TRIBUTE TO MR. J.M.B. HUGHES by Hwang Hong Shi, DJN, PPN, PKT, PJK, PJM.

TRIBUTE  TO 

MR. J.M.B. HUGHES

    (1957–1963)

PFS’ most beloved Headmaster Mr. J.M.B. Hughes passed away on 16.3.11 in his home turf in England. Though I have been requested by the OFA Management Committee to write this tribute, I am skeptical about my literary ability do justice to such a legendary figure in the history of the school even though I had served for 15 years as a teacher in PFS, 5 years of which were under his dynamic leadership.

I had association with Mr. Michael Hughes way back in 1957 in my capacity as the Hon. Secretary of the Penang Outward Bound Association. He was one of our Advisors as well as the Acting Chief Education Officer of Penang.  He was instrumental in getting me to PFS teaching Staff because of my Scouting and Outward Bound activities.

Mr. J.M.B. Hughes, M.A.(Oxon), Dip Ed. (Lond) was born in England in 1917. He graduated in 1939.  He served in the Indian Army for the next seven years in World War 2.  As he put it, he got a taste for the East, which explained why he came here in August, 1948.  He was a big hit with the students and outshone the local staff.  While he was doing his teaching practice at a school in North London, he met some Old Frees there and that started his relationship with PFS.  He was impressed by the attitude of the students who considered learning as a privilege. 

His first task as a teacher was to know his pupils quickly and understand their needs in education.  He believed in education outside the confines of a classroom.  Getting out was his way of getting to know his pupils better and enhancing their learning experience.  As an Assistant Master in PFS, he noticed that the Staff was split into two Staff rooms – one for Europeans and the other for Malayan staff.  Eventually, only one Staff room was created in order to encourage the Staff to know one another better.  He had, over the years, promoted a close rapport with the Staff and the students.

It was in Penang where he met his wife, Jean.  She taught English Literature in PFS.  Two of their children were born in this tropical island. Thus, Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, always had a special place in his heart.

His love for the outdoors was shown in his outings to Pulau Langkawi a few times.  His made a sampan sea trip from Tanjong Tokong round the island from 10.00 p.m. to 10.00 a.m. the next day.  He also arranged a day trip in his planters’ ship for my Scouts to sail to Pulau Rimau.

As the Headmaster, he also had to look into the funding of the school. He had the able assistance of his Secretary, Mr. Tan Chong Bee.  With the introduction of  Bahasa Malaysia,  he was the first Headmaster of the school to use this language on the rostrum on Speech Day. Fortunately, he had the assistance of Capt. Mohd. Noor, a member of his teaching Staff. 

In his time, all school gates were open.  The Sixth Form Block near Green Lane was also erected.  Initially, only boys were admitted.  The top floor was used as a hostel.  The excellent academic tradition, which by record was the most distinguished in the country, had to be upheld.  The school continued to win places at the local Universities and under the Colombo Plan scholarships.  Dato Lim Chong Keat was one of the best pupils he had taught together with many other very able scholars.  The last Queen Scholar of the school was our former Chief Minister, Dr. Lim Chong Eu.

He believed in the quality of education absolutely.  The students excelled through the excellent quality of their work in school.  ‘Not everybody is successful, but you must start with the objective and hopefully you will succeed in the long run.  I know that sounds pompous but it must be true,’ he said.  Quality covers many aspects: academic, sports, treating people as individuals and caring the less fortunate and disabled.

His Return to Penang

Old Frees gathering at Ming Court Hotel in honour of Mr & Mrs J.M.B. Hughes on 20.10.1983

His passion for the school was forever burning.  He was the only Headmaster, if I am not mistaken, who had returned to visit the school four times.  His first trip back with his beloved wife Jean was in 1983 after being away for 20 years.  We were delighted to welcome them with a reception at the Penthouse at Ming Court Hotel.  Thirty-two old boys and former teachers hosted the party. The OFA also entertained  them with a tea-party in its premises.  Much camaraderie and fellowship prevailed.  He represented  OFA  and spoke at the Speech Day on 21^st October, 1983.  His second and third visits were made in 1996.  His fourth visit was in October, 2000.  I had the opportunity to welcome him and drove him from the airport to Dato’ Lim Chong Keat’s residence.  Again, I accompanied him to visit the school.  A plague commemorating his three previous visits to the school was mounted on the landing of the front school staircase. 

 

 

H  H Hughes at Penang Club with Hwang & Dennis Lee on 14.10.2000

No headmaster of PFS had ever made such an  impact and created such a rapport with the school after his 
 term was up.  It is truly amazing to have such a caring and dedicated personality!  All  Old  Frees  during  his  time were gratefully blessed. 

We all thank him and Jean from the bottom of our hearts.  May their souls rest in peace as they rejoice in heaven forever. 

NB: Perhaps, like his predecessors Messrs Hargreaves, Pinhorn and Hamilton, a road in the vicinity of PFS should be named in memory of J.M.B. Hughes as the last expatriate Headmaster of PFS, 

Hwang Hong Shi, DJN, PPN, PKT, PJK, PJM.