In conjunction with Bukit Timah Homecoming 2021, Raffles Hall Association (RHA) held its Balik Kampung (‘going home’ in Malay), on Saturday, 3 July. Attendees included past and current residents of Raffles Hall between the years 1966 and 2021 – which is an amazing span of 55 years!
The event was led by Programme Director, Dixon Tioh (Computing '14), who was also the emcee. The afternoon began with a speech by Raffles Hall Master, A/Prof Stella Tan (Science ’98), who warmly welcomed many senior alumnus in attendance from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and United Kingdom. Past President, Sonny Yuen (Business ’85) expressed his appreciation to the group for their strong support over the years in the formation of RHA, before handing the time over to current Chairman, Lim Swee Kim (Computing ’88), who thanked attendees for continuing to demonstrate the spirit of the legendary RH Phoenix with renewed vigour.
She also introduced the new Executive Committee, which comprises:
- Desmond Ee (Engineering ’74)
- Lui Seng Fatt (Architecture ’78)
- Ng Kian Seng (Science ’86)
- Ms Rosita Ng (Law ’93)
- Dixon Tioh (Computing ’14)
- Leonard Tan (Engineering ’18)
- Pang Wei Han (Science ’18)
Leonard updated plans for NUS Day of Service, which he has been planning with Kian Seng. Additionally, Dixon presented an online quiz he created, bringing everyone back to the good old days while giving their memory-banks a little workout! Attendees were then enchanted by stories from alumni such as Dr Jon Lim, past RH Senior Common Room Committee member; and Dato' Y. Sivaloganathan (Law ’71), who enriched everyone’s knowledge of RH history.
The final segment – an RHA Amazing Alumnus Production 2021 – featured a 16 minutes musical. Produced by alumni from the 1980s, the talented cast includes Al Dizon (Arts ’83), Steph Chee (Science ’85), Tan Beng Chiak (Science ’86), Carol Lim (Design and Environment ’87), Ngo Hwee Boon (Computing ’88), Ong Wai Kin (Engineering ’89) and Swee Kim. This musical celebrates RHA’s strengths, determination, care and concern for one another in the face of life’s adversities. The production also celebrates the past and present, recalling great moments in one’s lives, such as the upcoming Singapore National Day in August despite Covid-19. The music video is now available for viewing here.
To close the session, Dixon invited all attendees to put on their RH regalia (mostly caps and T-shirts) as everyone sang the beloved RH anthem with gusto. The committee thanks Rafflessians for joining in the annual Balik Kampung, and hopes that everyone continues to stay safe.
Submitted by Ms Lim Swee Kim (Computing ’88).