Nostalgic reunion for Kota Baru teacher training college trainees after 70 years
MTTC Kota Baru alumni all smiles at the reunion in Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy photo

MEMORIES and bonds forged in youth can often last a lifetime.

Just ask the Malayan Teachers’ Training College (MTTC) Class of 1954 who recently had their 70th anniversary reunion.

Despite not having seen each other for decades after leaving the institution in Kota Baru, Kelantan, memories came flooding back during the gathering held at the Royal Lake Club in Kuala Lumpur.

There were 17 alumni members – better known as Chahayans – in attendance.

Some came in wheelchairs while others were accompanied by children or grandchildren.

Among them was Datuk Mustapha Ma Chi, 92, who described the occasion with four Fs – fantastic, fabulous, familiar and fun.

“Some have really changed but we instinctively recognised each other.

“Our last major reunion was for our 50th anniversary in 2004.

“As not all attended that event, some of us essentially haven’t met since finishing our stint in 1956,” shared Mustapha.

There were many songs and dances during the gathering but none more poignant than “Welcome to Kota Baru”, the adopted college song which was composed by their former English lecturer JN Wilson, who went on to become a world-famous author under the pen name Anthony Burgess.

Mustapha, who was born in Shanghai, China, worked in the education field all his life.

He had a posting at Maxwell School in Kuala Lumpur before taking up roles as Selangor Education Department supervisor of private schools and then Federal Territory Education Department education administrator – a post he held until his retirement.

But the time spent at MTTC still lives in his memory, as that was where he met his wife Datin Mariam Ma (nee Ting Wen Thow).

Mariam, a Kuala Lumpur native who is 89, said it was lovely to be able to see familiar faces.

Unfortunately, some were unwell and unable to attend.

“We had fun singing old songs in Malay, Chinese and English as well as dancing to our favourite tunes.

“And, of course, eating, because nothing brings Malaysians together like food!” added Mariam, who was posted to Pudu English Girls Secondary School and later studied law and qualified as a barrister in London.

Datuk Beh Lye Huat, 89, who was born in Perak, said it was good to reminisce about life as trainee teachers.

They also had a good laugh remembering the challenge of getting to and from the college, at a time when the country’s road networks were not as developed.

“For me, it was a 56-hour journey home.

“When term ended, we typically left on a Friday morning and slowly made our way through Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

“This involved overnight stops at hostels and nine ferry crossings.

“I would only reach Kuala Lumpur on Sunday evening,” Beh pointed out.

He was posted to the Kuala Lumpur Technical Institute after graduating.

After that stint, he went to London to pursue a career in accountancy and became a chartered accountant.

“Living in a dormitory with 20 other trainees was fun and we enjoyed each other’s company and the camaraderie. We became lifelong friends.

“The reunion reminded us that we’re indeed blessed to be in good health and still going strong some 70 years after leaving college,” Beh added.

Tan Cheng Gaik, 90, said she had kept in touch with other Penang-based Chahayans over the years, but had not seen those from other states or overseas in a long time.

“We were all very happy to renew acquaintances and took the opportunity to exchange contacts.

“We went to MTTC to be educated and came out of it to educate.

“We like to think we helped nurture generations of Malaysian children into responsible citizens,” said Tan, who taught various subjects in national schools until her retirement.

Fellow Penang resident Beatrice Lee, 88, was unable to attend the reunion but shared some thoughts over email.

“Leaving home to learn to be independent was a big step in the life of someone so young.

“But, two years under the same roof, eating the same food, turned us into a large close-knit family.

“Each reunion over the years brought us closer and made the relationships more meaningful,” Lee said.
MEMORIES and bonds forged in youth can often last a lifetime.