STS 33rd Graduation 2022

While Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) finally has the opportunity to hold the 33rd Graduation Ceremony at its own Auditorium on 5th November 2022 without any restriction, I couldn't help but remember what a challenging time STS have encountered since 2020. First, it was the Covid 19 pandemic and then followed by a few major land slides.

Ever since the opening of the newly completed Multi-Purpose Education Centre in STS in early 2010 (Read here), STS has not had any major land slip until late 2020 and early 2021. Incessant heavy rainfall in late 2020 triggered four major land slides around the hill slope of the Multi-Purpose Education Centre. Getting these failed slopes repaired was the toughest challenge I faced since taking charge of the maintenance of all STS buildings and external infrastructures from the inception day of STS in late 1980's.

Aerial photo of two of the four land slides which occurred at the southern part of the hill.

After repair in late July 2022,

Northeast corner immediately after land slide.

After repair in mid-June 2022.

29 October 2022.

By the end of October 2022, creepers have literally overgrown over the whole concrete shotcrete reinforced with soil nails.

Repair of the landslide next to the Old Chapel (Read here) was equally challenging because the land boundary with the neighbouring land is midway along the hill slope. Any construction of permanent repair structure from the bottom of the hill beyond the boundary would be deemed encroachment into the neighbouring property. In the end, we were left with the option of constructing a new retaining wall founded on bored micro-piles along the hill slope as a remedial solution.

Land slide next to the Old Chapel's car park.

Aerial view of the new retaining wall taken in late July 2022.

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The repair of the failed slopes was completed well before the 33rd graduation ceremony on 5th November 2022. The ceremony in the afternoon proceeded smoothly from the beginning all the way to the end without any hitch. Eighty four students came on stage to receive their diplomas/degrees. Recipients include full time students, part-time students, online students and senior citizens.

STS Choir.

Ir. Chong Vun Fah, a professional engineer and an elder of BCCM KK(E) was conferred Master of Christian Ministries in the November 2022 graduation.

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STS is now recognized in Asia region as a reputable theological study institution. It is now accredited to offer doctorate degree. Many of my peers and friends have gone through this institution on part-time basis to secure training in Church Ministry, Christian Ministries among others.

Quite a number of BCCM KK(E) members received their scrolls in the November 2017 graduation.

In the Library after the graduation on 4 Nov 2017.

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Audience who were present in the 2018 graduation on 3 Nov 2018.

Group photo of the Board of Governors, faculty and graduating students after the November 2018 graduation.

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A few more BCCM KK(E) members with their scrolls after the November 2019 graduation.

Joseph Wong, Violet Liew and Theresa Wang.

Joseph Wong with friends and supporters.

Fraser's Hill After Almost 50 Years

I recall visiting Fraser's Hill at least twice in 1973. The first was a day trip with the Ex-Fifians from the 5th Residential College Christian Fellowship. The second visit, in August that same year, was an overnight stay with a few members of the same group.

Although I have a fair number of old photographs that capture the places we visited  - a waterfall (Read here), a tennis court (Read here), and our place of accommodation - my memories of those locations are surprisingly vague. The images are there, but the details have faded with time.

My wife, on the other hand, has a much sharper memory for places. As we drove around Fraser’s Hill recently, she immediately spotted a directional sign that read “Rumah Methodist.” Without hesitation, she recognized it as the very place our group had visited back in 1973. Remarkably, Rumah Methodist is just 2.5 km from where we were staying at the Silverpark Apartment.

Today, Rumah Methodist is still available to the public as a lodging option. However, its exterior appears rather old and poorly maintained - a stark contrast to the cherished memories we once made there.

Colourized photo.

Old photo of 1973 trip when we just

arrived at Rumah Methodist

Now, moss and green algae have spread across the roof and concrete kerbs, giving the place a weathered and neglected appearance.

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Behind the living quarters, I was struck by a vivid memory - I could instantly recall an old photo taken with a few Ex-Fifian friends at that very spot during our day trip all those years ago (Read here). It was truly remarkable to find myself squatting in the exact same place at Rumah Methodist nearly 50 years later.

After graduation, our Ex-Fifian group continued to reconnect from time to time. We gathered in August 2009 (Read here), and again in August 2016 when David Tow returned from Sydney for what would be his final visit (Read here). Sadly, his health declined after he went back to Sydney, and he passed away on 2 October 2017.

Some of the men at the day trip in 1973.

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Some of our group members at the little open space
behind Rumah Methodist back in 1973.

Colourized photo.
Typical landscape at Fraser's Hill. We took a walk
along the sealed road back in 1973.

Colourized photo.

Colourized photo.
Photo of the Fraser's Hill outing group.

Original B/W.

Photo of the Fraser's Hill outing group.

Colourized photo.

Typical white colour low fence is still easily seen today.

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I’m certain that my second trip took place in August 1973, as evidenced by an old photo capturing a birthday celebration we had that evening. That August birthday girl would eventually become my wife!

David Tow was the cameraman.

KC Ho was the cameraman.

At the waterfall, most likely the Jeriau Waterfall!

Chilled Out at Fraser's Hill

Fraser’s Hill, in many ways, reminds me of Kundasang - both are known for their cool climate and crisp mountain air. The weather in these two highland retreats is quite similar, with relative humidity peaking around 89% and average temperatures hovering around 20°C. However, Kundasang tends to be wetter, receiving an average annual rainfall of about 2,900 mm, compared to Fraser’s Hill’s slightly lower 2,700 mm.

What sets Fraser’s Hill apart is how little it has changed since the colonial era. Development has been minimal, and much of the area remains cloaked in dense jungle. This timeless charm makes it an ideal place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. In contrast, Kundasang has experienced rapid land development over the years - some of it rather haphazard - gradually diminishing its appeal as a peaceful, quiet retreat.

During our visit, I had hoped to explore the Jeriau Waterfall and trek some of the nearby mountain trails. We did drive out towards the waterfall, but our plans were cut short when we encountered a road closure sign - access had been cut off due to a landslide.

Our attempt to hike the nearby Bishop and Hemmant Trails was also thwarted, this time by the frequent wet weather. Adding to our hesitation was an earlier warning from my niece, who had mentioned that the trails were infested with leeches - a detail that certainly didn't help to boost our enthusiasm.

Awesome view from the balcony of Silverpark Apartment
where we stayed.

Sunrise at Fraser's Hill.

Mystic morning.

We were initially quite concerned about whether the accommodation we had booked would have a lift, especially since we were traveling with my elderly mother-in-law. Fortunately, the six-storey apartment where we stayed - on the fifth floor - was equipped with a lift. That made access significantly easier and more comfortable for her.

Interior of our accommodation.

We took a leisurely walk through the quaint little town, admiring several colonial-era buildings that still showcase classic British architecture. Much of our time was also spent appreciating the rich variety of plants and flora around our accommodation and in the nearby Taman Lady Guillemard. Bougainvillea, in particular, was abundant - its vibrant blossoms adding splashes of color throughout the area, as it seemed to be planted almost everywhere.

At the iconic clock tower at the town centre.

Taman Lady Guilemard.

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Spotting durians for sale at a roadside stall in the little town was an unexpected surprise - not something we associated with Fraser’s Hill! That evening, we enjoyed a takeaway dinner from Hill View Restaurant, topped off with the unexpected treat of fresh durians. Quite the memorable meal!

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We had planned to enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea and made a reservation at Ye Olde Smokehouse on 22 October. This charming boutique hotel, known for its colonial English architecture and vintage furnishings, is reputed for serving authentic English tea sets, complete with homemade scones and strawberry jam. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our plans due to a heavy downpour that afternoon.

That same evening, we opted for dinner at Aida Daniya Restaurant & English Teahouse. Perched on a hillside, the restaurant offers a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. Interestingly, the location of Aida Daniya is marked as Kilometer Zero of Fraser’s Hill - making it, in many ways, the symbolic heart of the town.

Dinner at Aida Daniya Restaurant & English Teahouse.