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This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on May 11, 2017

LET us lastly pledge ourselves, ever to uphold our school,” the students at Victoria Institution (VI) would sing proudly at every assembly. Chairman of the Victoria Institution’s Old Boys’ Association (VIOBA) Foundation Datuk Sri Andrew Abishegam is upholding the good name of his alma mater, indeed. The VI alumnus (1977-83) aims to boost the school’s profile on the world stage by enforcing the Foundation Transformation Programme, also known as the two-year “master plan”. The Foundation Transformation Programme (FTP) was introduced in 2015 but it will be officially launched at the VIOBA Foundation 50th Golden Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner on May 13.

Named after Queen Victoria of the UK, and established by the British to celebrate her golden jubilee, the prestigious 124-year-old school is a nod to colonial-era architecture, featuring two sports pavilions, a large field and a clock tower looming over the school grounds. Alas, the buildings and facilities began to wear down over time, leaving classrooms doorless with broken windows; paint chipping off walls, and a dilapidated basketball court with faded markings. This is where the FTP will play its part – by refurbishing the premises to provide a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

However, a facelift is only a small part of the grander FTP plan. The master plan carried out by the VIOBA Foundation — an arm of the old boys’ association formed in 1922 to provide assistance to needy students of the school — also includes the “Teacher’s Programme”. This will equip teachers with better digital and technology knowledge so they can carry out interactive and interesting lessons to keep students engaged in the classroom.

Rising academic standards, which results in a richer and more competitive talent pool in the workplace, have forced students to acquire skills beyond the classroom. The FTP will be inviting a host of speakers to share their success stories and provide a realistic approach to the modern working world. Some of the luminaries include AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes; Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz; Limkokwing University Fashion Club creative director Datuk Tiffanee Lim;  Fugee School co-founder and Malaysian Brand Ambassador Deborah Henry; and  Habib Jewels managing director Datuk Seri Meer Habib, among others.

Taking on an internship is one way for graduates to stand out from their competitors and increase their chances of securing a scholarship or a job in the future. According to the FTP, post-SPM students can get a head start in the workforce by landing a short stint at various organisations to gain experience. Top-tier bodies such as VERITAS Design Group, X2 International and SEGi University have agreed to the initiative. FTP is still in talks with Westports Malaysia, Northport, Air Asia and Cahya Mata Sarawak to join the programme.

Victoria Institution does not only pride itself on quality education but it has also produced well-rounded students who have contributed significantly to the country, namely managing director of YTL Corporation, Tan Sri Dr Francis Yeoh; badminton champions, the Sidek brothers; former international trade and industry minister Malaysia, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz; sports icon, doctor and deputy president of Olympic Council of Malaysia, Mani Jegathesan; writer and filmmaker, Amir Muhammad; and the late football legend, Mokhtar Dahari.

Abishegam admits that he has never been prouder as a Victorian who lives up to the school’s unofficial but longest-running motto: “Be Yet Wiser — to be a scholar, sportsman and a gentleman”.  

“I used to climb the clock tower in VI; that is probably every Victorian’s dream the moment they step into the school. Managing the VI cultural union concert in 1983 and leading the Lee Kuan Yew house as captain in Form 6 were some of the best times I’ve had in VI. I still keep in touch with my friends after more than 30 years. It’s the friendship we developed, unforgettable experiences in school and the bond we forged that really make life worth living.”

 

VIOBA Foundation Charity Gala Dinner 2017: Celebrating 50 Golden Years

THE ultimate aim of the gala dinner this year is to increase the VIOBA Foundation scholarship fund to RM5 million — the fund currently stands at RM3 million. Royal guest of honour HRH Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom of Pahang will be launching the Foundation Transformation Programme at the gala dinner.

Open to both VI alumni and non-Victorians, the gala dinner will feature performances by the award-winning Victoria Institution Cadet Corp Band, followed by the Aseana Percussion unit. In a special partnership, SEGi University and the VIOBA Foundation will be awarding two full scholarships worth RM140,000 in total to the top students of the school.

A special auction will also take place where guests can take home soccer balls autographed by football stars Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Santokh Singh and Datuk Shukor Salleh, as well as a specially commissioned painting by VI alumnus and local artist Anurendra Jegadeva. Famous singer Datuk Zainal Abidin will be making a special appearance at the gala dinner.


The VIOBA Foundation 50th Golden Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner will take place at the Grand Ballroom, KL Convention Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets from RM300. Visit the VIOBA Foundation Facebook page for more information or call 016 518 5765.

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