“It’s been 30 years; wouldn’t it be nice to get together for a makan kechil?”

It all started with this simple email in July 2003 and within a week, 50 old boys and girls from the ACS Class of 73 (Pre-U) responded positively to the idea of having our first class reunion. When word reached those who had left ACS after completing Secondary 4 in 1971, they too wanted to join in – an affirmation of the undying ACS spirit that is, even now, treasured by so many of us.

From a modest makan kechil in the school canteen, we eventually ended up with a full-scale Reunion Dinner at the Oldham Hall on Saturday 15 November 2004. We believe this event, which was attended by 104 old boys and girls from the Classes of ’71/’73 and 10 former teachers, is the first formal reunion on the new ACS Barker Road campus.

The evening started with a tour of the new campus. We had arranged for 3 or 4 prefects to be our guides but when we arrived, a team of 26 formally attired prefects and 2 teachers greeted us! As always, whatever the ACS family did, it exceeded expectations. Thank you, Mr Ng Eng Chin and the ACS Present, for welcoming us home. We enjoyed your hospitality and company throughout the evening.

The main activities commenced at 7 pm in the Oldham Hall. Following pre-dinner drinks, we had “Yesterday Once More – Images from the 70s”, an audio-visual journey down memory lane. The feeling of nostalgia was reinforced by more than 130 voices singing the ACS Anthem in unison. Of those present, the youngest prefect was perhaps 14 and the oldest retired teacher was Mr. Lim Choon Mong (“LCM”), 84. We then settled down to what some called a “value-for-money” buffet.

We then joined our former teachers in reminiscing the past as anecdotes from years gone by were shared. We recalled learning, “first hand”, the principles of physics (gravity and the inclined plane) when Mr. Suppiah’s car was “accidentally nudged” down the driveway at the old clock tower. More than a few hands were raised when those present were asked to own up if they had ever experienced “ACS corporal punishment” meted out by Mr. Chee Keng Lim. Thirty years on, the “usual suspects” actually turned out to be quite decent folks. The common theme during reflection was the reaffirmation of the ACS core value of developing the total person – character, mind and body.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to get together again, perhaps in 2005, when we all turn 50?” 

Lee Kok Wah (Class of ’71, Sec 4 / Class of ’73, PU 2)

On behalf of the Reunion Organizing Committee