English College JB And Its "Sister Schools"

 

Here’s a fact I didn’t know. I was watching some history videos on YouTube when Kuala Pilah English School popped up. Out of curiosity, I did some googling and to my surprise, it turns out that the school is actually a "sister school" to my own alma mater, English College Johor Bahru. And not just that, we’re also connected to Batu Pahat High School! Suddenly, this old Johor boy felt part of a much bigger family tree.

Kuala Pilah English School

Kuala Pilah English School, founded in 1914, carried the weight of bringing modern English-medium education to Negeri Sembilan. In 1970, it was renamed Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tuanku Muhammad (SMK Tuanku Muhammad), in honour of the state’s royal lineage. The spirit of the old school lives on in its traditions: discipline, community, and producing generations of leaders.

Batu Pahat High School

Batu Pahat High School, or Sekolah Tinggi Batu Pahat, began in 1914 and is one of Johor’s oldest schools. Through the years, it evolved but kept its iconic name, a reminder of its stature in the town. For its alumni, STBP has always been more than just classrooms: it was where future athletes, prefects, and community figures were shaped. The name “High School Batu Pahat” still carries serious weight whenever old boys gather.

English College Johor Bahru

And of course, there’s English College Johor Bahru, established in 1914 -- my alma mater. Known far and wide simply as “EC,” it was renamed in the 60s as Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (MSAB) to reflect its royal ties. But ask any old boy and they’ll still tell you: once EC, always EC. For me, it was the place of friendships, lessons, and memories that shaped who I am today. The badge, the colours, the pride; they stay with you for life.

Sometimes, you discover these connections later in life, and they make you smile. Three schools born in the same year. Different towns, different students, but the same mission: to prepare young Malaysians for the future. The names may have changed over the years, but the heritage and spirit remain. A shared history that quietly links us across places and generations. And that, to me, is pretty cool.

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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

English College: 100 Years Of Excellence

Full story coming soon, but first, enjoy these snaps : )

The Spirit of ECOBA (Will Save Malaysia)

For the 6th year in a row, my ECOBA (English College Old Boys Association) brothers and I had a Buka Puasa gathering here in KL. And the turnout was good as usual, as about 30 of us from KL, PJ and JB congregated at Enak Restaurant at the swanky Starhill mall.

And the mood, as always, was cheery and fun. Even when we’re taking jabs at each other’s appearance (not everyone can look as good as me at our age – ahem), it’s done in the spirit of brotherhood. And having gone through everything imaginable together over the years, that’s basically how we regard each other – as brothers, and not just old school friends.


I mean, how can it not be that way when some of the sweetest memories in our lives were shared during those wonder years of high school? We played together, kena rotan together and even discovered (and got punished for) porn together (hey, I’m being as truthful as I can here, ok?).

And while there were periods of lost connectivity post-EC, the last few years, we’ve been tighter than ever; sharing the good and the bad (mostly good – ahem) of life together.

What makes it even more special is the fact that the ECOBA brotherhood has always been colour blind. Look at the picture above and you will see what I mean. Indeed, race and religion have never been a factor with us. And we’re all truly thankful that we grew up in such a tolerant and wonderful environment.

And I can’t remember that this ever became an issue. We accept each other for what we are, and we’re forever bound by the spirit of our school.

So you could imagine how indifferent we are to the current racism “issue” the country is facing. I mean, don’t we all want peace, harmony and enough money to afford us lives filled with cool stuff? And how else could we the people of Malaysia achieve this apart from pulling up our collected sleeves and working with and for each other?

That’s what ECOBA is all about, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the 30 people in the picture above would definitely make an awesome cabinet. Yes, I’ll be in charge of the Ministry of Entertainment & Pop Culture. But no, we won’t be legalising porn. Well, maybe.