Forward to the past

Back in June of this year, my friend Lim Siang Jin and I embarked on a photographic journey, dedicating ourselves to exploring and capturing the essence of Penang Free School through our lenses. While my initial intent was simply to preserve these memories for personal enjoyment, Siang Jin had a more focused goal. Equipped with a borrowed Leica SL2-S camera, he aspired to showcase his work in an exhibition hosted by The Old Frees' Association (OFA). What better time to do so than during the OFA's Centenary celebrations?

Over the past three months, I've been assisting Siang Jin in securing approval from the OFA committee to hold this exhibition in their hall. And now, finally, his tireless efforts have culminated in a remarkable exhibition featuring a collection of evocative black-and-white photographs. These images are designed to evoke nostalgic emotions in anyone who has walked the corridors of Penang Free School, unless, of course, one possesses a heart of ice.

When I arrived at The Old Frees' Association this afternoon, I found Siang Jin fully immersed in the preparations for his photography exhibition. This exhibition showcases 31 black-and-white photographs that beautifully capture the essence of Penang Free School. These images pay a poignant tribute to the 1960s, a significant era in both of our personal journeys of growth and transformation.

The exhibition will run from September 28th until October 3rd, with the hall open daily from 10 am until 5 pm. The framed photographs will be available for purchase by the public at RM800 each, with 75 percent of the proceeds benefiting the PFS Student Leadership Workshops and Free School Guide, and the remaining 25 percent going to the OFA Sesquicentenary Education Fund. Siang Jin and I hope that visitors to the exhibition will be generous in their support by purchasing these photographs, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the students of Penang Free School. I can assure you that these photographs are well worth your support!