By Anne Das
St Michael’s Institution marked Founder’s Day with a special assembly that celebrated heritage, unity and the enduring spirit of Lasallian education in Ipoh.
Held on a bright Monday morning, the assembly opened with the familiar presence of the school’s military band. Guests were welcomed by the Wushu Lion Dance group, the Indian Orchestra and the Kompang group.
Among those present were Mr Michael Lee Onn Hean, President of the Old Michaelians Association, Mr Thomas Wong and Mr Anthony Lourdes representing the Board of Governors, former principal Madam Chan Nyook Ying, and the principal of La Salle Ipoh Garden, Encik Norhisham.
Although simple in format, the ceremony reminded students that St Michael’s Institution is part of a larger educational tradition shaped by service, discipline and character.
Chan Kok Keong, Director of the La Salle Education Council and an old Michaelian himself, addressed the students on the legacy of St John Baptist de La Salle and the role of the Brothers in building the Lasallian tradition in Malaysia.
For Mr Chan, returning to St Michael’s Institution was deeply personal. He had studied at the school from Standard One until Form Six, and told students that any honour given to him that morning rightly belonged back to the school that helped shape him.
He reminded Michaelians that the story of Lasallian education began with St John Baptist de La Salle, who founded the first school in France in 1680.
In Malaysia, the Lasallian story began with St Xavier’s Institution in Penang in 1852. St Michael’s Institution was established in 1912. In Perak, the legacy also includes St George’s in Taiping, St Andrew’s in Teluk Intan, La Salle Ipoh Garden and La Salle Kampar.
Today, there are over 40 La Salle schools in Malaysia. Mr Chan told students they are part of a wide Lasallian family shaped by the vision and values of St John Baptist de La Salle.
A central part of his message was that education, in the Lasallian tradition, was a calling rather than ordinary work. The Brothers who followed that vision dedicated their lives to guiding young people with humility, care and moral purpose.
Mr Chan also spoke about the Malaysian character of Lasallian schools, describing them as multi racial, multi religious and multicultural institutions that have long opened their doors to students from all backgrounds.
He said the term “Mission School” should be reconsidered, as La Salle schools are open to everyone and their primary objective is education. In that spirit, he described them as public schools, or “Sekolah Awam”, serving the wider community regardless of race, religion or background.
He added that a Lasallian school should always make space for the last, the left behind and those in need.
The assembly also drew attention to one of St Michael’s Institution’s most recognisable features, its majestic Gothic style façade. According to Mr Chan, the building was the vision and effort of Brother Augustus, who began work on it in 1922. The structure was later extended twice, with the present building completed in 1940.
It remains one of Ipoh’s most familiar school landmarks.
For the Michaelians present, Founder’s Day carried a clear message. St Michael’s Institution’s legacy lives through a Lasallian tradition that welcomes all, serves all, and makes room for those most in need. That spirit remains its gift to Ipoh and future generations.
