For KPMG members who have been industriously manning the Registration counter since early this morning, they transformed into elegantly dressed Toastmasters by 6 PM and continued with their Registration Counter duties up to 8 PM.

KPMG has been most generous to sponsor the goodies bag that each of us received, and also to sponsor two hotel rooms for their hard-working members during the Convention. Thank you, President Grace and KPMG Team for making all of us feel welcome when we first step into the Convention Hall.


Our VIP, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, presented a very humorous speech. He said that politicians should learn from Toastmasters, as we only have a 1 year term. He had us in laughter when he told us that politicians are not good at keeping secrets. When a meeting has ended, the details of the meeting are leaked even before it is minuted.

As the Gala Night coincide with the finals of Piala Malaysia, when he was asked which team he supported – Kelantan or Negeri Sembilan, he told his friends he supported Toastmasters. It was no mere words. He requested District 51 to establish more Toastmasters clubs in universities.


It is not everyday that you get to witness a Division Governor performing an energetic Indian dance. Even Shakira would have approved of her hip-swinging and nifty dance moves. Joining Division C Governor NK Valli on stage was Meyya, Suhana and Peggy. The ending was fascinating, with Suhana standing on Meyya’s stomach !



Immediate Past District Governor DTM Ritchie Chong presented many awards during this Gala Night of Awards. In particular, Division W collected awards for
· President’s Distinguished Division – Soh Fong Wai
· President’s Distinguished Area for W2, W4 and W7
· Select Distinguished Area for W3 and W6
· Distinguished Area for W1 and W5
· Division W Area Governor of the Year – Cheong Kuok Sum
· Division W Toastmaster of the Year - Dr. Neo Wee Keong

One of the perks of being a Toastmaster in District 51 is that we are able to enjoy performances from talented comedians such as Monty and Logi, from ITC Bintang and Speakers Dream Toastmasters Club respectively, for free. The duo was asked by Gala Night Organising Chair, DTM Zaharah to perform at the Gala Night. Monty recounted that as she walked off after securing a Yes from our duo, she turned back and added, “For Free!”


It has a hilarious presentation, leaving us in gales of laugher with their irreverent take on Singaporeans (sorry, they said, we just love making fun of Singaporeans), Indians and even an appearance by “Datuk Samy Vellu”.

“Datuk Samy Vellu” declared, “A politician is only interested in the next election. A stateman is interested in the next generation. That’s why it’s so hard for me to leave”.

On Indians, they joked that 4 Indians will form a union, 3 Indians will form an illegal MIC branch, 2 Indians will create a Bermuda Triangle in Banting and 1 Indian means you will have the longest serving Minister.

It was a night about celebration of achievement, of friendship and fellowship. Along the way, we had loads of laughter and fun and even had time to enjoy the sumptuous 8 course dinner.

Photos contributed by Yeoh Cheng Lim and Shahrizan Zamri