SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE 100^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OLD XAVERIANS’ ASSOCIATION (OXA)

 

20 January 2023
St. Giles Wembley Hotel

 

Ladies and Gentlemen

 

 

I am pleased to be here this evening to join all of you here for this great and auspicious occasion where everyone is celebrating 100 years of achievement by The Old Xaverians’ Association. Like its Alma Mater, St Xavier’s Institution which celebrated its 170^th Anniversary in 2022, the Old Xaverians’ Association has an important role in not only promoting friendship and closer unity among the former students of St Xavier’s Institution but also with the community of Penang.

In late December last year, the OXA paid me a courtesy visit at my office and updated me on your activities and plans for 2024. I am happy to note that your programmes are mainly focused towards social and charitable causes as well as providing assistance and building solidarity among Xaverians. And of course, most importantly, towards the physical betterment of St. Xaviers Institution and its two feeder primary schools.

The state government is aware of the financial challenges and will continue to provide assistance towards improving the physical conditions of our schools.

In fact, the Penang state government had pledged a total RM60 million for our aided primary and secondary schools by the year 2030. This was mentioned in our election manifesto under Human Capital Development and the state government will definitely fulfil this promise.  

In fact, similar to the concerns of the OXA towards the physical conditions of St. Xaviers Institution, the Penang state government realises the importance of infrastructure in stimulating economic growth in a city and attracting inward investment as well as retaining talents. To this end, the Penang State Government will continue with our effort to transform Penang into a location of choice for investors, a destination of choice for tourists and a habitat of choice for residents who desire sustainable living.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

The Old Xaverians’ Association’s initiative in the formation of the Malaysia Federation of La Sallian Alumni Associations in 1976 is indeed an outstanding achievement by your Association and a step towards safeguarding the interest and the development of the La Sallian education system in the country.

The La Sallian education system, under the guidance of the La Sallian Brothers, not only provides academic education but also inculcates the spirit of friendship and also the charitable spirit which is evident by your Association’s annual donations to the various charities and to your Alma Mater, St. Xavier’s Institution.

The giving of education grants to your Association’s junior members who pursue further education in institutions of higher learning is another exemplary attribute of your good practices towards Social Responsibility and your support for education.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I am overwhelmed by your Association’s 100-year history since its inception in 1924 where it has been promoting the Xaverian spirit of friendship and cooperation irrespective of race and religion.

I also note the participation of your Association in the promotion of sporting activities with other alumni members and sporting clubs in Penang which is a commendable effort on building unity and contributes to nation building for the country.

Lastly, I congratulate the President, Dato Khoo Khay Seang and his Management committee and the members of the Old Xaverians’ Association for its achievement in its 100 years of existence and hope that the Old Xaverians’ Association shall continue to go from strength to strength to be such exemplary corporate citizens of the country. I also wish to thank the Organizing Chairman, Mr Jon Saw for the invitation and organizing this successful event.

In the spirit of the motto of your alma mater, St Xavier’s Institution, “Labor Omnia Vincit” which means “Labour Conquers All “, let us work hard together towards excellence especially transforming Penang into an international, intelligent and progressive city.

Thank you.