STAROBA

It was a successful weekend for STAROBA, for the organizer and for members. According to many, the concert show was the best ever for OBW. I congratulate Batch 89 for the great event. And I hope future organizers would emulate the dedication, thoroughness and hard work done by Batch 89.

I wish to mention here organizing OBW is no longer a right for any batch. During my tenure I do not wish to see lackluster preparation. We had too many people taking things for granted in the past. For next year's organizer, they have to submit their plan early and they must strive to outdo Batch 89. They must be ready to face the challenge and to meet the expectations of members. I will not accept scruffy preparation.

From next year onwards, the OBW will feature a special dinner for the school's teachers. In the past, we had not accorded recognition to the teachers for their efforts. This event will become a permanent feature of OBWs. STAROBA will also present awards to teachers who excel during the dinner. At the same time, teachers, students and PIBG must be invited to participate in the OBW, whether it is concert, games or others. They must become permanent part of the celebration.

The AGM was also a memorable event. It was the longest meeting so far. When I was elected president in 2008, the meeting took only 45 minutes. It shows that members are more matured than ever before. The only way we can go forward is by having matured and committed members; those who are willing to sink or swim with us, those who are eager to repay the school for what the school has done to us. And remember, we are what we are today because of STAR. Of course, membership comes with a privilege. From July onwards, non-members will not be allowed to post comments and to advertise for free on STAROBA web site. From 2010, non-members will no longer be invited to OBW or to nominate sons to attend STAR. To get committed people on board, the AGM has passed a resolution simplifying membership process. Life membership has been abolished and all former students automatically qualify for membership. In a few weeks time, we will undertake a massive membership exercise. We need to update members' profiles for obvious reasons. We need people with expertise in every field. We need rugby coaches, we need coaches to teach students how to face interviews, how to write resumes, and we need engineers and planners to submit our proposals for the rebuilding of the school.