Celebrating 120 years of learning
‘Caning’ among events at ACS gathering
KUALA LUMPUR: A former banker chuckled as he recalled his naughtier friends getting caned in front of the school assembly on Mondays.
“They would act tough, as if they were heroes. But in actual fact, they were afraid of being embarrassed in front of the girls,” said Datuk Lean Meng Seong, 67, ACS Ipoh’s alumni president.
Monday assemblies were so memorable that the alumni has decided to re-enact the whole affair, public caning included, at its 120th year anniversary assembly this month.
“We’ll even invite one of our old discipline masters to re-enact the caning,” Lean said.
Founded in 1885, ACS Ipoh is the oldest English school in the state, formed 20 years after the British arrived in Malaysia.
The school’s founder Rev W.E. Horley recruited 60 students in its first year. The student population soon grew to 250 and he decided to erect a main building.
Built in the Edwardian style of architecture, ACS Ipoh’s central building has been its main facade for the past 100 years.
The school can count its debate team and annual theatre production among its key traditions.
Actor Mano Maniam, 71, led the debate team and starred as the male lead in a Shakespearean play. He credits the training he received at ACS Ipoh for his rewarding five-decade career.
“It was a different time. The school was an extension of our homes. Apart from eating, bathing and sleeping at home, I spent the rest of my time at school,” said Mano, better known as Uncle Chan in the local TV series Kopitiam.
He recalled a time when there were fewer distractions and teenagers chose to stay at school rather than rush home.
“We did not have television. Libraries were a big thing then.
“Unlike my grandchildren, we did not look forward to school holidays as they were so boring,” he said, adding that school allowed him to develop the necessary skills for his acting career.
This year, Mano will contribute his talents to the school once more by assuming the mantle of master of ceremony for its anniversary dinners.
Lean urged its alumni to return to Ipoh to celebrate their alma matter’s anniversary and reconnect with former classmates and friends.
“We appeal to you to come back and celebrate so that the tradition of holding anniversary celebrations at ACS Ipoh will remain strong,” he said.
A dinner will be held on July 31 at The School, Petaling Jaya, and another will take place the next day at Kinta Riverfront Hotel, Ipoh.
Those interested may contact Lai Moo Chan at 012-337 6422 or Lean at 019-319 1001.