LIFELINEUSM75

USM Lunch Gathering at Armada Hotel

2014-08-03T22:01:00.002-07:00

I guess time was tight for most of the alma mater members.

Most found themselves indisposed to attend this function as it was on the week after the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri festival.

It was held on Sunday, 3rd August 2014 at the Armada Hotel in Petaling Jaya.

I could not make it as it was teaching time for me.

I was informed 24 friends attended.

I am sure they had a gala of a time re-bonding.

Here are some photographs that captures the magic of the moment.

Group Photo

Bala and Company

Our Senior Vincent

Wong Ah Soo and wife, Ah Moi from Perth graced the luncheon

Some of the attendees

Jenny and friend

Kenneth catching up on old times

Jenny, Rita and Poh Guat

Ah Soo and friends

Sharing thoughts

For the Good times

Joy and Happiness

Talking Shop

According to Bala, the convener-organiser, the next USM lunch meet will be on 7th December 2014 at the same hotel.

The USM Dinner Get Together on 31 May 2014

2014-06-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

As planned, we met at the Golden Dragon City Seafood Restaurant in Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya on 31 May at 7.30 pm for our 2nd quarterly dinner this year. Kenneth joined us for the first time.

Those 11 who were present included:

Derek Teh
Catherine Yeang
Chan Yau Kok
Lai Poh Guat
Chia Kwang Chye
Kennerth George James
Lee Saik Tat
Yeoh Gim Ooi
Toh Chee Kiang
Tan Lee Kiang
Heng Jee Heng

These accompanying photos will give you the touch of the mood.

Shark-fin soup,anyone?

Kenneth and Chia in Conversation

Who is winning in Teruk Intan?

Poh Guat is Listening Intently to the Results in Teruk Intan

Chan and Yeoh are at relaxing ease

Heng making a Point to Chee Kiang

Kenneth tells about his Life in Singapore

Waiting for the Food?

How to make a Couple of Thousands on Bursa!

As usual we had a rousing time with the Teluk Intan election results being closely monitored on the smart phones this time around There were speculations that the winner will win by a whisper.

Chia said the early indication was 600 votes majority to Mah while Chee Kiang said the current circumstances especially it being held on a Saturday did not bode well for DAP. True to prediction, Mah won by a whisker of 238 votes.

Yes, the family is going home to Penang, says Kenneth

Delicious porky pieces

Poh Guat Enjoying her food

Suckling Pig Delicacy

Best,best Brain Food, mah!

Looks like Dyana lost!

Saik Tat then told about the wheat grass that he has been consuming for years and said it has been known to clear up clogged heart arteries.

I guess the group was spell-bound with his story.

The next popular topic was property both in Malaysia and Singapore. Would it fall?

Gim Ooi who is on the property scene spoke about the likelihood of the bubble in the Iskandar region but is confident that it will fell be only less than 10% in the Klang Valley and perhaps none of Penang Island.

Derek was of the opinion that it will at best be temporary and will leveled off perhaps in a year or so.

As usual, Chia volunteered to pay the bill.

For the next dinner which should take place when Man Lin or any of our friends from overseas return, on the suggestion of Chee Kiang, we have started a Makan Fund.

RM 500 has been collected.

Food was good and company as usual was great.

So, until the next time then.

The Passing of Betty Leow

2014-05-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

Betty as She Lived Selflessly, Joyfully

It is with much sadness that we record here the passing on of Richard's loving wife, Betty.

While we appreciate God's extension of life to Betty for more than 10 long years, her sudden passing cannot be less painful.

Her Sombre Wake

To Richard and family, our heartfelt condolences, be strong and all our prayers are with you in your hour of long suffering.

Betty's Obituary

CNY Dinner on 12 January 2014

2014-02-12T17:12:00.003-08:00

Older but Happier

Once more, a majority of us old friends (literary growing old) from USM 1975 got together to have dinner to commemorate the New Year of the Horse.

This time around (12 January 2014), we had it in an untried restaurant in SEAPARK. It is called the Restoran Kari Kepala Ikan Tiga. This is the third restaurant from the chain currently operating in Kuchai Lama and Puchong

Season to Rejoice

Lousang higher,please!

I Want to be Rich!

Catherine: Higher,lah!

Yeo: Where is the salmon?

Those who attended include:

Ooi Say Chuan
Toh Chee Kiang
Tan Lee Kiang
Derek Teh
Catherine Yeang
Chan Yau Kok
Yeoh Gim Ooi
Bernard Yeo
Jenny Tan
Tan Kooi Meng
Heng

We had, as usual, a rousing time, bonding with one another.

Food-wise, the restaurant got three orders totally wrong.

Signature fish dish!

No waiting, let's eat!

Kooi Ming,we saved some fish for you!

So fast, the fish disappeared!

No bones, I hope...

Wah!,good curry!

Derek: Eat some more,lah!

So,you drove from outstation?

Have some business in Teluk Intan

Firstly, they substituted the shark-fin soup (we requested so in support of the dwindling number of sharks in our oceans) with the uncalled for black herbal chicken and pig stomach soup when all we asked was to substitute the shark fin with scallops. However, the soup was pleasing to the palate. So, no real complaints here.

Secondly, the curry fish maw dish did not materialised at all. We got instead one with squids. The curry dish was okay but we ought to have the fish maw which I believe is more expensive that the commonplace rubbery sotong.

Chan and the Myanmarese photographer

Cukup makan for today,lah!

Derek and Cat talk shop

Thirdly, they dished out a plate of cereal prawns to us which we had cancelled earlier on and it was to be replaced with salted chicken. We took it back and they had to cooked the chicken dish instead. Took some time though for them to serve.

The dessert of longan and sea-coconut was just too sweet.

After taking some candid photographs and a group photo, we went to have a teh-tarik session at the restaurant at the side of Giant Supermarket in nearby Paramount Garden.

We even discussed a possible trip for those interested to Perth as Air-Asia is giving 20% off the standard fare in the next two months.

After talking shop for an hour, we bade adieu and planned again to meet on 31 May 2014.

Venue?

If there are no alternative restaurant, we have decided to go back to Golden Dragon City Restaurant in Paramount Garden.

Great outing.

USM Gathering on 9 November 2013

2013-11-09T08:57:00.002-08:00

Helen

We managed to get some 24 people to attend this year's USM 75 gathering in conjunction with the returning of three of our friends from overseas to Malaysia.This is the first time that all three of our friends are back during the same period.

Esther

They are Helen Teh Phaik Ooi from Toronto, Esther from Perth and Ruby Liew Man Lin from Auckland.

The function was held at the Pantai Seafood Restaurant in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara with karaoke facilities and a slide show.

Ruby

As usual, Chia Kwang Chye volunteered to pick up the tab.

The attendees were:

T. Bala-our head honcho who is 75 years old
Tan Ah Kew
Mahendran
Richard Leow
Lee Kee Teck
Ang Saw Imm
Toh Chee Kiang
Tan Lee Kiang
Chew Kong Huat and his Peh Gaik Sim
Rita
Jenny Tan
Lay Chooi
Say Chuan
Kooi Meng
Swee Pin
Heng
Chan Yau Kok
Yeoh Gim Ooi
Bernard Yeo
Chia Kwang Chye
Esther Tan
Liew Man Lin
Helen Teh

We had a great time together especially during the slide show, recalling how young we were in those USM days.

Helen, Man Lin, Esther gave a short speech each.

We also had short speeches from Mahendran, Richard,Chew Kong Huat, Rita, Kee Teck and Heng.

Bala gave the opening speech that we should have more of such gatherings and he hopes to organise one early next year.

A Photo from Yoke Peng

2013-08-12T08:51:00.002-07:00

I am not sure when Tai Yoke Peng graduated.

I think it could be in 1978.

Though I have not met her personally since 1974, we have been on the email and sms.

She sent a photo of a gathering when two of her friends, Weng Chan and Annie who are now residents of Sydney came home to visit.

Here is the photo

Standing From Right: Soh, Unknown, Kamil, Weng Chan, Kee Thuan Chye, Matthias
Sitting: From Right- Unknown,Yoke Peng,Ivy, Annie

Dinner with Mr and Mrs Wong Ah Soo

2012-12-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

Seated are Chee Kiang,Lee Kiang,Jenny,Poh Guat,Swee Pin and Ah Moi. Standing are: Yau Kok, Bernard, myself,Say Chuan and Ah Soo. Kooi Meng left earlier.

We had a dinner gathering at Ting's Cafe on 12 December on the occasion of Ah Soo's home-coming to Malaysia.

It was also the be the last of the gatherings before we welcome a new blossoming 2013 in less than 3 weeks.

We were quite privileged to have this small group as many could not make it as it was a week-day.

As usual, we had a customised menu consisting great dishes such as peppery pig-stomach soup with gingko and carrots,assam fish,sambal prawn petai, braised lamb with sauteed brocolli, chai buay, baby french beans fried with garlic and cauliflower with chinese mushrooms and mixed fruits.

Fiddling with the camera

It was another opportunity to bond.

We have to thank Kooi Meng who sponsored the dinner.

At our age, its great to meet old friends .

Never miss such functions,whenever possible.

They are a joy to be as camaraderie flourishes as we move into our twilight years.

A Wedding Dinner He Almost Missed!

2012-12-03T02:41:00.003-08:00

A Buddy-Buddy Whiskey Session

Dateline: 2 December 2012; Time Almost 9.30 pm. Official Dinner Time: 7.30 pm

He came late because he forgot.

He was in Puchong having a great session of mahjong.

When I phoned him, he was shocked beyond belief.

However, after much cajoling from Derek and Catherine,Moses braved up and came.

The USM Group with Moses Lee

I told him," Moses, this is once in a forever."

And he did not disappoint the bride and groom, Derek and Catherine as well as his god-daughter, Dr. Karen. He came.

Though we had one good laugh, were we glad that he turned up to add to the merriment of the occasion!

Here he is in his come-as-you-are attire.

Swee Pin's Mother Pass On

2012-11-10T16:38:00.003-08:00

The Hereafter

Obituary:

Chin Swee Pin's mother passed on on 9 November.

The wake starts at noon on 11 th Nov till today.

Chee Kiang and me attended the wake.

I conveyed the condolences of Say Chuan, Yau Kok and Jenny to Swee Pin.

Put in some pakam.

Tomorrow she will be cremated and in eternal sleep, awaits the Lord's return.

God Bless her soul.

Dinner Meet in October 2012 with ManLin

2012-11-09T23:40:00.003-08:00

We had a uproarious time at that dinner.

As usual it strengthened the bond of camaraderie.

Up Close and Embarrassing

2012-10-18T22:40:00.001-07:00

Our alma mater sure has gone Afghanistan or Iranian way.

What a Device! Copyright and Patentable!

Or even cuckoo?

Have the mullahs taken over and forced these USM administrators to write such weird notices?

We need a fatwah here.

Dinner Get Together on 12 April 2012

2012-04-12T08:52:00.002-07:00

Not easy to get our buddies together. Especially on short notice.

Many send regrets and apologies as they are engaged elsewhere or going overseas.

So, seven of us gathered for a bonding dinner at Ting's Cafe.

Along with Chee Kiang and Lee Kiang, there was Swee Pin, Kooi Meng, Yau Kok,Bernard Yeo and myself.

What is Ting's Cafe?

It is a neighbourhood cafe located in SS2 and serves a mixture of Hainanese, Western and some Penang hawker fare. The food is pretty inexpensive and cooked home-style. Very delicious!

We ordered chicken and pork chop-Hainanese style, Hainanese fried mee, pork trotters in vinegar with its accompaniment of garlic bread, mantou and fried egg, fried salad vegetable and fried rice.

Strangely, we did not order their famous ox tail soup. May be next time.

We did have one mighty good time as Chee Kiang brought along a bottle of vodka and Swee Pin went out to buy two tins of Sprite to mix it with.

We had a great time talking about politics as usual and also about property prices and also stocks.

We also bemoaned the declining standard of English.

As usual, we left at 10 pm as the restaurant has to closed for the night.

Chee Kiang played host.

We departed with well wishes for Yau Kok who will fly off to Adelaide to attend his daughter's convocation and Bernard who will be driving up to Penang for Cheng Beng.

Indian Logic?

2012-04-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

This sign from a shop in India has a perverted philosophy of Customer is King.

Like it?

As if..........

2012-03-09T02:16:00.000-08:00

I think this must be one peculiar problem in the Great Outback.

When wives need to put husbands into some form of day care, that takes the take and the grog!

G'day!

Absolute Logic Extension

2012-03-05T04:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! They really take analogy to the max!

Only in India.

USM Gathering on 26 February 2012

2012-03-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

I would like really to thank Bala for his relentless effort to get these friends of ours together.

I know it is not an easy task because I have tried many times to get our friends together and it is really frustrating when the fruits of our labour do not commensurate with the efforts expended.

I wish I could attend as well the next time such an occasion arises.

As I turn 60, I wish everyone all the best and may God give all of us happy healthy lives henceforth.

Amen.

Rosmah Mansor sings

2012-02-27T23:26:00.003-08:00

Interesting singing and montages of Najib, Rosmah and the family.

Enjoy.

But it's true,don't you agree?

2012-02-24T07:15:00.001-08:00

This one about testing through public examinations is a laugh! It's coming as a half-truth in Malaysia.

This following one is really a revelation.

Malaysian Pensioners,beware!

2012-02-22T16:07:00.001-08:00

This is a very grim picture of what can happen to a country when a rogue government lay waste to an economy subjecting its people to hardship for a very long time to come.

The apparent sweet solace to Malaysian pensioners is that pensions come under 'tanggungan' which the government of the day is obligated to pay.

However, like in the case of Greece, I believe when a hair-cut is demanded from every citizen, it will be across the board.

So Malaysian pensioners, beware!

In Deference of the Spirit

2012-02-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

Well, if you have ever heard of a more ambivalent argument about the fortifying spirit, here is one and from none but your favourite stateman of yore, Winston.

"If you mean whisky, the devil’s brew, the poison scourge, the bloody monster that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home, creates misery and poverty, yea, literally takes the bread from the mouths of little children; if you mean that evil drink that topples men and women from the pinnacles of righteous and gracious living into the bottomless pit of degradation, shame, despair, helplessness, and hopelessness, then, my friend, I am opposed to it with every fibre of my being.

"However, if by whisky you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the elixir of life, the ale that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes; if you mean good cheer, the stimulating sip that puts a little spring in the step of an elderly gentleman on a frosty morning; if you mean that drink that enables man to magnify his joy, and to forget life’s great tragedies and heartbreaks and sorrow; if you mean that drink the sale of which pours into our treasuries untold millions of pounds each year, that provides tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitifully aged and infirm, to build the finest highways, hospitals, universities, and community colleges in this nation, then my friend, I am absolutely, unequivocally in favour of it.

"This is my position, and as always, I refuse to compromise on matters of principle."

You have my vote, hands down!

Rehabilitative Sex in India

2012-02-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

Funny, funny, Enjoy!

A Facebook Funeral

2012-02-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

Misleading Facebook friends.........

MIA Friends

Soul Saving!

2012-02-13T00:50:00.001-08:00

Yes, we all need him!

Salvation is truly at hand!

Good Golly, Miss Molly!

This is Sound Advice

2012-02-13T00:49:00.000-08:00

Blimey! Just to tickle the funnybone! How sound!

The USM CNY Buddy Buddy Get Together - 5 February 2012

2012-02-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, we were a party of 10. Lending support for the occasion were Derek and Catherine, Saik Tat, Gim Ooi,Say Chuan, Yau Kok, Richard, Patrick, Jenny and yours truly.

Good to meet Again

A year older and wiser, hopefully

Swee Pin, Poh Guat, Lay Chooi, Chee Kiang, Lee Kiang, Chia and Kooi Ming sent regrets and regards.

Having a good time

As Chap Goh Mei will fall tomorrow, the Golden Dragon City Restaurant was jam packed and the captains of the restaurant were just too busy to take care of all the tables clamouring for service.

Exchanging opinions

For a change, we decided not to take a set menu but ordered ala carte. It was a refreshing change to have the ordinary and not the usual cut and dry Chinese New Year menu of yee sang, suckling pig, nien kao and the like.

Relaxing after a good meal

This is not a bad restaurant

The roast duck was good and so was the polo pai kuat.

Richard-Back from Jakarta

Patrick-All the Way from JB

As usual, we traded stories, opinions and relive good ole times.

A time to bond!

To cap the occasion, we had teh tarik in an open car park opposite the restaurant.

We are grandparents!

Times of our lives!

Making a presence after a long while

Who can Jenny be texting?

Let's Drink Up

I thought it was a good night outing as we all drove home separately into the night.

Let's go for a teh tarik!