Status Update of Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025, Hong Kong La Salle College Old Boys’ Association – Toronto

Fellow Toronto chapter members and old boys community at large:

I am writing to follow up on my email to all Toronto members on April 30, regarding membership eligibility, voting and nomination rights, proxies, and potential legal implications. As the matter emerges, public interest is at stake. Please treat this as an open letter.

My April 30 email explained the abnormalities of the 140+ applications, constitutional/legal risks, implications for the Toronto community and beyond. Since then, Bill Chau (98) has started the petition (out of the 91 signed petitions, only 7 of them are from Toronto including 1 director). We have also exchanged emails with Jevons Au (98) and Alexander Cheung (82). Jevons Au wrote on behalf of the 155+ applicants, and Alexander Cheung wrote on behalf of the “committee of candidates”.

The Board held an emergency meeting on May 1, and issued a statement afterwards about the applications. The statements are available on our website (https://lscobator.org/). Accordingly, Jevons’s application should have been processed soon. At the same time, Jevons has emailed us again, stating that if his application is not approved immediately, “the board pause any elections or decisions at the upcoming AGM until this matter is resolved according to the bylaws and ONCA.”. 

Anyone with a reasonable mind would find Jevons’s demand appalling and unacceptable. Further, such demand without substantiating proof may constitute a threat or insult to our members at large.

By now, all reasonable channels have been exhausted. The possibility remains that those directors who have co-signed the letter of condemnation against me, and those who have submitted the applications on their behalf, may call for a requisition Board meeting again, picking a date/time that is most self-serving for them to rubber-stamp Jevons’ applications with a minimal quorum. This would thereby allow them to overturn any decisions made to date. It follows that once they have secured a sufficient quorum of directors for the May 15 election, they may whimsically dictate or reverse any decisions.

I am baffled by the condemnation letter co-signed by a few ex-presidents. I cannot help but reckon that it must have been an orchestrated scheme of groundless allegations spread against me in Hong Kong and elsewhere, before the 140+ applications were submitted. Should there be wrongs on my part,  they should have voiced their grievances earlier at Board meetings. I will not comment on their intent, but the harmony of the Toronto old boys community has been completely shattered.

The situation will come to a head on May 15, a crucial moment for all of us, as a community, to make our voices heard. The future of our Toronto Chapter, as well as the legacy of the alumni who have built it, will rest on the actions we take now. I have served to the best of my ability, though not without oversights. I am proud to have made friendships during my office and trust that we all will stand together in ensuring that our Chapter will remain strong and true to its founding values.

Kevin Kwok (88)

Outgoing President

Hong Kong La Salle College Old Boys’ Association – Toronto

________________________________________________________

於 2025年4月30日 週三 上午1:56寫道:

Dear Members,

Today, April 30, 2025, marks the deadline under our bylaw to issue notice for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), traditionally held on May 15 each year. Regrettably, I, as the outgoing President and chief operating officer, must inform you that several serious matters remain unresolved on the election of 2025-27 election of Board of Directors: membership eligibility, voting and nomination rights, proxies, and potential legal issues

Unprecedented Magnitude and Nature of Membership Applications

April 14, 2025 was the final Board of Directors meeting before the AGM and is the cut off time for approval of new members to be eligible to vote and be nominated as directors at the upcoming AGM. During the meeting Directors Jimmy Chang (’66) and Michael Chow (’89) submitted 140+ new membership applications with fees. The followings are noted:

  • – We have never received one time applications of such magnitude
  • – Most of the applications show non-Toronto addresses and/or provide incomplete contact information
  • – Many appear to have been generated electronically in bulk, with similar formatting and minimal details.
  • – All of them are for one-year or student memberships, diverging from the longstanding norms of our Chapter.

While these applications appear constitutional (non Toronto old boys may apply for membership according to our patent), such magnitude and nature raises eyebrows. I have been in the community for over 20 years and have recruited old boys to attend our events/gatherings, official or unofficial. Some chose to apply for life membership to show loyalty, but most are for the mingling experience. I have never seen intentional and well planned one time admission of such scale and nature. While a lot of old boys locally and beyond know me, most of the names among the 140 are unfamiliar to me.

If admitted en masse, these new 140 applicants would be eligible to vote and be nominated as directors in the upcoming AGM. Note that our AGM is usually attended by 80-100 local old boys and know each other.

Disagreement among directors

In light of the above, over half of the Board voted to defer and further investigate the applications. It is not rejection – we are just unable to process all of them right away. We need more time to think this through, at least to confirm their identity and authenticity. While Michael Chow (89) and Jimmy Chang (66) may know them in some way, are all of these applicants aware that a one year/student (not life) membership was made on their behalf, and their names can be used for proxies for the purpose of voting and being nominated?


In addition to Jimmy Chang (66), Michael Chow (89), Peter Chan (72) also strongly disagreed with the deferral.

More pressure

Within days, Peter Chan (72), current director, signed a petition which advocates for the voting rights of these applicants. The petition quotes “misleading directives by the President”.

Within days, the Board received emails from Jevons Au Man Kit (98) and Alexander Cheung (82). Mr Au claims to write on behalf of the applicants, and Mr Cheung wrote on behalf of “a committee of candidates” who “intend to run for office for 2025-2027 in the upcoming election at the AGM scheduled for May 15, 2025”. The following words were in their email:

  • – remonstrance
  • – stifling competition
  • – condemning the board’s decision
  • – invidious practice
  • – seeking independent legal review
  • – unfair discriminatory decision
  • – informing the broader alumni community and relevant stakeholders including LSCOBA Hong Kong

There has been numerous pressure to accept these applications. I am not a lawyer or investigator, but it looks like an orchestrated election maneuver of some sort to me, to say the least. If I approve right away, I could be prosecuted. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

Why does it matter to you?

Some may argue that these applications are “constitutional.” But: Does this sound right to you?

As I said before, AGM is usually attended by 80-100 old boys, most are local and know each other. How does it feel to be outnumbered, constitutionally, by those who show little ties with Toronto?

You may remember in the good old days when things were much more casual and informal. Every old boy attending AGM was entitled to vote and be nominated, membership fees can be paid retrospectively upon directorship. Voting in AGM has conventionally been held as show-of-hands, so everyone can see the votes, no cheating. Now, as most of these applicants are outside Toronto, any local members are entitled to receive proxies from them and vote on their behalf. In addition, our membership database, maintained since the beginning of the chapter in the 80s, comprises a lot of inactive members, i.e. have not attended events for a long time, and perhaps have little information to verify. As a result, the number of proxies can significantly outnumber attending old boys’ vote. 

Who can we rely on for impartiality, as far as membership rights, ballots and potential misuse of proxies, etc are concerned?

While a lot of you have voted for me before (and I sincerely thank you), no presidency is intended to be forever. But this time it is not only about me. What precedent does this incident set for other local chapter matters across North America and beyond?

What now?

To date, little consensus has been reached within the Board on the unprecedented matters above. And a number of us have full time work, we are simply unable to attend a call for a meeting by Peter Chan (72) and Michael Chow (89) on a weekday at 9am. We are tired of arguing. Having said that, I am still working with directors who share my vision to explore solutions, including consultation with impartial third parties. I will keep you informed as the situation develops. 

The Board will meet on May 1; while I do not intend to change the AGM date, should there be a change of AGM date as a result of the Board meeting, it will be re-noticed in accordance with the bylaw.

Feel free to share your thoughts with other old boys. Your voice matters.

This message represents my personal observations as the outgoing President and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of other directors. 

Yours truly,

Kevin Kwok (88)
Outgoing President
Hong Kong La Salle College Old Boys’ Association – Toronto

Annual General Meeting – HKLSOBA Toronto (May 15, 2025)

Dear Lasallians,

Please be informed that the HKLSOBA – Toronto Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 and Dinner will be held as follows:

  • Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Venue: Casa Deluz Banquet Hall 豪門宴, 1571 Sandhurst Circle, Scarborough, Ontario
  • Cost: $70 per person | $35 per student | Free for members aged 80 and above

Proposed AGM Agenda:

  1. Confirmation of quorum
  2. Committee’s Report (including President’s and Treasurer’s reports)
  3. Resolution: To opt out of appointing an auditor or conducting an audit/review engagement for the 2024–2025 financial year (per Section 76, ONCA)
  4. Nominations for the Board of Directors (2025–2027 term)
  5. Election of the new Board
  6. Adjournment

Proxy Voting:
If you are a member in good standing and unable to attend the AGM in person, you may appoint another member to vote on your behalf.

  • proxy form is attached for your use.  AGM Proxy Form 2025 Revised May_1_2025
  • Completed proxies must be submitted to the Secretary (Ken Wong, kenmw22@gmail.com) and Returning Officer (Thomas Lau, thomaslaiyinlau@gmail.com) no later than 6:30 p.m. on May 13, 2025 (48 hours before the AGM) to be valid.
  • Proxies may be submitted by email or in person, provided they are received by the deadline.

RSVP:
To assist us with table arrangements, please confirm your attendance by replying to this email by May 12, 2025.


Upcoming Urgent Meeting:
Please note that an urgent board meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2025. Should any updates affecting the AGM arise from that meeting, a follow-up email will be sent to all members promptly.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Kwok
President
HKLSOBA – Toronto (2023-25)

Board Notice – A Call to Unity in the Spirit of St John Baptist de La Salle

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong La Salle College Old Boys’ Association – Toronto, please find attached a Board Notice titled “A Call to Unity in the Spirit of St John Baptist de La Salle.”

In response to recent developments and correspondence you may have received, the Board convened an urgent meeting on 1 May 2025 to collectively reflect and respond in a manner aligned with the values of our Lasallian heritage.

While diverse opinions are part of a vibrant community, we believe our dialogue should be guided by the spirit of humility, service, and unity—as exemplified by Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The attached notice reaffirms our commitment to these principles and invites all members to work together in strengthening our Toronto Chapter.

As we prepare for the upcoming Annual General Meeting on 15 May 2025, we ask for your continued support and fraternity.

Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission.

_____________________________________________________________

Board Notice – A Call to Unity in the Spirit of St John Baptist de La Salle

The Board noticed a recent letter criticising our current President, Mr. Kevin Kwok. Divergent views are natural in any vibrant association, yet our response should reflect the example of St John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Lasallian movement.

Lessons from St La Salle’s legacy

  • Leadership through service. St La Salle taught that true leadership begins with humility and a commitment to serve others. We thank President Kwok and every volunteer—past and present—for the foundations they have laid. As the Chinese saying reminds us, “前人種樹,後人乘涼”— we benefit today because others planted the trees long ago.
  • Inclusive community. He urged his Brothers to create communities where “each person is welcomed and valued.” We see that ideal today in the growing number of Lasallians from all generations and backgrounds in the Toronto Chapter.
  • Progress through collaboration. St La Salle believed that unity, not division, advances a mission. Our stronger governance and fresh initiatives are possible because voices from many generations and locations now contribute to our decisions—“together and by association.”

The way forward

Guided by these principles, the Board invites every Old Boy to rise above personal grievances and work together for the common good of the Association. Constructive dialogue, volunteer service, and steadfast fraternity are the best ways to honour St La Salle’s vision here in Toronto.

We thank all alumni for their dedication and ask for continued cooperation as we prepare for the Annual General Meeting on 15 May 2025.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts forever.

By order of the Board of Directors, HKLSCOBA-Toronto – issued 1 May 2025

Board Statement Regarding Membership Applications Received on 14 April 2025

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong La Salle College Old Boys’ Association – Toronto, please find attached an official statement regarding the membership applications submitted during the regular Board meeting held on 14 April 2025.

In response to the unprecedented volume of applications—exceeding one hundred—the Board convened an urgent meeting on 1 May 2025 to review and address the situation in accordance with the Association’s by-laws. The attached statement outlines the decisions made and the next steps for processing these applications.

We remain committed to upholding procedural integrity and fairness as we manage this exceptional influx of interest in our Association.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Association’s official email.

______________________________________________________

Board Statement – Applications Received on 14 April 2025

More than one hundred (100+) membership applications were submitted at the regular Board meeting of 14 April 2025. The Board notes with delight this strong show of Lasallian spirit, especially from alumni who live outside Canada and extend their support to the Toronto Chapter.

Board decision

  • Applications not properly completed (missing information, signature or payment) have been rejected for the time being. Where contact details are available, the Secretary will invite the applicants to resubmit a fully completed form and fee.
  • Applications properly completed by applicants residing outside Canada require additional verification of eligibility under By-law § 2.06. These files are being reviewed and will be reported on at the next regular Board meeting.
  • Applications properly completed by applicants residing in Canada are being processed as quickly as possible. The Secretary will attempt to reach each applicant by phone or e-mail on or before the next regular Board meeting.

The Association has never before received such a large volume of applications at a single meeting. The Board acknowledges the effort of Director Michael Chow (1989) in facilitating this influx of new interest.

Next steps

* A further update on the status of all applications will be provided to the membership at the Annual General Meeting on 15 May 2025.

We appreciate every alumnus who takes the time to strengthen our Toronto Chapter, and we thank you for your patience while we complete the verification process.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts forever.

By order of the Board of Directors, HKLSCOBA-Toronto – issued 1 May 2025

2025 Louis Pomeroy Memorial Mah Jong Tournament / Spring Dinner

The Toronto Chapter 2025 Louis Pomeroy Memorial Mah Jong Tournament and Spring Dinner took place on 9 March 2024 at NKS Banquet Hall (帝豪名宴), bringing together 233 old boys and guests for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and fun.


The mahjong competition was intense, with over 52 players competing at 10 tables, while 3 non-competing tables provided a more relaxed setting for casual play. The afternoon’s excitement culminated in the presentation of the Louis Pomeroy Memorial Trophy by our chapter president, Kevin Kwok (1988), to the highest-scoring old boy, Kelvin Ho (2019).


We were honored to welcome two beloved retired teachers, Mr. Chan Tong and Mr. Shum Mow Kee, who graced us with their presence, along with 10 joint school alumni representatives who joined us for the dinner. A particularly heartwarming moment came when Mr. Chan Tong led the presentation of 70 gifts donated by our Alma Mater to senior old boys — a gesture that highlighted the lasting bonds and deep connections that unite the La Salle family.

The evening gained momentum with a lively mid-event auction, adding excitement while raising additional funds. Dr. William Chan (69) contributed generously to the event, and congratulations to Stlina Kwok, keeper of Kevin Kwok (88), for winning the bid!
To cap off the night, a thrilling lucky draw brought smiles and joy to all.
Our Chapter would like to thank the great efforts of Danny Au Yeung (67), Ambrose Cheung (70), Ken Wong (90), Raymond Dau (91), Chris Fong (94), Michael Kong (94), Clarence Lee (98), Alex Tsoi (2016), and Kenny Fong (2017).


Thank you to everyone who made this event a success! We look forward to seeing you all again in 2026 for another memorable gathering!

Louis Pomeroy Memorial Mah Jong Tournament and Chinese Spring Dinner (Mar 9, 2025)

Dear La Salle brothers,

On behalf of HKLSOBA-Toronto, we would like to invite you, your family, and your friends to join us for the Louis Pomeroy Memorial Mah Jong Tournament and Chinese Spring Dinner.

Event Details:
Date: 9 March 2025 (Sunday)
Venue: NKS Banquet Hall 帝寶名宴(8360 Kennedy Road, Unit B06, Markham, ON L3R 9W5)

MahJong Tournament: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Cost Per Person:
$70.00 (Includes mahjong, afternoon snack, and dinner)
$60.00 (Dinner only)
$35.00 (Students)
Free (Seniors over 80 years old)

Please RSVP by 2 March 2025 to secure your spot.RSVP Contact:
Kevin Kwok – Phone: 647-928-5880 Email: kevinkwok26@gmail.com

Enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and an evening filled with delicious food, camaraderie, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,
Kevin Kwok (88)
President (HKLSOBA-Toronto)

2024 Annual Picnic

On a perfect day, 25 Aug 2024, for outdoor enjoyment, our all-time Scouts leader, Ambrose Cheung (70), with the joint efforts of chapter president, Kevin Kwok (88), Raymond Au (61), David Sin (69), Thomas Leung (73), Gordon Tam (77), Ken Wong (90), Raymond Dau (91), Chris Fong (94), Michael Kong (94), Sunny Leung (95), Alex Tsoi (16), Kenny Fong (17), Cosmo Chan (23) and Gabriel Wong (23) organized a fantastic picnic that brought together a remarkable community of La Salle old boys and their families, retired LSC teachers, and overseas La Salle old boys and joint school friends. The event was a resounding success, filled with camaraderie, delicious food, and warm conversations.

The picnic was held at Adams Park, Scarborough, a scenic spot that provided the ideal setting for the gathering. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the vibrant atmosphere created by the organizers with Starbucks coffee. The picnic area was thoughtfully arranged with a comfortable setting, a school banner, and a spread of delectable food and drinks instantly set the tone for a relaxing day. The culinary offerings were a major highlight, with an impressive array of dishes and beverages, including bubble tea and Iced lemon tea prepared by the organizers. From savory roast pig to well-prepared dishes and various desserts, the food was plentiful and catered to all tastes. The drinks flowed freely, adding to the cheerful vibe of the day. Special thanks were given to Michael WK Chan (63), Danny Au Yeung (67), Peter Lau (70), Kevin Kwok (88), and Chris Fong (94), whose generous sponsorship ensured that no one went hungry or thirsty.

The day was made even more special by the presence of retired LSC teacher, Mr. Chan Tong, who was warmly welcomed by the attendees. Their attendance added a nostalgic touch to the event, as old boys reconnected with their former mentors. The gathering also served as a reunion for La Salle’s old boys, their families, and overseas old boys, fostering a sense of unity and shared history.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed catching up with one another. The atmosphere was one of joy and relaxation, with laughter echoing through the park as stories were shared and new memories were made. Lucky Draw and Singing School Song Together pushed the high tide of the event. We distributed 277 lucky draw tickets for a few prizes, all bought from HKLSCOBA Lasallian Shop (https://shop.lscoba.com/). These prizes put a smile on the winners’.

As the day drew to a close, Ambrose and his team were showered with gratitude for their efforts in organizing such a wonderful event. The picnic was a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring bonds of friendship within the La Salle community. The day they left everyone looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and celebrate their shared connections.

2024 Joint School Soccer Fun Day

The Soccer Fun Day took place on a sunny Sunday afternoon, 11th August 2024, at Bayview Reservoir Park, Thornhill. This event brought together alumni from several prestigious institutions, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendship through lighthearted soccer matches.

Participating Teams:
La Salle Old Boys’ Association
Chinese University Alumni
Joint Salesian Group
St. Joseph College Hong Kong Alumni
Joint Wah Yan (Kowloon and Hong Kong)

Each team played four matches in a non-competitive format, with the focus on enjoyment and inclusivity rather than winning. This relaxed approach allowed players to concentrate on having fun and strengthening the bonds between the various alumni groups.

The day successfully showcased the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and connection. It created an atmosphere where alumni could reconnect, forge new friendships, and celebrate their shared passion for soccer.

As the event came to a close, participants expressed their appreciation for the laid-back and friendly environment. The day left everyone with fond memories and reinforced the importance of gatherings like these in maintaining strong alumni networks.

GLOBAL HOMECOMING 2024

Welcome to the LSCOBA Global Homecoming Event 2024!

We are pleased to announce our upcoming Global Homecoming Event, scheduled from 30 November 2024 to 7 December 2024. This event promises to be a grand celebration, and we invite alumni from around the world to participate and reconnect with our Alma Mater.

The event will feature the following programmes:

  1. Homecoming and Requiem Mass, 30 November 2024: The first programme, Homecoming and Requiem Mass, will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the School Chapel. We will be praying for our departed Lasallians Brothers, Old Boys and teachers. It is an opportunity to come back to our Alma Mater to worship God and pray with other Lasallians.
     
  2. Homecoming Ball, 30 November 2024: The highlight of the event is the formal ball. It will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. You can look forward to fine dining, entertainment, and reminiscing about your shared La Salle heritage.
     
  3. Football Match, 1 December 2024: Sports enthusiasts can look forward to a friendly match between Old Boys from different parts of the world, with some Brothers and teachers joining in. This will rekindle the competitive spirit of your youth.
     
  4. Historical Walk, 6 December 2024: Participate in our guided tour visiting significant landmarks and sites in Hong Kong, highlighting the work and sacrifice of our Old Boys during wartime.
     
  5. School Tour, 7 December 2024: You will have the opportunity to revisit your old classrooms, facilities, and campus grounds, providing a nostalgic journey through your school days. You can also learn about the latest developments of our Alma Mater.
     
  6. Casual Lunch with the OBA, 7 December 2024: Our final programme is a casual lunch, offering a relaxed gathering where Old Boys from different generations can mingle, share stories, and reconnect with each other over a delightful meal.

We highly encourage you to mark these dates and make plans to attend this exciting Global Homecoming Event. As a side note, the Masters Athletics Championships 2024 will be held on 23-24 November 2024, and Day 3 of the Inter-school Athletics Meet will be held on 29 November 2024.

Old Boys who are interested in attending the event can fill in the online enrollment form.  Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact Mr Paul Liu (1987) via WhatsApp at +852 6213 8653.

Enrol in Global Homecoming Event 2024 here!

2024 LSCOBA Summer Picnic

Dear La Salle Old Boys,

Your family and friends are cordially invited to join our annual picnic. Join us for a fun and relaxing gathering.

Location: Adams Park – Area A
2 Rozell Road, Scarborough, M1C2L1 (near 401 and Port Union)

Fee: Free

Date: Sunday, Aug 25, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Parking Direction: Enter through Lawson Rd. instead of Rozell Rd.

If we have the honor of your presence, please reply to this email and let us know the number of guests in your group so that we can appropriately prepare for the event. Alternatively, you may contact any Chapter director or advisor. Food will be served starting at noon.

Yours truly,

Kevin Kwok
President, LSOBA-Toronto Chapter