St. John's Institution Jalan Bukit Nanas Kuala Lumpur: 2014

HAPPY RETIREMENT MR.LIM HEAN HWA

By Nizhan Faraz

University of Toronto

Canada

Close to 4 years ago, history was made when St. John’s Institution welcomed one of her own sons to lead her. His name - Lim Hean Hwa.

Born on June 15, 1954, as the eldest of six siblings, Mr. Lim spent all his school life in St. John’s. He did his elementary education in St. John’s Primary (1) from 1961 to 1966, and secondary education up to Form Six in St. John’s Secondary from 1967 to 1973. He is one of those who lived through the development phase of St. John’s. This was the decade when the Main Block went from brick red to white and finally in its current red and white livery. This was also when the vast Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail and the Arts Block (now Form Five Block) were built. Most importantly, this was also the time when the old school coat of arms was replaced with the existing one.

In his message in the 110^th Anniversary Celebration Programme Book, Mr. Lim said, “Never in those 13 years did I ever, even in my wildest dreams, imagine that I would one day return to serve as the principal of this great institution”. I guess Mr. Lim and St. John’s are destined to meet each other again. After 37 years, the student returns to his alma mater, this time as the captain at her helm. Mr. Lim Hean Hwa was appointed the third lay principal of this great institution effective August 16, 2010. The Johannian community rejoiced, knowing that the spirit will be revived since St. John’s is now in the hands of a fellow Johannian.

Mr. Lim’s administration saw the return of a long lost tradition – the celebration of Founder’s Day, an event to commemorate the founder of our institution, Jean Baptist De La Salle. It also saw a streak of success in the fields of academics and co-curricular activities. The 2013 SPM and STPM examinations saw St. John’s achieving the highest student percentage of all A’s since 2005. Our Naval Cadet Band managed to win the Best Drum Major award at national and international level competitions for two years straight. Our archery and badminton team won gold medals in national-level tournaments.

I personally had the honour of working alongside Mr. Lim for the past four years, starting with the tower clock project up to the management of the RM680 000 received last year from the government. I am grateful for the opportunity and trust given to me by Mr. Lim in handling these projects for the school. I found that our common goal of protecting the welfare of the school resulted in the both of us being able to work together very well. At the same time, I took the opportunity to get to know St. John’s during Mr. Lim’s days as a student.

Every time I returned to Malaysia for the summer, I never missed the opportunity to join the Johannian community and celebrate Mr. Lim’s birthday. This time around, although missing the 110^th anniversary gala dinner, I was glad that I made it to Mr. Lim’s farewell ceremony yesterday. I was also glad that yesterday’s ceremony went well, it was a very touching and memorable event to everyone present yesterday.

On behalf of Johannians, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Lim for his service to St. John’s over the past four years. One thing is for sure, we will miss that pleasant smile. Personally, I will miss working with a man who shares the same sentiment on what is best for St. John’s and strives to bring the school back to its glory days. It was indeed a great pleasure working with you, sir. It is my sincere hope that you will continue visiting St. John’s from time to time and join the Johannian community in all future events in the school.

Thank you, sir, and all the best in your future endeavours!

Pazhani Jay- To be honest, from my Tadika till my Form 6 schooling, Mr. Lim Hean Hwa, Headmaster of St. John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur is my favourite Headmaster. He is very dedicated and most important, He is a very patient human being. I feel so sad and sorry for him when he was admitted at hospital few months due to illness but he bounce back and gets back to his duty and thats where he is so determination. He is really a wonderful person and never seen a headmaster as him in my schooling time. Really proud to have a headmaster as him during my schooling time and now he is retired so wishing him a very good journey ahead in his life and May God bless him with lots of happiness.Fide et Labore

Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/cikgu.ruby

Marcus Han

8hb Januari

Johannians, the Facebook group class of 1997 will be organising monthly visit to our ex-teachers house beginning this Saturday. We will organise visit to Mrs. Kang, Puan Najibah, Mrs Helen, Puan Mariam Yaakob, Puan Rosnah, Mrs. Mary and lots more. So, what r u waiting for? Tune in for more updates

Marcus Han

Our visit to Mr. David Fernandez's house has been set for 29th March 2014 (Saturday) at 4pm.

Marcus Han

11hb Mac

Guys, we will be visiting Mrs. Kng Tuah Kah this coming Sunday, 16th March, 3pm at her residence in Kota Kemuning Shah Alam. Her address is: 4, Jalan Anggerik Oncidium, 31/74B, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam. Anyone want to join? See you there.

Marcus Han

16hb Mac

15 years since we last met our Science and Maths teacher in St.John's, Mrs. Kng Tuah Kah...today we finally had the opportunity to visit her at her house in Kota Kemuning Shah Alam. We had a wonderful time. Thank you all

Marcus Han

19hb Januari

The yee sang gathering that took place at Mrs. Helen's house today was a memorable one. Everyone enjoyed the event and thank to Puan Robiah for buying a cake to celebrate my and school's birthday. Many thanks to all who came..Marcus Tan, Yiu King, Rudy Irwan, Jamil

Marcus Han

15hb Februari

We have a good time at Mrs Mary Saradum house today. So many teachers came...Datin Matilda, Mrs Helen, Mrs. Koh, Dorothy, Robiah. Also.. Mahendran, Fariq Salman and Joshua came as well.

Marcus Han

11hb Januari

The SJI class of 97 Facebook group today went to visit our former P.E. teacher in St.John's Institution, Mr. Peh Cheng Hoe in his house in SS2 PJ. The event was made merrier with the presence of Puan Najibah and Puan Robiah. Thanks to Nizam, Richard and James for dropping by. Next stop: Mrs Mary Saradum and Dorothy Gentil's house in mid February.