Reunions happen because of the collective desire of friends, and once again, Reginald Pereira made it happen.
This was a meeting of mainly former colleagues from
Stamford’s Hospitality School. It is a special group of former colleagues that
has taken the effort over the years to stay connected. They are the pioneers of
hospitality education in this country who opened new avenues for meaningful
careers to generations of students. In the process, they raised hospitality education to the level of traditional disciplines offered in higher education institutions.
On 28 November 2025, eleven former Stamford staff gathered
at Bala’s 02 Pub in Petaling Jaya.
The bond was Stamford College, though, sadly, the
institution itself is no longer there. Around the table, shades of grey marked
the years, yet laughter and stories proved that friendships outlast time and
corporate bodies alike.
Dinner was hearty — Vindaloo, cooked by Kumar Menon, eaten with platefuls of toasted bread, Hokkien Mee, and more — accompanied by Brenda Lee’s music in the background. Conversations rambled freely, not about work or lectures, but about everything and nothing. Just being together for a few hours was all that mattered. The drinks flowed, with bottles brought by Sumita and Jeya.
Reunions remind us that while bodies change, bonds endure. Even as the night ended, plans for the next gathering were already underway.
Present were Alex Abraham, Kumar Menon, V Jeya Kumar, S
Suresh, Deebha, Jacinta Ramiah, Sumitra Chan, Susan Verghese, Sumita S, Leslie
Pereira and Reginald T Pereira.
