SIBU: A new generation of Knights from the 1990s and 2000s stepped forward to helm the Sacred Heart Schools’ Old Students Association (SHOSA) at its recent Annual General Meeting here.
The latest line-up of SHOSA office bearers reflects a carefully managed passing of the torch from senior alumni leaders of the 1980s generation to a younger and energetic crop of former students.
At the helm once again is Penghulu Yong King Sung, who was re-elected as President for a fifth consecutive term.
Yong, a community leader and proud Knight from the Class of 1985, is seen as a stabilising bridge to guide the association through this important generational transition.
Supporting him as Vice Presidents are Henry Chiew Wee Koh from the Class of 1986 and Justin Teng from the Class of 2003.
The remaining 10 office bearers are all drawn from the 1990s and 2000s generation of Sacred Heart alumni with Ignatius Lau from the Class of 2004 and Albert Liu from the Class of 2006 holding the crucial posts of Secretary General and Treasurer General respectively.
Speaking after his re-election, Yong described the transition as both “natural and necessary,” noting that every generation of Sacred Heartians has a duty not only to preserve the legacy handed to them, but also to prepare the next generation to lead.
“Every era has its own leaders, its own challenges, and its own way of contributing,” he said.
“A decade ago, we witnessed the gradual transition from the great pioneers and leaders from the 1960s and 1970s generation to those from the 1980s. Today, history repeats itself as those of us from the 1980s begin stepping aside to make way for our younger brothers from the 1990s and 2000s.”
Prior to Yong’s presidency, SHOSA was led by Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, who served four terms over eight years and helped strengthen the association’s profile and outreach.
He was succeeded in 2016 by Class of 1985 – Datu Hii Chang Kee, before Yong subsequently assumed the presidency two years later.
With Yong’s latest re-election, alumni from the 1980s generation would have collectively led SHOSA for an unbroken 10 terms spanning two decades – a remarkable period of stability, growth, and continuity rarely seen in alumni associations.
But Yong stressed that leadership renewal must continue. “No generation can lead forever,” he said.
“We have enjoyed the trust and support of our fellow Knights for many years. Now it is time for younger leaders to rise, carry the banner forward, and shape SHOSA for the future.”
From helping improve school facilities to sponsoring underprivileged students and organising charitable activities, SHOSA members across generations have maintained a fierce sense of attachment and duty toward their alma mater.
Yong said this tradition remains the greatest strength of the Sacred Heart community.
“What makes Sacred Heart special is not merely the buildings or the classrooms,” he said.
“It is the culture of loyalty and gratitude that has been passed down from one generation of Knights to another.
“Whenever the school is in need, Sacred Heart Knights will answer the call. That spirit has never changed.”
And the growing involvement of younger professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from the 1990s and 2000s generation is expected to inject fresh ideas, technological adaptability, and renewed energy into the association.
