On the evening of the 17th November 2012, some sixty-five plus excited Victorians, distinguished guests, spouses and former masters and teachers of the Victoria Institution gathered together at the Carmen Restaurant, Wisma Lim Foo Yoong, in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate and mark the fifty years since we left our beloved Alma Mater.

The singing of the school song was followed by a minute's silence in tribute to the memory of departed colleagues:

A short welcome speech to the participants by the Master of Ceremonies, Kenneth Chong, followed. In his speech, special mention was made of the contribution made by the late Dr Yim Yoke San for his part in the June 2008 Reunion in Kuala Lumpur. Also noted was the presence of former V.I. teachers - Messrs Saw Chu Tong, John Doraisamy, Vincent Voo, Khoo Teng Yuen, Vong Choong Choy and Yap Chai Seng, Ms Wong Yook Ling and Mrs Chong Hong Chong - who were introduced to all in recognition of their teaching services to Victorians. Also mentioned for bravery and valour in attending the event despite recovering from severe throat problems was wheelchair-bound Mr Wong Nam Sang who typified the Victorian spirit of never giving up.

The Buffet Dinner was delicious to say the least and was well prepared by the Hong Kong Chefs of Marco Polo Restaurant fame. Indian vegetarian dishes were provided by the Chat Masala Restaurant of Brickfields.

During the dinner period, a DVD presentation on the history of the Victoria Institution, produced by Chung Chee Min, was played for the diners.

After dinner entertainment was provided by a galaxy of Victorian singers. First off the mark was Dato Ghazali Yusof with a stellar rendition of My Way and the evergreen Tom Jones' sixties song The green, green grass of home. Ghazali's smooth mellow voice literally stopped all present in their tracks and drew huge applause when he finished. Next off the rack was our Bala "Satchmo" Mahesan with his gravelly voice belting out What a wonderful world. This, too, drew huge applause.

Other performances included oldies by Kenneth Chong, Mr Vincent Voo, Mrs Dyhuner Yip and Khalid Izhar Mahmood. With great music provided with accompanying vocals, the temptation to dance on the floor was too great to resist. Right after the entertainment it was time for the Lucky Door Prizes. Sponsors included four or five-star hospitality organisations from Shanghai, Manila, Hanoi and Penang. They provided complimentary packages with breakfasts and discounted extended stays at the hotels. Other sponsored prizes included dinners, high teas and Noritake gift Vouchers. Mrs Chong won the two-day/one-night package with at the brand new Five-Star Marriott Hotel in Shanghai. Was she excited!

As the evening progressed it was time to cut the cake. The honour was given to the two oldest V.I. masters, namely, Messrs Saw Chu Tong and John Doraisamy. As it was drawing close to 11 p.m. it was time for all to say Auld Lang Syne and to look forward to the next gathering of fellow Victorians and friends. The evening ended with applause to the organizers, Kenneth Chong, Khaja Maricar, and Yip Seong Ching.

They came, they ate, they reminisced....

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