About MBSSKL

THE STUDENTS

Students of MBSSKL come from all walks of life, be it rich or poor, dark or fair skinned. Unlike the nickname "Johannian" for St. John's Institution students and "Victorian" for Victoria Institution students, there has been no officially recognized nickname for MBSSKL students, the term "MBSian" (pronounced as "Ambition") is used commonly. However, a more proper term Methodities was used by the 1977 School Captain, Christopher Kushi in the Excelsior Magazine 1977.

THE SCHOOL SONG

There are two different versions of the school song. The first one is the English version and the second one being the Malay version.

English Version

Go forward MBS
Filled with courage fine
With your colors flying
We will cheer you all the time
And so you go forward MBS
On to victory
Work for the fame of our fair name Forward we must play the game

Malay Version

Majulah MBS
Penuh azam baru
Dengan semangat waja
Kita menjulangkan namamu
Majulah MBS
Raih kejayaan
Harumkan namamu selalu
Kekalkan keunggulan

The first version(English version), was composed in 1948 by former principal, Mr. Hugh F. Clancy. The music was harmonized by N.Swan, in the same year. The school anthem was sung over Radio Malaya in 1949 by the school choir. Then, the second version(Malay version), was drafted during a competition to translate the school song in Malay in which Cheok Heng Wai of 5 Mori (1995), at that time, won the competition.

THE SCHOOL CHEER

M.B.S!, M.B.S! Play up! Play up! Play up!

THE SCHOOL CREST

The school badge consists of the words "MBS" and a banner in Or Yellow against a background shield of Azure Blue. Azure Blue, represents the fact that all humanity shares the same sky and a sense of togetherness. It represents the harmony of all the races in MBSSKL, and that the importance of each individual is recognized. Whereas, Or Yellow, represents the excellence for which we are encouraged to strive for.

The school crest has changed somewhat throughout the years especially on the removal of a "white cross" upon which the text "MBS" once sat. The removal of the cross was initially made in deference to Muslim students in the school who would specifically wear the "cross-less" version of the badge. (The badges of convent schools which featured a prominent cross had to be completely redesigned.) Politically, Malaysia was developing into a primarily Muslim country with a multi-racial, multi-ethnic population who have long learned to exist among each other with tolerance. The permanent removal of the cross in 1989 reflects this subtle shift in the country's sensitivity to the Muslim community.

The shape of the bar in which the motto sits has been morphed over the years. The most recent crest shows that the bar curves down on both sides and extends beyond the crest body. The original crest that was last used in the mid-nineteen-seventies had it pointed up at both the edges and is shorter than the crest body.

The motto, "Ora et Labora" means "Pray and Work" in Latin.

THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE

The school magazine of the MBSSKL is named the Excelsior. It was published annually by the Excelsior Editorial Board since 1906 to the late 1910s where it was discontinued before being revived by Dr. Ho Seng Ong in the early 1920s, then still a student in the school before becoming a principal later. It is one of the oldest school magazines in the entire country. The first school magazine which was published in the year 1906 is still in the possession of the school's archive and principal. In 2007, the Excelsior magazine was awarded as the best school magazine in the country.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

The MBSSKL Library is supposedly the oldest school library in the country. The Library was founded in 1906, by philanthropist Mr. Eu Tong Sen of Perak, the youngest son of Mr. Eu Kong, founder of Eu Yan Sang company.

In 1937, the library was renamed the Lum Mun Yoke Memorial Library.

In 1941, war broke out and left the library in shambles.

In 1947, the library was revived by former principal Mr. S. Kanagaratnam (Acting). At the early stages of revival, only senior students were allowed to use the library while the library masters were working hard to restore the condition of the library.

Initially, during these stages, the library was separated into three libraries, namely the Students' Library, the Form Six Library and the Staff Library. The library was at that time located directly above the principal's office, which according to sources, was located at the Hinch Block.

In 1957, Students who were voluntary helpers were formally given the title "Student Librarians". In 1962, the Student Librarians were formally recognized as "The Board of Student Librarians" and were given the privilege of wearing a light blue shirt to distinguish themselves from the rest of the students, hence earning them the name "Light blues". Before this, no other Student Librarian body in the country had the honor of wearing a special distinctive uniform. Special badges were given out as well. Until today, the Board of Student Librarians has still retained their traditional white and light-blue uniform, with the addition of a dark blue blazer, which is the highest honor given to student leaders. Only the 2 most distinguished boards of the school have been given permission to don dark blue (The School Colour), while the rest of the Boards have no blazers or black blazers.

In the 60s also, the libraries were once again centralized to form the MBSSKL Central Library. The Central Library was relocated to the top floor of the T. Mori Block. The school library also earned the distinction of being one of the first libraries in town to enjoy central air conditioning and had a fine collection of reference books. This is proved by the fact that the Central Library was a popular place for Methodites to study in and was opened on weekdays. The Central Library also occasionally opened during Saturdays until 6 pm.

In 1962, the library was designated a "model school library". Many other schools have visited the MBSSKL library to learn from its library, including schools from as far as Thailand. The visitors were never disappointed with the standard of the library, which was considered to be among the most well-equipped school library in the nation in that era.

In 2006, the library shifted to its current premises on the top floor of the Tan Sri Dato' Seri(Dr) Lim Goh Tong block. It is located in a big hall known as the Wong Chee Kooi room and Reunion 5971 room, and the library itself is called the Centenary Library. It is administrated by the Board of Student Librarians, and the Junior Board of Student Librarians.

The motto of the Board of Student Librarians is "Esprit de Corps", which means "the spirit of togetherness".