V&V

On the 20th September, 2025 at 6.00pm a section of the Cinnamon Coffee House at One World Hotel, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, was reserved for XCKL’s 40th annual dinner.

Some 100 over ex-Xaverians, with their guests and friends congregated for the occasion.

Among the attendees were our Lasallian Brothers, namely, Dato’ Brother Paul Ho Kok Chee FSC, Brother Andrew Loke Yew Wah FSC, Brother Butch Alcudia FSC, Brother Mico De Leon FSC, Brother Peter Troung FSC, Brother Joseph Bau FSC and our senior members, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim, past Vice Chancellor of University Putra Malaysia and past Chairman of Bank Rakyat, Tan Sri Dato’ Kamaruzzaman Bin Shariff, the 5th Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dato’ Yew Cheng Hoe, a former world-class Malaysian Badminton player, Yeoh Jin Hoe, a very successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, C. Y. Chin, a former Managing Director of Maxis Malaysia, Datuk Ng Meng Poh (Adrian), Group Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer of a public listed company, Ms Fritzie De Vera, Vice President for Lasallian Mission of De La Salle University, Manila, Phillipines, and other Lasallian alumni under the Malaysian Federation of Lasallian Alumni Associations (“MFOLSA”).

We have a High Court Judge, Justice Dr. Choong Yeow Choy with his classmates from year of 1984 in our alma mater were in full attendance.

It is interesting to note that a few Xaverians, who have not met up with some of their classmates, since leaving our alma mater, met up at this dinner. It was an occasion of catching with one member saying ”How come we never bump into each other except at our club annual dinner?”

One of our Xaverian members, Betty Chew, contributed a cake to celebrate her guest, Tan Sri Augustine Ong Soon Hock’s 91st birthday. Tan Sri Ong, a student of St Francis Institution, Melaka and past president of MFOLSA, is also a distinguished member of innovation in the Malaysian palm oil industry.

Many attendees were seen enjoying their wagyu beef and lobsters apart from the variety of spread of dishes.

All in all, the dinner was an enjoyable event especially when our Honorable Justice Dr. Choong Yeow Choy and his lively schoolmates initiated the bellowing out of our unforgettable and beloved alma mater song.

XCKL’s 40th Annual Dinner ended with fond memories of our respective alma mater in celebrating Xaverian fellowship.

By Steven Chan Weng Choy, President of the Old Paulians’ Association

Throughout its 66-year history of the school existence in Mont LaSalle, St Paul’s Institution has continued to create history with one milestone after another. With the recent inauguration of the Paulian Arch of Excellence on October 2, 2025, the school adds yet another chapter to its legacy as a symbol of pride, unity, and collective aspirations. This much-anticipated event was officiated by YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, an alumnus of the school.

The “Paulian Arch of Excellence” is more than just a structure, it is a powerful symbol of the spirit that unites all Paulians. As YB Anthony Loke, Member of Parliament for Seremban and Minister of Transport, shared during his speech, “Every time I return to my alma mater, I feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. It’s not just the facilities that have improved over the years, but the spirit and values the school instills in its students." He emphasized that the arch’s establishment is significant to the school’s identity: “It can naturally enable students to develop a sense of belonging and unity. St Paul’s is not just any school but an institution where we learn, develop values, and become better citizens.”

Supporting this sentiment, Principal Miss Ng Ai Ching expressed that “This arch is not just an entrance, but a symbol of the identity, honour, and love of all Paulians. It gives the school a new look, but more importantly, it inspires pride and confidence among teachers and students to strive for progress, both spiritually and academically.” She conveyed her hope that the arch will continue to be a source of inspiration for current students and future generations.

The project originated from thoughtful discussions and was driven by the Old Paulian Association, which has always been a vital supporter of the school. As President Mr. Steven Chan explained, “Our efforts are about more than building a structure; it represents our teamwork, resilience, and the Paulian spirit.” This shared vision was made possible through a grassroots, personalized fundraising approach led by the initiative of the OPA Patron, Mr. Ng Yee Tim, whose strategic planning and dedication saw the project to fruition without public campaigns.

With a final cost of just under RM60,000 and thanks to contributions from generous Paulians like Mr. Chen Yet Lee and Mr. Kelvin Lee Chin Chuan, the arch symbolizes the strength of a united community. The project highlights how community support and alumni involvement continue to sustain and elevate the school’s legacy.  

The arch now stands as a lasting testament to the pride and heritage of St. Paul’s Institution. In his speech, YB Anthony Loke acknowledged the crucial role of the alumni association, stating, “Without the alumni, the school would face more challenges. Over the years, the school has gradually added facilities, and today’s arch continues this tradition of excellence.” He also encouraged students to uphold the school’s ethos of pride, gratitude, and giving back, which are the values that have sustained St. Paul’s for generations.

As we unveil this meaningful structure, heartfelt thanks go to everyone behind its realization - from the donors to project coordinators to dedicated teachers and volunteers. Special appreciation is extended to our Board Chairman, Dato Dr. Bob Samuel, and to the entire team whose tireless efforts ensured the project’s success.

The Paulian Arch of Excellence symbolizes more than just a physicality; it embodies our collective history, aspirations, and unity. As OPA President Steven Chan shared, “Despite challenges, the arch reminds us of our shared journey and unbreakable bonds as Paulians.” It’s an enduring reminder that when we come together, we can achieve greatness.

In the words of YB Anthony Loke, “St Paul’s is a school that not only educates but shapes individuals into better citizens.” May this arch stand as a proud monument of that ongoing journey and an inspiring beacon that unites past, present, and future Paulians.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Today, we created another history, and in doing so, we also strengthen our legacy for generations to come.

Last 06 October 2025, the soft launch of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of De La Salle Philippines took place at the Central House Administration. Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC (LEAD Visitor), Mr. Edgar Chua AFSC (DLSP President), Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC (DLSP Superintendent) graced the occasion. Also present were Ms. Marivic Mercado and Ms. Caroy Labrador--former Directors of the Advancement and Investment Management Units, respectively.

Highlights of the program include the opening of the exhibit curated by the Br Marvin Castillo FSC Library & Archives showcasing the milestones of DLSP, the panel discussion with seasoned personnel of the Central House, as well as the Eucharistic Celebration. The stories that we listened to, the images and texts that chronicled the birth and growth of DLSP and the energy that we continue bear are hallmarks of the Lasallian mission that we continue to carry out up to this day. 

Last 27 September 2025, Lasallian educators from across LEAD gathered online for Session 3 of LEAD Minds, “Maintaining and Deepening Connection with Each Other.”

Dr. Lindsay Lopez-Wisely of Antioch Unified School District guided participants through the principles of Positive Discipline and Restorative Justice—showing how respect, trust, and healing can transform our learning spaces.

The session sparked meaningful dialogue on building safe, inclusive, and compassionate communities where accountability and care go hand in hand. Thank you to all who joined and shared their insights in this important conversation.

Together, we continue to strengthen our bonds as Lasallian educators and peacemakers.