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| I am strong, |
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| When I am on your shoulders; |
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| You raise me up; To more than I can be; |
Photos by kind courtesy of Zabanah Sdn. Bhd
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Encore! Encore!
Photos by kind courtesy of Zabanah Sdn. Bhd
Friday, January 27, 2012
Eddy's Special Performance for Uncle...on January 15, 2012
The pictures & short video clip below speaks volumes of Eddy's performance at the biography launch. Eddy sang 3 special songs that afternoon - You raise me up, O Sole Mio and Edelweiss - to thunderous applause from the appreciative audience. Yet, there were still a few brave Andersonians who ventured out to sing for Uncle after Eddy's special rendition! Bravos to them too.....not to yield! To the others who want to sing like Eddy, please also call 012- 2019739 -- are you all familiar with this number by now??
Photos & Video Clip by kind courtesy of Keith Yoong
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| You Raise Me Up...... |
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| .........To More Than I Can Be! |
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| L to R: Krissie, Keith, Dr. Nalina, Dr. Malini & Eddy |
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Paying Tribute via Biography
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
jaya@thestar.com.my
DATUK Seri N.S. Selvamany never imagined that 30 years after his retirement, someone would write a biography of him.
The 1997 Tokoh Guru Kebangsaan has touched the lives of thousands of students and their families is his over 60 years of teaching.
“It’s a great blessing from God. I didn’t start out to consciously do this (teaching) but it just became a way of life. Those days, we teachers had nothing much to do but to teach. So we taught and taught all the time.
“We love the children (students), it was a beautiful era and I am blessed to be a part of it,” said the 86-year-old who was the country’s first Economics teacher based at Anderson School Ipoh (SM Anderson) from 1952 to 1972.
He started with just four students.
His former students’ love and respect for him was clearly visible during the launch of the book titled Selvamany: More Than a Teacher by Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah on Jan 15 at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur.
Also present at the event were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and his consort Raja Puan Besar Tuanku Zara Salim.
Selvamany was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Poovayee, and two daughters, Professor Dr Malini Patel and Dr Nalina Prabu, both of whom are now residing in the United States.
Sitting through the event, one could not ignore how the old boys and girls adored their Sir and the respect they have for him is heartfelt and sincere.
To still earn that much of admiration and acknowledgment from his students after all these years, Selvamany must have been quite a teacher in his time — more than a teacher perhaps as the title of the biography written by one of his former students, Dr Rokiah Talib suggests.
The biography is a special project undertaken by a group of former SM Anderson Ipoh students from the class of 1962/63.
The book launch was a heart-warming event where successful men and women flocked around their former teacher and recollected memories. There were no racial barriers as the multi-racial guests hugged and mingled all afternoon.
A firm believer in peace within the heart as the key to happiness, Selvamany said he had been getting many phone calls from his former students since the launch of the book and it made him happy to note that they were all successful.
He said the book was planned and executed entirely by his former students and that he was only required for interviews and information.
“When information was being gathered for the book, I got many instructions from Rokiah, and I told her that she was my headmistress now,” joked Selvamany.
These days, he still is a motivational figure in society as he is active in charity and motivational works, especially among children.
“There are always people to see and talk to and time passes by like that — that’s a blessing too,” he added.
Naturally, Selvamany’s advice to young teachers is that teaching is a noble profession and they should uphold and respect the trust that parents have in them.
“A teacher’s role is very important in shaping a student’s future. Teachers must not misuse that trust because it affects the child’s future. Mistakes made by teachers can affect a student for life.
“Being a teacher is a full-time job. Nowadays I hear of quality time but the whole day should be quality time. To be a good teacher, one should get to know a student and the family,” he said.
Selvamany: More Than a Teacher begins in the pre-war colonial era. From there the reader is taken through the Japanese occupation, return of the British, independence of Malaya and the period thereafter. Nevertheless, the central figure is Selvamany.
Rokiah was a professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of Malaya. Since her retirement, she has written several books.
Among them are Tan Sri Fatimah Hashim: Potret Seorang Pemimpin, A Second Chance: Life & Mission of Arshad Ayub and Raja Muhammad Alias: the Architect of Felda. She is currently a Karyawan Tamu with the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Press.
Currently Selvamany: More Than a Teacher is not for sale and were only given out as a souvenir to those who attended the launch.
To get a copy, call 012-2019 739 (Yeong Sek Yee).
jaya@thestar.com.my
DATUK Seri N.S. Selvamany never imagined that 30 years after his retirement, someone would write a biography of him.
The 1997 Tokoh Guru Kebangsaan has touched the lives of thousands of students and their families is his over 60 years of teaching.
“It’s a great blessing from God. I didn’t start out to consciously do this (teaching) but it just became a way of life. Those days, we teachers had nothing much to do but to teach. So we taught and taught all the time.
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| Story of dedication: Selvamany signing copies of his biography at the book launch |
“We love the children (students), it was a beautiful era and I am blessed to be a part of it,” said the 86-year-old who was the country’s first Economics teacher based at Anderson School Ipoh (SM Anderson) from 1952 to 1972.
He started with just four students.
His former students’ love and respect for him was clearly visible during the launch of the book titled Selvamany: More Than a Teacher by Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah on Jan 15 at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur.
Also present at the event were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and his consort Raja Puan Besar Tuanku Zara Salim.
Selvamany was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Poovayee, and two daughters, Professor Dr Malini Patel and Dr Nalina Prabu, both of whom are now residing in the United States.
Sitting through the event, one could not ignore how the old boys and girls adored their Sir and the respect they have for him is heartfelt and sincere.
 |
| Overcome with emotion: Selvamany wiping away tears at his surprise birthday celebration at the book launch as his daughter Nalina looks on. |
The biography is a special project undertaken by a group of former SM Anderson Ipoh students from the class of 1962/63.
The book launch was a heart-warming event where successful men and women flocked around their former teacher and recollected memories. There were no racial barriers as the multi-racial guests hugged and mingled all afternoon.
A firm believer in peace within the heart as the key to happiness, Selvamany said he had been getting many phone calls from his former students since the launch of the book and it made him happy to note that they were all successful.
He said the book was planned and executed entirely by his former students and that he was only required for interviews and information.
“When information was being gathered for the book, I got many instructions from Rokiah, and I told her that she was my headmistress now,” joked Selvamany.
These days, he still is a motivational figure in society as he is active in charity and motivational works, especially among children.
“There are always people to see and talk to and time passes by like that — that’s a blessing too,” he added.
Naturally, Selvamany’s advice to young teachers is that teaching is a noble profession and they should uphold and respect the trust that parents have in them.
“A teacher’s role is very important in shaping a student’s future. Teachers must not misuse that trust because it affects the child’s future. Mistakes made by teachers can affect a student for life.
“Being a teacher is a full-time job. Nowadays I hear of quality time but the whole day should be quality time. To be a good teacher, one should get to know a student and the family,” he said.
Selvamany: More Than a Teacher begins in the pre-war colonial era. From there the reader is taken through the Japanese occupation, return of the British, independence of Malaya and the period thereafter. Nevertheless, the central figure is Selvamany.
Rokiah was a professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of Malaya. Since her retirement, she has written several books.
Among them are Tan Sri Fatimah Hashim: Potret Seorang Pemimpin, A Second Chance: Life & Mission of Arshad Ayub and Raja Muhammad Alias: the Architect of Felda. She is currently a Karyawan Tamu with the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Press.
Currently Selvamany: More Than a Teacher is not for sale and were only given out as a souvenir to those who attended the launch.
To get a copy, call 012-2019 739 (Yeong Sek Yee).
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Have You Ever Heard of Young Hardworking Angels?
We certainly have Azrein and Rastam to thank for helping to set up the ballroom decoration . The decoration, sound system, photography,etc would not have happened if not for the help of these 2 young hardworking angels.They were in the ballroom from 12.30 am on Sunday morning and worked through until the event ended at about 4.30 pm to make sure everything is in order.
Thanks Azrein....you're certainly angelic too like,like......
Salam
Sek Yee, Hau Kiang and Merlyn (the 3 old hardworking angels)
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| Our Sound & Lights Manager.......... |
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| Rastam |
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| Our Event Manager, Azrein |
Thanks Azrein....you're certainly angelic too like,like......
Salam
Sek Yee, Hau Kiang and Merlyn (the 3 old hardworking angels)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tan Sri Nuraizah Abdul Hamid,,,,,,,........!
Tan Sri Nuraizah was the charming and formidable Chairman (now our Darling) of the Organising Committee for the DSS Biography launch. Her formidable leadership has culminated in a very successful launch of the book, Selvamany: More than a Teacher on 15th Jan 2012. During the year-long preparation, Tan Sri was always there to provide her wisdom and support on various issues that surfaced along the journey.
We will particularly miss, and will always have fond memories of the editorial sessions that we had over the past few months in 2010.....especially her advice to "remember the full stops, commas,etc etc." Despite several challenges during the year, Tan Sri Nuraizah inspired the main Organising Committee to carry on....much like the ASI motto..." and not to yield."
We enjoyed working with you,Tan Sri. We learned a lot.
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Salam,
Sek Yee, Hau Kiang, Merlyn (the 3 formidable Angels)
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| Our Uncle's 'darling' then!! |
We will particularly miss, and will always have fond memories of the editorial sessions that we had over the past few months in 2010.....especially her advice to "remember the full stops, commas,etc etc." Despite several challenges during the year, Tan Sri Nuraizah inspired the main Organising Committee to carry on....much like the ASI motto..." and not to yield."
We enjoyed working with you,Tan Sri. We learned a lot.
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Salam,
Sek Yee, Hau Kiang, Merlyn (the 3 formidable Angels)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Andersonian 'MC' Forever....
Dato Salleh, we salute you as the MC for the biography launch on Sunday 15th Jan. Your wife told us how you keep pacing the house practising your script for the last one week before the launch date and even on the launch morning, you were still practising. You did a wonderful job.....you are definitely not a virgin anymore!
Salam,
Sek Yee
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| Our "virgin" MC in February 2011 |
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| Now, calm ,cool & collected, and as witty as ever on January 15, 2012 |
Sek Yee
Raja Puan Sri Dato' Noora Ashikin...our Chief Fund Raiser!
We were privileged to have Raja Puan Sri Dato' Noora Ashikin as the chief fund raiser in the Organising Committee of the biography launch. When we (me, HK and Merlyn ) persuaded RNA to take up the portfolio about a year ago, little did we realise she could be so " charming and formidable" as described by Tan Sri Nuraizah in her welcoming speech. Besides being charming and formidable, RNA is also very meticulous in her work especially in the way she made sure that seating arrangements in the Royal tables and VIP tables are correct just before the guests came in on Sunday 15th January.
Our sincere thanks. We enjoyed working with you
Salam,
Sek Yee, Hau Kiang and Merlyn
Salam,
Sek Yee, Hau Kiang and Merlyn
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Toong, Toong, Chang, Toong Chang!! Gong Xi Fa Cai
As you know, this year is the year of the dragon....i.e. this is Yow Kam Loong's year. So if things do not turn out as expected for you, please consult to our Kam Loong (Mr Golden Dragon)....his contact no is 012-4556103.
For this CNY, me and Kat are going to Medan/ Lake Toba for our second honeymoon. Our first honeymoon to Lake Toba in 1974 ( 37 years ago) was a disaster. The cute Ms. Monica Leong (our English Literature teacher) was there also and in the same tour group with us....so she was with us for our whole honeymoon....kacau saja. During the stay there, she kept asking me how I could have passed the English Literature paper when I could only utter " the hankerchief, the hankerchief" and "blood,blood,blood".....this was in Othello or Macbeth? Really, I still do not know how I passed...divine guidance? I hope this time around, we won't see her there....otherwise, can pengsan. Keeping my fingers xxx. Please pray for me.
Come what may, we wish you all..."toong,toong,toong chang....toong,toong toong chang" (whatever it means).
Hope to catch up with you soon.
Meantime ,be good.
Salam,
Sek Yee and Ah Kat
The Andersonians Forever Choir on January 15, 2012
The "Andersonians Forever" choir led by Dato' Ghazali Yussof did a fantastic job of keeping the audience entertained with a medley of songs during the launch. The other members comprised Datin Hatijah Ayob (his wife), Ahmad Ramli (brother), Aksan, Abdul Rahman Ayob, Haji Rahim Ismail, Eddy Chin, Periasamy,Vimala Matthews, Haji Ahmad Sarkawi, and Wu Sor Hwa, Puan Sri Siew Yong......all old Andersonians and Mikhail and Raphail Sulaiman, both present Andersonians. To the Choir, a big applause and a big thank you.
The Choir practised very hard....before and just hours before the event.
....and forever!
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| Our Maestro taking a well deserved break! |
....and forever!
Sultan Perak Launches Biography Of Childhood Friend
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah Sunday launched a biography of his childhood friend, Datuk Seri N. S. Selvamany, written and produced by the latter's former students here.
The book on the former economics teacher of the Anderson School Ipoh, titled
'Selvamany: More Than A Teacher', is written by Dr Rokiah Talib, Karyawan Tamu (Guest Writer) with the University Kebangsaan Malaysia and former professor at University Malaya Anthropology and Sociology Department.
The publication of the book, which is not for sale, is through contributions
from 85-year-old Selvamany's former students.Selvamany, who was Sultan Azlan Shah's schoolmate while studying at the Batu Gajah Government English School, now known as Sultan Yussuf school, was the Perak Tokoh Guru for 1996 and national-level Tokoh Guru in 1997.
Sultan Azlan Shah, in his message in the book, said: "It is a befitting tribute
from a group of students from Anderson School Ipoh (who also garnerned the
support from fellow Andersonians and students of Sekolah Menengah Idris Shah and Sekolah Menengah Seri Teja, Gopeng) who strongly believe that their teacher has made an indelible impression on their lives and helped mould them in preparation to face the challenges of the modern world.
"It appears that Selvamany is carrying on the legacy of his grandfather (Malaiperumal Pillay who founded the Sultan Yussuf school), evident in his deep passion for education.
"Indeed, he is the embodiment of the teaching profession, not only a gifted teacher, but more than that, he cares deeply for his students and to the point
of regarding them as his own children," he said.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
Many of his former students who were and are top civil servants, politicians,
judges and corporate big-wigs were also present. They included Universiti
Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Nuraizah Abdul Hamid, who is chairman of the organising committe of the book launch, Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and former Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
Nuraziah, in her welcoming speech, said the biography was not just a chronological representation of Selvamany's life and career as a teacher, but an
attempt by the writer to define the many dimensions of his unique personality.
Selvamany, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Poovayee, and their
children at the event, will celebrate his 86th birthday tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
January 15, 2012 20:24 PM
(Note: This was the official newswire report provided by Bernama -in case some of you missed this story)
The book on the former economics teacher of the Anderson School Ipoh, titled
'Selvamany: More Than A Teacher', is written by Dr Rokiah Talib, Karyawan Tamu (Guest Writer) with the University Kebangsaan Malaysia and former professor at University Malaya Anthropology and Sociology Department.
The publication of the book, which is not for sale, is through contributions
from 85-year-old Selvamany's former students.Selvamany, who was Sultan Azlan Shah's schoolmate while studying at the Batu Gajah Government English School, now known as Sultan Yussuf school, was the Perak Tokoh Guru for 1996 and national-level Tokoh Guru in 1997.
Sultan Azlan Shah, in his message in the book, said: "It is a befitting tribute
from a group of students from Anderson School Ipoh (who also garnerned the
support from fellow Andersonians and students of Sekolah Menengah Idris Shah and Sekolah Menengah Seri Teja, Gopeng) who strongly believe that their teacher has made an indelible impression on their lives and helped mould them in preparation to face the challenges of the modern world.
"It appears that Selvamany is carrying on the legacy of his grandfather (Malaiperumal Pillay who founded the Sultan Yussuf school), evident in his deep passion for education.
"Indeed, he is the embodiment of the teaching profession, not only a gifted teacher, but more than that, he cares deeply for his students and to the point
of regarding them as his own children," he said.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
Many of his former students who were and are top civil servants, politicians,
judges and corporate big-wigs were also present. They included Universiti
Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Nuraizah Abdul Hamid, who is chairman of the organising committe of the book launch, Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and former Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
Nuraziah, in her welcoming speech, said the biography was not just a chronological representation of Selvamany's life and career as a teacher, but an
attempt by the writer to define the many dimensions of his unique personality.
Selvamany, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Poovayee, and their
children at the event, will celebrate his 86th birthday tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
January 15, 2012 20:24 PM
(Note: This was the official newswire report provided by Bernama -in case some of you missed this story)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Writing Lines, Signing Books & Talking... Good Antidote for Arthritic Pains!!
If you are suffering from arthritic pains on your fingers,joints,etc try signing books and talk at the same time. This is what Uncle Selvamany did when he signed about 300 books of the biography in the early morning hours of Sunday 15th Jan in the Taming Sari Ballroom of the Royale Chulan. He sat there for 3 solid hours and signed and signed. He was assisted by 2 young Andersonians, namely Mikhail Sulaiman (Form 5) and Raphail Sulaiman (Form 2) and their cousin Arief Azraei.
Believe me, Uncle did not complain of any pain in the fingers after the signing, nor any back pain and he could walk just as fast as me....but he definitely talks faster than me. Give this antidote a try...but remember you must sign and talk at the same time.....no kidding you.
Salam
Sek Yee
Salam
Sek Yee
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Big Thank You to our Reception Team at Biography Launch
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