On Making A Difference, the autobiography of Dato Tan Boon Lin offers a candid narrative of an educationist and his passion, both as an educator and administrator, to guide and provide opportunities for other students in the schools where he served as the headmaster. Tan had served, with distinction, as headmaster at Gajah Berang School in Melaka, Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Kedah and lastly, at Penang Free School, where he was once a student and teacher before assuming the role as its first Asian headmaster.
Born on Sept 12, 1927 in Penang to Yeap Soo Cheow and Tan Kean Hong, Tan was a pioneering graduate teacher from the University of Malaya who then took on the roles once held by the British educators.
Growing up during the period of the Japanese Occupation, Tan witnessed the challenges, suffering and changes that the country was going through. He decided to dedicate himself to the ideals and aspirations of Merdeka and also the task of nation building.
The autobiography is a meticulous recollection of events and experiences of Tan’s life - from his birth to his early primary school years, his secondary school years and his university years. Then it traces his journey in his work life, his marriage and family and also records of his honours and awards.
The book also showcases photographs, mementos, and newspaper clippings from Tan’s personal and family collection.
Tan recalls fondly his early school days as a member of the Wolf Cub Pack run by his father who was also a teacher at the Anglo-Chinese School in Nibong Tebal. The school caters to children of the village and nearby rubber estates.
Tan’s mother, Soo Cheow, was from the Peranakan or Baba- Nyonya family. He cited her as one of his unforgettable mentors in his life.
In his secondary years, Tan joined the Scout Troop and was appointed Patrol Leader a year later in 1940, a position of leadership that he experienced for the first time in his life.
The Free School years were special for Tan. It was the Free School mystique that profoundly changed his rural schoolboy image - physically, emotionally and academically - preparing Tan for his next stage of education.
Then came the Japanese Occupation (1941-1942) and it was a difficult and challenging time for Tan and his family. Those years marked his adolescence, a period where Tan quickly learned what it meant to be independent and responsible. It was also during this period that Tan registered as a member of the Penang Library and continued to read English books, a passion he had developed during his Free School years.
Tan’s leadership grooming continued when he was appointed School Prefect in 1947, and soon after, the Senior School Prefect. Looking back, Tan said being appointed a Senior School Prefect bought him closer to the Penang Free School (PFS) and it was one of the reasons why he returned to serve at PFS, which he did in October 1951 as a career schoolteacher and later in August 1963, as the headmaster.
Tan continued his education journey when he received a three-year Malayan Union Scholarship to study Arts at Raffles College in Singapore.
He later returned to the University of Malaya in 1954 to pursue a Fourth Year Honours Course.
Tan married Wong May Lian in 1957 at the Wesley Methodist Church in George Town, Penang. But he only became a Christian in December,1984, at the age of 57 and took on leadership roles as a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Petalung Jaya.
His career culminated in the Ministry of Education where he served as the State Director of Education in Pahang and Penang, then as Chief Inspector of Schools, and finally as Director of Technical & Vocational Division. Even after he retired in 1982, Tan joined Tunku Abdul Rahman College as Director of Student Affairs (1983-1987). One of his achievements in that capacity was publishing the Berita Kampus newsletter, highlighting the activities of students in the College, which continues to this day.
In his autobiography, Tan also reflects on the mentors who had helped shape him, the lessons he had learned, and his memorable journey throughout his school and university years where he took on leadership roles and offered his services as an educator.
Reading the autobiography, one gets a clear impression of the writer's dedication and passion in his work, his beliefs, his leadership qualities, and his principles - both in life and in his profession.
The insights he shared here will offer invaluable guidance and lessons to those seeking to make a difference in the lives of the younger generation. As Tan says it aptly, “A life well-lived is one that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Tan dedicated his autobiography to his wife, May Lian. The book retails at RM80 and is available at all major bookshops.