A Short History of OXA

Founded in 1924, The Old Xaverians’ Association (“OXA”) earned the distinction of being the oldest La Sallian Old Boys’ Association in Malaysia.

The Founder President of the OXA was Mr Lim Cheng Ean who served 8 terms from the year 1924 – 1932, and was subsequently led by such legendary names as Mr Heah Joo Seang, Mr Lee Soon Peng, Mr Lee Hong Teik, Datuk Lim Huck Aik, Mr Cheah Seng Khim and Mr Tye Poh Sun. Under the distinguished leadership of such stalwarts, the foundation of OXA was solidly entrenched in a house in Leith Street and it became a centre of social, cultural and sporting activities. The fame of OXA spread throughout the length and breadth of Penang Island. From the 1930’s to the late 1960’s the success and increased membership of OXA invariably led to OXA having to shift its location in Penang six times.

In the late 1960s, OXA President Dr Cheah Cheng Poh and his Building Sub-Committee negotiated for the purchase of the OXA building, an impressive and historical mansion at 50 Perak Road, Penang and we give our thanks and appreciation to the courage, foresight and dedication of Dr Cheah Cheng Poh and his Building Sub-Committee.

OXA has the distinct honour of giving birth to the Federation of La Sallian Associations under the leadership of Dato’. John S.C. Loh who called for a Conference of five Old Boys’ Associations in December 1976 at St. Xaviers’ Institution Penang. The five Founder Member Old Boys’ Associations are The Old Xaverians’ Association, Penang, Old Paulians’ Association, Seremban, Sacred Heart Old Student’s Association, Sibu, St. George’s Old Boys’ Association, Taiping and St. Joseph’s Old Boys’ Association, Kuching.

OXA has built its fame on its billiards tournaments, being responsible for the First Penang Billiards Championship in 1947 and producing national champions like Mr Lim Hun Tong and Mr Moh Loon Hong. 

In 2007, OXA earned the distinct honour of being officially recognized by the Registrar of Societies as amongst the 10 best societies and clubs in conjunction with the 50th Merdeka Celebration of Malaysia.

As a responsible organization, OXA consistently supports various charities through its annual donations given out during the Association’s annual dinner. In addition, OXA has always supported its Alma Mater, St Xavier’s Institution, and financially supports the school in various projects including the construction of “The Old Xaverians’ Association Hall” in St. Xavier’s Branch School, the construction of the Karpal Singh Hall and The Heritage Centre in St. Xavier’s Institution. 

Since 2007, OXA has given out Education Grants to Junior and Ordinary members who pursue education in institutions of higher learning. Initiated by Dato’ Khoo Khay Seang, our current President

Today, OXA stands proud of having its beautifully renovated building at 50 Perak Road housing the various facilities for the benefit of its members, and continues to work on achieving the objects of the Association, namely:

– To keep former students of St. Xavier’s Institution in close touch with their Alma Mater

– To bring into being and to promote a feeling of friendship, sympathy and closer unity among its members

– To render mutual assistance

– To afford facilities for the physical, moral, economic, intellectual and social advancement of the members, and

– To afford financial and other assistance to our Alma Mater.

The success of OXA is due to the contributions of its past Presidents, including outstanding leaders like Dato’ Dr Goh Cheng Teik and Dato’ Seri Mahinder Singh Dulku who ensured that OXA continued to grow from strength to strength every year.

With OXA adopting the pioneering spirit shown by the past Presidents for more than 100 years, OXA will have an important place to play in the lives of all old Xaverians as we step into the 2nd Century