SANDAKAN: The Sung Siew Secondary School Class of 1975 celebrated their golden anniversary with a heartfelt reunion on April 11 and 12, rekindling old friendships while creating new memories through a nostalgic school visit and an exciting wildlife adventure.
The two-day event began with a touching return to their alma mater, where former classmates revisited the halls and classrooms that shaped their formative years. As part of the visit, the alumni presented a generous donation of RM42,100 to the school’s relocation fund for its new campus at Mile 4, Jalan Cecily, Sandakan.
“We hope this contribution inspires current students to pay it forward in the future,” said organizing chairman Lim Kim Hock, who handed the cheque to Voon Soon Chong, chairman of the Sung Siew Secondary School Management Board.
The relocation project received additional support from Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, a distinguished alumnus, who played a key role in securing government approval for the new school’s construction.
During the school tour, the group explored the school gallery, reminiscing over old photographs, and visited the IT laboratory, where they observed modern STEM education in action, including 3D printing demonstrations.
Following the school visit, the alumni embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour journey to the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort, located along the scenic Sukau River.
The group enjoyed two thrilling boat cruises, spotting proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, hornbills and eagles in their natural habitat.
The evening was filled with laughter and music as the alumni indulged in a buffet dinner and a lively karaoke session. Songs in Chinese, English, and Kadazan filled the air, with European tourists even joining in, adding Spanish and Dutch melodies to the mix.
As the reunion concluded, heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged, with promises to meet again next year. Lim Kim Hock expressed gratitude to the organizing team, including honorary secretary Lo Mui Yee, operations director Chan Kwok Fai, former principal Poh Siew Boon, and Teoh Ah Nai, Coordinator of the Sung Siew School Board of Management, for ensuring the event’s success.
The Class of 1975 proved that even after 50 years, the bonds of friendship remain as strong as ever. – James Leong
