#奕中返校日八周年紀念 空中留言 V8

With New music “Memory” in autoplay. 22 July 2021

第五屈校友曹吉良空中留言

Eight years ago that I attended one of the most memorable event in my life, the October 7, 2012 KBCHMS Alumni Reunion. Before, during and after all three sessions I felt joy, warmth and comradely among all present. It was simply an unbelievable and unforgettable atmosphere, there was laughter, hugs and greetings of old school mates some have not seen each other for over half a century.

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We reminisced the good old days and time seemed flew by, before we realized, it was time to say goodbye.

Thanks to the organizers who did a marvelous job putting together the event and it would not have happened if we did not have such a dedicated group. Also thumbs up and much appreciation to Mr. Lau Siau Yuen (劉小源) Chairman of KBCHMS Board Of Directors who at short notice treated us to a sumptuous luncheon at Restaurant Chin Wah, Seria. Thank you.

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Regrettably and with sadness due to the lack of volunteers to take over as administrators of our eBook publications and might not be able to publish the memories of the 9^th Anniversary Reunion. Over the years we have had tremendous support and I thank you and would take this opportunity in wishing everyone well.

Chow family reunion

In addition to attending the KBCHMS Alumni Reunion, my siblings and I tried to make good use of the long flights from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the USA, we seized the opportunity to organize some side events. One of them was to gather, all 12 of us, in Bandar where my buddy Chong See Kui and his lovely wife Margaret graciously open up their home and put us up for the night. They fed the hungry bunch to a delicious lunch with many local fruits including Tarap (found in Borneo only) and later that night took us to the Gadong Night market where we feast on local cuisines which we missed while living in the West and Down Under. Unfortunately, my younger sister Suet Cheng could not make the trip because she had to remain behind to take care of her late husband.

The next morning 4 of us went on a tour of the famed Water Village and upon return joined the rest of the group for an interesting visit to Radio/TV Brunei.

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The morning after the main event and after breakfast in Seria, we went back to the old house we lived in since 1954 to have our family photoshoot and later we went to pay our respects to late our parents, the late primary school principal, and his wife at their respective final resting places. See Kui and Margaret again treated us to some mouth-watering local favorite Rojak in Kuala Belait. That night we had our Chow family reunion dinner also at the Restaurant Chin Wah, Seria. We also celebrated the birthdays of our elder brother Kat Wah and sister Soot whose birthdays happened to fall on the same day. Early next morning the Chow clan drove to Miri to visit the temple where our parent’s Shen Wei (神位) are kept and on the way there we stopped by a roadside stall to purchase a ton of durian.

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Last but not least we also managed to visit with the families of our dear old friends, the Thams and the Yies.  We then went our separate ways, some stayed on a few days, some flew straight home and some continued their tour of Asia. As a whole, it has been an excellent experience and the long trip was well worth it.

Dear Uncle SK, please include my comments in your KBCHMS ebook.  Also feel free to select some photos from our visit at the end of 2018 to include.  Thank you very much for all your hard work to document these lovely memories.

Irene Chow’s comments:

I have watched as my dad, Kat Chow and his good friend SK have kept their bond and friendship from their childhood days in Brunei.  It is truly amazing how you all have kept in touch for over 70 years.  My dad, SK and all of you were able to document your most poignant and memorable times as young friends in your blog.  I also find it amazing that after 60+ years and scattering throughout the globe, you were able to come back together as friends at a reunion from thousands of miles away. 

I was able to experience first-hand the uniqueness of Brunei and the closeness of this group of friends when my family and my mom and dad travelled to Brunei at the end of 2018.  SK was an extremely gracious host, housing us at his lovely home in Bandar.  He hired a tour guide to show us all the interesting museums, mosques, the water village, and other sites in Bandar.  We experienced delicious local food, eating at SK’s home and his extended family’s homes as well as at the night market. 

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We visited KBCHMS, where Mr Tan gave us a tour of the school.  I really appreciate Mr Tan taking his time to show us the school as it is today.  It is clear how this place is a warm place to learn and make friends. 

We also met many of my dad and SK’s friends, some of whom my dad hadn’t seen in over 50 years.  However, it was obvious from their joyful conversations that they picked up where they left off many years ago. 

We saw the home where, as teenagers, they goofed around.  My dad showed us the first home he lived in and the other home where he grew up. 

I would also like to thank Mr. Lau Fah Ngin and the late Mrs Lau for treating us to a delicious dim sum lunch in Kuala Belait.  I myself hadn’t been back to Brunei in over 40 years.  It was an experience that I’m glad I was able to share with my family as we traced my family’s roots.  Thank you, dad and SK!

From the Editor’s Desk:

Chow Kat Liang is one of the founders of this eBook 7 years ago and he was the Chairman of the Organising & working Committee, from overseas alumni, of this grand Alumni Reunion 8 years ago. You must see what he has to say. Chow Kat Liang has a message for you as follow:-

” We have worked very hard to bring you closer together through the foundation of this eBook 7 years ago. Together, we also organize this “virtual” reunion to tell you that we have not forgotten you even through the difficult period facing the challenges from this pandemic. As we age so do our health, celebrating the 9th Anniversary of the last 2012 Grand Reunion is going to be very difficult until the younger generation steps in to keep this eBook awakes, they can stop its journey going to the South Pole. Meanwhile, Do you have anything to say as a farewell message? However, you are most welcome to revisit and to read those stories written by your fellow alumni whom you should give them credit with a thump up and say “LIKE”? You can also keep this ebook alive by sharing with your children and grandchildren. Thank you very much, keep safe and stay healthy always!” From Kat Liang

Credits & Appreciatios:

Photos from :

(1) Anthony Er who was the offcial photogapher at the Chung Hua School Alumni Reunion

(2) Radio Television Brunei for the photos during the visit to Radio Brunei Studios.

(3) Thanks to the copy right owner for the music “MEMORIES”

REVISION TO NEW BLOCK FORMAT# by the RUEY SISTERS 22 July 2021