Kuala Lampur, Aug. 29 -- When I meet my former classmates from Methodist Boys' School (MBS), Kuala Lumpur, it does not take long before someone remembers an old teacher, a classroom prank or an adventure that seemed perfectly ordinary at the time. Within minutes, the years quietly disappear. Around the table sit retired doctors, engineers, architects, professors, accountants and businessmen, yet every so often the schoolboy in each of us makes an unexpected appearance.

The memories usually arrive without warning.

Someone remembers our mathematics teacher, Ms Sinnathamby, who expected us to return from Physical Education, put on our shirts and be ready for class immediately. There was little sympathy for excuses. Others recall Mr Loo, ou...