Kota Kinabalu: Nearly 30 years after leaving school, former students of SMK Maktab Sabah’s Class of 1996 reunited in the spirit of friendship and togetherness.
The alumni reunion, held at a hotel here, was officiated by SMK Pulau Gaya Principal Azlan Saflie, who highlighted that unity is the cornerstone of a strong alumni association.
He commended the organising committee, led by Mohd Azlan Saleh, for successfully bringing together 120 alumni from various districts in Sabah and beyond.
Azlan Saleh said the overwhelming response showed that friendships forged during their school years have remained strong despite the passing of nearly three decades.
He hoped that similar programmes would continue in the future as a platform to strengthen the alumni network while also providing an opportunity to honour teachers who helped shape the success of former students in various fields.
The reunion proved that while time had brought maturity, it had never erased the memories of their school days, he added.
He also said that despite three decades having passed, the bond between teachers and former students would always remain in their hearts.
The event was further enlivened by the presence of Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also an alumnus of SMK Maktab Sabah’s Class of 1989.
In a Facebook post, he said that although he belonged to an earlier batch, the spirit of togetherness among Maktab Sabah alumni was clearly felt throughout the gathering.
“Although we are from batches separated by many years, we could still feel the strong bond of friendship as Maktab Sabah alumni.
“The presence of our former teachers also brought back fond memories as they were reunited with their former students,” he said.
The theme, “30 Years On, Still the Same”, was chosen to symbolise friendships that have remained strong despite the passage of time, career commitments and family responsibilities.
The programme also featured fellowship sessions, a dinner, entertainment performances, lucky draws and a group photography session, reviving laughter and cherished memories of their school days.
Among the former teachers who attended were Indang Kasih Sibin, Flora Jimmy, Norhayatie, Jesteni Salim, Azlan Saflie and Dr Hamid Rahmat, who had taught the students during that era.
