HERITAGE STATUS FOR VICTORIA INSTITUTION

(Source: National Heritage Department of Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR: While city folk celebrate Valentine's Day today, another big event will also be taking place here.

The iconic Victoria Institution, or more popularly known as VI, which turns 116 years old this year, will become the first day school in the country to be awarded national heritage status today.

Founded by Sultan Abdul Samad, William Hood Treacher, Loke Yew, Thamboosamy Pillai and Yap Kwan Seng on Aug 14, 1893, VI has steadfastly maintained a record of academic excellence and produced many leaders and luminaries.

Those who passed through its hallowed halls included Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, former and current ministers such as Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and former judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar.

Other former students include corporate giants such as Tan Sri Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir, T. Ananda Krishnan and Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, sportsmen such as Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, the late Mokthar Dahari, Datuk Misbun Sidek, Foo Kok Keong, Datuk P.S. Nathan and Ishtiaq Mubarak.
During World War 2, VI was used as the administrative headquarters by the Japanese army and after Japan's defeat in 1945, the hand-over ceremony of the administration of Malaya to the British was held there on Feb 22, 1946.

Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal will present the award to VI today in a special ceremony at the school's compound.

Many of its former students are expected to be present to witness the historic event.

Zulhasnan, the Federal Territories Minister, said: "I would not miss it for the world. It is such a great honour for VI. As a former student, I am particularly glad VI is the first school to receive the status.

"This is a momentous occasion not only for VI but also for all its students and former students."

In conjunction with the occasion, many events have been lined up, including a gala dinner, charity golf tournament, centennial concert by VI's marching band, a cross-country charity run in the city and a football tournament in memory of Mokthar Dahari.

For VI's parent-teacher association president, Raja Amir Shah Raja Abdul Aziz, VI's main goal after getting the status would be to continue with its tradition of excellence for hundreds of years more to come.

VI's marching band's cadet corps will hold a special performance to mark the occasion. -- Bernama

Source: http://www.nst.com.my
Date: 14/02/09