VIOBA Foundation chairman Andrew Abishegam presenting a cheque for future
V.I. programs.
By Lakash Nanda Kumar
It was a night of reunions, friendships and celebration at the Victoria Institution Old Boys' Association (VIOBA) Centenary Gala Dinner, on November 26, 2022 at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
More than 600 guests, including members from the 1960s classes onwards, gathered at the closed-door event to celebrate 100 years of the oldest school alumni group in Malaysia.
Former students of the Victoria Institution (VI) walked under the centenary archway into the stunning Grand Ballroom of the Majestic Hotel decked out with balloons in the colours of the school.
The Majestic Hotel has served as a backdrop for many glamorous occasions in KL high society including the school's own traditions. It once again set the stage for what turned out to be a memorable night of celebration for the Victoria Institution's alumni.
Victoria Institution Cadet Corps Pipers and Drummers kicked started the night
with the tune of Scotland the Brave.
The Grand Ballroom of the Majestic Hotel has served as the backdrop for many
of the school's events.
Actor and VI alumnus, Chacko Vadaketh, kicked off the celebrations as master of
ceremonies alongside all the distinguished members including Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong, President of
the VIOBA, and Datuk Sri Andrew Abishegam, the organising chairman and guest of honour Tan Sri (Sir)
Francis Yeoh, who were led by the award-winning Victoria Institution Cadet Corps Pipers and Drummers
to the tune of Scotland the Brave.
Reminiscent of Monday morning assemblies at the VI, nostalgia filled the room as 600 guests sang Negaraku and the school song to mark the opening of the night's activities.
As dinner was served - the menu was a replication of the school's centenary dinner in 1993 - guests were entertained by the alum violinist Zachary Lim, and the dazzling up-and-coming pop girl group Wandted.
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VIOBA Centenary Dinner Menu HOT AND COLD COMBINATION Like the four founders of the VI DOUBLE-BOILED CHICKEN SOUP WITH CHINESE BLACK MUSHROOM AND CHINESE CABBAGE Represents the virility of VI boys and the fertility of VI girls DEEP FRIED BONELESS CHICKEN WITH THAI SAUCE Suitable for the teething Class of 1968 BRAISED BROCCOLI WITH DRIED SHRIMPS, BEAN CURD SKIN AND CHINESE BLACK MUSHROOM A Malaysian adventure in ethnic blending STEAMED SEA BASS WITH SUPREME SOYA SAUCE Would have curled the beard of Ganga Singh STIR-FRIED NOODLES WITH SHREDDED CHICKEN Happy Anniversary and long life to the VI SWEET SAGO WITH HONEY DEW An aphrodisiac requested by the Classes of the early 60s LOTUS SEED SESAME BALL Representing the golden-hearted VIOBA Foundation CHINESE TEA To promote insomnia and a 70-million population |
An interactive fireside chat between Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong, School Captain of 1966, Datuk Mustafa Mohd Ali, former VIOBA president and School Captain of 1957, Dr Navin Durairatnam, Victor Ludorum and School Captain of 1994, and Zachary Lim, Valedictorian of 2021, presented the diverse experience at the VI of the former students from different generations.
Guest of honour Tan Sri Francis Yeoh delivers a rousing speech celebrating the
alumni's many contributions.
A night of celebration and reunion isn't complete without a cake-cutting
ceremony..
Abishegam then introduced and invited Yeoh to the stage who delivered a speech that filled the room with pride. He spoke from his heart regarding his experience at school and how the VI contributed to his journey to becoming the executive chairman of the YTL Corporation.
With overwhelming generosity, he pledged to donate the entire dinner costs to the VIOBA Foundation to kickstart the Foundation's Transformation Masterplan aiming to turn the VI into a beacon of education in Southeast Asia.
The Foundation's chairman, Abigesham, then presented a cheque of RM25,000 to the school's principal as a stepping stone for the Transformation Masterplan.
The evening ended with cutting the anniversary cake, a humorous performance by comedian Kuah Jenhan and the famous VI clap and cheer. - The Vibes, December 3, 2022
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VIP Table: (clockwise) Datuk Mustafa Mohd Ali, Datuk Seri Andrew Abishegam,
Tan Sri Sir Francis Yeoh, Datuk Dr Tan Kee kwong
Alumni from the classes of '69 and '70:
Front (L to R): Phoon Pooi Lan, Parames Somasundrum, Dr Looi Lai Leng,
Dr Tong Wai Sin, ex-teacher Mr Loh Kung Sing, Fan Choon Meng, Albert Abishegam,
Dr Fareeda Alhady, Au Yong Mun Heng, Shahul Hamid
Ex-teacher Miss E. Periathamby meets the VIOBA President and the Guest of Honour
L to R: Wong Twee Juat, Miss E. Periathamby, Yap Piang Kian, Yap Li Lin, Dennis Loh, Yap Man Hoong
"VI ! VI ! VI !"
The V.I. Web PageLast update: December 29, 2022.