Running on the theme “Magnificent Past, Glorious Future”, the 120th anniversary celebration of Methodist Girls’ School Ipoh (MGS) culminated in a gala dinner on Saturday, August 5 at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel.
Attended by 1600, the reunion kicked off with an exhibition with booths selling commemorative souvenirs which were snapped up in double-quick time. The floor was abuzz with squeals of delight and clicking cameras.
The lively evening saw performances by current and former students including Judith Watabe, a renowned soprano singer based in Japan and Ezdianie Hayatie, another powerful vocalist whose rendition of “Kau Di Hatiku” (You’re In My Heart), was dedicated to the beloved teachers.
Miss Rita Thavarajah, who taught at the primary school from 1969 to 1981, related her experiences to Ipoh Echo, “My first posting was MGS. I was the youngest teacher then. We produced the best choir and netball team. Both became state champions. English and Music were my favourite teaching subjects. My years in MGS were the most precious and memorable.”
Tracy Wan Chooi Wang was the head prefect for the 1966 group. “Our teachers were very committed such as Miss Ng Poh Chan who taught us Literature and Mr Vincent Lee who taught us Physics. There was no Trinity Hall during our time. I’m proud to serve the school and represent the student body then. I’ve batch mates who flew from Australia, United Kingdom and Singapore just for tonight’s do,” the amiable Tracy, who currently resides in Singapore, enthused. She hopes that the students will continue to excel, especially in terms of character.
Mong Zhi Ying, who graduated in 2008 said, “My fondest memories include our canteen food which was cheap, filling and delicious as well as the netball session, during physical education class, conducted by the late Mr Cheang Hup Keong. MGS has given me a group of valuable friends for life.”
Another notable attendee was Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi, the Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Multimedia and Communications. She is a member of the 1992 batch.
Mei Kuan
