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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 safteurasian@gmail.com. For Membership updates and applications please see page 15 or contact Ms Iris De Souza at email: safteurasian@gmail.comYour 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 / sheila.decosta@gmail.com / gerald.m.lee@googlemail.com

TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE

Some of SAFTEAs General Committee members at the 92nd AGM. The GC served the Association for the past two years.

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 safteurasian@gmail.com

Untill then, in the service of the Eurasians and members of SAFTEA, I remain,

ShEIlA DE CoSTAPresident

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

For Membership updates and applications please email Ms Iris De Souza at safteurasian@gmail.com

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!