles title at the Swiss Open on Sunday.

Picture from theSun, caption Koo, his father and Tan.

Our Tuan Haji Meor aka Brother Meor Retires in July 2007

Upcoming story!

SMI remembers a humble, an outstanding and a dynamic Michaelian who has served St Michael's for some 30 years! He has a long story to tell and he is going to share with us about his passion for St Michael's, his sweet and bitter experience as a teacher in SMI, his life and his plans. Brother Meor is retiring in July 2007 and all of us are going to miss him dearly. He is highly considered as one of St Michael's greatest sons.

How cheerful and thankful they are!

St Michael's primary school boys have already occupying the new building block, with so much space to run and play. The classrooms are spacious and the canteen (which is not operational yet) is currently used to congregate the boys before they line up in a single file to proceed to their respective classes.

Happy faces can be seen on virtually all the boys and teachers. The staff room, contrary to the previous one which was cramp and stuffy, is conducive and roomy. Now the teachers are having a table each compared with two teachers to a table previously. Even parking bays are provided for the teaching staff.

Talked to four Year Six boys - Ian Lim, Pan Jenn Han, Cheong Keng Hoe and Jacob Phang.

"We thank those people who made the new school possible", said Ian.

"My classmates and I can study better now. We are targetting for good results in our UPSR", said Pan.

"My headmaster said the building is made possible through the efforts of the old boys. We do not know who they are but I want to thank them. When I grow up, I also want to help my school", said Cheong.

Jacob said," This place is nice. My friends and I want to keep it that way".

Note: Thank you very much Brother Vincent Corkery for your efforts and time in approaching individuals, far and near, with your words of wisdom, your power of persuasion and your kind words. We remember the old boys, the OMA helmed by Mr Adrian Tsen and SMI Alumni Klang Valley headed by Dr Chin Yoong Kheong, the Board of Governors, all benefactors, parents and individuals for their tremendous love for the school and the strong Michaelian spirit that burns within.

These are the people who have made our dream possible and our vision realised.

SMI Grand Campfire 07 was a tremendous success

Caption:
from top:
a. Guides from 4th unit, 7th & 8th coy Main Convent Ipoh.
b. Scouts from Kinta 01- ACS Ipoh.
c. Master Timothy Chee with senior instructors from Singapore.
d. The group from Singapore.
e. The troop from SMJK Yuk Choy Unit 72nd.
f. Mr Woon Fook Sim lighting up the symbolic fire to officially open the campfire.
g. The historical ceremony on the school field.



Some 800 scouts and guides from Ipoh, including those from Seremban and Petaling Jaya joined in the celebrations. Nineteen scouts from the Beatty Beaver Scout Group of Beatty Secondary School Singapore also lent a touch of comradeship and fellowship at the get-together.
Master Timothy Chee and Master Thomas Choo, hailed as Veteran Scout Masters who brought scouting in St Michael's to its pinnacle, were accorded a grand welcome and superb recognition by the present Kinta 02 scouts.

Both masters were instrumental in producing 31 king scouts in 1972, an effort which brought great glory to SMI and the state of Perak.

Producing king scouts is a tedious, arduous and rigorous process.
A scout is evaluated and made to undergo King Scout Code of Conduct Examination which consists of 5 components which are Responsibility, Expedition, Community, Activity and Independence.
This evaluation is either done in a camp (3 days 2 nights) organized by the district or state level or done as part of a 5 day 4 night expedition. Either way, all the 5 components must be covered.
Once a candidate passed the King Scout Code of Conduct, he qualifies for the King Scout Standardization Camp, a 3 day 2 nights organized by his respective State King Scout Standardizers.
It involves solo camping and making campcraft (minimum 20 gadgets), pioneering, first aid, foot and stave drills, backwoodsman cooking and handicraft making.Then the King's Scout Candidate will receive a Bushman's Thong which is self-made. Once passed, the prestigious King Scout certificate is signed by every king/sultan from all 9 states of Malaysia as well as signed and presented personally by the Sultan of the state to the recipient at the palace.

Conclusion:
The campfire was a tremendous success judging by the huge turnout of participants, former scouts and the spirit of unity, comradeship and brotherhood demonstrated throughout the entire event.
My verdict: An A+ to William Liew (chief senior instructor), all senior instructors, Liew Kei Yan (Troop Leader) and all Kinta 02 scouts. Bravo to everyone.

A Preview of the SMI Grand Campfire

Paid a surprise visit to the camping ground this evening where the grand gathering of scouts and guides is held. Amazingly, preparations were in full scale with myriad of exhibitions, scouting gadgets and structures which one has rarely seen anywhere.
The camp will be a golden opportunity for visitors to come and appreciate what the Michaelian scouts have produced -- with such commitment and an amazing degree of love for scouting. Five stars for the scouts!

Look at the pictures taken and you will appreciate their hard work.

SMI Scouts Organise A Grand Campfire

‘A Century of Baden Powell’s Legacy,

80 Years in SMI’,

The year 2007 marks 100 years since the founder of the Scouting Movement, Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, held the first scout camp at Brownsea Island. As the centenary of Scouting is an auspicious occasion, the 02 Kinta Scouts from St. Michael’s Institution, Ipoh is organizing a campfire to celebrate this momentous event.

Themed ‘A Century of BP’s Legacy, 80 Years in SMI’, the organizing team promises those who will be present at the campfire a night to remember. This is because apart from the centenary of Scouting, this year also holds a special place in the history of scouting in St. Michael’s Institution. The Scouting Movement in SMI enters its 80^th year as it was first introduced in 1927.

Besides celebrating the centenary of Scouting and 80 years of Scouting in SMI, the event also serves as a reunion function for all former scouts from SMI, regardless of which batch they come from. As such, all former scouts from SMI are cordially invited to this campfire.

Former Scoutmaster, Master Timothy Chee had given exceptional services to the Scouting Movement here for more than 25 years. His equally capable brother, Master Thomas Choo would also be attending this campfire.

The campfire, scheduled to begin at 1800 hours on the 17^th March 2007 is expected to be attended by some 1000 scouts, guides and rangers from various schools across the region including the former scouts of SMI.

Besides that, scouts from as far as Singapore would also join in the celebration. The participation of scouts and guides from different schools and states would definitely help to tighten the bonds among them.

This campfire also gives an opportunity to the present scouts to raise fund for the upgrading work of the scout den as there is a dire need to do so.

Many have come forward to make contributions to the troop to ensure a success edition of yet another campfire organized by the scouts. The organizing team would like to thank all contributors for their generous support and ensures everyone a dazzling display of the opening ceremony and an incredible evening to behold.

For details, kindly contact William Liew at 012-5983762, Liew Kei Yan at 016-5346749 or Lau Yau Kin at 016-5364842.

STPM candidates as reported in the media

Understanding key to success

By Giam Say Khoon

PETALING JAYA (March 15, 2007): For Chen Kok Pun, of SMK Katholik, who scored five straight As in the STPM examination last year, it is more important to understand lessons than merely memorising from books.
"I did not bury myself in books and I only spent two to three hours revising each day," he said yesterday, when asked his recipe for academic success.
"Studying is not about memorising everything in the books. Understanding a subject is more important, because once you understand it, it becomes very easy."
Kok Pun, who hopes to be a physicist, confessed that he was surprised when he got a call informing him that he was one of the top scorers in the examination because he had expected to get only 4As and one A-.
He was among 17 candidates awarded excellence awards for their exceptional academic performance.
Three of them were 'special students' - Siti Nurjannah Zamzuri of SMK St John, Kuala Lumpur, who is blind, Lau Ping Ping of SMK Sacred Heart, Sibu, who is partially-blind, and Tan Chong It of SMJK Jit Sin, Penang, who is spastic.
The other 13 were Goh Boon Chong of SMJK Chung Ling, Penang, Lee Gah Hung of SMK Tinggi Melaka, Malacca, Saw Vee-liem of SMK St Michael, Ipoh, Low Woei Chyuan of SMK St Anthony, Teluk Intan, Lee Ling Yuin of SMK Sam Tet, Ipoh, Teo Wei Suong of SMK (L) Methodist, Kuala Lumpur, Chuai Ei Mun of SMK Sam Tet, Ipoh, Sharafuddin Sahrin of Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah, Klang, Wai Chiew Heong of SMK Sultan Abu Bakar, Kuantan, Christine Tan Lee Ling of SMK (P) Temenggong Ibrahim, Batu Pahat, Wong Yin Hoong of SMK Seri Kampar, Kampar, Boon Sair Lin of SMK Pulau Sebang, Malacca, and Yong Teck Kim of SMK St Anthony, Sarikei.
Mohd Tajudin reports from Penang: SMJK Jit Sin in Bukit Mertajam has consistently delivered outstanding STPM achievers every year.
Six of its students - Tan Chong It, Goo Yik Wen, Khor Xin Yun, Ooi Yuan Shyon, Tan Kheng How and Wong Teck Hong - scored 5As in last year's examination.
Assistant principal Goay Teck Chong said this was the best results for the school since it initiated a five-year development plan in 2001 to improve the academic achievement of its students.
"This is much better than last year when only one student achieved 5As," he said.
In Ipoh, Peter Khiew reports: Tham Wai Hoe, who scored 5As, said he studied better with his radio switched on and playing his favourite songs.
Wai Hoe, one of the top students in St Michael's Institution, hopes to take up electronic engineering either in Singapore or Australia.
Another top student, Yap Voon Lip, said he spent four hours daily on his revisions.
"I am a firm believer of play and study. I still went out with my friends for movies and outdoor games. In this way, one can strike a balance in life," said Voon Lip, who hopes to study medicine or pharmacy.

Taken from theSun dated March 16, 2007.

Caption of photo: Saw Vee-Liem... represented Malaysia at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore School of Mathematical Sciences and bagged home an award from NTU in May last year (2006). His story was featured in the 2006 school magazine.

SMI Glitters With Top STPM Scorers!

Eleven Michaelians scored straight As in their 2006 STPM, with one being called up by the ministry to meet up with the chairman of the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC), Ministry of Education.

Saw Vee-Liem, who obtained 5As, received a telephone call a day earlier to receive his commendation certificate from the MEC in Kuala Lumpur. He was accompanied by principal Mr Phoon Chong Chee. Vee-Liem is listed to be one of the best scorers in the country.

The breakdown:
5As - Tham Wai Hoe, Yap Voon Lip & Chan Chun Keat

4As - Cheh Siew Loong, Teh Chin Wen, Chua Soo Lim, Lee Sung Way, Leong Kar Yan,
Chan Guan Hua & Yvonne Lee Ling Xin.

Congratulations from us in St Michael's.

caption: Pix 1 ..The jubilant top scorers and their teachers .

Pix 2: Tham Wai Hoe and his supportive father Tham Kin Heng.

Remembering Our Michaelian Teachers!

Teachers in 1969 (38 years ago) SMI teachers 25 years ago















It is time we remember our teachers in St Michael's. Irrespective whether they are our former or present teachers, we rank them as our teachers --the great teachers who have managed to form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people.















These teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring, those who are imbued with the Michaelian and Lasallian ideals of Faith, Zeal and Service .

Teachers in 1992 (15 years ago)



















Teachers with these qualities are known to make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in many aspects of their students' lives and they demonstrate a great commitment and dedication to the school. These are also the traits that make their students remember them.

St Michael's has produced great students who are now excel in their respective vocations. We will continue to uplift them in our prayers. Your alma mater will continue to be your aspiration.

Official Release of SPM 2006

Caption:

(1) Top scorers Kao, Wardi, Lam, Lee and Teh.

(2) Michaelians lining up for their exam slips.

(3) A time to network and talk about future plans

Time: 10.30am

Date: 12 March 2007

Venue: School Hall

St Michael's Institution here churns out nine straight As students in last year's SPM.

Topping the list is Lee Xing Ju, 17, who scored 10A1.

Another top scorer Lam Weng Hoong, bagged home 9A1 and 1A2. Others are Teh Sek Yee (9A1, 2A2), Kao Wei Xiang (8A1 , 3A2) and Wardi Syazwi Safferi (9A1, 1A2), Navin Gunasagran (10A1, 1A2), Ng Kok Weng (9A1, 2A2) and Joshan Kyrashq (6A1, 4A2).

Navin, a school debater and tennis player, currently takes a course in Finance Studies in University of Melbourne, Australia. His parents turned up at SMI to take his results.

A Look At Our Alma Mater

The main building is currently undergoing major changes. Let's have a look at the works carried out so far.

Congratulations, Koo. You made us extremely proud.

Young Pair End M'sia's 25-year Wait For All England Men's Doubles Title

Michaelian Koo Kien Keat and his partner Tan Boon Heong put up a smashing performance to end the country's 25-year wait for the All England men's doubles title after beating China's top seeds Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena here today in Birmingham, England. (11 March 2007)

The Malaysian pair bagged home USD14,400 (RM50,400) prize money.

Tears of emotion rolling down his cheeks during the prize presentation best reflected the feelings of Kien Keat, who has played at the championship three times before with former partner Chan Chong Ming. It was the second title of the year for the duo who had won the Malaysian Open in January.

Their win also completes an accomplishment of having beaten the world's top two pairs in the competition as they had overcome second seeds Jens Eriksen/Martin Lungaard of Denmark in the semi-final yesterday.

Note: Koo won the Perak state doubles championship organised by the BAM Perak on Sept 17, 2000. He was in Form 3 (Year 2000) when he won the single Perak Novice Badminton Championship. His outstanding skills in badminton won him a place at the prestigious Sports Academy in Bukit Jalil, Selangor where he did his Form Four (starting 2001). While there, he was under the coaching of former national doubles player Yap Kim Hock. Koo Kien Keat was born in September 18, 1985 in Ipoh.

We in St Michael's salute your success.