When the new arch of excellence was unveiled at St Paul’s Institution (SPI), the crowd looked beyond the structure itself.
What stirred emotion was the legacy it represented: pride, unity and the enduring bonds of generations of Paulians.
Transport minister Anthony Loke, himself an old boy of the school, officiated the inauguration, returning as a Paulian carrying the same sense of nostalgia as thousands before him.
“Every time I return to my alma mater, I feel pride and nostalgia.
“This arch is a symbol of belonging and unity, a reminder of what makes St Paul’s so special,” Loke told the crowd.
For the Old Paulians’ Association (OPA), it is not about architecture but an undying spirit of brotherhood.
OPA president Steven Chan said the project was born from a simple idea: to commemorate SPI’s 125th anniversary while easing the burden on the school’s limited resources.
“From the outset, our vision was for this to be more than just a physical structure,” he said.
“The arch embodies teamwork, resilience and the Paulian spirit we carry forward. It stands as a monument to our shared history and collective pride.”
The cost of the project, around RM60,000, was shouldered entirely by the alumni. What makes it remarkable was how it was done — quietly, personally, and without fanfare.
Rather than launching a public campaign, the OPA reached out directly to Paulians across the years. The response was overwhelming.
“Many gave what they could, and towards the end, two major donors stepped forward to ensure we reached the target,” Chan said.
“This arch is the result of Paulians coming together, young and old, each wanting to give back to the school that shaped them.”
A tradition of giving
For SPI, alumni involvement is nothing new. Loke recalled that when he was a student, the school lacked many of the facilities students enjoy today.
Over the years, the OPA have stepped in, from building the school auditorium two decades ago to the present-day arch.
“As a semi-subsidised school, SPI often has to find its own solutions,” Loke noted. “The OPA has been vital in ensuring students are never left behind.”
Principal Ng Ai Ching echoed the sentiment. For her, the arch represents both identity and inspiration.
“It is not just an entrance or exit,” she said. “It is a symbol of honour, pride and the love of all Paulians.
“It gives the school a new look, but more importantly, it gives every teacher and student confidence and the power to strive forward.”
For the OPA, the aim was never grandeur. It was about continuity: marking 125 years of heritage, honouring the sacrifices of alumni, and inspiring today’s students to carry the torch.
“It may be just an archway,” Chan said, “but for Paulians, it is a gateway into memory, unity, and an enduring spirit of giving back.”
As students walk under it each day, they step into that legacy — reminded that in the Paulian family, no one walks alone.
