MONUMENTAL
AS a student enters the Penang Free School (PFS), they are expected to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge.
They are also expected to display exemplary character and become a holistic student.
A symbol of this pursuit is the Ascension of Knowledge monument, located in the school’s Bicentenary Garden.
Penang Free School Bicentenary Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rafique Abdul Karim said to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the school, the speciallycommissioned monument will also house a special time capsule.
The monument, designed by an alumni, Ong Jin Cheng, is symbolic of the responsibilities and aspirations of students from the time they begin their studies at the school.
“The monument has images of foot prints of various sizes representing their challenging journey,” he said.
Abdul Rafique added, the monument has a spiral route, before reaching a pinnacle where a 30-inch long time capsule will be placed and sealed.
He said the pinnacle of knowledge marks the end of their journey into becoming the students of PFS, a school for scholars, sportsmen and gentlemen.
“The time capsule will be opened in 2066. In it, are the historical documents including on The Old Frees’ Association, school’s magazine, photographs and newspaper cuttings from the past 50 years as well as memorabilia on the momentous celebration,” he said.
Abdul Rafique said the time capsule installation point will be sealed with a stainless steel plaque that has a poem engraved on it.
Earlier in the morning of the celebrations, a ceremony will be held where guest-of-honor and Old Free, Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail will install the time capsule.
He said the monument also has concrete paves and grass patches in between the spiral, depicting support from parents, teachers and communities, received by the students.
The monument is made of concrete to depict solidness of character.
Abdul Rafique said he prefers students to have the opportunity to inspect the monument closely, to feel proud of the tradition, and a sense of belonging to the school.
“We hope for the future generation of PFS students to make full use of their time in the school and to benefit from all the facilities provided by the school to become better human beings,” he said.
Abdul Rafique hopes that the future generation of PFS will follow the traditions and continue with the school’s legacy.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the celebration today, a Bicentenary Scholarship Fund will be launched to aid deserving students in preparation for their tertiary education.
A limited edition book, ‘Let the Aisles Proclaim’ will also be launched and postcards featuring the school’s magnificent architecture will be sold.
Special commemorative stamps and first day covers from Pos Malaysia will also be sold on the event day.