In a world rapidly forgetting its unsung heroes of education, the La Salle brothers shine as tireless pioneers who have shaped countless young lives—but their ranks are thinning dangerously. Dive in to discover why this matters more than ever.
Imagine a brotherhood that has dedicated itself to enlightening generations of students across Malaysia for over 170 years. These are the teaching brothers of the St. John Baptist de La Salle mission, a group whose commitment to education has touched thousands upon thousands of local youths. Yet, today, their numbers have dwindled to just a handful of retirees, each one a living testament to decades of selfless service. It's a poignant reminder of how vital roles in society can quietly fade away if not sustained. But here's where it gets controversial: Are we, as a society, failing to honor and replenish these guardians of knowledge?
From Hundreds of Educators to a Mere Dozen: The Quiet Crisis
PETALING JAYA – Picture this: Out of the hundreds of brothers who have poured their lives into teaching and mentoring over the past century and a half, only about a dozen remain today. These retirees, ranging in age from 55 to 84, embody the enduring spirit of the La Salle mission in Malaysia. They're not just educators; they're missionaries who have selflessly imparted knowledge and values to countless students, fostering a legacy of holistic learning that emphasizes both academics and character.
La Salle Malaysia's director, Brother Andrew Loke Yew Wah, paints a vivid picture of their current situation. He explains that of these 12 surviving brothers, only six are actively serving within Malaysia's borders. This includes Brother Andrew himself and his elder brother, Brother Ambrose Loke, who leads St. Francis Institution in Melaka, both operating from the La Salle Provincialate in Petaling Jaya. Then there's Brothers Anthony Rogers and Jason Blaikie at St. Xavier’s Institution in Penang; Brother Michael Kum at the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly in Kuala Lumpur; and Brother Peter Ng at St. Martin’s School in Tambunan, Sabah.
The others are extending their reach overseas: Brother John D’Cruz at Residencia De La Salle Dasmarinas in Cavite, Philippines; Brothers Justin Mobilik and Albertus Joikul at the De La Salle Dasmarinas Brothers Community in the same region; Brother Peter Foo in Bacolod, Philippines; Brother David Liao in China; and Brother Paul Ho in Singapore.
Brother Andrew adds that some of these committed individuals take on extra responsibilities. For instance, Brother Blaikie oversees the management of La Salle schools and properties not just in Penang, but also in Perak, ensuring everything runs smoothly across multiple locations. However, not all is well—Brother Rogers is currently battling poor health and recovering in a nursing home in Penang.
Despite these challenges, the brothers soldier on with whatever resources they can muster, fulfilling their apostolate duties and providing informal education at their schools. Importantly, they do this without any government support or salaries, relying entirely on their own funds and limited coffers to keep their mission alive. As Brother Andrew shared during his 70th birthday celebration and the commemoration of his 50th golden jubilee—marking five decades since he took his brotherhood vows at the La Salle Provincialate in Petaling Jaya—they're making it work through sheer determination.
The event was graced by notable attendees, including Brother Ambrose at 81, his caretaker Joel Bonga, La Salle Provincialate administrator James Sia, visiting brothers Mico De Leon and Antolin Sanchez ‘Butch’ Alcudia III from the Philippines, and even Brother Andrew’s nephew Aloysius Loke and niece Theresa Ng.
Continuing the Mission: Dedication Beyond Retirement
Even in retirement, these brothers haven't stepped away from their calling. They persist in their missionary work, supporting an estimated 15,000 students across 29 La Salle schools in Peninsular Malaysia, plus five associate schools in East Malaysia (with two in Sarawak and three in Sabah). This ongoing commitment highlights their unwavering dedication to education that goes beyond textbooks—it's about nurturing the whole person, instilling values like compassion and service.
Yet, here’s the part most people miss: The biggest hurdles facing the brotherhood aren't just financial or logistical; they're existential. Brother Andrew points to a lack of interest from the younger generation in stepping into their shoes. These potential successors are deterred by the demands of the La Salle way of life, which includes vows that forbid marriage and require a lifelong commitment to teaching and missionary work. With the brothers aging and increasingly needing healthcare, the challenge is acute. Brother D’Cruz, at 84, holds the title of the eldest, while Brother Blaikie, at 55, is the youngest—a stark illustration of the generation gap they're grappling with.
Efforts to attract and train new recruits have fallen short, as Brother Andrew, born on December 2 in Johor Bahru, candidly admits. The lifestyle, he notes, simply doesn't appeal to today's youth, who might prioritize personal freedoms or different career paths.
Adding to the complexity, the brothers are also experiencing a loss of administrative influence over the schools they founded. Unlike in the past, they're no longer classified as civil servants, which means they have no voice in appointing principals or teachers who truly grasp the ethos of mission schools. Without that deep-rooted passion for the La Salle missionary spirit—born from years of experience—newer educators might approach their roles differently. Brother Andrew laments, 'Without indulging in the missionary spirit and experience, they do not have the same passion like us.'
This shift raises a controversial point: Is the secularization of these schools diluting their original values? And what happens when the people who built this educational empire have no say in its future? Many younger Malaysians, too, remain unaware of the brothers' profound impact, especially since catechism classes—traditional forums for sharing faith and history—have become less common. Brother Andrew, who attended St. Joseph’s School in Johor Bahru for primary education and St. Michael’s Institution in Ipoh for secondary, emphasizes how this disconnect widens the gap.
Celebrating a Legacy and Looking to the Future
In a parallel celebration, the Malaysian Federation of Lasallian Alumni Associations (MFOLSA) hosted a separate reception for Brother Andrew, honoring him as its retiring advisor, at the La Salle Hall next to the Provincialate. It doubled as an early Christmas gathering, fostering community and reflection.
MFOLSA president Michael Simon announced that Brother Antolin Sanchez ‘Butch’ Alcudia III would succeed Brother Andrew in his advisory role—a transition symbolizing continuity amidst change.
James Sia, who serves as MFOLSA secretary and treasurer of the Franciscan Club of Kuala Lumpur, paid tribute to the La Salle Brothers' invaluable contributions. He highlighted how they've delivered high-quality education to hundreds of thousands of Malaysian youths from all backgrounds and faiths, spanning generations. To put this in perspective, think of it as a ripple effect: One dedicated teacher can inspire a classroom, but an entire brotherhood has transformed entire communities.
The brothers' journey in Malaysia began in 1852 with their arrival in Penang, where they founded St. Xavier’s Institution, the first mission school in the region. Then, in October 1902, three pioneering brothers—Ireland-born American Maurice Josephus Freeze, Burmese Andrew Corsini Peter, and Malaysian Constantine Jeremiah—assumed control of St. Francis Institution (SFI) from the Catholic Church, cementing its status as a La Salle institution. This history underscores their deep roots in Malaysia's educational fabric.
As we reflect on this story, it sparks thought-provoking questions: Should society do more to support these dedicated educators, perhaps through recognition or incentives for new recruits? Is the vow of celibacy outdated in today's world, or does it embody a noble sacrifice? And what role does government play in preserving the unique character of mission schools? Do you agree that losing administrative control is a necessary evolution, or a loss worth fighting for? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
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