This is no international event, but an annual, alternate hosting of the friendly games between the National University of Singapore Society and Persatuan Alumni University Malaya (The University of Mlalaya Alumni Society). This series is now into its 19th consecutive year and this year the NUSS, of which I'm a member, plays host, coinciding with the Society's 50th Anniversary. It is quite remarkable that, despite the occasional political hiccups between the two countries, members of these two organizations continue to come together to spend about 2 days playing friendly games and sharing the friendship which has been cultivated throughout the years. It was a chance meeting between two active members of their respective alumni way back in 1984 when the first games was later held in KL. Both were keen to establish contact and encourage further rapport between the two organizations. This year's series comprises of 7 games: badminton, bowling, golf, soccer, squash, table-tennis and tennis and it transpired that NUSS won by just one game over the weekend. There was an unofficial match on the night of the dinner, affectionately known as the 'boat race' which was won by NUSS. Four representatives from each side go on stage to take turns to gulp down a pint of beer as quickly as possible to 'relay' to his/her next partner to do likewise. Whoever finished first is the winner. Needless to say, we lost our badminton match to the more powerful Malaysians. Even if they had not sent a young team, averaging below 30 years' of age against our average of 40, Malaysia's badminton standards are much higher generally. As consolation, we had a representative in the boat race to salvage a little revenge. But all was forgotten when we met in the evening for the customary buffet dinner at our own Kent Ridge Guild Hall. Music was provided by our own newly-formed NUSS Band and dinner comprised of the more familiar Asian favourites. Maybe the free flow of beer and wines made everybody happy and we got on so well that there were several rounds of 'yam-seng' and photo taking. Since our badminton friends treated us so well when we last played in KL, we reciprocated by inviting the entire gang for another round of drinks at our new city clubhouse at Suntec City. I think our guests must have enjoyed themselves as they joined in the merry-making, singing in unison with the two-piece band and daring to go on stage to do one or two solo numbers. The champagne which we offered, other than the usual Tiger beer, must have contributed to their zealousness. Then there were two big screens in the Bar showing the proceedings of the match between Arsenal and Charlton and this must have added to the evening's contentment! Here's our group photo and those of my partner and I and our young worthy opponents.
