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1FOR MEMBERS ONLY WWW.SAFTEA.BLOGSPOT.COM
NEWS
BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM AND AROUND THE EURASIAN COMMUNITY
BERITA
ISSUE 1/2015 (June 2014 - July 2015 )
...and our journey continues. In the face of the challenges
SAFTEA has been facing since the closure of the clubhouse in Jalan
Pudu, it is evident that members are determined to stick together
through thick and thin to ensure our dear Associations
sustainability. We have managed to carry on with many of the
activities, towards building a stronger foundation and paving the
path forward.
For the latest updates please log on to saftea.blogspot.com and
Saft Eurasian Assc.For any enquiries or feedback please call
03-8739 1670 (from Monday-Friday during office hours) or email
[email protected]. For Membership updates and applications
please see page 15 or contact Ms Iris De Souza at email:
[email protected] contributions towards the new building
fund are appreciated. Cheques or Money Orders to: Selangor &
Federal Territory Eurasian Association. Bank Transfer: Public Bank
Berhad Account No: 3077914330 - Sel & FT Eurasian Association.
Send the bank slip via mail or email: safteurasian@gmail /
[email protected] / [email protected]
TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE
Some of SAFTEAs General Committee members at the 92nd AGM. The
GC served the Association for the past two years.
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PresidentSheila E. De Costa
Vice President 1Darren G. Duarte
Vice President 2Gerald M. Lee
Hon. TreasurerJoan M. Marbeck
Ladies ChairpersonMaureen Sibert
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Youth ChairmanArnold Monteiro
Sports ChairmanEugene A. William
Senior Citizens ChairpersonElaine Especkerman
MembershipIris de SouzaJulia Nicholas
Public Relations & PublicitySuzanne M. Lazaroo
Janice E. Monteiro-Lewis
F& B and SocialsArnold Monteiro
Deputy F&B/Associate LiaisonYap Tee LoyBalaraman
House & GroundsHilary Gomes
Committee MemberJ. Ivan Rosario
A MessageFrom the President
Dear Members & friends of the SAFTEA,
It is now the middle of the year as I hope that you have had the
best year ever to date.
We have had our first full year without a clubhouse. Much of
2014 was spent sorting out our secretariat, having our GC meetings
at various venues like the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), the
Royal Lake Club and the Empire Hotel.
We also had our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November 2014,
due in part to our having moved premises as well as delays in the
completion of the 2013 accounts. Many of the 2013 documents had
inadvertently been packed away in storage.
At the AGM, the general body were given four options on what
they wanted to be done on our land at Lot 348, Jalan Bangsar Utama
8, Kuala Lumpur and the general body resolved that they wanted to
look for a joint venture partner to build a clubhouse on the land.
A timeline was given until 30 June 2015 after which either an
extension would be given or other options would be considered.
As at November 2014, SAFTEA finally became the registered owners
of its own land. We managed to get a waiver of stamp duty from the
Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri, thus saving about RM100,000.00
Events wise, for the whole of 2014 the Sunday Curry/family
lunches were held at the RCS. We wish to thank Geoffrey Anthony and
the GC of the RCS for having accommodated SAFTEA.
Our annual Christmas Cheer cum Mini Bazaar and New Years Eve
Dinner and Dance, which were held at RCS and the Ballroom, Empire
Hotel respectively received good response from members and
friends.
This year, 2015, will see us trying out other venues for the
family lunches and so far we managed to organise a family lunch at
After Werk in Scott Garden, Kuala Lumpur in January 2015. We did
not organise the family lunch in February 2015 in view of the
Chinese New Year Celebrations, which fell on 19 February. For April
and May our curry lunches were held at the Royal Selangor Club,
which was well patronised and enjoyed by many of our members and
friends.
We were looking for a place to rent for a clubhouse and by the
AGM, we succeeded and held the AGM at our new rented clubhouse.
We are also looking into having fund raising activities as money
is required to the furnish a new club house pending the building of
our own club house. Our SMS blast keeps members abreast on the
immediate activities and updates of the Association.
Besides organising various events, the GC will also look into
doing more cultural and heritage activities.
I welcome any feedback both positive and constructive so please
send your comments and suggestions via email to
[email protected]
Untill then, in the service of the Eurasians and members of
SAFTEA, I remain,
ShEIlA DE CoSTAPresident
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Taking the responsibility of two positions came with challenges,
but with the support of our President and the GC, made my tasks
lighter and manageable. I take this opportunity to express my
gratitude to our President Sheila De Costa and the General
Committee (GC) for their understanding and commitment in our
endeavours.
The GC leaving differences at bay, functioned cohesively as one.
Efforts and support crossed boundaries in our sharing of goals,
with focus on serving the members. I personally got involved in
several parts of the operations and contributed where I could. Even
tough challenges were surmountable, with effort of course. With the
committed and focused leadership, I must say that I enjoyed my term
serving SAFTEA.
The position of Acting Honorary General Secretary came with a
different set of duties and responsibilities. I was given a seat on
the Education Committee to represent SAFTEA. Also, I was fortunate
to have the support of our Presidents secretary Mary, her office
staff and the use of her office facilities.
Our GC Meetings and SAFTEAs activities went on smoothly.
Eventually after trying many other venues, we comfortably held the
monthly Sunday Family Lunches at the Royal Selangor Club Kiara
hall. Our two Power Sisters, Maureen and Elaine with their
determination to always do better delivered well to the Members
Cheers to the Power Sisters.
Members, thank you for giving me the honour and opportunity to
serve SAFTEA and the Eurasian Community at large. I enjoyed my term
and I look forward to being of service to SAFTEA.
Looking forward to another productive year ahead!
A Note from Gerald M LeeVice President 2 & Acting Honorary
General Secretary
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The monthly Family Lunches are a popular, long-held SAFTEA
tradition. They have always been a gathering point for family and
friends, who want a laidback Sunday of socialising, set against a
backdrop of good food and even better music.
Maureen Sibert, chairperson of the Ladies Committee meticulously
organises each Curry Lunch to ensure that everyone is well taken
of. From the menu selection, table bookings, entertainment line-up
and lucky draws, Maureens keen eye for detail makes every event a
resounding success. Since June 2014, the events were held at
various locations in the Klang-Valley, except for the month of
February 2015 where the decision was made not to host the luncheon
due to the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Each luncheon kicked off with a sumptuous buffet spread variety
adds spice, so guests enjoyed everything from Serani favourites
like devil curry, traditional Chinese stir-fries or Western Sunday
lunch staples such as roast lamb. For those feeling peckish a few
hours later, light snacks were served at tea-time. It is heartening
to note that each gathering was well attended and during the
Fathers Day celebration, which was held on 29 June, 2014 SAFTEA
hosted a large number of friends from the Penang Eurasian
Association. Aloysius Gasper, Penang Eurasian Association President
graced the occasion with around 30 members from Penang.
The first Family Lunch of 2015 was held at a new venue:
AfterWerk, in Scott Garden (Old Klang Road), with music provided by
the Winds of Change and Derek & Shiilla. A host of bands are
featured at each Curry Lunch with non-stop dance music. lights,
Stairways, Crystal Notes and Zarsadias Bros never fail to entertain
the crowd with their repertoire of music, which range from the 60s
right up till the current era. In April and May 2015 the Curry
Lunches were held at the Royal Selangor Club in Bukit Kiara.
As teamwork is a crucial element in any successful event, Elaine
Especkerman, Yap Tee loy (Baba Yap), Willie Nunis, Mary Nunis, and
Nancy De Souza provide invaluable assistance each time.
A huge thank you to our President, Sheila De Costa and Dato
lawrence for regularly donating prizes for the Raffle Draws, and
also to Gerald lee, Darren Duarte and Carl Goonting for their
contributions. Deepest gratitude go out to Ann Tan, Belinda Mc Roy
and Anne De Souza for rounding up their friends to join in the
merriment at every Curry Lunch.
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DAD
I have the best dad in the worldI LOVE YOU
HappyFathers Day
Curry LunchesAloysius Gasper, Penang Eurasian Association
President (left) with Lucky Draw winner Collin Lazaroo.
Kumi...kumi...SAFTEA members and friends enjoying the buffet
spread.
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5Beer drinking competition! Alex Liew (3rd from left) was
declared the winner! Nancy De Souza gets the tea spread ready.
Time to jive! Iris De Souza gets lucky! A happy Lucky Draw
winner. Sheila De Costa, SAFTEAs President was on hand to give away
the Lucky Draw prizes.
Happy smiles all around as members and friends gathered together
for a fun Sunday!
The gaily decorated hall at the Royal Commonwealth Club -
splendid food, non-stop dancing and fantastic music!
Spreading good cheer at the Sunday Family Curry Lunch!
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6Come indulge in SAFTEAs Sunday Family Curry lunches soon and
invite your family and friends, as all are welcome. Look out for
SMS blasts, email and FB updates for details
on the upcoming lunches. For more information please visit the
Facebook page Saft Eurasion Assc. or contact
Maureen Sibert at 012-226 9971 or Willie Nunis at 016-361
0556.
Curry Lunches
Spreading good cheer at the Sunday Curry Lunches.
Continuously strengthening ties among members, family and
friends.
Sumptuous food, great music and even better company!
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What better way to spend a hot Sunday afternoon than with your
family, friends and some good ol rock and roll. On 6 July 2014
SAFTEAs Youth Expression was held at the Hangover Pub in Petaling
Jaya. The fantastic line up talented musicians - Coca DMonday,
Serani Trio. Magnifico and Kaya thrilled the crowd with their
awesome performances. Kudos to Arnold Monteiro, Youth Chairperson
for organising the event and Baba Yap for assisting with the drink
coupon sales. It was a groovy afternoon of fun, good music,
non-stop dancing and fostering closer ties among members and
friends.
Curry Lunches
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Recently inducted into the Malaysian Book of Records as the
longest serving teacher in Malaysia, Francis Santa Maria has
clocked 60 years on the job and is still inspiring a generation of
students today at Stella Maris Primary School, Ampang, where he
teaches Standard Five and Six classes.
Whats the secret to remaining an educator for six decades?
Simply put, its passion that keeps him in front of a classroom.
I like the job, being able to help pupils succeed in their
studies and in their lives, said Francis. Every year, I look
forward to a new set of students coming in, to starting all over
again. Youve got to show the children that you care, and theyll
respond.
I believe in imparting knowledge, as well as instilling
discipline and morals. When I teach, I always stress on the good. I
have always been enthusiastic about my job, and that enthusiasm has
never waned if there had come a day that it had, I would have left
teaching, he added.
Francis was born on January 15, 1935, and became a teacher in
1953, fresh out of school himself he was, at the time, waiting for
his Cambridge School Certificate (Form Five) results. La Salle
Sentul was his first posting; he went on to serve the school for 33
years.
I taught Maths and Science there, and occasionally English, said
Francis. Sentul was a very different place then, it was a very poor
area. But many of the kids from there have succeeded in life, and
are doing very well for themselves now. He still keeps in touch
with some of his former students including those overseas, who make
it a point to meet up with their former teacher when they return
for holidays.
Francis moved on to La Salle Brickfields in 1986, becoming the
headmaster there. His retirement at 55 was short-lived, when a
former student opened MAZ International School in Petaling Jaya and
asked him to come in and help he ended up teaching Maths there for
10 years.
He has been with Stella Maris from 1994. I like teaching
Standards Five and Six, and having my students for two years. I
give them a good foundation in Standard Five, and then can polish
up their revision in Standard 6, he said.
Francis recently celebrated another milestone his 80th birthday.
His fittingly grand birthday celebration pulled double duty, also
celebrating the Malaysia Book of Records accolade. It was organised
by the La Salle Sentul Old Boys Association (OBA) and the Christian
Brothers School Malaysia La Salle Provincialate.
Birthday wishes from former students fluttered in from all over
the globe, even from as far away as Alaska and
Bosnia-Herzegovina!
FRANCIS SANTA MARIA
Celebrating 60 years of service
In service to his students
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Last year, I did think that it might be time for me to retire,
but my doctor told me that would be the worst thing I could do, in
terms of my health! I will carry on for as long as I can working
keeps you alert! said Francis. Indeed, its a philosophy that seems
to have served the 80-year-young Francis very well.
In an interview with The Star, Francis noted that he had
survived World War II, the Emergency, the May 13 riots, travelled
the world, driven fast cars, met hordes of people and educated
thousands of young students. And in addition to that, hes certainly
touched thousands of lives. Thats a lifetime of living and giving,
packed into 80 years. Heres to many more.
Many of Francis Santa Marias former students remember him as a
strict disciplinarian, who played a pivotal role in their lives.
here are some memories and messages to sir, with love:
I remember Francis Santa Maria as being DAMN STRICT... a good
maths teacher, but damn strict! It was impossible to cross paths
with Santa Maria without you shivering in your pants! His
reputation truly preceded him. Tony Gayondato
Dear Francis, this is truly a remarkable milestone only few have
achieved. More noteworthy is what you imparted to your students
throughout 60 years. Looking back on my student days, I must say
you were one of two who played a significant role in building my
character, let alone improving my grades in the Std 6 exam results.
Thank you Sir, and may you have many more good years. Warm regards.
Victorian Miranda
I was in Francis Santa Marias class in 1961, he was my class
teacher. He taught me Maths, English and Geography; he was really
strict, but a great teacher and I really enjoyed his classes and
respected him. Whatever punishments he gave, I took in good faith,
because he just wanted us to do well he wanted everyone in his
class to pass their exams. His passing marks were very high 80,
just to pass! I am very grateful to him because of his lessons, I
am where I am today. Sir, without your strictness and punishments,
I dont think I would have done well in school, or outside of it.
Thank you very much. Mark Ambrose
A little message to Francis.
My friends used to tease and taunt me Because we carried the
same surname, Today they never cease to thank me, Because we
carried the same surname. - Anthony Santa Maria
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Friday Members Night
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Experiment
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The Friday Nights, which were also known as Members Night, were
a feature of the old Clubhouse at 167, Jalan Pudu. It used to
reverberate with live music, dancing and singing and camaraderie
every Friday night since it was instituted. Now that the Clubhouse
is no more, there is no place for members to meet up and have a
drink together in cosy surroundings. The GC decided to revive this
regular gatherings with the Friday Members Night Experiment at
other venues.
Four gatherings were held throughout 2014, two in November 2014
at Ol Skool in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya and another two events
were held at the Empire Hotel in Subang Jaya. While we had a fair
turn out of members and it was good to meet up regularly, it was
deemed not viable to continue organising the events as they were
not self sustaining. Costs were incurred to pay for the live bands
(at the Empire ) and also for transport to cart the music equipment
to the venue and back. SAFTEA did not earn any income from drinks
sales as well. Thus, it was decided that SAFTEA will have to rent
its own clubhouse pending the completion of its own building to be
able to at least break even to hold such functions.
Sincere appreciation goes out to Vice Presidents, Gerald Lee and
Darren Duarte, and the F&B Chairman, Arnold Monteiro who
planned and organised this Experiment.
Friday Members Night
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Experiment
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SAFTEAs 2014 high Achievers Awards Recipients
SAFTEA EXAM RESULTS AMOUNT AWARD
ASHLEY DENISE CHAI SINGHO SPM 8A RM600.00 High Achiever
AMANDA MARIE JOSEPH SPM 7A RM600.00 High Achiever
CLARISSA LIANNE VAN HUIZEN SPM 5A RM375.00 Motivation Award
LARA JANE STA MARIA UPSR 5A RM300.00 High Achiever
MALACCA EXAM RESULTS AMOUNT AWARD
STEVIE TOBI BIN SIKIM SPM 8A RM600.00 High Achiever
ANDRIANA SEQUERAH SPM 7A RM600.00 High Achiever
SARAH PATRICIA NONIS PMR 7A RM400.00 High Achiever
MITCHEL KEAGAN THESEIRA UPSR 5A RM300.00 High Achiever
PERAK EXAM RESULTS AMOUNT AWARD
VANESSA JOANNE PEREIRA PMR 7A RM400.00 High Achiever
SAFTEA Special Achievement Learning Award of RM300.00CLEO JADE
MAEBECK CHAN (SPM - 3A)
SAFTEA Special Youth Sports Award of RM500.00 JOEL SAMUEL VAN
HUIZEN
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SAFTEAs Annual high Achievers Award Presentation was held on 24
August 2014 at The Royal Commonwealth Society. This recognition of
our Associations High Achievers was introduced in 2007 and has
since become an annual affair.
High Achievers Awards
Datuk Nick Peterson, Chairman of the Education Committee and
Sheila De Costa, President of SAFTEA presented the awards to the
recipients at the event. One of the Objectives of the Association,
as specified in the Rules and By Laws, is to preserve and promote
the well being of the Malaysian Eurasian through education, social
and community service, and sporting activities. In view of this,
the Associations Education Fund was started in 1960 to assist the
children of Ordinary Members of the Association, who had the
ability to continue their studies but were hindered by the lack of
funds due to unfortunate circumstances.
The fund was dormant for a while, reactivated in 1999, and has
since been awarding loans and financial assistance to the children
of Ordinary Members of the Association. The High Achievers Award
was introduced in 2007 to reward students who excelled at the STPM,
SPM, PMR and UPSR Examinations. These Awards are now an annual
affair. To make the ceremony more meaningful the Association has
incorporated recipients from the other Eurasian Associations in
Malaysia. Over the last several years we have had recipients from
our other Eurasian Associations in Malaysia namely Kedah, Penang,
Perak, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Sarawak.
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Christmas CheerMerry Christmas Bong Natal Feliz Navidad Vrolijk
Kerstfeest Selamat Hari Natal Maligayang Paska
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Organised by Senior Citizens Committee
Elaine Especkerman Chairperson
John & Nancy De SouzaYap Tee Loy
Willie & Mary NunisSiva & Lydia Salem
Belinda McRoyMaureen SibertHilary Gomes
Ronnie Ambrose
The Christmas Cheer Hi-Tea was held on 14 December 2014 at the
Royal Commonwealth Society, Damansara Heights. The event saw a very
good turnout of some 150 members and friends. Denis Doss, the
affable emcee for the event, led the carolling session for the
evening. He did a great job engaging the crowd and getting them
into a cheery Christmas mood. This time we decided to bring back
the tradition of the Christmas Bazaar for added fun to the event.
Response for the Mini Bazaar was very encouraging and gave members
and guests the opportunity to indulge in a bit of pre-Christmas
shopping. The Bazaar featured a lovely display of Christmas cakes
and treats, pickles, jewellery, trinkets and gifts. SAFTEA also
celebrated its 95th Anniversary that same day, which was featured
in the Star Metro on 25 December 2014.MUTU GRANDI MERSEh to
everyone who made this event a resounding success!
Welcome to SAFTEAsChristmas CheerMini BazaarCakes ~ Cookies ~
Pickles ~ HoneyJewellery ~Trinkets ~ Gifts ~ Stationery Specialty
Teas ~ Books ~ Gift WrappersVirgin Coconut Oil ~ Cosmetics
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For Membership updates and applications please email Ms Iris De
Souza at [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Date : Name : IC No. : Address : .... Email : Tel No. :
(H)...............(O).............. (HP).......Occupation :
Employers Name : Employers Address : ....
.... ....
I wish to be a member of the Selangor & Federal Territory
Eurasian Association :( ) LIFE MEMBER - ORDINARY( ) Entrance Fee
RM100.00( ) Subscription Fee RM100.00 per annum. Payable in
advance. (Below 59 years)
( ) Senior Citizen Subscription Fee RM50.00 per annum. Payable
in advance. (60 years & above)
( ) LIFE MEMBER - ASSOCIATE( ) Entrance Fee RM100.00( )
Subscription Fee RM100.00 per annum. Payable in advance. (Below 59
years)
( ) Senior Citizen Subscription Fee RM50.00 per annum. Payable
in advance. (60 years & above)* Tick where applicable
The fees payable are enclosed.
Should I be granted membership, I hereby undertake to keep my
subscriptions in benefit, to discharge promptly any liabilities
incurred by me, and conform to the Rules, By-Laws and other
regulations as maybe adopted from time to time. I further declare
that under provisions of Rule 5 (a or b) :( ) I am a Eurasian( ) I
am of Eurasian descent State family members name ...( ) I am not a
Eurasian or of Eurasian descent
Yours faithfully,
...
Membership application is :
Proposed by : .... (Membership No.) . Seconded by : ....
(Membership No.) .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOR
OFFICE USEApproved (Chairman) Receipt Issued (Treasurer)
.. Letter, Receipt & Received (Member)Membership Card Issued
(Secretary)
..
$
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The New Years Eve Dinner & Dance was held at the Ballroom of
the Empire Hotel in Subang Jaya on 31 December 2014.
It was great to continue with one of SAFTEAs oldest traditions
where members with their family and friends were able to usher in
the New Year together. Guests tucked into a splendid fusion
Christmas buffet and a variety of drinks, which was very
competitively priced.
The highlight of the evening was the Lucky Draw with an i-Pad
mini as the Grand Prize, which was graciously donated by member,
Gerald Gunter. President Sheila De Costa, Vice President Darren
Duarte and Hon. Treasurer Joan Marbeck contributed a host of
whiskies and wines for the lucky winners. Julian Jansen donated
five fire extinguishers, among other prizes.
Youth Chairman Arnold Monteiro worked tirelessly to make the
night a success alongside Ladies Chairperson Maureen Sibert and
Senior Citizens Chairperson Elaine Especkerman. Membership
Chairperson Iris De Souza, Committee Member Baba Yap and Ann Tan
were also on hand to ensure that no stone was left unturned and the
committee is pleased to report that the event churned out a fair
profit.
Guests boogied the night away to the Winds of Changes repertoire
of Golden Oldies and classics.
At midnight, colourful balloons were released from the ceiling
to the delight of everyone.
Heres to another great and blessed year ahead! SAUDE!