The Old Paulians' Association (OPA) is an alumni association in Malaysia. It was founded by Brother Lewis Edward of Ireland.
History
Brother Lewis Edward, an Irishman who was headmaster for St. Paul's Institution (28 April 1921 to January 1929), is credited with having started the association 22 years after the school was founded on 18 June 1899.
Old Paulians' Association has historical significance as one of the oldest alumni associations in Malaysia, tracing its root to 1922 and having witnessed firsthand the Japanese occupation in World War II (1940 to 1945) and Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation (1962 to 1966).
Nation building
OPA members include individuals noted for their nation-building contribution. Many are currently in various geographical locations and comprise former students and teachers of St. Paul's Institution (Primary) and St. Paul's Institution (Secondary). These members include Tan Sri Chan Choon Tak who served as President of Dewan Negara in Parliament Malaysia (Dec 1990 to Mar 1992), Justice Lee Seiu Kin currently serving Singapore Supreme Court, Datuk Prof. Dr. Prabir Ranjan Sen Gupta who serves National Cancer Society Malaysia as vice-president and fellow of Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, Dato’ Lai See Ming who is currently St. John Ambulance Malaysia National Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, John Fernandez who was Member of the Parliament (House of Representatives) of Malaysia for the Seremban constituency in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Anthony Loke Siew Fook who is currently Member of the Parliament (House of Representatives) of Malaysia for the Rasah constituency in the state of Negeri Sembilan and Minister of Transport, Malaysia, Jesu Maria Selvam, recognised by Malaysia Book of Records as Longest Serving Sports Official in Malaysia, 7th SEA Peninsular Games 1973 Gold Medalist (Hockey) Michael Yan Wai Pin and Stephen Van Huizen who is the current coach and also past skipper of Malaysia's national hockey team.
Headquarters
OPA currently operates from Paulian House, 324-1 Taman Bukit Kaya, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus. This is the fourth OPA premise.
OPA's first premise was located at 1st Floor, 2 Market Lane, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan post World War II. OPA then later moved to another premise, 1st Floor, 78 Jalan Dato' Bandar Tunggal (formerly called Birch Road), Seremban. In 2000, it moved into its own building at 24 Jalan Yam Tuan, Seremban.
Background
OPA's roots date 1922 or 23 years after the founding of St. Paul's Institution in Seremban. Bro. Lewis Edward, who was the Brother Director at that time, envisioned a fellowship of former students with the aim of continuing their prowess in athletics and sports. In the few years leading to the formation of the association, he realised the need to maintain ties with other La Sallian organisations in the region.
Together with former students, he founded St. Paul's Athletic Association (SPAA) in 1922 and opened its membership to former students of St Paul's Institution. SPAA also recognised associate members, which were former students from other La Salle schools. SPAA achieved outstanding success as its members were active participants in games and athletics.
Four years later, SPAA took steps to become a formal association and took on the name St. Paul's Old Boys’ Association or SPOBA in 1926. The primary aim then was to encourage members participate in games and athletics. This was later expanded to include social and cultural activities. SPOBA was active and saw its members competing in various tournaments and games.
The economic turmoil in the Thirties brought about numerous challenges. In that decade, St. Paul's Institution saw the comings and goings of several Brother Directors (all Irishmen) like Bro. Dominic John, Bro. Barnitus Kennedy, Brother John Lynam, Brother Joseph Brophy and Brother Anselm Conde.
SPOBA was understandably dormant during the Second World War. However, St. Paul's Institution remained open despite the hardship and bloody conflict, helmed by Bro. Henry. He was well known for personally refusing the invading Japanese forces occupying Seremban the removal of the school name.
After World War II
The end of World War II saw a sense of returning normality to life in Seremban. It gave SPOBA renewed vigour. In 1948, SPOBA came together thanks chiefly to efforts of Mr J. R. Santa Maria, Mr C. A. Pinto and Mr. Wong Ah Chong. The then District Officer, Encik Bahaman bin Shamsuddin, became SPOBA President.