VIOBA - Singapore

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VIOBA - Singapore Victoria Institution Old Boys Association - Singapore

19.11.2025 - by Chung Chee Min, U6 1959

I opine that the brownish photo was taken in the early 1930s. There are no trees visible which suggests it was not too long after the school opened in 1930. There is also no swimming pool (built in 1938) nor that infamous "206" (built in 1960). The toilets were at both top and bottom ends of the "E" shape. (One of them was later merged c. 1958 into the library for more space.)

And that's the refectory in the photo at the back of the school hall which is today's junior library.

(A refectory is a dining room, especially in monasteries, boarding schools and academic institutions.)

In my time it was also used after school hours for society/club meetings and parties.

The refectory in the late 40s included the ice-water stall which later moved outside.

The present canteen was built in 1960 by Dr G E D Lewis: "206" was built at the same time close by.

Its former site was that of the workshop of the school carpenter, Loh Weng. This 1959 photo taken by me of Loh Weng (third from left) and his two sons with H.M. Dr Lewis, School Clerk Mr R. Pavee, Senior Asst. Mr Lim Eng Thye, and School Captain Krishna R, with the workshop cm bicycle park in the background.

Construction of Merdeka Stadium began in 1956 and I frequently hopped next door during the
recess to observe the progress. I watched as one of the precast towers (the one closest to the VI) was lifted and planted into place... (My photos below).

The stadium was completed in the nick of time to be opened on August 30, 1957. The next day was, of course, Merdeka Day.

Black & white Photo credits: Chung Chee Min.

7 Nov 2025

Over the past 4 weeks, our IPP Wayne Soo caught up with Victorians across 3 decades in
Vancouver - Chung Chee Min U6 1959
Singapore / Melbourne - Daniel Chan L6 1967
Ottawa - Leong Kin Wai U6 1979

Let’s continue to keep the VI Spirit and brotherhood burning bright!

29 Sept 2025

RIP
Yong Lee Keng

VI '72-'78;
VI Prefect;
2nd KL Senior Scout;
Vice-Capt, VI Water Polo Team;
Capt, VI Swimming Team;
Last Victorian to score A in HSC Eng Lit;
Head of Agric Services and Proj Mgr, REleaf, Nestlé;
Founder, Yongo Travels.

Victoria Institution Web Page About the Victoria Institution and Victorians who have passed through this school, remembering the traditions, honouring the past, and keeping in touch. Dedicated to all true blue Victorians around the globe.

30 Aug 2025

It’s Douglas best show yet!
Not to be missed! Viva Victorians!

29 Aug 2025

Happy Independence Day Malaysia!

It’s been awhile since we last gathered during CNY.

25 April 2025
VIOBA(S) AGM

Message from our outgoing President:

Dear fellow Victorians. We just concluded our latest AGM.

VIOBA(S) was founded on 30 Nov 1963. This year, the association shall be 62 years young.

It has been 7 years since I became the President of VIOBA(S). Looking back, it has been a fulfilling personal journey as I have gotten to know so many Victorians across the world along the way. Thank you for extending to me your warm and generous camaraderie!

I have decided not to seek re-election so that a fresh impetus may be infused into our beloved VIOBA(S).

As I transition to the role of Immediate Past President, I look forward to supporting Dr Kam Weng Yuen (Victorian F5 2000) WY Kam as our incoming president, and his fellow council members.

I encourage all Victorians to join me in congratulating him and his team as they strive to maintain the legacy of VIOBA(S) and bringing it from glory to glory. Thank you.

Be yet wiser.
Wayne Soo
President 2018 - 2025

7 Feb 2025

Happy CNY to all Victorians in Singapore and beyond!

VIOBA - Singapore

RIP 28.11.2024

Ananda Krishnan
Victorian 1949 - 1955

https://www.viweb.org/vihome.htm

11 June 2024

Victorians get-together 👍👍👍

17 March 2024

In conjunction with Car-Free Day Singapore, VIOBA(S) organized a fun cycling event from East Coast Park to Changi T2 today.

Joining us were members from TARUC Alumni Singapore and Malaysian Association in Singapore - MASIS.