BERITA

BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM AND AROUND THE EURASIAN COMMUNITY

NEWS
FOR MEMBERS ONLY

TOGETHER

WWW.SAFTEA.BLOGSPOT.COM

ISSUE 1/2015 (June 2014 - July 2015 )

EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE

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

...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.com
Your 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

A Message
From 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 Costa
President

President
Sheila E. De Costa

Youth Chairman
Arnold Monteiro

Vice President 1
Darren G. Duarte

Sports Chairman
Eugene A. William

Vice President 2
Gerald M. Lee

Senior Citizens Chairperson

Elaine Especkerman

Hon. Treasurer
Joan M. Marbeck

Membership
Iris de Souza
Julia Nicholas

Ladies Chairperson
Maureen Sibert

Public Relations & Publicity

Suzanne M. Lazaroo
Janice E. Monteiro-Lewis
F& B and Socials
Arnold Monteiro
Deputy F&B/Associate Liaison
Yap Tee Loy
Balaraman
House & Grounds
Hilary Gomes
Committee Member
J. Ivan Rosario

A Note

from Gerald M Lee

Vice President 2 & Acting Honorary General Secretary

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!

Happy
Fathers Day

DAD

I LOVE YOU
I have t h e be s t da d i n t h e wo r ld

Aloysius Gasper, Penang Eurasian Kumi...kumi...SAFTEA members and friends enjoying the buffet spread.
Association President (left) with
Lucky Draw winner Collin Lazaroo.

Curry Lunches

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 nonstop 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.
4

Beer drinking competition! Alex Liew (3rd from left) was declared the winner!

Time to jive!

Iris De Souza gets lucky!

Nancy De Souza gets the tea spread ready.

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!

Spreading good cheer at the Sunday Family Curry Lunch!

The gaily decorated hall at the Royal Commonwealth Club - splendid food, non-stop dancing and fantastic music!

Curry Lunches

Come 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.

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.

In service to
his students
FRANCIS SANTA MARIA

Celebrating

60 years

of service

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!

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

Friday Members

Night

Experiment

10

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.

11

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

SPM
5A
RM375.00
CLARISSA LIANNE VAN HUIZEN

Motivation
Award

LARA JANE STA MARIA

UPSR

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

5A

7A

RM300.00

RM400.00

High Achiever

SAFTEA Special Achievement Learning Award of RM300.00

CLEO JADE MAEBECK CHAN (SPM - 3A)
SAFTEA Special Youth Sports Award of RM500.00
JOEL SAMUEL VAN HUIZEN

12

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.

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.

High Achievers Awards

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Christmas Cheer
Organised by

Welcome

SAFTE to
Christmas As
Mini BazaCheer
ar

Cakes
~C
Jewe
llery ~ ookies ~ Pic
kles
Trin
Special
ty Te kets ~ Gif ~ Honey
ts ~ S
as ~ B
ooks ~
Virgin
ta
Cocon
Gift W tionery
ut Oil
rapp
~ Cos
metics ers

Senior Citizens Committee

Merry Christmas
Bong Natal Feliz Navidad Vrolijk Kerstfeest Selamat Hari Natal Maligayang Paska
Elaine Especkerman
Chairperson

John & Nancy De Souza

Yap Tee Loy
Willie & Mary Nunis
Siva & Lydia Salem
Belinda McRoy
Maureen Sibert
Hilary 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!
14

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

* Tick where applicable

RM50.00 per annum.

Payable in advance. (60 years & above)

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 USE
Approved (Chairman)
Receipt Issued (Treasurer)
..

Letter, Receipt & Received (Member)
Membership Card Issued (Secretary)
..

15

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!

16