PY's Voice

PY's VOICE

As I remember it...
by Clarence Chow Chee Wing,
A Pioneer SSEAYP Buddy Batch '74

REFLECTION

reopen• revive • reawake
appreciate

Three decades and we are no more youths: our children have grown up, some married, some of us grandparents and a few of us have left this world. Reminiscence of Nippon Maru is still there, though with less fervour and somewhat misty and fading.

Visiting the ship has almost become an annual pilgrimage for me. Despite the envious feelings for the sophistication and luxury every other batch now enjoys. Frankly, I still prefer the simplistic and unpretentious ways we did things on that inaugural "Ship For Southeast Asian Youths"....

Still whenever the '74 batch gathered, no matter how small the number maybe, and how far and in between they were, the spirit has been kept alive. No one could say they could not remember; the informal gatherings, the personal exchange of beliefs and practices, our profound preferences and other idiosyncrasies to intimate interests.

They were the bonding element and the time spent on board. Kay Tiak (Joseph) and Belen Tan is a shining example of the ultimate outcome. Neng Kee, "Jumbo" (Eng Lock) , Linda, Yvonne and Lily Chin are the diehards who are still preserving the sparkling spirit of the "Love Boat". Many in the '74 batch may not have met in recent years but any chance meeting would have the friendship found on Nippon Maru renewed, rejuvenated.

Looking back the last 30 years always reminds me of the impact the programme had on me, especially my being born and bred in Singapore, a true-blue Singaporean. Every participant would want to believe that theirs was the best.

It is, to each of them, in many ways. But being the first has its significance. The expectations and technology of the 70s are no parallel to that of the 21st century. The 1st Ship had its glorious moments, the 10th had theirs and so have the others. The experience that the programme provides for every single participant can never be measured in any quantitative terms.

All PYs will know, SSEAYP has broadened their vision, enhanced greater mutual understanding, tolerance and an appreciation among them and their neighbours in Asean and Japan. This would definitely have enriched and certainly would have also impacted them for the rest of their lives.

Outstanding Members

Beyond SSEAYP... & Full Steam Ahead

21 Renaissance 2004 (7 to 20 October)
Karen Chong (1993) Leader - Development
Lee Wai Leng (2000) - Public Relations
Joseph Nah (1999) - Management
Colette Toh (1996) - Education

Pan Pacific Exchange Programme (PPYEP) 2004 (1 to 12 October)
Hoe Aik Teng (2002) - Leader
Koh Chin Chin (2000)
Spencer Phang (1995)
Christopher Chew (1995)
William Ang (2000)

SSEAYP 2004
Ho Meng Wai (1987) - National Leader
Jenny Koh (1987) - OBSC Member

Local Working Committee 2004
Kwa Chee Beng (1992) - Chairman

2003 LOs

The Warmth and Smiles of our dedicated team of Liason Officers (LOs) during SSEAYP 2003.

SSEAYP Baby Boom Champ...

Nevermind if they’ve missed out PM Lee’s baby bonus. The more the merrier! William Han & Audrey both SPY 1987 with their 7 wonder kids.

As I remember it... by Clarence Chow Chee Wing, A Pioneer SSEAYP Buddy Batch '74
REFLECTION reopen• revive • reawake appreciate
Three decades and we are no more youths: our children have grown up, some married, some of us grandparents and a few of us have left this world. Reminiscence of Nippon Maru is still there, though with less fervour and somewhat misty and fading. Visiting the ship has almost become an annual pilgrimage for me. Despite the envious feelings for the sophistication and luxury every other batch now enjoys. Frankly, I still prefer the simplistic and unpretentious ways we did things on that inaugural "Ship For Southeast Asian Youths".... Still whenever the '74 batch gathered, no matter how small the number maybe, and how far and in between they were, the spirit has been kept alive. No one could say they could not remember; the informal gatherings, the personal exchange of beliefs and practices, our profound preferences and other idiosyncrasies to intimate interests. They were the bonding element and the time spent on board. Kay Tiak (Joseph) and Belen Tan is a shining example of the ultimate outcome. Neng Kee, "Jumbo" (Eng Lock) , Linda, Yvonne and Lily Chin are the diehards who are still preserving the sparkling spirit of the "Love Boat". Many in the '74 batch may not have met in recent years but any chance meeting would have the friendship found on Nippon Maru renewed, rejuvenated. Looking back the last 30 years always reminds me of the impact the programme had on me, especially my being born and bred in Singapore, a true-blue Singaporean. Every participant would want to believe that theirs was the best. It is, to each of them, in many ways. But being the first has its significance. The expectations and technology of the 70s are no parallel to that of the 21st century. The 1st Ship had its glorious moments, the 10th had theirs and so have the others. The experience that the programme provides for every single participant can never be measured in any quantitative terms. All PYs will know, SSEAYP has broadened their vision, enhanced greater mutual understanding, tolerance and an appreciation among them and their neighbours in Asean and Japan. This would definitely have enriched and certainly would have also impacted them for the rest of their lives.
Outstanding Members Beyond SSEAYP... & Full Steam Ahead 21 Renaissance 2004 (7 to 20 October) Karen Chong (1993) Leader - Development Lee Wai Leng (2000) - Public Relations Joseph Nah (1999) - Management Colette Toh (1996) - Education *Pan Pacific Exchange Programme (PPYEP) 2004 (1 to 12 October)* Hoe Aik Teng (2002) - Leader Koh Chin Chin (2000) Spencer Phang (1995) Christopher Chew (1995) William Ang (2000) *SSEAYP 2004* Ho Meng Wai (1987) - National Leader Jenny Koh (1987) - OBSC Member *Local Working Committee 2004* Kwa Chee Beng (1992) - Chairman
2003 LOs The Warmth and Smiles of our dedicated team of Liason Officers (LOs) during SSEAYP 2003.
STAR Award Special Tribute & Recognition Award was bestowed on Mr Hawazi B Daipi (YL 1980), Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Manpower, for his contribution and relentless support for the Alumni.
SSEAYP Baby Boom Champ... Nevermind if they’ve missed out PM Lee’s baby bonus. The more the merrier! William Han & Audrey both SPY 1987 with their 7 wonder kids.