Special Tribute to our Immediate Past President - Mr. Beh Cheng Chuah

Initial Years

He spent a decade - to be precise from 1926-1936 - as a student of St. George's. He belonged to the Adrian House and took part in all sporting activities but was not outstanding in any particular sport. When asked about his family, he informed us that he has a younger brother and two younger sisters. His brother, now retired, was a former teacher in Hua Lian High School, Taiping. One sister is currently in Singapore and the other is in Taiping.

His Past Experiences

He worked as a Personal Assistant/stenographer for the British Military Administration when it took over the administration of Malaya after the Japanese surrender in September 1945. Subsequently he served in the same capacity with the 25th, 7th & 23rd Indian Divisions and was later seconded to various other British units serving in Northern Malaya. His last appointment was as Personal Assistant to the Brigade Commander of HQ 28th Commonwealth Brigade. He terminated his services with the Commonwealth Forces on the transfer of HQ 28th Commonwealth Brigade to Terendak Camp, Malacca, in 1963, after serving17 years with the Armed Forces as a civilian. He said it had been a most interesting experience.

He took over the running of his family business in rubber after his resignation from the Army.

In 1967, he was elected the President of the Old Georgians' Association, Taiping, a post which he holds until April 2004. As President of the O.G.A. he arranged various programmes for the school such as "Walkathon", soccer matches, swimming gala and so forth, for raising funds. The school is very grateful to the O.G.A. because it has supported the Alma Mater in various ways.

Mr. Beh has established two Scholarships - the Beh Cheng Siew Memorial Scholarship named after his father in 1969 - and the Beh Cheng Chuah Scholarship in 1993. These Scholarships help needy students who have academic potential. "I will help the School in any way I can" were his words.

School Life

When asked about St. George's contribution towards his personal development, he recollected, and sincerely said that the school had given him the best education and had moulded him in becoming a disciplined and valiant Georgian. He had learnt good moral values which have made him into a better person and ensured his success in life. Mr. Beh was very enthusiastic when discussing the topic about past events of the school. He said that in earlier times sports day especially was the most important event in the school calendar. Boys from the various Houses trained hard for the big day when competition to be the champion House was very keen. Other schools in the district were invited for the Inter-school Relay which is the key event.

In retrospect, Mr. Beh has been an extremely loyal son of our Alma Mater and personifies the virtues of a true Georgian, he has this to say to Georgians today:

"You should always remember the school. Take good care of the welfare of S.G.I.. Be proud to be a Georgian. Keep up and maintain the reputation of S.M.K. St. George".

In recognition of his long service, members present during the last A.G.M. have unanimously elected him to be a Patron of our Association.

(Editor's Note: We apologise for any errors or short comings. However we welcome members who would like to contribute articles or news. We would try to publish every contribution if space permit)