110th Anniversary Reflections: Memories & Tributes from Georgians of 1970 and 1971 (PART 1)
- Malaysia Raja
- Dec 5, 2025
- 5 min read
This article is one of a three-part collection written to commemorate the 110th anniversary of St. George’s Institution, Taiping, Malaysia. Together, these pieces honour the La Salle Brothers, teachers, and values that shaped generations of Georgians. Parts 1 and 2 capture the shared reflections of the Class of 1970, while Part 3 presents the personal tribute of a student from the Class of 1971.
Part 1: Our Days at SGI - The Historical Narrative
For those of us who grew up in Taiping and walked the hallowed halls of St. George's Institution (SGI), our school was always more than just a building on Station Road. It was the place that shaped our character, instilled our values, and bound us together in ways we often only appreciated decades later. As SGI marks its 110th anniversary, the Class of 1970 looks back, remembering with gratitude the original vision and quiet dedication of the founders that shaped our character.
The Quiet Strength of the Founders and Taiping's Charm
The very origin of SGI, with the beige coloured building and red roof, begins in 1915, driven by the vision of one of the dedicated Lasallian men - Brother James Joseph Byrne. He saw the need for a proper Catholic English education for boys, and with the support of the then Resident of Perak, local leaders and the generous land donation from the wealthy Kwa family, that vision became a reality. It was a momentous occasion for Taiping, known for its Lake Gardens, old shop houses, wide roads, and that steady, refreshing rainfall.
In those early years and throughout the decades that followed, the Brothers and their devoted teachers built more than a school; they built a community. They cultivated a place where a steady emphasis on virtue and goodness was just as crucial as the lessons taught in class. The school motto, "Honor Virtutis Praemium" - Honour is the Reward of Virtue - was, and remains, its guiding light.
Interruption and Resumption: The War Years
The school grew steadily through the 1920s and 30s, adding classrooms and facilities like science labs and sporting fields. However, this progress was brutally interrupted. The Japanese Occupation during World War II forced the school to shut its doors. The SGI building, like many institutions in Malaya, was repurposed by the occupying forces, and formal education ceased. This dark period tested the faith and resilience of the community. Yet, as soon as the war ended, the La Salle Brothers and dedicated teachers returned with renewed motivation. They reopened the school and resumed their mission, determined to provide stability and education to a generation whose schooling had been shattered.
The Rhythm of Our Days in the 60s and 70s
Our school days in the 1960s and 70s were the formative years that shaped who we are now. We were fortunate to attend SGI when traditions and Lasallian values were central. We remember the distinct rhythm of life at SGI: the morning bell setting the pace, the echo of footsteps along the concrete corridors, the quiet concentration demanded by lessons, and the shared laughter that filled our days.
Discipline wasn't just imposed; it was woven into everything, guided by the Brothers’ clear moral compass. We spent countless hours playing basketball, ping pong, and badminton in the courts, and representing the school in various spirited team sports on the field. We participated in speech contests, acted in school dramas, and watched films like Guns of Navarone screened by the AV Society in the hall.
These events - from House competitions and co-curricular activities to Sports Day and the cross-country run - formed a rich tapestry of school life. The Brothers ensured that through shared activities and spirited rivalry, we learned about teamwork, discipline, camaraderie, and integrity. It was through these collective cheers, the thrill of competition, and the shared sense of belonging that a strong Georgian identity took shape. We often only appreciated later how those LaSallian Brothers of quiet strength and deep faith used these daily moments to embed core values that stayed with us long after we left the school.
The Changes Time Brought
Time, however, marches on, and it doesn't stand still even for a noble institution like SGI. As our mission schools came under government administration, change was inevitable. The Brothers who once led us - the moral anchors of the school - became part of history. In their place came headmasters and principals appointed by the Education Ministry.
With this shift came changes to the funding, structure, and ethos. The unique blend of discipline, camaraderie, and spiritual grounding that defined the Lasallian way gradually receded, yielding to administrative conformity and academic pragmatism. It would be easy to say that SGI is no longer the school we remember, and perhaps in certain ways, its pre-eminence in academics and sports may have waned. What is, IS.
But in acknowledging this, we must also acknowledge the enduring truth. While the administration may have changed and the buildings have aged, the spirit of SGI lives on. It lives in the hearts of every Old Georgian who speaks with affection and gratitude about those years gone by. It lives in the enduring challenge of our motto. And most powerfully, it lives in the fact that Old Georgians have stepped up to keep the flame alive. Through the tireless work of individuals like our classmate Joseph Lau Tee Sun and vital initiatives like the scholarship programme spearheaded by the Class of 1967, we support the new generations.
The Lasallian Legacy and Personal Recollections
The lasting honour of SGI is the direct result of the virtue first sown by the La Salle Brothers 110 years ago. Their ultimate reward was not fame or worldly recognition, but the thousands of lives they shaped. In turn, our honour lies in upholding the virtue they imbedded in us. To truly understand this lasting impact, we now turn to the most powerful evidence of the Lasallian legacy: the personal recollections of Old Georgians, who share, in their own words, the stories of the Brothers and dedicated teachers who transformed their lives.
Continue to 'Part 2: Endearing Educators (Tributes from Class of 1970)':
Continue to 'Part 3: A Georgian’s Personal Tribute (Class of 1971)':
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