A Report on QES Golden Jubilee Celebration
by Chow Tung Shan (1962)
QES Home Coming Day 28.11.2004
The Golden Jubilee Celebration reaches its climax today. The Home Coming Day
Ceremony started at 9 a.m. in the school hall in QES. The School Orchestra
played the national anthem and the school song. Mrs. Pang, the Principal gave a
stirring speech taking pride in the strong cohesiveness of the alumni with the
school. Over 15 stalls had been set up by different clubs and societies,
reflecting the active extra-curricular activities in the school.
Public lectures
The public lectures given by prominent alumni at the Hong Kong Convention and
Exhibition Centre in the preceding week were a great success.
Dr. Joseph, WOO Yam Ting (63) gave an interesting talk on English, illustrating
the frequent occurrence of the neutral vowel, the ascent and spacing, and the
formal and informal registers in English.
Dr. Peter POON Tin Yau, (60), Telecommunications and Mission Systems Manager,
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, USA, gave a picturesque talk on the Mars
exploration.
The Honourable Ms TSUI Yu Fong, (71), the first Member of Parliament in New
Zealand of a Chinese origin, gave a talk on her unique experience.
Dr SUNG Man Ying(62), gave a talk on the topic that once touched the heart and
soul of so many Chinese from Hong Kong, i.e. Migrating and Returning.
Professor CHONG Kin Ping, Ken, (60), Director of Mechanics & Materials
Engineering Directorate, National Science Foundation, USA, gave a moving lecture
on the Wonders and Challenges of Nano-Technology and depicted a future full of
hopes and interesting possibilities. The audience was carried away by his well
researched and fascinating talk. He pointed out that the rate of success in
basic research were often low and was often driven by the basic human instinct
of curiosity.
Fund Raising Campaign
The Fund Raising Campaign raised $13.2 million which exceeded the target of
$12.3 million. Dr. David Wong, Chairman, QESOSA, donated $300,000. Mr TONG Wai
Lop, 74FA, donated $8.6 million. It was resolved by the QESOSA to name the
second secondary school after his father. Greater part of the money would go to
setting up the second secondary school in Tin Shui Wai. This will bring the
total number to one kindergarten, two primary schools and two secondary schools
in Hong Kong. The schools are doing extremely well.
Golden Jubilee Dinner
The climax was the Golden Jubilee Dinner held at the Grand Hall of the
Convention and Exhibition Centre. This was the very spot where the sovereignty
of Hong Kong was handed back to China by the United Kingdom seven years ago.
The Master of Ceremony was no one other than the Director of Radio and
Television Hong Kong, Trevor CHU Pui Hing (66). He announced that 2,050 persons
took part in this memorable dinner in the Grand Hall.
The School Orchestra and the School Choir gave a grand rendition of the school
song. There were rousing chants by the four Houses, by graduates in different
decades, by former house captains and officials, by all prefects, by all camp
wardens ….It was a rowdy and hilarious evening. The two anchors, Shek Keng Chuen
and Wong Chung Kee did a wonderful job.
Dr. Arthur Hinton was asked to give a re-run of her maiden performance given in
the Christmas half a century ago, as a young Vice Principal in 1954. He was
dressed up as a lady, this time more matured, and danced with the wardens on the
stage. Many former teachers, including Ms Ruth Wong, Mr. Kong Siu Yin and Mr.
Walter Ng also attended this memorable event.
Friends of old, Hearts of gold
The Golden Jubilee Dinner was a time to meet up with good old friends. Age at
long last is showing up. The restless childish faces have now given way to grey
hairs or no hair.
“May knowledge from our work increase, and serve the world and spread the
light.” Life is to explore, to experience and to enjoy; to help, to share, and
to contribute whenever opportunities arise. When are we going to see the first
school in poverty stricken mountainous areas in remote parts of China, or some
other poor parts of the world?
Alumni Association (USA)