Area W3 Council Meeting Minutes


AREA W3 2012/2013
Minutes of the 1st Area Council Meeting
Date : 26 December 2012 (Wednesday)
Time : 7:00pm – 9:10pm
Venue : Level 10, KPMG KL Tower


Attendees:

IBM Malaysia TMC
Friendship TMC
KPMG TMC
Exact TMC
Kenny Chan, TM
Tan Tyng Yng, TM
Wendy Yap, TM
Grace Loh, ACB, ALB
Jowy Chong, CC
Alexandra Lau, CC
Timothy Nakayama, ACG
Daphne Au, CC
Chor Chee Hoe, CC, ALB
Sylvia Tan, CC
Teo Soo Loon, ACB, CL


Area Governor Welcome Address

  • Introduction of Area Council Committees
Area W3 Governor, Chor Chee Hoe
Assistant Area W3 Governor Education & Training, Timothy Nakayama
Webmaster, Daphne Au
Secretary, Wendy Yap


Review and Reflection

  • TLI2: Club Officers Training
Friendships Toastmasters Club (TMC) Excos who attended the Division W TLI 2 shared their experience and what they have learned from the event. This year’s TLI2 included Planning session and Summary session which the Area Governor provides advice to solve issues that faced by the clubs. Members from IBM Malaysia TMC will attend the TLI2 on 12 Jan 2013.

  • DCP Achievement
Feedback from Alexandra that Area W3 has given sufficient recognition and overall AG has done a good job in sharing of information among the Area. Timothy added that prize giving session during TLI2 took up too much time and many members leave during this session. At the moment, Friendships TMC has achieved 5 out of 10 Distinguished Club Points (DCP), KPMG TMC has achieved 4 out of 10 DCP, while IBM Malaysia TMC has not achieve any point yet.




Report and Update
  • Area W3 Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests
Prizes and certificated were sponsored, food was served in potluck basis, and no door fee was collected. As for this year, it was suggested to draft out a budget, then the expenses will be shared among the clubs. Money will be collected from respective clubs prior to the contest. This suggestion has been agreed by all the attendees.

  • New Club in Area W3
Hasil TMC is expecting to establish a new club in Cyberjaya. Hence, there will be 6 clubs under Area W3.

  • Financial Matters
Currently there is no appointed Treasurer in Area W3 Council Committees. A suggestion was raised, where a treasurer will be appointed by the committees or the event organizer for each event or project. This suggestion has been agreed by all the attendees.


  • Division W Recognition Program
Award recognition handout was distributed to the floor. Pins will be awarded to clubs with full attendance of TLI 1 & 2 and members who have achieved any educational award like Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leadership (CL).


  • District Recognition Program
Email is received from Division Governor regarding the Seize the Moment campaign. Chee Hoe will continue to circulate information about upcoming District Recognition Program.



Planning and Strategizing
  • Area W3 International Speech and Table Topics Contests
Tentatively will be held on 23 March 2013 at 2pm, expecting around 50 attendees. IBM TMC offers to sponsor the venue, and no lunch will be provided.
Organizing Chair – Alexandra Lau, Friendships TMC
Table Topic Contest Chair – non-Area W3 member
International Speech Contest Chair – KPMG or IBM Malaysia TMC
Assistant Sergeant at Arms 1 – IBM Malaysia TMC
Assistant Sergeant at Arms 2 – KPMG TMC
Ballot Counter 1 – Exact TMC
Ballot Counter 2 – Friendships TMC
Ballot Counter 3 – non-Area W3 member
Time Keeper 1 – Exact TMC
Time Keeper 2 – non-Area W3 member


  • Area W3 Blog Matters
The blog is meant for all Area W3 clubs and it is seldom updated. Hence, all Areas W3 clubs are requested to contribute updates on clubs events. The blog web address is www.mytmarea.blogspot.com


  • Awards and Recognition
It is not necessary to have recognition from Area level since there is recognition given at Division level. However, special Toastmasters International pins will be awarded to champions of Area W3 International Speech and Table Topics Contests as encouragement.


Area W3 Govenor Election
  • Election of Area W3 Governor for the term 2013/2014
AG read out the rules and regulation of the election. Nominees are Tan Tyng Yng nominated by Wendy Yap and Timothy Nakayama nominated by Alexandra Lau. Teo Soo Loon proposed for the nomination to close and was seconded by Grace Loh.
Both Timothy and Tyng Yng gave their speeches and answered questions from the floor. One representative from each club witnessed the ballot counting performed by the AG. Tan Tyng Yng is elected as Area W3 Governor for the term 2013/2014 effective from 1 July 2013.


Other Matters
  • Division W Workshop : Be The Speaker You Can Be
The workshop will be held on 19 January 2013, Saturday in University Malaya, conducted by Palaniappa Subramaniam, ACS CL and LeAnn Tang, DTM. For every 5 tickets purchased will get 50% discount.

  • Friendships TMC has 10% discount on any purchase via TI website and this benefit is shared with other Area W3 clubs.  

  • Announcement
KPMG TMC will have their club ISTT Contests on 22 Feb 2013.
Friendship TMC will have their club ISTT Contests on 22 Jan 2013, 6:30 pm, in Bukit Kiara.
IBM TMC will have their club ISTT Contests on 19 Feb 2013, 6:30pm in IBM Plaza.





Wendy Yap, Area W3 Secretary

Seize the Moment 3 Campaign


The Seize the Moment 3 Campaign has started and will last from 11th January 2013 – 31st March 2013.
Many interesting awards and prizes await you so check out the flyers below for more details!

Let's Seize the Moment - Go For It!



Nominations for District Officers for Term 2013-2104


Dear Fellow Toastmasters in District 51,

As we usher in the new year, it is also time for the District to call

nominations for members to serve District 51 for the term 2013 - 2014.

The term of service starts from 1st July 2013 and ends on 30th June 2014.

Nominations are sought for the following offices:

1) District Governor

2) Lieutenant Governor of Education & Training

3) Lieutenant Governor of Marketing

4) Division Governors for Divisions A, B, C, E,G, H, K, M, N, P, Q, S and W

Salient points to note:

  • Ensure your nominee meets the minimum qualification requirements prior to submitting the nomination.

  • Complete the attached Officer Nomination Form and Officer Agreement Release Form and email them to the District Nominating Committee Chairman, IPDG, Sue Chan, DTM ( chansnsue@yahoo.com ) All nominations are to arrive by 5pm on Monday 25th February 2013 .

  • A Toastmaster of good standing in D51 may nominate another Toastmaster for an officer's position.

  • All 2013-2014 positions listed above are open for nominations. There is no fixed line of succession nor is there any automatic, guaranteed progression from one office to another.

  • Nominations close on Monday 25th February 2013 at 5.00pm Malaysian time.

  • Election of District 51 Officers for the term 2013-2014 will take place at the District Council Meeting on Friday, 24th May 2013 at 2.00pm at  Hydro Hotel, Penang

  • The positions of District Public Relations Officer, Secretary and Treasurer will be appointed by the Incoming District 51 Governor.

  • The positions of Area Governors will be elected at the respective Area Council Meetings as per past practice in District 51.


CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

District Leader Mission, Purpose and Qualifications

The mission of the district is to enhance the performance and extend the network of clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters educational program.




DISTRICT GOVERNOR

As the district's chief executive officer, directs the district in a way which fosters strong clubs; produces maximum growth in education completions, club and membership; and is consistent with the interests of members of Toastmasters International. Responsible for motivating the district to achieve Distinguished District. Achieves the mission of the district in a manner which motivates volunteer leaders and promotes a standard of excellence in all district activities.
Qualifications (at the time of taking office) The district governor shall have served at least six (6) consecutive months as a club president and at least twelve (12) consecutive months as a lt. governor or division governor or a combination thereof.


LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Under the guidance of the district governor, strives to have every club and each member reap the benefits of the Toastmasters educational program and to have every club become a Distinguished Club. Responsible for achieving Distinguished District goals for CC’s, AC’s and Distinguished Clubs. Provides direction and counsel to division governors, area governors, and club officers on the educational opportunities in Toastmasters. Responsible for the design and conduct of successful district training programs, conferences, and other district educational events.
Qualifications (at the time of taking office) The lt. governor education and training shall have served at least six (6) consecutive months as a club president and at least twelve (12) consecutive months as a lt. governor, division governor, an area governor, or a combination thereof.


LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MARKETING


Under guidance of the district governor, makes the benefits of Toastmasters membership available to greater numbers of people. Plans, develops, implements, and directs short-term and long-term district marketing objectives. Develops and directs programs for new club development, club rescue efforts, club membership promotion, and membership retention. Responsible for achieving Distinguished District goals for membership and club growth. Promotes standards of service to the member and to the club.

Qualifications (at the time of taking office) The lt. governor marketing shall have served at least six (6) consecutive months as a club president and at least twelve (12) consecutive months as a lt. governor, division governor, an area governor, or a combination thereof.

DIVISION GOVERNOR

Achieves the mission of the district within the division, accomplishing district goals in membership building and retention, club extension, and educational accomplishments. Ensures that each club realizes its mission and fulfills its responsibilities to its members. Responsible for achieving Distinguished Division Program goals and for ensuring that areas and clubs within the division achieve Distinguished status. Serves the division clubs by providing district support and resources through the area governors.
Qualifications (at the time of taking office) A division governor shall have served at least six (6) consecutive months as a member of a district council (e.g., club president, vice president education, area governor, district secretary, district treasurer).

Fellow Toastmasters,

Whether we are nominating a member or we are being nominated, please bear in mind that we come in whole heartedly to serve District 51. Once the commitment is made, the responsibility is upon the team to work towards the common goal - the growth and development of the members and clubs. Every club constitutes the pulse of District 51 and it is the District leaders who will have to serve and ensure that the clubs are run according to the guidelines laid down by Toastmasters International.

All the best to the candidates who are nominated and wishing all a meaningful journey in Toastmasters - Where Leaders Are Made.

Seize this Moment to Serve in District 51!




Ramdas Nayar, DTM

District 51 Governor 2012-2013

" Seize the Moment"

Semi Annual Convention 2012 - M.A.D


One of the most awaited events of the year has arrived – the Semi Annual Convention 2012 with the theme 'Make A Difference'. It was not only a distinguished and grand occasion for all Toastmasters members under District 51; it was also the time where champions from 11 divisions came together to compete for the Best Humorous Speaker and Best Evaluator titles in District 51. 

This year, Area W3 is extremely privileged to have our Assistant Area Governor of Education & Training, Timothy Nakayama to represent us to compete for both Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest in the District 51 Semi Annual Convention on 17th November 2012. He was also honorably represented our division, Division W.

Timothy came from a long way; he joined Friendship Toastmasters Club in January this year. Since joining the club, Timothy actively, enthusiastically and vigorously delivered his project speeches and evaluations in every meeting, as well as in other Toastmasters club meetings. Within the few months, he achieved the title as Advance Communicator Silver

Timothy’s long battle in the Humorous Speech and Evaluation contest began since Friendship Toastmasters Club Contest on August 7th 2012. After winning as club’s best humorous speaker and evaluator, he moved on to Area W3 contest on September 7thHe continued to conquer both titles all the way to Division W contest on September 29th. Finally, he was there to compete against 11 district-finalists at the Semi Annual Convention.

As the day came, Timothy was all prepared and ready. Both Humorous Speech and Evaluation contests were furious and challenging as all contestants were outstanding and elite. Timothy resiliently competed with focus, perseverance and believes. Finally, he won the 1st Runner-Up in the District 51 Humorous Speech ContestHeartiest Congratulations to Timothy! He made a triumphant breakthrough for being the first Area W3 member winning in a District Humorous Speech Contest. 

Timothy Nakayama receiving the 1st Runner-Up for Humorous Speech trophy from D51 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, DTM Kiang Faang Pyng


Support, glory and pride. Friendship members who came along at the Semi Annual Convention to give power-whoosh to Timothy, including (from left to right) President AlexandraVPM Sylvia TanVPE Daphne AuGeok Ean, Immediate past President Angeline Lee and Sivadas (busy at the back)



Another marvelous thing that happened during the Semi Annual Convention was receiving the President’s Distinguished Club Award. Last term, Friendship Toastmasters Club and KPMG KL Toastmasters Club have served their best for members and achieved President’s Distinguished Club Award. Congratulations! 


Friendship members receiving the President’s Distinguished Club Award from Immediate Past District Governor, Sue Chan



Contributed by,
Alexandra Lau  
President of Friendship Toastmasters Club 2012/13

About Area W3


For 2012/2013, Area W3 consists of five (5) Clubs under Area Governor Chor Chee Hoe.
They are
  1. Friendship Toastmasters Club
  2. IBM Malaysia Toastmasters Club
  3. Hasil Toastmasters Club
  4. KPMG KL Toastmasters
  5. EXACT ADC Toastmasters Club

For 2011/2012, Area W3 consists of five (5) Clubs under Area Governor Kimmy Foo.
They are
  1. Friendship Toastmasters Club
  2. IBM Malaysia Toastmasters Club
  3. Hasil Toastmasters Club
  4. KPMG KL Toastmasters
  5. EXACT ADC Toastmasters Club

For 2010/2011, Area W3 consists of five (5) Clubs under Area Governor Angeline Lee.
They are
  1. Friendship Toastmasters Club
  2. One World Toastmasters Club
  3. Hasil Toastmasters Club
  4. KPMG KL Toastmasters
  5. EXACT ADC Toastmasters Club

For 2009/2010, Area W7 consists of six (6) Clubs under Area Governor Tan Lay Theng.
They are 
  1. Friendship Toastmasters Club
  2. Ireka Toastmasters Club
  3. ING Leadership Toastmasters Club
  4. Hasil Toastmasters Club
  5. KPMG KL Toastmasters
  6. EXACT ADC Toastmasters Club




Greetings from Area Governor 2012/13


Greetings fellow Toastmasters of Area W3!

Seize The Moment - Go For It!

As your Area Governor for this term, I am happy and privileged to be entrusted with the role of helping every member of Area W3 to achieve your Toastmasters goals, in the communication track as well as the leadership track.
Let's seize the moment and achieve what we desire!

As it is not possible to do this on my own, I will be working together with your Club Officers of Exact ADC, Friendship, Hasil, IBM Malaysia and KPMG KL, to help you in your 'Go For It' journey.

In addition, we have three amazing individuals who will be helping us and they are

Assistant Area Governor of Education and Training - Timothy Nakayama (Friendship TMC)
Area W3 Secretary - Wendy Yap (IBM Malaysia TMC)
Area W3 Webmaster - Daphne Au (Friendship TMC)


Wishing you a happy and fruitful journey ahead of you in your quest to achieve your goals!


Yours in Toastmasters service,
Chor Chee Hoe




Area W3 Update June 2012


Divsion W Governor 2012/2013 Lay Theng

Area W3 is pleased and proud to announce that our incoming Division W Governor for 2012/2013 is Tan Lay Theng. Without a doubt, she will serve to the best of her ability, with her leadership skills gained while serving in the following roles
  • Club President of Friendship Toastmasters Club 2008/2009. Friendship achieved President Distinguished Club status during her term
  • Area W7 Governor 2009/2010. Area W7 achieved President Distinguished Area status under her capable leadership
  • Assistant Division W Governor Education 2011/2012 

Area W3 Governor 2012/2013 Chee Hoe

Area W3 is also pleased to announce that our Area Governor for 2012/2013 is Chor Chee Hoe. In his 2 years Toastmasters journey, he has undertaken the following leadership roles
  • Vice President Membership of Friendship Toastmasters Club 2010/2011
  • Vice President Education of Friendship Toastmasters Club 2011/2012
  • Assistant Area W3 Governor Marketing 2010/2011
  • Assistant Area W3 Governor Education & Training 2011/2012

Division W and Area W3 will be in capable hands when both Lay Theng and Chee Hoe take up their Division Governor and Area Governor roles on 1 July 2012.

With their continuous desire and effort to lead members of Division W, with their humble attitude to learn and to share what they have learnt, we are fortunate to have them as our leaders.

Division W Contest 17 March 2012

Division W Governor Marian Lee with TME John Cheah

Division W International Speech Contest
Five brave contestants gave their best on a Saturday afternoon, and the appreciative audience enjoyed various topics about never giving up, Dec 12 2012, smelling the roses, being not good enough and the meaning of death.

Apart from winning the trophies generously provided by District 51, the champions for Division W International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest will proceed to District 51’s contests to be held on Sun 29 April 2012 at Sunway Convention Centre.


Our third place winner spoke of impending doomsday on Dec 12 2012, according to the Mayan calendar. He even bought his own Mayan calendar to show us the time. With less than 300 days to go before Dec 12, he advocated doing more charity work.

Our second place winner learnt about the meaning of death from his friend, the nicest guy that he knew of. One day, as he was about to board the flight to Singapore to visit his friend, he received the devastating news that his friend has just passed away, at the age of 21. He regretted not visiting him more often, while his friend was undergoing treatment for leukemia. From that day onwards, he resolved to live his life with no regrets.

Our champion was told that he was useless, that he was not good enough and not smart enough when his team members rejected him, his teacher and his bus driver scolded him. On a fateful day, a book that belonged to another student ended in his hands. He decided to read this book that told the tales of famous persons who had faced rejection and ridicule before they became successful. He found inspiration in the early struggles of Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan and George Custard. From them, he learnt that we should believe in ourselves, because all of us have the potential to do great things.

International Speech Contest Chair, CC, ALB Teoh Chun Ming (right) presenting the certificate of participation to the Teo Soo Loon, Area W3 contestant

International Speech Contest Results
Champion – Lee Han-Sen (TTDI)
1st runner up – Dominic Teoh (HSBC KL)
2nd runner up – Lawrence Hoo (Speakers Dream)


Division W Table Topics Contest
After a refreshing break where we mingled and chatted while we enjoy the delicious spread of fried beehoon, popiah, vegetables and delicious chicken curry, it was time for another entertaining session.

The question posed to our five contestants was – having no choices makes you happier than having more choices.

Our third place winner chose to be happy. In life, we have choices when we choose to change jobs, to settle down and start a family. In life, we also have no choice when it comes to death. Whether we have choices or none, our contestant choose to be happy.

Our second place winner humorously told us that at her age, having no choice is better for her. It was time for her to hold someone’s hand, to walk down the red carpet and to grow old together. She is looking forward to finding her life partner, for whom she is his choice!

Our champion advocated having variety in life, to escape the monotonous routine of life. For him, he found that as he grew older, he has more choices as he is still single. Ultimately, he believes that each of us has a higher purpose in life and we would know what choice to make, when the time comes.

Table Topics Contest Chair, DTM G Sivalingam (right) presenting the certificate of participation to Guok Lee Lee, Area W3 contestant

Table Topics Contest Results
Champion – Mark Lee (Speakers Dream)
1st runner up – E Son Lee (MAICSA)
2nd runner up – Lee Xi Wen (TTDI)


Division W International Speech Champion Han-Sen (left) with Division W Table Topic Champion Mark

As winners of the International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest, both Han-Sen and Mark now have no choice but to proceed to District 51 Contests on 29 April! We know that both of them are more than good enough, and that they have the potential to do great things.

Photos contributed by TARC Toastmasters Club

Area W3 Contest 25 Feb 2012

On a bright Saturday afternoon, club members of Area W3 gathered at IBM office to support our club champions contesting at our Area contest. Thank you to IBM Malaysia Toastmasters Club for providing a world-class contest venue.

(L-R) W3 Contestants Freddie (Friendship), Amanda (KPMG KL), Area W3 Governor Kimmy Foo, Soo Loon & Lee Lee (Exact ADC), Aaron (KPMG KL)

As joint hosts, KPMG KL and IBM Malaysia Toastmasters Club did an excellent job in preparing the contest venue. Special thanks to Grace Loh for her fabulous potato salad which was an instant hit with the health-conscious members of Area W3. We also had sandwiches, kuih, muffins and doughnuts provided KPMG KL, Exact ADC and Friendship Toastmasters Club.

Attendees enjoying the generous spread prepared by Area W3 Clubs

Organising Chair Chee Hoe was not able to attend the contest due to his outstation work assignment at Kota Kinabalu. Area Govenor Kimmy read out his welcome message:

I'm so sorry that I couldn't make it to this contest and welcome you in person. Due to work, I have to miss this GREAT and LOVELY contest. Honestly, I'm currently bored at work because nothing will be more interesting than spending my time at the Area Contest now.

Toastmasters from Area W3 Clubs contribute to this massive event today. Because of them, I realized the true meaning of TEAMWORK.

A big THANK YOU to another group of Toastmasters - the contestants.
All of you are Champions! Your voice can make a difference!

We started with the International Speech Contest where we were amused and entertained by four talented speakers. When Aaron asked, “Who killed chivalry?”, several female members of the audience answered, “Men!”. Aaron spent the next 6 minutes hilariously explaining that it was women who killed chivalry. In his opinion the garbage man with the heart of gold should not be tossed aside as sincerity, compassion and kindness matters more than material wealth.

In “Education”, Kenny spoke seriously about the subject of public education. We may complain about the shortfalls of public education but as masters of our destiny, our success is determined by the effort we put in, not just on the textbooks and teachers we have had.

We agreed that we should “Smell the roses” after listening to Soo Loon’s speech. For years he slogged at work, always the last to leave the office. Then he began to wonder what was it all for? He decided to spend more time with his family, reading bedtime stories every night to his children. At times, he woke up earlier just to prepare his daughter’s favourite pancake breakfast. Life may be a path full of thorns, it is also a path paved with roses when we choose to make a difference to the people who matters to us.

For Freddie’s “Face-hooked” speech, it set us thinking – are we spending too much time on Facebook? Although a wonderful invention, he cautioned us not to neglect the people in our lives while we constantly check on the updates of our cyber friends.

International Speech Contest Results
Champion – Teo Soo Loon (Exact ADC)
1st runner up - Freddie Yap (Friendship)

Area W3 International Speech Champion Soo Loon

For the Table Topics Contest, the topic posed was, “Experience teaches us more than books”. In Kenny’s opinion, experience is the best teacher because when you get burnt, you will remember it for life!

As chances come and chances go, Amanda urged us to grab the opportunity to experience something new that may change your life forever. For Freddie, he recommended to read more to tap on the experiences of others. Instead of finding our way thru the jungle on our own, why not read to find out the path to take?

For Lee Lee, she started dramatically with a scene where her 6 year old daughter insisted on going out to play and she ended up getting hurt. Lee Lee had relented and allowed her daughter to go out despite the risk of getting hurt because she believed that we may read tons of books and surf the net but without experience, we have nothing.

Table Topics Contest Results
Champion – Guok Lee Lee (Exact ADC)
1st runner up - Freddie Yap (Friendship)

Area W3 Table Topic Champion Lee Lee

Our Area W3 Champions will represent W3 at Division W International Speech and Table Topics Contest on Sat 17 March 2012 at Goldhill Club, Kepong. We wish them all the best on their next destination, as they continue on their path to be a better speaker.

Here’s hoping that everyone will remember to smell the roses and enjoy life while gaining new experiences and new-found wisdom in our quests to be better than what we were yesterday.


Thank you IBM Malaysia, for an excellent contest venue.
Thank you IBM Malaysia and KPMG KL, for co-hosting this wonderful event !

Photos contributed by President Eric Low, TARC Toastmasters Club

November 2011 Club Meetings

Friendship on Tues 1 Nov 2011

On an evening of drizzling rain, members and guests of Friendship convened at Bukit Kiara to Initiate the Transformation to revolutionize (word of the day) our communication and leadership skills.

Members & guests of Friendship

With 4 project speeches and Table Topics Session filled with “transformation” questions, General Evaluator Victor declared it to be a productive meeting.

At the end of the meeting, Immediate Past Area W3 Governor Angeline presented Immediate Past President Zaiton with District 51 President Distinguished Club award, for her leadership role in guiding Friendship to a successful term for 2010/2011.


VPM Alexandra who has been working assiduously on her Competent Leadership projects was presented with the Half CL ribbon as she has completed 14 out of the required 23 projects.


IBM Malaysia on Wed 2 Nov 2011

For their second club meeting, IBM Toastmasters gamely took on all meeting roles with the exception of the evaluator roles. President Kenny in trying out the TME role for the first time declared that it was fun because he was in control of the meeting !

Grammarian Laila presenting her entertaining and insightful report

In Anthony’s Ice Breaker speech, he shared with us the upheaval in his life back in 2010. Despite the difficulties he had faced, he was grateful he had emerged stronger and wiser.

Yiyin’s Ice Breaker speech about her school days and her college years was refreshing as she was a natural speaker, at ease speaking in front of her peers and visiting Toastmasters.

President Kenny presenting GE Aaron with a token of appreciation

It was equally refreshing to observe that new IBM Toastmasters were putting in effort to practice and improve as speakers and leaders, guided by their dedicated club sponsors and mentors.


KPMG KL on Wed 9 Nov 2011
By TME Jowy Chong

Two hours well spent! We had a fruitful and efficient meeting today. Once again our members demonstrated excellent team spirit, flexibility and ever willingness to accept challenges.

It’s a known fact that KPMG’ians are always busy with work and operating under tight schedule. At the eleventh hour, our VPE standing in for President and as speech evaluator as well as our Club Secretary playing the role of Ah counter were unable to attend the meeting. Our Grammarian also could not make it at the last minute !

Without a sign of panic, first timer TME, Jowy Chong, with the help of IPP Grace quickly sorted matters out by asking members to multi-task and inviting our guests to take up available roles.

Best Table Topic Speakers Ben and Suresh with TME Jowy (middle)

We had a successful and fun meeting where 13 of us participated and brought home some learning points. The meeting ended on time with a delicious, simple nasi lemak meal as well as an apple each. It was indeed a very efficient and fruitful lunch meeting today.

Kudos to our neighbour and friends from IBM - Ben Koh, Wai Lim and Kenny Chan. Not only did they join us for the meeting and bravely volunteered to be table topics speakers, they also took up the impromptu roles as Grammarian and Ah Counter.

This is what I call the TOASTMASTERS SPIRIT ! Well done everyone.