MALAYSIA - On the 12th November 2022, Lasallians gathered at Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to celebrate the 170th year of Lasallian presence in the country. This milestone is attributed to the first De La Salle Brothers, who worked hard to provide a Christian and Human Lasallian education which started in Penang and spread out to different places in Malaysia. This event is also a good reminder of how the ever-dedicated Lasallian partners like the old boys, teachers, staff, and students continue the Lasallian legacy.
The special event started with simple pre-prandial and viewing of the visually appealing and informative exhibit that tells the rich heritage of Lasallian presence in Malaysia. It was followed by the Gala Dinner attended by prominent individuals who are part of Malaysia's fruitful and vibrant Lasallian journey.
The event catered to almost 500 guests, including the De La Salle Brothers from Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, the Brother Visitor of Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), Br. Patrick Tierney FSC, Mr. Michael Simon, the President of Malaysian Federation of Lasallian Alumni Associations (MFOLSA), Peter Van Acker, the Belgium Ambassador, Ms. Virginie Bioteau, the Charge D’Affaires of the Embassy of France, and the very special guest, HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of Perak, who is a former student of St. John’s Institution.
A video greeting from the Brother Superior General, Br. Armin Luistro FSC, was also shown to the guests. He mentioned that this milestone's blessings are attributed to the ever-supportive Lasallian Families, as they continue to be the bearers of the light to the Lasallian students by providing world-class education in Malaysia. The Brother Superior General also wished that this mission of being the light bearers still continues especially when the people are in the darkest hour of their lives.
The LEAD Brother Visitor, Br. Patrick Tierney FSC, also shared some messages of thanksgiving and hope. He hopes and prays that the Lasallian spirit planted in each heart 170 years ago will never die. He reminded all the present Lasallians at the event that they are the heirs and the bearers of this Lasallian spirit, and this spirit may continue to inspire and produce more Lasallian gentlemen and women of tomorrow.
The guests were entertained and serenaded by various artists like the Black Stallion, a popular comedian and entertainer in Malaysia.
The last part of the program was calling all Brothers on stage, having the ceremonial cake-cutting, and the recognizing the Old Boy Associations who selflessly contribute to the continuing legacy of the De La Salle Brothers in Malaysia. (Text: Br. Eugene de Luna FSC; Photos: Mr. James Sia & Br. Mikey Cua FSC)
https://www.lasalle-lead.org/resources/lasallian-journey-faith
https://www.lasalle-lead.org/resources/lasallian-journey-faith
Click the 170th Anniversary logo to view the exhibit panels on the LEAD Website. Credit goes to Mr. James Sia who worked tirelessly to produce these wonderful panels.
