Early Days

The early days of the Association were not easy for the Committee members as they faced failures and discouragement, especially with the OBA’s financial position being almost zero which prevented them from organizing large scale activities. However, the Committee members through their hard work, resilience and perseverance stuck on with their voluntary tasks for the cause of OBA. Donations in kind were also received from the Committee member as well as well-wishers to keep the OBA going.

In the early years the Committee’s primary concern was to find ways and means to encourage and recruit old boys to become members of the OBA. The membership drives were conducted by the committee members who went by car or bicycles or even by foot. It was an arduous task that had to be done. The Annual Subscription of Rm10 and Life Membership fee of Rm250 was reduced to Rm2 and Rm50 respectively to encourage more old boys to become OBA Members. The sacrifices made by the Committee members in the form of money, transport and time proved to be worthwhile as there was a surge in membership.

As the membership grew there was a growing demand for members’ get-togethers. Thus the 1st Annual Dinner was born at Kowloon Hotel, K.L which was well-attended. Since then the Annual Dinner became the most popular event on the OBA’s Calendar of Activities.

 In the early days the Committee also organized outings to popular hill resorts and beaches which attracted good participation but with declining interest in this in later years the outings were discontinued.

The main medium of communication with old boys was through the newsletter which came out in every quarter. The newsletters were popular with the members. Unfortunately, this became less frequent with lack of volunteers.