The history of High School Bukit Mertajam Alumni Malaysia (HSBM Alumni Malaysia) can be traced back to the mid-1970s, when a group of former students came together with a shared desire to rekindle old friendships, reconnect with fellow schoolmates and strengthen the bonds forged during their years at High School Bukit Mertajam (HSBM).
What began as an informal gathering of old boys has, over the decades, evolved into an established alumni association dedicated to preserving the friendships, traditions and enduring spirit of HSBM.
The first informal gathering of HSBM old boys took place in the mid-1970s. The initiative was spearheaded by Tan Sri Krishnan and Dato’ Seri S. Kulasegaran, who played an instrumental role in bringing former students together.
Their efforts marked the beginning of what would become a long-standing tradition of HSBM alumni fellowship and engagement.
The first gathering took the form of an evening buffet dinner held at the premises of Tan Sri Krishnan’s company, Gaya Filem, which was then located along Jalan Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur.
The occasion provided former students with an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce about their school days and renew friendships after years apart.
The inaugural gathering attracted approximately 100 former students, demonstrating the strong camaraderie and affection that HSBM alumni continued to hold for their alma mater.
The overwhelming response and enthusiasm generated by the gathering encouraged Tan Sri Krishnan and Dato’ Seri S. Kulasegaran to continue organising similar reunions, laying the foundation for a continuing tradition of alumni fellowship.
Following the success of the inaugural gathering, HSBM old boys continued to meet regularly, generally at least once every two years.
These gatherings became important occasions for former students to reconnect with one another, renew lifelong friendships, share memories and celebrate their shared HSBM heritage.
While the gatherings were initially informal, they helped nurture a strong sense of belonging among generations of HSBM old boys and laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of a formal alumni organisation.
During its early years, the alumni gatherings remained informal, as there was no officially registered alumni association.
It was only in the early 1980s that a formal organisation was established under the name HSBM Old Boys Association Malaysia.
The establishment of the association marked an important milestone in the development of the HSBM alumni movement, providing a more structured platform through which former students could maintain their fellowship and contribute to the wider HSBM community.
With the establishment of the formal association, HSBM alumni gradually became more actively involved in activities supporting and engaging with the school.
The association evolved beyond its original role as a platform primarily for reunions and fellowship. Over time, it developed a closer relationship with HSBM and its wider community, with alumni contributing their experience, resources and support towards the school and its students.
A further milestone was reached on 13 November 2003, when the association adopted its present name:
Persatuan Alumni Sekolah Menengah Bukit Mertajam Malaysia
(High School Bukit Mertajam Alumni Malaysia)
The name reflects the association’s continuing commitment to representing the HSBM alumni community and maintaining a strong connection between generations of former students and their alma mater.
From its humble beginnings as an informal gathering of approximately 100 old boys in the 1970s, the HSBM alumni movement has grown into an established association that continues to bring together generations of HSBM alumni.
Today, HSBM Alumni Malaysia remains committed to preserving the friendships, traditions, memories and values that unite its members, while strengthening its role in supporting High School Bukit Mertajam and its future generations.
As HSBM approaches its 100th Anniversary in 2027, the alumni community looks forward to celebrating a century of history, achievement and shared memories — while continuing to uphold the enduring spirit of HSBM.
Throughout the years, High School Bukit Mertajam has produced many notable figures in civil service, politics, corporate, military and many other areas. These “old boys” have done us proud in shaping and molding Malaysia by being pioneers:
This section is dedicated to just a few of them ….
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak
Alumni Patron
Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Tun Mohd Salleh b Ismail
1st Malaysian Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Mr Ng Kim Siong
1st Inspector General of Police (IGP) Singapore
Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Chin Fung Kee
Queens Scholar & Former (Acting) VC of University Malaya
YB Tan Sri Dato Hj Lamin bin Hj Mohd Yunus
President of Appeals Court, Malaysia
Tan Sri Ahmad Kamil Jaffar
Ketua Setiausaha (KSU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
Tun Mohd Salleh b Ismail
1st Malaysian Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Dato L. Krishnan
Pioneer of Malaysian Film Industry
Mr Goh Hock Guan
Architect & Town Planner behind Subang Jaya township
Currently, restructuring town planning in Vietnam
YBhg Dato’ Dr Ibrahim Saad
Former Minister of Transport, Malaysia
Prof Ishak Thamby Chik
Former Vice Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Mansor
Chairman of Telekom (M) Berhad
YBhg Dato Seri Hj Mohd Shariff bin Hj Omar
Deputy Minister Agriculture Ministry
Dato Jegathesan
Former Secretary General, Ministry of Housing Malaysia
Gen (Rtd) Abdullah Shamsudin
General, Malaysian Army
Gen (Rtd) Mohamad Shah Yahaya
General, Malaysian Army
Datuk M. Kuppan
Former National Football Coach
Tan Sri Izzuddin
Secretary General Ministry of Finance (Retired)
Tan Sri Dato Dr. M. Thambyrajah
Founder Sri Murugan Centre
Mr. P. Kanason
Retired Asst Auditor General
Mr Chan Boon Teik
Retired as Dy Director General (Waterworks) PWD
Stephen Sim
Deputy Finance Minister
Steven Sim
Minister of Human Resources
