A century of Paulian fellowship
From an athletic association founded in 1922 to one of Malaysia’s most active alumni organisations, the Old Paulians’ Association has grown through friendship, service and an enduring commitment to St. Paul’s Institution.
The St. Paul’s Athletic Association was founded, bringing Paulians and Lasallians together through sport and fellowship.
The association was formally registered as the St. Paul’s Old Boys’ Association, expanding into social and cultural activities.
Mr. J. R. Santa Maria, Mr. C. A. Pinto and Mr. Thong Ah Chong revived the association after the Second World War. Encik Bahaman bin Shamsuddin became its first President.
In 1949, the Association hosted its first Reunion Dinner and Dance to reunite members and friends separated during the war. The tradition became a defining part of Paulian fellowship, with later gatherings welcoming more than a thousand Paulians from around the world.
In 1952, SPOBA collaborated with the St. Francis Association of Malacca to form the La Sallian Association. The La Sallian Soccer Competition strengthened camaraderie among alumni, and SPOBA proudly emerged as champion for six consecutive years.
The competition also brought together the Old Boys of Christian Brothers in Singapore and St. John’s in Kuala Lumpur. This wider fellowship helped inspire the formation of the Federation of La Sallian Associations in 1983, with OPA as a founding member.
Places we called home
From rented rooms to a permanent home beside St. Paul’s Institution, each address represents another chapter in the Association’s history.
No. 2 Market Lane, Seremban
No. 96 Jalan Dato’ Bandar Tunggal, Seremban
No. 24 Jalan Yam Tuan, Seremban
No. 324-1 (Lot 3029), Taman Bukit Kaya, Seremban
In 1970, SPOBA began the search for its own club building. The Association first rented premises at Market Lane and later Jalan Dato’ Bandar Tunggal. In 1972, the name changed to the Old Paulians’ Association, welcoming female students of SPI Secondary as members.
OPA subsequently invested in properties and land while pursuing its ambition of a purpose-built clubhouse. In 1995, land in Rasah was sold and the proceeds were used to purchase a shop lot at Jalan Yam Tuan.
A three-storey Wisma OPA was constructed at Jalan Yam Tuan. In 2016, OPA acquired the Brothers’ Bungalow beside the SPI Primary field and converted it into Paulian House, the Association’s present home.
Today, OPA supports sports development, scholastic awards, student welfare and fundraising projects for SPI Primary and Secondary—carrying the Paulian spirit into a new generation.
Once a Paulian, always a Paulian—in heart, mind and soul.