Permanent home for old boys’ association
By PERCY D’ CRUZ
malacca@thestar.com.my
MALACCA: The St Francis Association (SFA), an old boys’ association established in 1917 — is set to have its own building in 2013.
Following a re-branding exercise workshop between ranking Franciscan members and stake holders late last year, the association will be renamed as ‘Franciscan House’.
It will occupy a commercial lot within the new development phase of Taman Kota Laksamana, just two kilometre from its current rented premise.
The news was announced at the recent SFA annual dinner by president Ong Eng Khiam.
Much gusto: The dinner organising committtee led by Ong (fourth left) rousingly rendering the school rally on stage.
Also in the works is the setting up of a Big Brother programme where former students and supporters of Malacca’s St. Francis Institution (SFI) residing or working abroad will advise, welcome and assist those from the alma mater who wished to continue tertiary education overseas.
Ong said since the association’s inception the members had largely depended on rented space.
“The association’s centenary celebrations are coming up in March 2017, so acquiring our very own premise is a priority,” he said.
The building is estimated to cost round RM300,000 while renovation works to incorporate an office, guest and meeting rooms, canteen and games room is expected to push overall costing to RM550,000.
Great turnout: The dinner held at the Pay Fong Hall hosted over 65 tables.
The new space will also boast of a spacious visitors’ lounge open to all Franciscans and family members as well as La Sallians from Malaysia and Singapore to relax or entertain friends and counterparts.
“We also plan to set up a permanent secretariat to collect and establish a database of all our old boys and association members as well as to disseminate information and news to Franciscans overseas.
“The secretariat will also take over in handling the publication of our newsletter, ‘Green and White’ is now undertaken by a separate group,” said Ong.
A fundraising dinner will be organised in August to help meet the costs of the proposed club house.
For the past four years, SFA has been occupying a shop house in Taman Kota Laksamana with crammed facilities for parlor games, meetings and gatherings during festive occasions.
The associaton also rented public venues when organising weekly meets for in-house activities.
At present, the SFI school field in Banda Hilir is booked for football practice, friendly and annual trophy matches.
“With a permanent place in the works, we are confident our local and outstation membership will increase while the Franciscan spirit and solidarity will grow even stronger,” said Ong.
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