Sibu Methodist School's 105th anniversary
A happy moment for Datin Judy Lau (standing) as she catches up with some friends. - Connection picture.
SIBU - The Sibu Methodist
School celebrated its 105th anniversary as well as the 35th anniversary
of the Sibu Methodist School's Alumni Association (SMSAA) recently.
More than 100 alumni from all
over the world came back here for the "World Methodist Alumni
Homecoming" celebrations over two days on July 7 and 8, 2007.
Other than those from the region, they came from as far as Canada
and the United States.
The Thanksgiving Service was held
at the school hall on July 7.
The Rev Dr Tie King Tai, in his sermon, gave thanks to God for
"the missionaries who came to this land and blessed us".
"We could also become a channel of blessings to others,"
he said.
Special guests at the service included Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh,
Minister of Finance II and Minister of Urban Development and Tourism,
Sarawak, Mr John Ting, SMK Chairman of the Methodist School Board
of Management, and Datuk Hii Yii Chiong, founding Chairman of
the SMSAA.
The two-day programme included an "Outstanding Alumni Forum";
"Down Memory Lane", an exhibition of historical pictures
and students' craftworks; "The Alumni Conference" and
"The Fellowship Banquet".
Datin Judy Lau, Chairman of the SMSAA, said: "The two days
might be short but I got to meet up with some old friends whom
I have not seen for a long time. It is simply wonderful.
"It is our desire to build up the networking with our alumni
all over the world. We are thankful for the sacrifices of the
missionaries and now we can enjoy the fruits they bore,"
she added.
The Sibu Methodist School was
established by missionary Rev James Hoover in 1903.
The school has since evolved from a primary school to a secondary
school, from the Chinese medium of instruction to English and
to the national language. It has grown from a mere 100 pupils
to 2,750 and with 147 teachers today.
At the Alumni Conference, a resolution was passed to renovate
the school library and the two old wooden cabins at the school.
The alumni hope to raise M$3 million (S$1.4 million) for this
project. - Connection, The Chinese Methodist Message, Sarawak.