MY SOJOURN AS COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON 2004-2005

Past International Director Peter YS Fu, a Singaporean who was elected International Director (ID) for a 2-year term during my tenure as District Governor (1997-1998), had long called for the amalgamation of the four sub-districts in District 308 to promote unity and harmony amongst the Lions in the region. We had both attended the 80^th LCI Convention in Philadelphia. Coincidentally, District 308 unity was also an issue close to my heart. I have always believed that if we were united, more could be achieved through Lionism in Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore.

So, I felt it was a golden opportunity to realise Peter’s vision when I was given the mandate as Council Chairperson of our beloved Multiple District 308. Whilst each District Governor was individually responsible for his own district, my main task was to coordinate and galvanised the four sub-districts of 308A1, A2, B1, and B2 together to further advance our Lions’ movement. Unity in diversity.

The Council of Governors was comprised of IPDG William SL Tan (Vice-Chairperson), DG Lillian Fan (Secretary), DG Philip Ooi (Treasurer), DG Sylvester Heng (LC International Foundation), and DG Tan Soh Har (International Relations). PID Dato’ Douglas KK Lee was our Council Advisor.

The Multiple District Chairpersons were PDG Patrick Chew (Long Range Planning), PDG Ng Thin Wah (Club & By-Laws), IPDG Charlie Chan (Youth), PDG Dr. William Voon (Diabetes/Sight), PDG James Teo (Campus Club), PCC Datuk Nagaratnam (Convention/Protocol), PCC Dr. Mario Yoong (IT), PCC Dr. Ong Tat Lien (Leo/Lioness Club), PDG Albert Tan (Membership), PDG Simmon Koh (Extension), PCC Dr. Winston Koh (Retention), PDG Oon Peng Lam (Leadership Development) and PDG See Beng Loo (Women’s Membership Development/Participation).

Four meetings were mandatory and the dates were fixed for 5/8/2004 in Penang, 22/10/2004 in Kuala Lumpur, 21/1/2005 in Johor Bahru, and 14/4/2005 in Malacca.

87^th Lions International Convention

Before the start of that fiscal year, my wife, Lucy, and I attended the 87^th Lions International Convention. It was jointly organised in two cities: Detroit, Michigan, USA, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada from 5^th – 9th July 2004. Detroit, the “motor city” and culturally-rich Windsor are just 5 km apart, divided by the Detroit River. In total contrast, the journey from Penang (to and from Detroit) covered a whopping 30,000 km! Nonetheless, it was momentous!

As it was hosted by our American and Canadian counterparts, a gala parade of Lions was inescapable and rightfully, the highlight of the opening. Musical marching bands, colourful cheerleaders, and dazzling dancing troupes made it a grandiose spectacle. Every district, throughout the world, proudly wore its traditional attire and displayed its respective banner proclaiming its district. Hearsay has it that our delegation was singled out for outstanding attire. We were all decked out in blue floral batiks. Perhaps, it was our ladies in their “svelte kebayas” that caught the eye!

The four district governors, Sylvester Heng, Tan Soh Har, Lillian Fan, Philip Ooi and I hosted a lunch for our Multiple District delegates at the Classic Grille of Hotel Pontchartrain. The early version of the Pontchartrain at Cadillac Square was steeped in history. Seven presidents were said to have strode down its halls, along with the likes of vaudeville stars, actors, and actresses, not to mention thousands of out-of-towners and honeymooners. The hotel, founded in 1907 was the forefather of luxury hotels in the city. Unfortunately, our Pontchartrain was a new version.

The Opening saw the Convention Hall packed to the brim with Lions from all over the planet. The presentation on the flags of nations was duly done with pride and enthusiasm.

At the closing ceremony, our district delegates were roaring away when our four District Governors were proclaimed into office. The simple protocol involved the pinned ribbon attached to the breast pocket with the word ‘elect’ being torn off. With that, the newly elects had sworn their allegiance to LIONS which incidentally stands for “Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations’ Safety”.  

District Governors’ Inauguration

On my return, I was invited to attend the District Governors’ Inauguration/Cabinet Officers' and Presidents' Installation of 308 A1, 308 B1, and 308 B2 in three different venues. All three “black tie” events.  Men, as well as the ladies, were resplendent in their black formal wear. The dinner events were held at the Neptune Hotel, Singapore (308A1), the Mutiara Hotel, KL (308B1), and the Moral Uplifting Society Hall, Penang (308B2) with the usual Lions’ protocols. 

The inauguration meant that a new set of leaders would continue the fine work of their predecessors; to continue to impact the lives of the less fortunate.  

43^rd Orient and South East Asia Lions (OSEAL) Forum 

OSEAL Forums are held to promote the principles and objectives of Lions Clubs International. The forum would renew and strengthen the bonds of friendship among the Lions in the world and the OSEAL Region for unity and harmony. The forum provides an avenue to further promote humanitarian services and civic projects for those in need; thus reaffirming the Lions' global commitment to serving and be counted.  

The 43^rd OSEAL Forum was held in Manila from 2 -5 December 2004.  I was very honoured to lead our 63-strong delegation. The organisers rolled out the red carpet for their guests on arrival. Imagine a police escort with blaring sirens from the airport to the hotel! In total, some 7,000 delegates attended the forum. It would turn out to be an indelible experience.

Indelible because the hotel was in the path of a super typhoon named Nanmandol! Nanmandol would pound the Philippines with torrential rain and winds over 160 kph! We could never imagine the disaster it wrecked from the comforts of our hotel until a couple of days later. The horrors of the aftermath: flooded areas, uprooted trees, flattened homes, mangled infrastructure, and debris strewn all over ... Local news told endless tales of sorrow.

Power and communication were frequently disrupted. We had to bear without air conditioning and poor shuttle bus service (with the exception for VIP). Anyway, hats off to the organisers for pulling off the forum despite the calamity. I know the Filipinos tried their best though it could certainly be better. At the forum, our delegation bade successfully to host the 45^th OSEAL Forum. It will be held at George Town, Penang. A gargantuan task in the offing!

The MD308 MERL Team Programme

The MD308 MERL Team conducted two conferences. Johor hosted the first conference on 17/10/2004 and Sibu followed suit on 23/1/2005. The MERL programme was designed to encourage membership, extension, retention, and leadership development chairpersons to work as a team with the common goal of furthering membership quality and growth. The registration for the 2-day event was overwhelming.

On 14^th to 16^th January 2005, we followed up on the Johor conference by organising a 2 Day Train-The-Trainers’ Programme. It was conducted at the Trolak Country Resort in Selangor. The project was funded by the MD Leadership Fund.

Visit by International President Clement F. Kusiak

District 308 was delighted that IP Clement F. Kusiak and his lovely wife, Jeanne visited us from 29^th November to 1^st December 2004. The couple first landed in Singapore and was hosted by District 308 A1. They visited the Elders and Nursing Home and the Lions’ Befrienders.

Kusiak and Jeanne then flew to Penang (District 308 B2). An elaborate program was planned during their 2-day visit.  They visited the Autistic Centre for Children and later, witnessed the signing of MOU between the Lions and St. Nicholas Home for the Blind.

Kusiak also had a meaningful dialogue session with over 150 Leos. Before he left, he made a courtesy call to the Chief Minister of Penang. A banquet was held in his honour at E & O Hotel. It was well attended by over 400 Lions, Lionesses, and Leos.  Kusiak, an American from Maryland is a very distinguished Lion with a string of international awards and two honorary doctorate degrees. His visit allowed our local Lions to tap his vast experience and expertise in Lionism.  

32^nd Multiple District 308 Leo Forum

The 32^nd MD308 Leo Forum was held from 28th to 30^th May 2005 at the Cititel and Citibay View Hotel in Penang. I had empowered MD Leo Chairperson, PCC Dr. Ong Tat Lien to implement the forum with the theme "Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM)".  The aim of this forum was to provide a fun and learning experience for all the participants from sub-district A1, A2, B1, and B2. In addition, the forum would allow better bonding, sharing of ideas, and honing leadership skills.

District 308 had embarked on an exciting era of development with a very experienced leader at the helm of each district. I was confident of our movement’s growth and boldly predicted a 100 percent jump in membership within the next ten years. The way forward for each district would be to tap on the growing Omega Lions to be Lions with the formation of Leo-Lion Clubs in the near future.

43^rd Multiple District Lions Convention

My biggest task as Council Chairperson was to make sure we organised a hugely successful 43rd Multiple Convention. Hotel Equatorial, Malacca was chosen as the venue. The 4 events would start on 14^th April and end on 17^th April 2005.

The theme ‘Love, Share, Care’ was chosen and the LCI Official Speaker was International Director Dr. Wing-Kun Tam from Hong Kong.  Dr. Tam, a self-made successful entrepreneur gave a very inspiring speech. The COCC was none other than Past Council Chairperson Dato Dr. K. Nagaratnam who was a veteran in this field. He had finesse playing his role.

The Guest of Honour was YAB Datuk Haji Mohd. Ali bin Mohd Rustam, the Menteri Besar of Melaka. As with all conventions, the delegates at the EQ Banquet Hall proceeded with the official business first and later, let their hair down for the presentations, dances, jokes, lucky draws, and whatnot. The highlight of the night was an entertaining baba and Nyonya comedy sketch.

Council of Governors’ Handover Meeting

On 29^th May 2005, I called for a Council of Governors’ Handover Meeting at Cititel, Penang. PDG David Woo, the CC-Elect, and the newly-elected Council of Governors also attended the meeting. I gave a touching farewell speech, not forgetting to thank every member of my committee for their kindness, support, and sacrifice. Then, we had a grand handover ceremony. DG Lillian Fan and DG Philip Ooi and I handed the necessary documents to the incoming Council.

Looking back at the whirlwind year, I must say that I was quite satisfied with my tenure as Council Chairperson as the four sub-districts came together to share a common platform to keep our District 308’s flag a-fluttering. It was a most enjoyable and fulfilling year. All good things must come to an end!