More than 250 guests, including former Permanent Secretary (Finance), Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, former Police Commissioner, Mr Tee Tua Ba and Ms Carla Barker, daughter of the late Mr E W Barker, one of the Illustrious Alumni from the School, were present. Other VIP guests were the current School Principal, Mr Yeo Kuerk Heng, and former Principal, Mr Dilbagh Singh.

The Dinner saw an overwhelming response from members, their spouses, friends, and former students of Serangoon English School and Serangoon Secondary School. The entire Restaurant was filled up, with little or no room to spare.

We could recognize some new faces at the Dinner. This augurs well for the future, as it indicates that there is growing support for the Alumni. It was a joy to see the happy and smiling faces of alumni members, as they moved among the gathering, hoping to catch up on old times with their friends. To gather more insight of the Dinner, please click on more.

The President of the Alumni in his Welcome Speech, spoke of the SSS Scholarship Fund launched in February this year to help selected former students of Serangoon Secondary School financially, as they pursue their post-secondary education at Junior Colleges and Polytechnics. Another milestone was the announcement of the setting-up in the School of the Hall of Achievers.

The first batch of Achievers inducted were the late Mr E W Barker, a Law Minister of the first Cabinet under Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Others were the former Permanent Secretary (Finance), Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, former Police Commissioner, Mr Tee Tua Ba, and Associate Professor, Wong Poh Poh, a Nobel Laureate, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his collaboration with former US Vice-President, Mr Al Gore, on Climate Change.

As with previous Alumni Dinners, many of the guests had a jolly good time, dancing and singing away. The food was excellent, and all the guests enjoyed thoroughly the fun and games. For the Lucky Draws, the first and second prizes were a man, and a lady’s watch, respectively. Music was provided by a 3-piece band, Charles & The Melodians. Their forte was slow pieces, and country and western songs, including oldies, which were well-received by those present, many of whom belong to the older generation.

The night ended with Charles’ rendition of the old School Song of the ’50s. It brought back pleasant memories to many, especially the older members, who studied in Serangoon English School.

Buoyed by the success of this year’s Dinner, we are planning to have a bigger, better, and more exciting Alumni Dinner next year, when we celebrate our 30th Anniversary.

Best Regards

LIEW CHENG SONG
September 2010