LA SALLE TERCENTENARY DINNER
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE OCCASION OF LA SALLE TERCENTENARY DINNER
19 October 2019
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests
This year marks the 300th anniversary of the passing of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, the founder of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Patron Saint for Teachers.
Throughout the world, celebrations are held to commemorate the event with an emphasis that La Sallians are ONE, ONE HEART, ONE COMMITMENT, ONE LIFE.
The La Sallian mission is of faith, community and service. The La Sallian family extends to more than 900,000 students in 80 countries around the world. This is a year to honour the La Sallian mission and network and this evening's dinner is one event of such celebration to honour the La Sallian heritage and its Founder.
I am very pleased to be invited to this event and to be in the presence of so many Xaverians and La Sallians. The late YB Karpal Singh was also a Xaverian and I believe he had contributed to St Xavier's Institution and to the community in true Xaverian and La Sallian spirit. The Karpal Singh Hall is an example, where many Old Xaverians like the late YB Karpal himself, and also many of you who are present this evening, had contributed generously and wholeheartedly.
I believe this evening's gathering is a celebration of fellowship, friendship, unity in community service, developing a network of La Sallians young and old, and a recognition of St John Baptist and the Christian Brothers.
The Xaverian and La Sallian Spirit is deeply entrenched in the five core principles of faith, respect, community, education and concern for the poor and social justice. These teachings and traditions of the La Sallian schools across the nation which emphasise charity and giving while looking out for the last, the least and the lost, are truly to be commended.
Such teachings, especially in the current times are so precious and rare. These are lessons and values that we want to instil in our younger generation. Such a close bond between teachers and students, as what I am witnessing this evening is the manifestation of such values and teachings of the La Sallian schools, teachers and community. All of you are indeed touching hearts and changing lives.
I would like to end with a quote from King George VI:
"The highest of distinctions is service to others".
With that, I wish all of you a wonderful and fruitful time together tonight.
Thank you.