CHA - About Us
The CHA logo, designed by Ng Yak Hwee, (Pre U 2/1972) identifies with all graduates of Catholic High School.
The image of a man in motion signifies the values that have been imbued in us — Care, Honesty and Service, a gentleman of high integrity and robust character, who is passionate about life, learning and service to others.
The School flag continues to fly high, and the school crest is emblazened in the CHA logo – The colours yellow and blue respectively signifies that the School Flag continues to fly high and that we still proudly wear the school crest on our chest.
The commissioning of this logo underlines the commitment of the Catholic High Alumni to work closely with the alma mater for the betterment of society for gnerations to come.
1. This Association shall be known as the Catholic High Alumni.
2. Its place of business shall be at 9 Bishan Street 22 Catholic High School (Secondary), Singapore 579767 or at such other place or places as the Executive Committee shall decide, subject to the approval of the Registrar of Societies.
3. i) To promote friendship, understanding and co-operation amongst the members. ii) To promote physical, cultural and general well-being of the members. iii) To provide opportunity for the exchange of ideas and views amongst the members. iv) To assist in every way possible the development of the Alma Mater.
4. There shall be three classes of members viz: a) Associate b) Ordinary (Life) c) Honorary
5. a) Any person of or above the age of 16 years and having left the Alma Mater may apply to become an: i) Ordinary (Life) Member provided he is not a full-time student or undergraduate; or ii) Associate Member if he is a full-time student or undergraduate and below the age of 25.
b) An Associate Member may apply to convert his membership to Ordinary (Life) Membership upon attaining the relevant eligibility requirements and payment of applicable fees. Unless the membership is converted as aforesaid, it shall automatically expire on the Associate Member attaining the age of 25.
c) Any person who has been the principal or a member of teaching staff of the Alma Mater and who has rendered distinguished services to the Association or to the Alma Mater may be nominated by the Executive Committee for election at the Annual General Meeting to Honorary Membership of the Association provided that such nomination shall be clearly stated in the notice calling the Annual General Meeting.
d) An Associate Member or Honorary Member shall not have any vote, hold office or have any say in the management of the Association. Only Ordinary (Life) Members shall have the right to vote, hold office and have any say in the management of the Association.
e) All new applications for Associate and Ordinary (Life) Membership or applications for conversion of membership shall be proposed and seconded by existing members and shall be submitted to the Executive Committee in the prescribed form.
f) Upon approval of the Executive Committee and upon payment of the applicable entrance fee and/or Subscription, an applicant shall become an Associate or Ordinary (Life) Member of the Association.
g) The Executive Committee shall have the power to determine any questions relating to membership eligibility, to waive any requirements where it is in the interest of the Association to do so and to approve or reject applications accordingly.
h) The number of Associate, Ordinary (Life) and Honorary Membership respectively is not limited.
6. The Entrance Fee for Associate and Ordinary (Life) Members shall be as determined by the Executive Committee.
7. The Subscriptions for Associate or Ordinary (Life) Members and the manner of payment shall be as determined by the Executive Committee.
8. In the event that any member shall fail to pay any Subscription or other dues to the Association within 14 days of being notified of such default, the Executive Committee may in its discretion suspend the member's rights and privileges of membership and/or revoke the membership.
9. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to revise the rates of Entrance Fees and Subscriptions from time to time. Any special subscription for particular purposes may only be raised from members with the consent of the General Meeting.
10. The management of the Association is vested in the General Meeting. The President or in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents shall preside at the General Meeting. When the President or the Vice-Presidents are absent or neither one of them is prepared to be the Chairman, the members present shall elect a member amongst themselves to chair the meeting. At least fifty (50) voting members or one-fifth (1/5) of the total number of members eligible to vote, whichever is lower, must be present in person or by proxy at the General Meeting to constitute a quorum.
11. An Annual General Meeting shall be held in March of each year. At other times a general meeting must be called by the President on the request in writing of not less than one tenth of the members and may be called at any time by order of the committee.
12. At least two weeks notice shall be given of an Annual General Meeting and save as provided in Rule 34 of these presents, at least ten days notice of any other general meeting and particulars of its agenda will be posted on the Association's notice board four days in advance of the meeting. The following matters will be dealt with at the Annual General meeting.
a) To accept the Report of the Executive Committee. b) To approve the accounts of the Association for the preceding year. c) To elect members to the Executive Committee to fill the vacancies arising from retirement and resignation at or immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting. d) To elect a President from amongst the members of the Executive Committee. e) To transact other matters which may properly be transacted at a General Meeting.
13. In the event of there being no quorum a general meeting shall be adjourned to the same day in the following week at a place and time to be appointed and should the number then present be insufficient to form a quorum, those present shall be considered a quorum but they shall have no power to alter, amend or make additions to any of the existing rules.
14. Every Ordinary (Life) Member shall have one vote and in case of a tie, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote.
15. a) The members of the Executive Committee and the President shall be elected at the General Meeting by way of poll. b) When the Chairman of the meeting or not less than one-tenth (10) of voting members present demand a poll on any matter, the voting thereon shall be taken by way of poll.
16. a) The Executive Committee shall consist of: i) sixteen (16) elected members; and ii) not more than six (6) nominated members approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of elected members. In addition to a President who is elected at the Annual General Meeting, the Executive Committee shall appoint among themselves: Two Vice Presidents An Hon. Secretary An Hon. Asst Secretary An Hon. Treasurer b) Nominated members shall have the same duties and powers as elected members and shall serve until the next Annual General Meeting.
17. The Executive Committee shall have power to appoint such Committees and/ or Sub-Committees with such duties and powers which have been vested in the Executive Committee as it may think fit for the achievement of the objects of the Association.
18. a) The Preparatory Committee shall automatically become the first Executive Committee after the first General Meeting. b) The members due for retirement by rotation shall be those who have served longest on the Executive Committee. Where there are equal seniority in service, the retirement shall be decided by way of drawing lots.
19. The Executive Committee may co-opt any eligible member of the Association to fill a casual vacancy in the Executive Committee. Any person so co-opted shall serve until the next Annual General Meeting.
20. A committee meeting shall be held at least once every 2 months after 7 days' notice to committee members. The President may call a Committee meeting at any time by giving 2 days' notice. At least one half of the committee members must be present for its proceedings to be valid.
21. The President or in his absence one of the Vice-Presidents shall preside at the meeting of Executive Committee. When both the President or the Vice- Presidents are absent or neither one of them is prepared to be the Chairman, the members of the Executive Committee present shall elect a member amongst themselves to be Chairman of the Meeting.
22. Where there is a difference in opinion on any subject matter, the decision shall be put to vote. Every member of the Committee present shall have one vote and in case of a tie, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.
23. The duty of the committee is to organise and supervise the daily activities of the Association and to make decisions on matters of its running when the general meeting is not sitting. It may not act contrary to the expressed wishes of the general meeting without prior reference to it and always remains subordinate to the general meetings.
24. The Committee has power to authorise the expenditure of a sum not exceeding $2,000.00 per month from the Association's funds for the Association's purposes.
25. Any member of the Committee absenting himself from three meetings consecutively without satisfactory explanation shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Committee.
26. The duties of the office-bearers are as follows: a) The President shall act as Chairman at all general and committee meetings. He shall also represent the Association in its dealings with outside persons. b) The Vice-President shall deputise for the President in the latter's absence. c) The Hon. Secretary shall keep all records, except financial, of the Association and shall be responsible for their correctness. He will keep minutes of all general and committee meetings. d) The Hon. Asst. Secretary shall assist the Hon. Secretary in the performance of his duties. e) The Hon. Treasurer shall keep all funds and collect and disburse all monies on behalf of the Association and shall keep an account of all monetary transactions and shall be responsible for their correctness. He is authorised to expend up to $500.00 per month for petty expenses on behalf of the Association. He will not keep more than $500.00 in the form of cash and money in excess of this will be deposited in a bank to be named by the Committee. Cheques drawn on the banking account shall be signed by any two (2) of the following three (3) office bearers, namely the Hon. Treasurer, the President and the Hon. Secretary.
27. All office bearers shall be eligible for re-appointment if elected or nominated to the Executive Committee in accordance with these Rules, save and except the office of the Hon. Treasurer shall not be held by the same person for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
28. The Executive Committee shall yearly appoint a qualified accountant to be the auditor of the Association. The auditor shall audit the yearly accounts of the Association and shall present a report thereon to the Annual General Meeting. The auditor need not be a member of the Association but if he is a member, he should not be serving on the Executive Committee concurrently.
29. If the Association at any time acquire any immovable property such property shall be vested in Trustees subject to a declaration of trust. Trustees are to be appointed from amongst the members at a General Meeting. Any trustee may at any time resign his trusteeship. If a trustee dies or becomes lunatic or of unsound mind or is absent from the Republic of Singapore for a period of one year or ceases to be a member of the Association he shall be deemed to have resigned his trusteeship. If a trustee is guilty of misconduct of such a kind as to render it undesirable that he continues as a trustee, a General Meeting may remove him from his trusteeship. Vacancies in the trusteeship may be filled at a General Meeting, but the number shall not be greater than five or less than two. Notice of any proposal to remove a trustee from his trusteeship or to appoint a new trustee to fill a vacancy must be given by affixing in the premises of the Association a document containing such proposal at least two weeks before the meeting at which the proposal is to be discussed. The result of such meeting shall then be notified to the Registrar of Societies for approval
30. Public statements, including circulars, letters, press release, pamphlets etc. must first have the approval of the Executive Committee before their release.
31. a) A Visitor's Book shall be kept in which shall be entered the names of all visitors and guests, together with the signatures of the members nominating them and the dates of their visits. No person shall be a visitor or guest till his name has been entered in this book. b) The Executive Committee reserves the right to refuse admission of any visitor or guest into the Association premises.
32. a) Gambling of any kind such as playing of paikow or mahjong whether for stakes or not, are forbidden in the Association's premises. The introduction of materials for gambling or opium smoking and of bad characters into the premises is prohibited. b) The funds of the Association shall not be used to pay the fines of members who have been convicted in Court nor shall they be used for donations, presents or any purposes in connection with any political parties or trade unions or any purposes which are not for the furtherance of the objects of the Association. c) The Association shall not attempt to restrict or in any other manner interfere with trade or prices or engage in any trade union activities. d) The Association shall not hold any lottery, whether confined to its members or not, in the name of the Association or its officebearers, Committee or members. e) The Association shall not indulge in any political activity or allow its funds and/or premises to be used for political purposes.
33. Any member who willfully contravenes any of the Rules of the Association or who acts in a manner prejudicial to the interest of the Association or who has been convicted by a Court of Law for a criminal offence, may subject himself to disciplinary action of the Association in the following manner: a) The Executive Committee shall appoint a Disciplinary Committee consisting of three members selected from amongst the Ordinary (Life) members of the Association. b) The Disciplinary Committee shall investigate into the complaints and make a report to the Executive Committee. c) The Executive Committee shall act on the report of the Disciplinary Committee and impose one of the following punishments on the member if he is found at fault: i) Warning ii) Suspension of membership for a period of not more than one year. iii) Expulsion
34. a) No alteration or addition to these Rules shall be made except by at least a 2/3 majority of the members present and entitled to vote at the General Meeting. At least two weeks prior notice must be given to call a general meeting for this purpose and the proposals to amend the Rules must be clearly and precisely stated in the notice. b) No alteration or addition to these Rules shall cone into force without the prior sanction of the Registrar of Societies.
35. In the event of any dispute or question arising amongst the members concerning the rights and obligations of membership, they shall refer the same to be resolved by the Executive Committee which may, if it considers the matter to be sufficient importance or interest, convene a General Meeting for the resolution of the matter. Should the members fail to resolve the matter, they may bring the matter to a court of law for settlement.
36. a) The Association shall not be dissolved, except with the consent of not less than 3/5 of the total number of voting members of the Association expressed in person at a general meeting convened for the purpose. b) In the event of the Association being dissolved as provided above, all debts and liabilities legally incurred on behalf of the Association shall be fully discharged and the remaining funds if any, will be contributed to such charitable institutions as may be decided by the general meeting. c) Notice of dissolution shall be given within 7 days of the dissolution to the Registrar of Societies
Updated: 19 March 2022
The Catholic High Alumni (CHA) was established to provide a platform for all graduates of Catholic High School to interact through social, cultural, sports, career and academic activities, and to further strengthen our bond with our alma mater and to assist the school wherever necessary.
Although operating without a permanent office in the initial years, the executive committee enthusiastically pressed on, organizing various events, including seminars, cultural shows, walks, benefit performances amongst others. The Alumni has also spared no effort in raising funds for the new school building, further extensions to it, and other school programmes for the alma mater.
Graduates of Catholic High School banded together to form a pro tempore committee to set up the CHA. Their vision was to strengthen the relationship they had formed whilst in school, and to maintain their collective bond to their alma mater.
The registration of CHA was approved in July 1969. Immediately, sub-committees were formed with different focuses, including education, publishing, sports, the Arts, Charity and Recreational aspects.
The inauguration of the first CHA Executive Committee was held on 4 January 1970 at Queen Street. Catholic High School’s first principal, Yao Kok Hwa, and current principal, Bro Joseph, were present to witness this momentous event.
The CHA and the Nanyang Shangbao Union sponsored a concert, “Night of the Stars”, which was held at the National Theatre, to raise funds for our alma mater’s school extension fund and the Disabled Children’s welfare fund.
A regional cast of celebrities from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore helped to raise approximately $50,000 of which, $24,542 went to the school building fund and the remaining $26,177 went towards Disabled Children’s welfare fund.
CHA also established a scholarship fund. Three top students in GCE “O” Level examinations were awarded the scholarship.
CHA organized a concert by the “Taipei Children’s Choir” to raise funds for the CHA. Held at the Singapore Conference Hall over 2 nights in mid-August, the concert raised net proceeds of $16,719.30.
The CHA organised a memorial service on 17 August for Catholic High School’s first Principal, Yao Kok Hwa. The memorial service was attended by a few hundred people. A ‘Yao Kok Hwa Scholarship’ was also established to honour Mr Yao’s contributions to Catholic High School and his contributions to the education system in Singapore.
The Inaugural Bro Subraun Mathematics and Science book prize was awarded.
The Alumni newsletter was revamped and renamed as “RAILS” （双轨）and published in colour, marking a new chapter in our communication medium with alumni members.
A Talk on the ‘Value of a Bilingual Education, from the Catholic High School’s Perspective’ was held at the Plaza Hotel. Prof Ow Chin Hock was the moderator and speakers included late Professor Chao Tze Cheng, Dr Yap Hock Seng, Chua Chin Kiat and Chen Hung.
CHA organised a first ever grand dinner celebrating school and alumni anniversaries. It was held at The Mandarin on 13th October and filled 103 tables. At around 9.30pm, all participants received a copy of Lianhe ZaoBao for the following day with coverage of our annual dinner. This was specially arranged and known as ‘第一次版”.
In conjunction with the annual dinner, the alumni held a joint arts exhibition showing paintings of 2 alumni professional artists, Chua Ek Kay (蔡逸溪) and Ng Yak Whee (黄意会).
CHA organised a Lucky Draw in aid of the Catholic High School Building Fund at the Mandarin Hotel. A book entitled “100 Classical Poems” was published, with the proceeds from the first 3000 copies pledged to the school building fund.
The Alumni celebrated its 25th anniversary with the annual dinner held at the new school compound with 138 tables, a record. Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the Alumni new logo designed by old boy Ng Yak Whee.
The Alumni helped in establishing a multi-media archive in school premise on the occasion of official opening. The Archive was named “Galerie Evergreen” (长青馆). It took more than 6 months from conceptualization to fruition, and won praises from the Guest of Honour.
At the annual dinner held at Neptune Theatre Restaurant, the Alumni launched “Bro Joseph Chang Scholarship Fund (张世典教育基金). The response was overwhelming and we collected $350,000. It was a great way for the alumni to show their appreciation to a caring and accomplished educationist.
The Alumni responded to Bro Joseph’s request and started the yearly distribution of moon cakes to retired teachers on the occasion of mid-autumn festival. This is still practised today.
The Alumni launched a “Mentorship Scheme” as a way to contribute towards enhancing the quality of education to existing students. Selected students were paired with old boy volunteers.
The alumni did another fund-raising exercise to increase the coffer in “Bro Joseph Chang Scholarship Fund” at the annual dinner. The amount pledged was $308,000.The Alumni organized the first ever overseas trip for members along the “Silk Route” in China. A chartered bus was specially decorated and named “RAILS #1” (双轨一号) carried the group during the land journey within China.
At the annual dinner held on 13th October, the alumni working and living at Shanghai were hooked up with the main dinner venue at The Mandarin via video conferencing facilities. This was a highlight of the evening and was reported by Lianhe ZaoBao the following day.
The Alumni published a book entitled ‘我们的感情故乡—公教中学的故事’. The 270-page book details 5 decades of events and happenings at our beloved alma mater and was launched at 222 Queen Street. Dr Su Guan Ming graced the occasion as the Guest of honour. Special thanks must be given to old boy Ng Wai Choy, without whose dedication and perseverance, it would not have been printed.The Alumni held jointly with Lianhe ZaoBao for the first time a public forum entitled “The Future and Challenges of Tertiary Education in Singapore”. The speakers at the forum were old boys, Dr Su Guaning, Dr Tan Chin Tiong, Prof Chong Chi Tat, the NTU President, SMU Provost and NUS Deputy President / Provost respectively. The moderator of the forum was old boy Lim Jim Koon, Chief Editor of Lianhe ZaoBao. The forum was attended by 600, a record attendance in alumni history.
The Alumni organized a massive fund-raising exercise at the annual dinner in response to the call from the school for the funding needs of up-grading under “PRIME”. Old boys rose to the occasion with pledges amounting to $750,000 at the dinner. Lianhe ZaoBao gave us extensive coverage the following day. There were additional pledges after the dinner. Total amount donated by old boys substantially exceeded $1 million.
Encouraged by the Alumni and the school, 6 old boys from 1940’s commissioned a half-body bronze statue of late Yao Kok Wah, the first principal of our alma mater in memory of his enormous contributions to the school. This statue is placed at a prominent spot at the school premise.In June, the school agreed to open up facilities every Saturday morning for the old boys for sports and recreational activities. The Alumni would work hand in hand with the school in promoting “Catholic High Recreation Club” among old boys.
CHA launched the CHA Webportal, the first alumni in Singapore to have a portal in which members can contact their schoolmates across different years. This platform also allowed members to submit online payments for CHA activities, allowing members to pay for activities at the comfort of their homes.
Catholic High Alumni managed to secure a home, thanks to our own Alma Matta. We now have a Club House where our activities such as talks, classes and meetings can be held.
We also celebrated our 80th Anniversary Dinner at Fairmont Hotel where we managed to secure a record number of tables. It was so popular that we had to open up another ballroom and ‘livestream’ the event to the other ball. Together with Guest of Honour, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the event raised the profile of our school and alumni as it was reported in all the mainstream media in Singapore.
Catholic High old boys came ‘home’ as we held our first Anniversary Dinner in the Bishan campus. Many old boys did not have a chance to visit the Bishan campus ever since we moved from Queen Street. Current Catholic High students acted as guides to bring their seniors to visit 公教八景, featuring the most picturesque and important locations in the current school building.
Catholic High Alumni became the first alumni organisation in Singapore to send a Dragon Boat team to the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival. Comprised of old boys, students of Catholic High, as well as dads whose boys are studying here, this event helped to bring all the stakeholders of Catholic High together.
The Catholic High Alumni celebrated our 50th Anniversary. To remember the occasion, the alumni commissioned a video that featured PM Lee Hsien Loong singing the school song. The video, directed by our own old boy, Chai Yee Wei, garnered a lot of views and media attention.
On the occasion of Catholic High School’s 88th Founder’s Day and the 54th Anniversary dinner of Catholic High Alumni, the alumni community unveiled《恩典》Amazing Grace on October 13, 2023. This poignant memorial book serves as a heartfelt tribute to our cherished Brother Joseph. Within its pages, one can find touching articles chronicling his journey from the early days of teaching at Catholic High to his esteemed role as Principal, and finally, to the days of his well-deserved retirement.
The book also serves as a collective effort, with numerous alumni contributing articles, photographs, and cherished memorabilia. Each contribution weaves together a tapestry of memories, allowing us to reflect on the enduring impact Brother Joseph had on the Catholic High family and the profound legacy he left behind.
总理李显龙校友
Senior Minister
Lee Hsien Loong
1969/Pre U 2
欧进福博士
Dr. Ow Chin Hock
1961/Senior Middle 3
刘炳森校友
Low Ping Sum
1957/Senior Middle 3
陈汉平博士
Dr. Tan Hung Pheng
1963/Pre U 2
庄明元校友
Chng Beng Guan
1966/Pre U 2
曾士生校友
Chan Soo Sen
1974/Pre U 2
庄志达博士
Prof. Chong Chi Tat
1965/Sec 4
王安坚校友
Wong Ann Kin
1966/Pre U 2
邓耀宗校友
Kenneth Tang Yew Choong
1979/Sec 4
President
Professor Chong Tow Chong
张道昌
1st Vice President
Richard Leong Wai Hoe
梁桅豪
2nd Vice President
Goh Yong Hang
吴荣汉
Hon. Secretary
Lim Yeow Ann
林祐安
Asst. Hon. Secretary
Cho Yao Rong
邹耀榕
Treasurer
Malcolm Ngiam
严贤龙
Tan Pai Kok
陈沛国
Cheow Tak Yew
赵祚友
Chew Heow Chor
周晓初
Chong Keen Wai
钟健炜
Chua Chee Le
蔡智利
Javis Lim Aik Bin
林益民
Lim Teng Sherng
林廷晟
Soo Teck Ming
徐德明
Tan Kah Teck Alfred
陈家德
Edwin Heng Tow Yang
王道扬
Chen Kang Wei (Co-Opt)
陈康伟
Springsfield Ong (Co-Opt)
王昱仁
Randy Chan (Co-Opt)
陈文龙
杜崇智
Toh Shung Chee
(Deceased)
Term: 1970 – 1971
Year Attended: 1937 – 1948
Jr Middle 1 – Snr Middle 3
李昭铭
Lee Chiaw Meng
(Deceased)
Term: 1971 – 1973
Year Attended: 1942 – 1952
Pri 1 – Sec 3
陈志成
Chan Chee Seng
(Deceased)
Term: 1973 – 1976
Year Attended: 1950 – 1962
Pri 1 – Snr Middle 3
宋子谦
Song Chwee Him
(Deceased)
Term: 1977 – 1978, 1982 – 1984
Year Attended: 1939 – 1941
Pri 1 – Snr Middle 3
林乃田
Lim Nai Tian
(Deceased)
Term: 1978 – 1979
Year Attended: 1950
Snr Middle 3
欧进福博士
Dr. Ow Chin Hock
Term: 1979 – 1981
Year Attended: 1956 – 1961
Jr Middle 1 – Snr Middle 3
陈汉平博士
Dr. Tan Hung Pheng
Term: 1981 – 1982, 1984 – 1985
Year Attended: 1958 – 1963
Sec 1 – Pre U2
陈水华 教授
Prof. Tan Chwee Huat
(Deceased)
Term: 1985 – 1990
Year Attended: 1954 – 1959
Jr Middle 1 – Snr Middle 3
庄明元
Chng Beng Guan
Term: 1990 – 1996
Year Attended: 1959 – 1966
Pri 5 – Pre U2
曾士生
Chan Soo Sen
Term: 1996 – 2002
Year Attended: 1963 – 1974
Pri 1 – Pre U2
庄志达博士
Prof. Chong Chi Tat
Term: 2002 – 2006
Year Attended: 1958 – 1965
Pri 3 – Sec 4
邓耀宗
Kenneth Tang
Term: 2006 – 2011
Year Attended: 1970 – 1979
Pri 1 – Sec 4
林嘉丰
Lim Kia Hong
(Deceased)
Term: 2011 – 2012
Year Attended: 1964 – 1973
Pri 1 – Sec 4
林廷晟
Lim Teng Sherng
Term: 2012 – 2019
Year Attended: 1976 – 1985
Pri 1 – Sec 4
黄秉扬
Wong Peng Yeong
Term: 2019 – 2024
Year Attended: 1978 – 1987
Pri 1 – Sec 4