By Lorena Binisol
MELAKA – A group of visitors from Sabah had the privilege of being hosted at the Montfort Youth Centre (MYC) in Ayer Salak, where they received a warm welcome from Joseph Phillip, the centre’s Deputy Director.
The visit was facilitated by Brother Francis Chua of the St Gabriellite Brothers, who played a key role in establishing Montfort Youth Training Centre in Sabah (MYTC) back in 1999.
During the visit, Joseph provided a briefing on the centre’s facilities and the various training and character-building activities offered to students.
MYC focuses on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and character formation, for underprivileged youth aged 16 to 19.
The Brothers of St Gabriel, who have been running Montfort Boys’ Town in Shah Alam since 1959, expanded their mission by founding MYC in Melaka in 2001, following the success of their Sabah centre.
The pioneer brothers in Melaka were Bro Robin D sg and Bro Peter K sg, who began the initiative with just a handful of students.
Visitors were also shown the centre’s newest facility a multi-purpose hall cum chapel, recently completed to support student activities and spiritual development. The centre currently houses 112 boys, with the capacity to accommodate up to 150 students at a time.
The visitors were impressed by the centre’s well-coordinated operations and its strong sense of organisation. Cleanliness was clearly a top priority, creating a disciplined environment where students learn valuable soft skills and develop into well-rounded individuals.
MYC continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity, offering residential care, skills training, and personal development to youth from challenging backgrounds.
After the visit to MYC, Brother Francis guided the group to the nearby St Mary Church, which was in the midst of preparations for the upcoming Vicariate Eucharistic Congress. The event aimed to renew and deepen the faithful’s understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
The programme included Adoration at 5.00 pm, followed by Mass and a Eucharistic procession.
However, the visitors were unable to stay for the full programme, as they had to depart immediately for subsequent engagements in Kuala Lumpur.
Before departing Melaka, Brother Francis introduced his nephew, Peter Chua, who runs an eatery outlet in a food-court known for its local Nyonya cakes, specially brewed Melakan coffee, and a variety of dishes offering a Melaka touch.
The visitors enjoyed a warm and flavourful culinary experience, graciously hosted by Peter.
Later, Brother Francis also introduced his elder brother, John Chua, a long-standing and devoted parishioner of St Mary Church, adding a personal and heartfelt connection to the visit.
