The DSOBA is an organisation which aims to promote and encourage social interaction amongst its members, and with other DBS Old Boys. The past year saw many social events organised by our Association toward achieving that objective.

     The last Annual General Meeting was held on 30th April, 1996 at the Chinese Club in Central. Of the six retiring General Committee members, Steven Chow (64) did not seek re-election. The other five retiring members, Michael Tien (67), James Hong (67), Richard Chan (68), Tony Choi (75) and Wilfred Kam (78) were re-elected, and they were joined by Stanley Fong (78), who filled the seat vacated by Steven Chow.

     During the year, Eldon Chu (64) and John Low (82), resigned from the General Committee due to their relocation to Singapore. John Li (75) and Selwyn Chan (77) were appointed to fill the two vacancies. Ramon Lo Jr. (64), who is retiring at this year's Annual General Meeting, has decided not to seek re-election due to his busy schedule.

     I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steven, Ramon, Eldon and John for their dedicated service and contribution to DSOBA for the past many years; in particular Steven, who has served tirelessly as a General Committee member for 15 years.

     The Bowling Night was the first social event held in the 1996/97 year. Five teams of four players competed at the Shatin City One Bowling Centre. We were glad to see many new faces, especially one team from 1993. The Poolside party, scheduled to be held on 15th September, 1996, was cancelled due to bad weather. Another successful Games Day was held at the DBS school field on 13th October, 1996. A total 118 adults and children had a great afternoon of games and races, and many participants went home with medals and/or giant chocolate bars.

     The DBS School Fete was held on 10th November, 1996. Many members tended the DSOBA stall and their efforts enabled us to donate $30,000 cash and $4,200 worth of coupons to DBS. The Annual Ball, held on 14th December, saw the attendance slipped slightly to 484. However, the skit was well received by the audience, and the evening was another great success.

     By popular demand, we held the first ever DSOBA Golf Tournament on 17th January, 1997 at the Clearwater Bay Golf Club. Twenty-four players participated in this inaugural event. I congratulate our Past President Michael Tien (67) for capturing the championship cup. Another new event - hike and beach barbecue, was held on 6th April, 1997. Many of the 54 participants braved the rain and finished the two-hour hike. The ensuing berbecue at the Shek O Beach was enjoyed by all.

     Our Sports Club continued to be active last year with 116 members, who could enjoy the sporting facilities at DBS on Sundays at a moderate fee. The tennis, badminton and squash tournaments held were well supported by members. My congratulations to all the winners of the DSOBA sports tournaments.

     The DSOBA continued to hold monthly luncheons on the first Thursday of each month, at which Old Boys or other guests were invited to speak on a variety of interesting topics. There have been suggestions to hold the luncheonss in Hong Kong and Kowloon side in alternate months. The General Committee will look into this possibility.

     In addition to the race box at the Shatin race course, the DSOBA was allocated a second race box at the Happy Valley race course. I believe we are the only high school alumni association to enjoy such privileges. Our Shatin race box continued to have great "fung shui" with our members winning the Triple-Tierce more than once in the past season. As the charges imposed by the Jockey Club had been increased, the active support by our members is vital to our maintaining both race boxes.

     Our Club published one issue of Newsletter this past year, in December 1996. The cost of publishing the Newsletter continues to be quite high, and we welcome members to place advertisements in them. The Newsletter Sub-Committee is actively seeking ways to reduce costs.

     The Internet Sub-Committee was formed last year, with the objective of establishing a joint DBS/DSOBA home page on the Internet. A team of DBS students is put in charge of the design and set-up of the home page, under the guidance of our Sub-Committee members. A computer was donated to the school to facilitate the student team's work.

     This year, five members offered job openings to current DBS students in support of our Summer Job Scheme. This provides opportunities to students to gain valuable work experience.

     The DBS Chinese Orchestra was invited to represent Hong Kong to perform in London on 29th September, 1996 on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the British Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech. Our Association sponsored the costume for the Orchestra members, and hosted a dinner in London after the performance, at which about ten Old Boys who live in England also attended. The General Committee also approved the donation of $30,000 to the school toward the purchase of a motorised roller, which will be used to improve the condition of the school field.

     I would like to express my gratitude to the DBS School Committee, and the Headmaster Mr. Jacland Lai for their support and guidance in the past year. I must also thank all General Committee members, Sub-Committee members, and our secretary Amy, for their hard work and dedicated efforts throughout. Last but not least, my thanks to all DSOBA members, for your continued support and participation.

     Thank you.

Tony Choi (75)
President