Celebrating 36 Years of Friendship: A Memorable MGSS Reunion 55

"After a 36-hiatus year, the MGSS girls, Class of 1986, have finally reunited. This rare and long-awaited gathering is not just a meeting but a celebration of enduring friendship, shared memories, and the journey that life has taken each of us on. As we come together once again after decades apart, this reunion serves as a moment to cherish one another, reflect on our shared past, and strengthen the bonds that have lasted over time. It’s a time to reminisce, reconnect, and create new memories that will last a lifetime."

Saturday, 14th September 2024, marked a momentous day in our lives as the class of 1986 from Malacca Girls’ Secondary School (MGSS) gathered for an unforgettable reunion lunch at Ames Hotel. It had been 36 years since we first met during our primary and secondary school years, and for many of us, this event marked the first time we were reconnecting on such a grand scale. With around 35 attendees from various parts of the world—including the US, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Johor Bahru, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur—it was a day filled with reminiscing, laughter, and heartfelt reconnections.

We were warmly welcomed by one of our esteemed hosts, Rozita, who opened the event with a beautiful pantun. Following that, we had the pleasure of hearing an inspiring opening speech from our head girl, Sally Wong. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sally for her memorable and adventurous speech, which left a lasting impression and set the perfect tone for our reunion.

The Spirit of Togetherness: The atmosphere was charged with excitement and warmth as we greeted each other with open arms. The hotel buzzed with nostalgic conversations as we fondly recalled our days at MGSS. Each face radiated joy, reflecting the rekindled bonds that had weathered the test of time. This event was not just a reunion but a celebration of our friendships, memories, and shared experiences that have shaped who we are today. From the moment we walked into the beautifully decorated venue, it was clear that this day was going to be special. The organizers had thoughtfully planned every detail, ensuring that the event would be one to remember. As the reunion unfolded, it became a beautiful testament to the enduring friendships we built during our school years.

"Reunion 55: Precious Moments"

Through the winding roads of life we’ve roamed,

But here we are, together, home.

Each step we took has led us here,

To moments we’ll forever hold dear.

Laughter blooms like flowers in spring,

In every hug, the memories cling.

The years may pass, but love remains,

In friendships formed, and joy regained.

These precious moments, pure and bright,

Are treasures shining in the light.

Each face, each smile, a story told,

Of bonds that neither time nor age can hold.

In every word, in every glance,

We find again the youthful dance.

The love we’ve shared, the ties that bind,

Are echoes of a heart aligned.

For though the years may drift apart,

We carry each other in our heart.

In this reunion, side by side,

We rediscover life’s true pride.

So here’s to moments we cherish deep,

The friendships we’ll forever keep.

Reunion 55, a blessing, a song—

Precious moments that will linger long.

A Gift for Everyone: Sharing Love and Luck One of the highlights of the day was the lucky draw, where every single attendee was showered with gifts of love, ensuring that no one left empty-handed. The spirit of giving and camaraderie was palpable as each classmate eagerly awaited their turn. From beautiful souvenirs to thoughtful mementos, the gifts symbolized the love and connection we shared. Whether it was a lucky draw prize or a special door gift, we all walked away with something meaningful. This act of sharing reinforced the sense of unity and care that has defined our friendships for decades. It was a heartwarming gesture that made the day even more memorable.

The Best Traditional Attire Contest: A Cultural and Heritage Affair:Adding to the fun and excitement of the day was the Best Traditional Attire Contest. With a focus on celebrating culture and heritage, we donned traditional outfits that reflected Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity. From elegant baju kurung and kebaya to vibrant sarees and cheongsams, the colorful display of attire was a true celebration of our multicultural heritage. As we proudly paraded our outfits, it became more than just a contest; it was a tribute to the cultural legacy we each carry. The competition was fierce yet friendly, with classmates cheering one another on. The winner was not only recognized for their stunning outfit but also for embracing and honoring our cultural roots.

Bonding Over Games and Laughter: The organizers had thoughtfully planned various group games that brought us all together. These activities transported us back to our school days, filled with laughter and joy. The lively games added a sense of fun to the afternoon, creating new memories to cherish alongside the old. Laughter and playful banter echoed as we all participated, reminding us of the carefree days of our youth when our biggest concerns were school assignments and who would win the next round of a game.

Nostalgia in Every Bite: The Joy of Sharing a Meal: :A sumptuous meal was served, providing the perfect opportunity for us to relax and catch up with one another. As we shared our meal, old memories resurfaced, and stories flowed freely. Our conversations were filled with laughter as we recalled mischievous antics, favorite teachers, and unforgettable moments from MGSS. The food itself was a delightful blend of local and international flavors, catering to our diverse tastes. Yet, it was the act of sharing the meal with old friends that made it truly special. The simple joy of sitting down to eat together, just like in the school canteen years ago, beautifully reminded us of the bond we share.

Unforgettable Souvenirs: Gifts of Love :As tokens of appreciation, each attendee received beautifully crafted Terengganu batik and a bar of soap as door gifts. These thoughtful souvenirs were symbols of the lasting connection between us. The batik, with its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, represented the uniqueness of each individual in our group, while the soap symbolized the purity of our friendship that has endured through the years. The Magic of Reminiscing Throughout the day, the magic of reminiscing was evident. Conversations flowed effortlessly as we shared stories from our school years, reflecting on our favorite teachers, the pranks we played, and the friendships we formed. Each story was a window into the past, allowing us to relive the moments that shaped our youth.

A Lifetime of Treasured Memories: As the reunion drew to a close, a collective sense of gratitude filled the air. We felt thankful for the friendships that have stood the test of time, for the memories we created, and for the chance to reconnect after so many years. This day was not just about reliving the past but also about celebrating the present and looking forward to the future. The class of 1986 left Ames Hotel with hearts full of joy and minds brimming with cherished memories. We had rekindled old friendships and created new memories that would be treasured for a lifetime. Reunion 55 served as a beautiful reminder that, no matter where life takes us, the bond we share will always endure. Ultimately, it was more than just a reunion; it was a celebration of our friendship, love, and the enduring power of shared memories—precious moments that will linger in our hearts forever.

                           

Acknowledgments :

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team of organizers who made Reunion 55 a resounding success. Special thanks go to Sharifah Harizah, Rozita Mohd Amin, Wee Chia Fong, Ping Ping Lee, Sally Wong Tien Lin, Fiona Lee and Yoong Shing Fee for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in bringing us all together. We would also like to acknowledge Ms. Fok Mei Choo for her exceptional liaison with Ames Hotel, as well as her thoughtfulness in allowing us early access and a late departure for this event. 

Our sincere appreciation goes to Dr. Ng Kim Yong for her outstanding work on the slides, video, and PA system, which significantly enhanced our gathering experience. 

A big thank you is also due to Chinta, Shabariah for being one of our honourable hosts (our dear "Cikgu"), and Norazzah Abu Bakar for their invaluable contributions. To all participants, your presence made this celebration truly meaningful; this event was for all of us, and it would not have been possible without you. 

We want to recognize the participants and winner of the Traditional Costume Contest—namely, Loh Wee Kheng, Chinta, Husmarita, Pauline Lim, Cheah Lee Ping, and Rose—for their entertaining performances that brought joy and fun to our afternoon.

We also express our heartfelt appreciation to Ames Hotel for their supportive guidance and assistance in facilitating our reunion. 

Lastly, a sincere thank you to everyone who captured and shared the wonderful photographs and videos. These visual memories are truly priceless. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video encapsulates a lifetime of memories. We cherish these moments together and eagerly look forward to creating even more in the future.

To those whose names we may have unintentionally missed, we sincerely apologize. There are far too many to mention, but your contributions have not gone unnoticed. If we have made any mistakes, please forgive us, and know that our gratitude is always with each of you. Let us conclude with a well-known Malay poem, which beautifully captures the essence of farewell and hope for future meetings:

"Kalau ada sumur di ladang,

Boleh hamba menumpang mandi,

Kalau ada umur yang panjang,

Boleh kita berjumpa lagi"

"If there is a well in the field,
Let us stop by and bathe,
If we are granted long life,
We may meet again someday."

Till we meet again..!