pianomania: THE NUS MEDICINE CLASS OF '89 DESCENDS ON IPOH, PERAK... AND SPENDS LOTS

Taken at Weil Hotel on Friday 10 July.
Among the people are Chen Lin Han,
Nelson Chua, Leong Seng Keen, Janet Lee,
Lai Yeow Choy, Lee Hung Meng and their spouses.

I've attended class reunions in the past, but this was the first one overseas - in Perak, Ipoh. The National University of Singapore (NUS) Medicine class of 1984-1989 made its 37th anniversary by having the reunion in Ipoh, Perak. The 35th anniversary reunion was held in Penang two years ago, which I had missed much to my regret, so I was sure to make it up this time around.

Assembling to take that group photo
in front of Ipoh Town Hall.

This was also a Raffles Junior College
pioneers' (1982-83) reunion.
With my piano playing friends,
Janelene Leong & Mabel Cheng.

Of a class of 205 people, just under a quarter took the trouble and expense to turn up, most of them with their spouses and family members in tow. I was one of the few exceptions, but that did not dampen the spirits as the class was let loose on Ipoh. For Singaporeans, most places in Malaysia are a shopping and foodie paradise, so we let our wallets do the talking. Many restaurants and food stalls, a posh hotel and a record shop got to be beneficiaries.

The Jalan Panglima steps leading to the
Birch Memorial Clock Tower.

Going down to the basement bank vault
of Book Xcess, Ipoh's iconic bookshop.

Getting one's fill at
Restoran Thean Chun.

Outside the Kung Fu Cafe & Huay Kuan.

More importantly, it was time to reunite and reminisce, to rake up old stories and antics which young people in the 1980s got up to - which was not very much (especially med students). Most of the time was spent studying, attending lectures and tutorials, lab sessions and later hours in the hospital wards. At least I had some time to attend concerts, and in those days, it was mostly the SSO. With few distractions, all we had to do was to pass exams over five rather quick years.

The lot descend on Durbar at FMS
to keep Aunty Susan busy.

Sampling of durians at Weil Hotel.

Rambutans & Mangosteens.

It's time to go back home.
With the Au Eongs, Kah Guan and Denise.
Leong Seng Keen, Chan Kay Heem & wife,
and Lee Cheng Chuan.

Before long, we were let loose on the hospitals, and many did not get to see each other again, except for class reunions. Which is why, such events are important. The next one is set for the 40th anniversary of passing, to be held in July 2029. God willing, I will be there again to cause some trouble.

Here are the "official" class photos: