Montfort 110th Anniversary: Speeches by Chairman. SMC Chair and Prayer by Bro Dom (24 July 2026)

 

Speech by Mr Lim Boon Heng
Chairman, St Gabriel’s Foundation
Montfort 110th Anniversary Gala Dinner
24 July 2026

Good evening,

Guest of Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration;

Brother Dominic Yeo-Koh, Supervisor of Schools, Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel;

Mr Mark Tay and members of the Montfort School Management Committee;

School leaders, staff, students, alumni and friends of the Montfort family.

Tonight, we celebrate 110 years of Montfortian education.

It is remarkable to think that the legacy we celebrate tonight began in 1916 with a single classroom above the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

From those humble beginnings grew a school that would educate generations of Singaporeans and become an integral part of the Hougang community.

As the school grew, at the invitation of the archdiocese the Brothers of St Gabriel arrived in 1936 and eventually took over its running.

Leaving behind their homes, families and familiar surroundings, the Brothers devoted their lives to educating young people in Singapore.

 Inspired by our founder, St Louis Marie de Montfort's mission to serve the poor and uneducated, they taught with patience, guided with compassion, and invested themselves wholeheartedly in nurturing every student.

Over time, generations of boys – and some girls who did their ‘A’ levels in Montfort - encountered these remarkable Brothers.

Some were gentle, others strict. Some inspired through encouragement, others through discipline. But all were deeply devoted to their students.

The Brothers did more than teach. They forged deep friendships with the community, visiting homes, encouraging parents to send their children to school and supporting poor families wherever they could.

Through education, they opened doors for countless young people, empowering many to rise beyond their circumstances and build better futures for themselves and their families.

One Brother who embodied that spirit was the late Brother Emmanuel Gaudette Pierre-Paul, whom many of us remember fondly as the former Supervisor of Schools.

He was strict at times, but he was also warm, approachable and deeply caring. He had a wonderful sense of humour, which many affectionately described as "intellectual mischief". Behind the jokes were often simple but profound lessons about life.

Brother Emmanuel joined us at Montfort's 100th anniversary celebrations ten years ago. I am sure he would have been immensely proud to see this gathering tonight as we mark yet another milestone.

The work of our pioneer Brothers did not end with them. Their spirit of service continues today through the guidance of our Supervisor of Schools, Brother Dominic Yeo-Koh, and through the work of St Gabriel's Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2001 – 25 years ago - to carry on the work of the Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel. The Foundation works hand in hand with our seven Gabrielite institutions to preserve and strengthen the Gabrielite educational mission. Through initiatives such as advancing the Montfortian Education Charter, it supports our schools in forming students who are academically prepared, morally grounded and socially responsible, ensuring that the values the Brothers lived by continue to shape the lives of our students.

But institutions alone do not shape lives. It is our educators who bring these ideals to life every day. We have been privileged to have generations of dedicated teachers whose wisdom, care and commitment have shaped, inspired and enriched the lives of countless students.

People like the late Mr Edward Pang, remembered for his unconventional teaching methods and his dedication as a tennis and volleyball coach. Even in retirement, he never really stopped teaching.

While serving as the school's gardener, he transformed the garden into an extension of the classroom, nurturing not only plants, but also students' curiosity about the natural world.

And the late Mr Edmund James, one of Montfort Secondary School's longest-serving teachers who also served as Principal of St Gabriel's Secondary. His passion for history and literature captivated generations of students.

Such was the affection his students had for him that they continued celebrating his birthday every year long after they graduated, with some even flying back from overseas to do so.

There is also Mr Lee Tong Juan, who taught in the school for four decades, helping generations of students flourish while strengthening Montfort's badminton tradition.

And then there is Mrs Mary Heng, who, more than four decades on, continues to teach at Montfort Junior School. Her story is a testament to the quiet devotion that has sustained Montfort through the years.

There are far too many exceptional Montfortian educators for me to acknowledge individually this evening.

But I would like to take this opportunity to salute all who have served the school, past and present — our principals, teachers, allied educators and the many staff who worked quietly behind the scenes to support generations of students.

Please join me in thanking them for seeing possibilities where others saw limitations, and for believing in students before they learnt to believe in themselves.

Perhaps the greatest testament to their influence is this: many students were so inspired by their teachers that they chose to become educators themselves.

Among them are Montfortians such as former Montfort Secondary Principal Mr Neo Tick Watt, former Montfort Junior School Staff Developer Mr James Chng, and several alumni who continue serving in Montfort today, including Mr Muhammad Nizam, Mr Ernest Yu, Mr Patrick Low and Mr John Tan.

There are many more Montfortians teaching and leading in schools across Singapore today.

These examples of alumni paying it forward remind us that the Montfort story does not end when students graduate. The care, guidance and values they received here have inspired Montfortians to lead with purpose, serve with humility and contribute meaningfully to society.

Many have gone on to make their mark in business, the public service and countless other fields, yet remain deeply connected to their alma mater.

Some return as coaches and mentors. Some serve on school committees. Others contribute as benefactors.

Their continued involvement has helped preserve and strengthen the school's legacy.

Each generation of Montfortians has faced different challenges and followed different paths in life.

Yet the ideals at the heart of a Montfort education: character, compassion, purpose and service, have remained constant.

Generation after generation, Montfortians have carried these ideals into their families, workplaces and communities. It is through their lives and contributions that the Montfort story continues to be written.

I would like to conclude with a few lines from a poem written by the late Mr Teo Kah Leng, our former school leader, principal and the author of our school song:

"I do not wish for wealth untold,
Nor every pleasure bought with gold.
But just enough to live as I
May choose to live until I die."

These simple words remind us that a meaningful life is not measured by wealth, status or achievement alone, but by purpose, service and gratitude.

For 110 years, generations of Montfortians have lived out those values. May we continue to do so, as a shining light for others.

And may the next chapters of the Montfort story be every bit as meaningful as the ones that came before.

Age Quod Agis. Thank you.

 

Prayer M110 Celebration: Deo Gratias (Bro Dom)

 A Prayer of Thanksgiving

 Heavenly Father,

 We asked for strength, and you gave us difficulties to make us strong.

We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve.

We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use.

We asked for courage, and you gave us fears to overcome.

We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait.

We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help.

We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and to lead with integrity.

Lord, we have received nothing that we asked for or wanted.

And yet, we received everything that we needed. For this, we give you thanks.

 

We thank you for the blessing you have granted to our school community.

 We thank you for all the School Leaders and Teachers who had served us.

 We thank you for the School Management Committee members who sustained our school and its mission.

 We thank you for our many faithful alumni, both boys and girls, who as beneficiaries of our school, has in turn be benefactors for our students.

 

We thank you for guiding our school and its students for the last One Hundred and Ten (110) Years.

 Thank you, Lord, for the blessings we have received over the years.

Bless this evening celebratory gathering and may this time together strengthen our bonds as Montfortian and for the many supporters of our school we give thanks too.

 We implore your grace upon us on this night and for the many years to come.

We make our prayer in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and through the intercession of His

 Holy Mother, Mary, and our founder St. Louis Marie de Montfort, forever and ever,

 Amen.

Speech by Mark Tay, SMC Chairman

Speech by Mr Mark Tay
Chairman, Montfort School Management Committee
Montfort Schools 110th Anniversary Gala Dinner
24 July 2026

Good evening, and a very warm welcome to our Guest of Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration;

·         Mr Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of St Gabriel's Foundation;

·         Religious Brothers of the Montfort Brothers of St Gabrel;

·         Fellow Board members of  SGF and Montfort SMC;   

·         School leaders, educators, parents, alumni, benefactors, and dear Montfortians.

Tonight, we gather with pride and joy to celebrate a most momentous occasion  - the 110th anniversary of Montfort Schools in Singapore.

It is providential also that we gather on these grounds where the school was officially opened exactly on this day 33 years ago -- 24 July 1993.

Many of you were schooled here.  Others, myself included, studied in the old school along Upper Serangoon Road, next to Nativity Church.

Our facilities have been upgraded, but the Montfortian spirit lives on—a spirit born of our common origins, shared experiences, and the mission of our founder.

That spirit defines who we are. Academic excellence alone is insufficient. The world is full of brilliant achievers, but what it truly needs is really good people.

Every Montfortian must therefore be formed in mind, heart, and spirit—to be a "man for others," shaped by compassion, humility, and service. This is how each alumnus will leave his mark: not merely as a scholar, but as a person of character and integrity, with strong work ethics and sense of purpose in life that includes looking out for “the lost, the last and the least”.

 While remaining anchored in these values, both schools have continually evolved to prepare students for the future, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to face an increasingly complex world of Technological Disruption. Artificial Intelligence may be a wonderful tool, but let it be our servant and not our master.    

I am pleased to report that both Junior and Secondary Schools continue to thrive--academically, in sports, the arts and leadership skills. I am confident that they are well placed to continue flourishing in the future.

These achievements did not happen by chance and are the fruits of many parties collaborating together to turn our dreams into reality :- the dedicated stewardship of the School Management Committee, the visionary leadership of our principals, Rachel and Victor,  and their predecessors, the tireless efforts of our teachers and staff past and present, and the enduring support of parents, alumni and partners.

Tonight, I would also like to place on record our heartfelt gratitude to the many alumni, benefactors and friends of Montfort whose generosity – financial and in kind – have  supported Montfort over the years.  Without your belief and trust, we would not be where we are today.

 Earlier this year, we announced that Montfort Junior will become a co-educational school in 2028. We also launched a year-long fundraising initiative on our Founder's Day in April. All contributions received will be invested into the future of the schools, helping us do three things : upgrade our facilities, roll out forward-looking academic and co-curricular programmes, and preserve the values-based education that has defined Montfort. 

I now wish to acknowledge all donors who have given generously in this year’s fund raising initiative; many will be honoured later tonight. I also wish to mention a couple of continuing donors:  

·         Class of 1982 -  who recently topped up for their donation toward the Language Fund which they set up several years ago for both Junior and Secondary schools.

·         Dr Peter Tay for his 10 year donation towards the Montfort Sports Excellence Programme.  

I appeal to all of us gathered here to also consider how we too can give back to Montfort with our time, talent and financial gifts. Mentor a student. Share your expertise. Or support us financially. However you choose to give, you will be contributing to making our dreams for Montfort a reality.

In closing I wish to give a big shout out to the organising committee behind tonight's event. They have worked tirelessly for months to make this celebration possible. Their quiet dedication and hearts of service reflect the very values that have sustained Montfort for more than a century. It has been my privilege and joy to work alongside the team. To all our honoured guests, thank you so much for being here.  

May I also ask for your prayers for the school – students, staff and management alike, that we stay true to the mission of our founder St Louis Marie de Montfort.

Age Quod Agis