Times like this...

There were only 12 members attended the meeting last night (10 Dec 2009) because it's holiday season and most of the members have already turned on their holiday mode. Therefore, meetings during year end or beginning of the year will normally attended by less members and guests.


However, 12 members are always better than none and we have 5 speakers last night. Our Mdm. President Amy Hiew even completed her 10th Competent Communicator manual project to help us kill some time and to earn 0.5 goal, in the impromptu way. *bravo* She also bought a very nice cheesecake from Secret Recipe to share with us, everyone loved it.




Our humor session was actually a speech by TM Vanessa because she has so many funny stories about her helper at home and all of us laughed our hearts out and asked for more. Unfortunately, she was only allowed to speak for 5-7 minutes for a CC manual speech, we told her to do a part 2, just like what TM Jimmy did for his 7th CC manual speech about the benefits of coffee (part 2). Not a bad idea to do speeches, in this case, we will run out of topic or don't know what to talk about.




Not to forget that TM Alex who grabbed this opportunity to present his CC manual speech during his long holiday break and he gained plenty of confidence talking about the skills needed to speak publicly. I think he absorbed the skills while preparing for the speech, bravo to him too! Nonetheless, our VPM CL Ling also completed his ACB 9, which means we are one step nearer to achieve another goal! We look forward to his next speech.


I would like to take this opportunity to remind all that our next meeting which falls on 24 December has been canceled due to it's a Christmas Eve and almost everybody will be busy on that night. So the next meeting will be on 14 Jan 2010.


Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010!


Regards,
Alice Kok
VPE 2009/2010
Sandakan Toastmasters Club

KL Genting 17th Semi Annual Convention

23 - 25 October 2009 was a magical weekend for me. Never have i thought that a convention would do wonders like that to me and to my fellow members. I'm just so glad that i was one of the hundreds delegates participated in this wonderful convention, i have no regrets of joining this trip. I believe the others are feeling the same too.


Magical day 1 began with the council meeting in the afternoon where the President and VPE were invited to attend, or rather were compulsory to attend. Therefore, me and Amy were in the council meeting while the others were comfortably settling down in their rooms and loitering around First World Hotel. However, no matter how they enjoyed their own leisure time, they came to look for us during the break and to be there for the award presentation of "President Distinguished Club". This award was presented to our IPP Norman for his term actually, but nonetheless, the glory was for all of us who have worked together to achieve this.




After that, we have to rush to get ready for the long awaited "Absolutely Magical Welcoming Night" situated in the Safari Disco where everyone has to dress up as something. Almost everyone dressed to the theme on that night, let's see what we have -


As much as i wanted to stay to continue to party with the Dracula, wizards, fairies, devils and etc, i was very tired and so did Vanessa, my room mate. So off we went back to our room and visited slumber land.


Magical day 2 began with the auspicious opening ceremony with some inspirational speakers such as Tan Sri Dato' Lee Lam Thye where he shared his view about 1 Malaysia and urged " Toastmasters in Malaysia to remain committed to their core values and principles, and speak their way to promoting a culture of peace, harmony and unity among Malaysians of every ethnic background in the spirit of 1Malaysia" (The Star Online, 28 October 2009). We were also honored to have Mr. Wong Yoon Keong, a re-known trainer who lost his sight and yet he is so passionate to motivate and share with others his experience and journey to become who he is today. He has also published a book titled "Live to Win" as an inspirational tool to encourage the community to live life to the fullest. Anyone who's interested to have a read, please approach me, the book is available on loan.


Followed by that was the plenary session where we have Roger Konopasek talked about "From sail boat to jet ski" where his confabulation presentation in explaining and emphasizing the importance of being technology savvy and how disruptive technology will hit us in the near future made an impact on all off us. Another speaker for the plenary session was Dr. Sarjit Singh Sidhu who talked about how our sub conscious mind could control us for who we want to be. For this, our very own VPM Ling How Kee was invited on stage to demonstrate how he was persuaded to fall asleep in front of him. Dr. Sarjit Singh even jabbed a needle through his cheek and he has no feeling at all!


I apologize for not being able to tell you about the run offs for the contests because i was lured to go wander around First World. Period.


Magical Day 2's dinner was known as "Gala Night - Sharing the Magical Moment" and it was a night to remember for all the award recipients and our very own Datin Grace was being awarded the "Select Distinguished Area Award" for her term as the Area K2 Governor. Congratulations to her on a job well done!






That was truly an enjoyable and memorable night. Nonetheless, i must said, the whole award presentation was mind bobbling because you'd be amazed by what the award recipients have done to serve the clubs in their respective areas. This served as a constructive motivation to all of us there.



Magical day 3 began with the Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contests Finals and followed by the closing ceremony. It was truly an eye opener experience for us to witness how the finalists spoke their way to the finals and they totally deserved to be on the stage on that morning, regardless of whether they have won or not. I know i have said this too many times but this is what Toastmasters is about, it helps you to be a better speaker, in every way that you speak and in every level that you are at. So if you are just speaking in your own club, you are doing good, you know. But if you have got the motivation and ambition to step on the bigger platform, by all means, go ahead! All of us in the club will be the pillars to support you.




The winners for the Humourous speech contest (from left): Karina Rajah (Div E), 2nd runner up. Ruby Ahmad (Div S), 1st runner up for HC. 4th on the left, Marianna Pascal (Div A), Champion for HC. Our District Governor DTM Richard Chong in the middle.

The winners for the Evaluation speech contest (from right): Mary Barton (Div W), 2nd runner up. Rozanah Yunos (Div K), 1st runner up and 4th on the right, Asha Suresh Chand (Div N), champion.


Without us realizing the time, came the closing ceremony. It was very obvious that the organizing chairperson Gerald Quinten has led an excellent team because what we have for the past few days were truly amazing. The organizing team and its sub teams have done a tremendous job by devoting their time and efforts in making this Magical Convention a success. The convention was ended with the famous song "We are the world" and everyone was holding hands with each other to form a huge circle which symbolized 1 family. It's truly that Toastmasters is 1 big family and regardless what skin color or hair color you have, you are a member in this big family. To me, it was a spectacular and touching moment.




After bidding goodbyes to our fellow delegates, we left with a heavy heart. Although joyful time has passed and we can never turn back time, we brought back countless invaluable memories and experience in our heart.


Therefore, we look forward to the Annual Convention in Miri next year!




Your VPE who's still suffering from post-Genting-convention syndrome,

Alice Kok

Our 2nd Baby

and it's a Girl!
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As we are all aware, St. Cecilia is an all girls school and that's where we have successfully chartered our 2nd gavel club after Sung Siew. *clap hands*




The Gaveliers at St. Cecilia had their maiden meeting on 1 August 2009 and 5 of us attended the meeting - they were President Amy Hiew, VPE Alice, VPPR Shane, IPP Norman and our great mentor Datin Grace who chaired the meeting. Since it's their first ever meeting, it's not surprised that the teachers and the students were a little confused and unorganized. We all understood and bear with them. After all, I think that's why we were there for them, to provide guidance along the way.




I had a lot of thinking when i was in that school because i myself was a cecilian, i left the school about a decade ago and it was my first time stepping my feet into the school since then. Having attended the gavel club's maiden meeting made me realize that teenagers nowadays are so much different from where i was eons ago. They are more technology savvy, they talk about their vision for the future, they are so enthusiastic to try out new things and of course, most important of all, they are not afraid to stand up and speak in front of a crowd. There are about 50+ members in the gavel club and so many of them wanted to present their ice breaker speech but due to time constraint, the teacher in charge only allowed 3 of them to speak. Can you imagine how disappointing for those who didn't have the opportunity to perform their speeches?
I was the evaluator for one of the speaker's speech and i was amazed on how well she presented the speech, obviously she prepared the speech and she already demonstrated some basic skills in public speaking and an icing to the cake - she can take evaluation in an adult's way, i am sure we can see improvement in her next speech already.



That aside, my point is, even teenagers are so eager and not afraid to speak out and have so much to share, why couldn't we adults perform better in the training meetings? Of course, we have some who are already doing very well, but what i really want to see is; those who have not started on their manual speech to start preparing and don't be tensed when we assign you with roles, because (trust me) you will only grow and improve through speeches and roles playing. If you think you have difficulties to start on your speech, please call us or email us, anyone of us will be willing to help, especially me =)


Enough said, i hope to see you in our next training meeting on 13 August, same place, same time.


Your VPE,
Alice Kok

Memorable moment in Bali

Our VPE Amy took this memorable and meaningful photo when she was attending the District 51 Convention in Bali, Indonesia not too long ago. She was very honoured to be on stage to receive the award on behalf of the club and she hopes that we can achieve another round of President Distinguished Club award this year. So, let's work together!

See you in the next meeting!

911 Meeting!

Fret not fellow readers and toastmasters, nothing violent happened! 911 because it was 11 September 2008 yesterday and it was our first training meeting of the month.

President Norman came in during the second half of the meeting because he had to attend his friend's wedding dinner and therefore, our newly appointed VPE - Amy Hiew had done some reporting on behalf of the President. This was her first time speaking as a VPE after the departure of Janet and i've never had the chance to thank her for taking up this post unconditionally. As Margaret mentioned during the table topics session, Amy looked and sounded so different nowadays because she has had confidence in herself and i think that a person with self aplomb and self esteem will glow from within, thus, the beauty reveals.

We were glad to have Helen and Sue as our guests and we had 3 speakers last night. What made me feel happier was that the comments from the guests were so exciting because they said they loved the meeting and Toastmasters and they would consider joining! How happy is that, VPM?

Of course, it's the first meeting of the month and we had a little Birthday celebration, with the departure of Janet and Melissa and with the absence of Lawrence and Dr. Edmond, the birthday babes for last night were myself and Davina. I ordered myself (tee hee) an Apple cake and i'm glad that everyone liked it, very much.

Amy took a chance to polish her humor speech "The Evil Wind" for the Area level speech contest which will be held on 27 September 2008 in Tawau by being one of the speakers last night and there was improvement, i am sure she can present the speech better in the contest later. As for Datin Grace's speech "Daze in Twilight", i must say it sent goosebumps to me, i am not sure how about the others 0.o And so the meeting ended with laughters and er..... goosebumps.

As most of us are aware, well you should be aware that our beloved Janet had left for Seoul for soul searching (don't you just love the rythm?) But, she never forget us, she has started a blog and if you want to know what exactly she's doing there, please click here *click*

That aside, there's one more thing that you should be aware of - our Division K Semi Annual Convention that will be held in Sandakan (Yes, you heard it right, Sandakan!) on 25 & 26 October 2008 at Sabah Hotel. There'll be great speakers, great contests, great workshops and of course, great companionship! You can still sign up as an early bird for RM130 for everything (workshop, contest, fellowship dinner and getting to know more toastmasters, the last bit is priceless!) if you sign up and pay by 15 September 2008. Did you get it? Please call me, Norman or Amy if you are interested to know more.

Alright, i shall sign off by ending this post with a group photo from last night, have a great weekend ahead and do consider about the convention!

Evaluation and Humourous Speech Contest 27.08.2008

It was our club's evaluation and humorous speech contest yesterday and the result is as follows:-

Evaluation Speech Contest:-

Champion : Norman Chin
1st Runner Up : Alice Kok =)

Humorous Speech Contest:-

Champion : Amy Hiew with her speech title "The Evil Wind"

I am sorry to say you've missed the fun of this speech.

The contestants for the speech contest were:-

1. TM Cheong Sung Yan (Evaluation)

2. ACB, CL President Norman (Evaluation and Humorous)

3. CL Amy Hiew (Evaluation & Humorous)

4. CC Alice Kok (Evaluation)

Congratulations to TM Shane as he was so courageous to be the test speaker for the contest, good for you Shane! Same goes to CL Ling How Kee for being the Organizing Chair for this contest despite a busy schedule at work and at home , you've done a good job and thank you!

Last but not least, a BIG thank you to all who have helped taken up roles as the timer, SAA, counter, judges, chief judge and members who have showed up to show your support! Thanks!!

Training Meeting on 14 Aug 2008

This is the 3rd training meeting of the new term, as counted by President Norman.

Coincidentally, it was "Chinese Halloween" yesterday and it was also raining heavily, only 7 members turned up. However, the seven of us were able to conduct the meeting successfully by starting and ending punctually.

We had 4 speakers last night, namely - Datuk Hassan (CC 5), CL Ling (ACB 2), Datin Grace (ACS 1) and President Norman (Club Successful Series - Evaluate to Motivate). Those who were absent last night had missed out some educational and fun speeches, seriously.

Birthday babes were none other than our Area K2 Gov Datin Grace Chiu and President Norman. We had a delicious Chocolate Walnut Cheesecake where everyone had at least 2 pieces! Yummm.....

Please be informed that our club will be having the club level humorous and evaluation speech contest on 27 Aug 2008 (Wednesday) and there'll be no meeting on the following night. Members are encouraged to take part in the contest, but if you feel that you are not prepared yet, please do come and show your support to our members. Most importantly, to join in the fun.

1st meeting of 2008/2009

The first training of the new term was GREAT, i was indeed very honored to be the TME for last night's meeting and everyone enjoyed themselves as usual and the room was packed last night because not only members were keen to attend the meeting, we had some guests as well. Looks like it's good beginning for a new term. It's good because our club had already achieved 2 out of 10 goals last night, yes in the first meeting of the term, 2 goals yay! Of course, we have to take this as a motivation for all of us to work harder to achieve the rest of the 8 goals.

David Chong was the birthday boy man last night, our VPE Janet got him an Apple cake, it was such a delicious cake albeit the very down to earth appearance of the cake. Here's a candid shot taken which i personally think it really captured David's emotion at that moment, don't you think?? I think he was affraid that he's gonna drop the cake...^-^

Followed by a group photo

Spotted - Shane met up with his long lost best friend Joe

I gotta run now, but in conclusion, the meeting was fun and for those who have not been in the meeting for sometime, please come and join us for the fun!

See ya......Have a nice weekend ahead.

p.s. Installation is on next Saturday!

What? The AGM is over?

Sorry......for.....the.....delay......

It just seems like there's only 10 hours per day now but so much to do, so little time, so much to do! However, i will still update our lovely blog and therefore, welcome to our new term of excitement and joy.

Let me introduce to all of you our new term of EXCO members:-

Back Row (Standing, from left to right)

Wong Kah Yun, TM, Bulletin Editor
Mandy Hiew, TM, Auditor
Amy Hiew, CL, Bulletin Co-Editor
Lily Chang, TM, Committee Member
Ha Cheun Ho, TM, Auditor

Lee Shui Hiung, TM, Committee Member

Front Row (Sitting, from left to right)
Margaret Liew, CTM, Treasurer
Alice Kok, CC ,Vice President – Public Relations
Janet Chin, CL, Vice President – Education
Norman Chin, CL, President (2008/2009)
Datin Grace Chiu, CL, Immediate Past President
Cheong Sung Yan, TM, Vice President – Membership
Ling How Kee, CL,Secretary
Kenny Low, TM, Sergeant At Arms

* Not in the photo: TM Jr Chia and TM Joe Pan are also our EXCO members.

~~ Round of Applause for them ~~

Although the above members have titles or ranking in the club, that doesn't mean they are more superior than the others, in actual fact, the EXCO members are here to serve all of you better while all of us help each other, in one way or another, driving the club ever forward. As most of you are aware, our club had achieved the "President Distinguished Club" for the 6th time and this was due to the effort and dedication of every member because the goals that are set, it is achieved by the passion and contribution of every member who is willing to participate in the Toastmasters Program in order to get the goals met.

Hence, i hope each and everyone of you will keep up the good work, not only to bring our club to a higher level, but also to shape a better and brighter you.

Last but not least, there was a small yet warm birthday celebration for 3 birthday boys - TM Ha, CTM Henry and our new member, TM Shane and this is what you get when you put 3 boys together.

P/s: The Installation is around the corner, like next week? Have you get your tickets yet?

Appreciation Night.

We celebrated Father's Day a little bit different this year, we attended the appreciation night dinner organized by Mdm. President at Higashi Tei. We, in turn, being thanked for our efforts contributed, in one way or another, to our beloved club during this term that is going to end soon. *kudos for the generosity of Datin Grace*

It was pouring cats and dogs last night but the dinner was cozy and fun, with about 20 members turned up, we enjoyed the delicious Japanese delicacies and a lot of toasting that came with warm wishes.

Last night, Datuk Hassan grabbed this golden opportunity to present a brief speech and that's the spirit of toastmasters. Like he always emphasize to us, his hobby is talking and there you go, he did what he's best at doing and he's such a motivation to most of us.

I believed everyone enjoyed themselves very much during the dinner because there were blatant laughter, non-stop chit chatting and of course, endless supply of red wine, that's why do not be surprised that everyone was blushing and tipsy, except me *hehehe*

The ever bubbly Amy was very popular last night, thus we have so many shots of her and with her, see....

On a another note, Mdm. President was already handling over her "throne" to her successor, Norman while she prepares to conquer another role as the Area Governor, not forgetting to urge us to give our full support to him and continue to support her as the Area Governor. Of course we will, don't worry, you are not alone.

Like i always say, happy moments passed by so quickly that they seemed like a glimpse when you recall them. New term is around the corner and please be reminded that the Annual General Meeting will be held on 26 June 2008 at Mark's Lodge, Function Room. Your attendance will Make A Difference to the club and you are always welcome to show your support to the outgoing and incoming EXCO members and officers.

I will end with a fav photo from last night, reminds me of New York Girls, although only 3 of us in the photo.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow" - Albert Einstein