At our Area W3 International Speech and Table Topics (ISTT) Contests held on Thursday 3 March 2011 at G Tower, we had 50 members and guests attending this event.


Hosted by Exact ADC Toastmasters Club, lead by Organising Chair Andrew Ng, we had guests singing praises about our buffet dinner comprising of
· Baked chicken with coconut sambal
· Roast lamb with black pepper
· Fish fillet with sweet chili sauce
· Baked prawn otak-otak
· Siew pak choy
· Mixed vegetables
· Pineapple & cucumber salad
· Fried rice
· Saute yee mee
· Banana chocolate cake
· Local fruit
· Iced punch

However, we are quite certain our members and guests did not attend solely for the food. It must have been the star power of our 8 Area contestants.


Area W3 International Speech Contest started off with Contest Chair Vincent Soon explaining about the contest rules. Then it was time for our first contestant, Freddie from Friendship, to take centre-stage. Devastated that he was addressed as “uncle” by two young ladies, Freddie reflected on the psychological damage of the inevitable aging process. Looking on the positive side, we are “Like Fine Wine”. We get better with age, as we gain in wisdom, courage and determination.

Suresh of KPMG KL highlighted that we Malaysians could do with more of common sense. After giving us 3 humourous incidents involving “The Not So Common Sense”, he asked us to think, “Do I want someone else to do this to me?” before we act.

Third contestant Soo Loon of Exact ADC, charmed the judges with his “To Do or Not To Do” speech. Despite not feeling well, he gave us a sterling performance, convincing us to “Just do it. Tomorrow may never arrive.” Motivated by his elder brother’s motto of “Fire first, aim later”, this self-confessed procrastinator decided to take part in this year’s International Speech Contest. Procrastination’s loss was Area W3’s gain.

Our final contestant, Gary from One World, presented his life’s learning lessons in “Don’t work. Be hated. Love Someone”. It was Gary’s second speech as a Toastmaster, and Area W3 salute his courage to participate at our Area Contest, being a member of 2 months as One World Club was just chartered in January 2011.

Area W3 International Speech Contest
Champion – Teo Soo Loon (Exact ADC)
First runner-up – Freddie Yap (Friendship)



In the Table Topics Contest, Chief Judge Janice Lee selected the topic of “If I could travel back in time”. Shirley from KPMG KL told us she would have been less rebellious as a child. As the past cannot be changed, she would now like to help her sister to improve in her communications skills, by introducing her to Toastmasters.

Instead of spending his money on girls, parties and booze, Freddie from Friendship, would have listened to his mother’s advice to invest in property. Yuen Kai from Exact ADC, wished to study medicine and become a doctor. This Toastmaster is always generously sharing health-related information with his family and friends. Our final contestant, Gary from One World, jokingly told us that he wished he had not picked the last speaking order. He has had a nomadic existence in his growing up years, and as he cannot change the past, he chose to reflect on it and make the best of life, now.

Area W3 Table Topics Contest
Champion – Shirley Cheok (KPMG KL)
First runner-up – Gary Lee (One World)


Area W3 wishes both Soo Loon and Shirley all the best at Division W International Speech and Table Topics Contests to be held on Sat 12 March 2011 1.30 PM at Menara Great Eastern. Do join us and support our Area Champions, potentially the new Champions of Division W !