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Born in 1927 in Penang, Dato’ Tan Boon Lin was a pioneering graduate teacher from the University of Malaya, stepping into roles once held by departing British educators. Coming of age during the Japanese Occupation, Tan embraced the optimism of Merdeka and the task of nation-building. He served as headmaster at Gajah Berang School in Melaka, Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Kedah, and most notably at Penang Free School, where he was once a student and teacher, later becoming its first Asian headmaster. His career culminated in the Ministry of Education, as the State Director of Education in Pahang and Penang, followed by his role as Chief Inspector of Schools and finally as Director of the Technical & Vocational Division.
In his autobiography, Tan reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the lessons he learned, and his journey through leadership, service, faith, and family. His insights offer valuable guidance to those seeking to make a difference in the lives of young people.
2024, Areca Books
Hardcover, 320 pages
200 photographs
182 x 257 mm
ISBN 978-967-5719-50-9
Price: RM 80
Book excerpt from Chapter 1, Childhood 1927-1938
However, it was in my home that nurture took place. And the person responsible for it was my mother. She cooked for us, she sewed clothes for us, she supervised our homework, she cared for us when we were ill, she helped us prepare for examinations, and she made sure we grew up with proper values and attitudes. I remember one incident in my early life that illustrates how our mother dealt with us. I always liked to eat a local biscuit, ‘Heong Pneah.’ And every day at tea I would consume two of these with a cup of water. One day I was exceedingly hungry after playing in the field and I consumed four, double my entitlement.
Mother asked me, “How many biscuits did you eat?”
I replied, “Two.”
“Are you sure?” she enquired.
“Yes,” I replied, feeling guilty, keeping my head away from her stare.
She repeated the question and I gave the same answer. At any moment I expected to be confronted with the truth. But she said nothing and moved away. From that day I learnt a lesson: I never lied to my mother again. She knew that I had lied. But rather than confront me verbally with the truth, in her own way she had taught me not to tell lies.
My mother never completed her Secondary education, having attended St. George’s Girls’ School only up to Form 4, but she knew more about child psychology when it came to dealing with her children, than a university graduate!
Tan Boon Lin 