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. As of 31st December, 1997 our membership number stood at 1,153.

     The last Annual General Meeting was held on 29th April, 1997 at the Chinese Club in Central. Of the six retiring General Committee members, Ramon Lo, Jr. (64) did not seek re-election. The other five retiring members, Norris Yang (68), Frank Li (68), John Li (75), Patrick Sun (76) and Selwyn Chan (77) were re-elected, and they were joined by Ronald Lam (54), who filled the seat vacated by Ramon Lo, Jr. Due to his busy schedule, Victor Yang (63) will not be seeking re-election at this Annual General Meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ramon and Victor for their contribution and dedicated service to DSOBA for the past many years.

     The past year was a busy one for our Social Function Sub-Committee Chairman Stanley Fong, who meticulously planned a variety of activities for our members. We started the 97/98 year with a Bowling Night in June, at which 30 members, forming 8 teams, battled it out at the Shatin City One Bowling Centre. The popular Poolside Party was held on 7th September at the DBS swimming pool, with 85 adults and children participating. Fun games and swimming competitions were held. Another successful Games Day was held on a beautiful October Sunday, where over 100 Old Boys and family members took part in fun-filled races. It was a joy to see the smiling faces on the children who either won medals or some fantastic lucky draw prizes.

     The DBS School Fete was held on 9th November, 1997. We managed to sell out a lot of stock items, and donated $30,000 cash and $2,000 worth of coupons to DBS. This was followed by our first of two Golf Tournaments on the 24th in the same month. Twenty-four golfers enjoyed a morning round of golf at the Clearwater Bay Golf Club, followed by a buffet lunch, after which trophies and prizes were presented. Past President Michael Tien clinched the title a second time.

     The Annual Ball, held on 13th December, was another resounding success. Over 515 who attended the Ball enjoyed an evening of dancing, a skit performance, marvellous raffle prizes and plenty of DBS spirit. Special thanks must be extended to our Ball Chairman, Selwyn Chan and his team members, who devoted a lot of time and efforts planning the event.

     The second Golf Tournament was held at the Discovery Bay Golf Club on 13th February, 1998. We concluded the 97/98 year with the return of the Reunion Dinner on 28th February. Seventy-four Old Boys, most of them in full school uniform, gathered at the DBS Hall for a buffet dinner and entertainment by the anniversary classes. Michael Chang (75), Mayor of Cupertino, USA, gave a speech and brought greetings from the USA Bay Area Old Boys Chapter.

     All sports tournaments were successfully completed by the end of 1997, including tennis singles and doubles, table-tennis, squash, and badminton. Past Presidents Tommy Cheung, Kenneth Wang, Michael Tien, Norris Yang and Frederick Lui, generously donated a President Cup for each tournament. From this year onwards, the champion of each event will have his name inscribed on the corresponding President Cup, all of which are prominently displayed in a new cabinet outside the DBS School Hall. I would like to thank the above five Past Presidents for their continued support.

     Our members and their guests continued to enjoy the race boxes we were allocated at the Happy Valley and Shatin race courses. We moved to a better located box at Happy Valley, with which we share with the Kowloon Tong Club and Kowloon Cricket Club. The two race boxes were popular among punters and members for entertaining guests.

     One issue of Newsletter was published in November, 1997. Our Sub-Committee Chairman Robert Fong did a lot of work in-house in order to bring down the costs. Our Membership Directory, published biannually, will be ready for mailing to members in early May.

     Despite the turbulence in the financial markets since the latter half of 1997, our Association continues to enjoy excellent financial health. This is the result of the disciplined and prudent investment guidelines adopted by our Finance Sub-Committee. We continue to invest about fifty percent of our total portfolio in blue chip Hong Kong listed shares.

     I am pleased to report the DSOBA Home Page was officially launched on October 1, 1997, after many months of preparation by our Internet Sub-Committee Chairman Spencer Leung and team. Members are welcome to visit our Home Page at http://dsoba.org.hk.

     In August 1997 DSOBA, in cooperation with DBS, organised summer English courses for incoming Form One students. A total of 122 students enrolled. A lot of positive and encouraging comments were received from participating students and their parents. It is very likely we shall continue to organise such English courses in the summer of 1998.

     I would like to express my gratitude to the DBS School Committee, and the Headmaster Mr. Jacland Lai for their support and guidance. I must also thank all General Committee members, Sub-Committee members, and our secretary Amy, for their dedication and unfailing support during my two years of Presidency . Last but not least, my thanks to all DSOBA members, for their continued participation and feedback, and fine display of the "DBS spirit."

Thank you.

Tony Choi (75)
President
30th April, 1998

President's Report 96/97

Tony Choi
President