THE OLD FREES’ ASSOCIATION (OFA) 99th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE OLD FREES’ ASSOCIATION (OFA) 99th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
21 October 2022
St. Giles Hotel
Dato’ Dr P.P. Shah
Trustee of the Old Frees’ Association (OFA)
Mr Andrew Lim Chong Huat
President 2022/23 of the Old Frees’ Association
Mr Roy Chai Heng Hock
Organising Chairman
The Management Committee of The Old Frees’ Association
Headmaster of PFS
Dato’ Seri & Datin Seri, Dato’ & Datin
Media friends
Ladies and Gentlemen
A very good evening to all of you.
I would like to thank the Organising Committee for inviting me to say a few words on this memorable occasion as the Old Frees’ Association (OFA) celebrates your 99th Anniversary and the 206th Anniversary of the Penang Free School. I offer my heartiest congratulations to the OFA which will be having your auspicious centenary celebrations next year.
I am aware that the Old Frees’ Association, one of the oldest alumni in this country, which was formed in 1923, is not only supporting the annual programmes of the school but also ensuring it is the place for the old boys to gather and rekindle the memories of their schooling life, foster unity and brotherhood among the Old Frees.
In this aspect, the former students of PFS, the oldest premier school in South-East Asia founded in 1816 should appreciate the high standard and quality education given by the school educators.
It is a school for Scholars, Sportsmen and Gentlemen. To all Old Frees, keep up your school motto ‘Fortis Atque Fidelis’ (Strong and Faithful).
The OFA has been the bridge between the present Frees and the Old Frees. The support and financial aid given to the school has enabled the participation of the current students in many activities organised by the school and other organisations.
OFA, during the recent Covid-19 pandemic had given medical equipment to the Penang General Hospital. Other Ex-Frees had also helped in giving basic necessities to the needy in Penang. OFA, moreover, has an annual CSR fund to channel financial aid to charitable organisations.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
The Penang state government is aware of the contributions of the Penang Free School which has moulded, in your very own words; Scholars, Sportsmen and Gentlemen, who have greatly contributed to our nation and Penang in
particular.
I can still remember the remarkable feat achieved by PFS three years ago when the school successfully became the finalists at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2019 that was held in Phoenix, Arizona in the US. This was achieved at a time when the Penang state government was and is still strongly encouraging our secondary students to study the Sciences and to seriously consider a career in STEM-related fields. You have thus set a good example for the promotion of STEM education for our students in Penang!
When we talk about STEM education, we must also mention one growing field which offers a far-reaching career option and that is coding.
Through Penang Science Cluster (PSC), we have successfully provided free coding training to more than 154,000 students in 2018 and 2021. This was made possible through the state government’s RM6 million allocation for the provision of free coding classes that were made available to our primary and secondary school students including those from vernacular and religious schools.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
I have been informed that the OFA is now planning your centenary celebrations in 2023. Various programmes and activities including sporting events will be organised leading to a grand celebration in 2023.
I am happy to note that OFA has been supportive of the school activities and does maintain a close relationship with the school and continues to support your Alma Mater in times of need.
Lastly, I call upon the Old Frees to uphold your traditions and culture. Armed with the fine education the school had imparted, you should all unite with one voice to bring back the glorious past and to transform PFS and OFA into legendary landmarks.
Thank you.