Enjoyment, Fulfillment and Accomplishment at the Semi Annual Convention 2012

One of the most awaited events of the year has arrived – The Semi Annual Convention 2012. 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, Friendship Toastmasters Club is extremely privileged to have Timothy Nakayama to represent us to compete for both Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest in the District 51 Semi Annual Convention on 17^th November 2012. He was also honorably represented Division W, as well as, Area W3. 

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 our club contest on August 7^th 2012. After winning as club’s best humorous speaker and evaluator, he moved on to Area W3 contest on September 7^th. He continued to conquer both titles all the way to Division W contest on September 29^th. Finally, he was there to compete against 11 district-finalists at the Semi Annual Convention. During the period of competitions and preparation, many of us had witnessed how he worked his fingers to the bone- all the effort, discipline and determination to leverage himself contest after contest

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 1^st Runner-Up in the District 51 Humorous Speech Contest. Heartiest Congratulations to Timothy! He made a triumphant breakthrough for being the first Friendship 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 Alexandra, VPM Sylvia Tan, VPE Daphne Au, Geok 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. Every year, Friendship Club strives to maintain its standard, values and integrity by serving its best for members and last term was no exception, under the leadership of our iron lady, Immediate Past President Angeline Lee. Let us thank and congratulate Angeline on her dedication, diligent leadership and hard work throughout the whole term 2011-2012.

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

In conjunction to that, Friendship Club had also received Beat the Clock Award from Toastmasters International. We received the award for successfully added FIVE new members from May 1st to June 30th 2012. Kudos to Friendship! 

This journey and the event had taught all us much valuable lessons –passion, hard work, hope, believe, overcoming adversity, unity and of course, friendship! These were the few sweetest things that had happened in this term, and the best is yet to come!

Yours faithfully,

Alexandra Lau  

November 6, 2012: Wisdom of the Ages

VPPR Ian Tai

Once again, we had a fantastic meeting with Daphne Au as our Toastmasters of the Evening. We had a whopping amount of eight guests; three guests came from Infinitus, a company that specializes in Chinese herbs, Victor Ong (from Taman Indrahana Toastmasters Club), Chong How Yee (from Money and You Toastmasters Club), Zahir Ahmad (from Taylor’s University Toastmasters Club), E Son Lee (from MAICSA Toastmasters Club) and Wei Chin (from UM Toastmasters Club).  

Our Table Topic Master, VPM Sylvia Tan, as usual with her passionate and out-of-the-box persona, assigned us topics on the items that were randomly selected from a box. Unfortunately, I was dumbfounded after selected an unusual item. I reminded myself to keep the positive spirit and be ever ready for Table Topics in future meetings. It was a sporting attempt by all table topic speakers, notably, Ben Chan who boldly put on the Minnie Mouse headband while giving his table topic speech.

Timothy delivered his Table Topic Speech

It was an enlightening evening with four entertaining project speakers. First, Ben Chan took the spotlight and introduced himself with his icebreaker speech. We get to know that he has a lot of passion and interest in medical line. Our next speaker, Susan Lim demonstrated how one can instantly change his state of mind by breaking his pattern. Past President Ben Fong entertained us with his thrilling experiences of diving, as well as up, close and personal encounters with beautiful yet dangerous sea creatures. Finally, Lien Chai hit center stage with an exciting personal sharing of being an “elitist”. 

Clockwise from top left: Ben Chan, Susan Lim, Lien Chai and Past President Ben Fong

Chong How Yee diligently delivered her Table Topic Evaluation. Similarly, Past President Lay Theng, Timothy, Victor Ong had also delivered equally constructive and positive evaluations. 

Table Topic Evaluator Chong How Yee

We had a few guests as role players, particularly Wei Chin as the Grammarian and Zahir Ahmad, the current President of Taylor’s University Toastmasters Club, as the Ah-Counter. Our lovely Geok Ean was the Timer of the evening. Finally, the meeting was beautifully summarized by our General Evaluator, E Son Lee. 

Zahir gave his Ah-Counter report

It was certainly an enjoyable meeting with positive attendance, excellent speech deliveries and No-Hold-Back evaluations and feedback for the overall conduct of the meeting. There were few awards presented during the closing address. The outstanding performers and achievers are:

Best Table Topic Speaker: Timothy Nakayama

Best Project Speaker: Susan Lim

Best Evaluator: Victor Ong

The Ice Breaker Ribbon: Ben Chan
 

Half Competent Communicator Ribbon: Oh Lien Chai and Susan Lim

Competent Communicator Pin: Ian Tai 
 

Congratulations to all high achievers! 

Token of appreciation to General Evaluator, Son Lee

Cheers,

Ian Tai

Vice President Public Relations

Friendship in Live Great Run 2012

From left: Ian Tai, Geok Ean and Nancy Soo

In the spirit of Friendship, few of us from Friendship Club had taken up the challenge to participate in the Live Great Run 2012, organized by Great Eastern on 4^th November 2012. Our healthy and mighty members - Nancy Soo, Geok Ean, and yours truly courageously signed up and fully participated in the 12km marathon. Our journey started and finished at Menara MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur.

The weather was sunny, and we were running in beautiful parks. All of us finished the race without much panting and exhaustion. In the end of the marathon, each of the participants received a striking medal for finishing the race. We also met up with a fellow toastmaster, our District 51’s Secretary Teoh Chun Meng during the marathon, who had as much fun as we did.

All in all, it was a wonderful and memorable experience. We wish more Friendship members, other Toastmasters members and friends are able to come together and join such marathon in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Tai

Vice President Public Relation

October 13, 2012: Food, Fun & Fellowship in Malacca

Ian Tai

Finally, it has arrived!

The much awaited club outing for Friendship Club finally happened on 13^th October 2012. The program started off with a gathering at the parking in Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort. There were few members who are not morning persons, some overslept. Despite of the challenge, the late comers finally arrived, and  they accepted their punishment gracefully (which in turn, to treat us for dinner). Participants were grouped into three cars respectively. 

It took 2-hours’ drive to the Simple Bee Farm in Machap Baru, Melaka. Our drivers had  a challenging time locating the farm as signboards and banners were nowhere to be seen. Upon arrival, we rested and had lunch. The lunch was simply finger lickin' good.  We finished all the food served and even asked  for more. 

Friendship members in the Bee Farm with all the bee products

After lunch, an assistant led us to the bee farm, orang asli settlement and mini zoo. We had a mixture of feeling about the place. There were bee yards, but not much of bees to be seen, there were Orang Asli’s huts and settlements, but there were no Orang Asli. What  we saw in the mini zoo are chickens, ducks, gooses, turkeys, goats and a monkey. We thought it was more like a poultry farm instead of a mini zoo. 

 

Few of Friendship members climbed up the huts for better view of the farm

However, we were able to learn and see how bee produces raw honey, propolis, pollen and royal jelly; up close and personal. We had also learned that bee’s products bring a lot of benefit to our health, including cure for cough and sore throat, boost energy and stamina, enhance mood, reduce stress, balance and regulate hormones, suppress cravings and an unhealthy appetite, moderate body weight, cell regeneration and many other. 

Our Area Governor Chee Hoe was having his face spa with royal jelly



Propolis

After the visit to Bee Farm, the following itinerary became increasingly exciting as we paraded into the Malacca city center for food, fun and laughter.  We determined to try out all the famous local delicacies including Malaccan Cendol, Laksa, “Special” Satay and many other local specialty products. 

Mouth-Watering Durian puffs

Group photo at the entrance of Jonker Street

We hiked up to St Paul’s Cathedral, conquered Fort A’ Famosa, passed through Dutch architecture, Stadhuys Buildings and took many fun photos along the way. Before we leave the city, we had scrumptiously Nyonya cooking for dinner. 

"Friendship-Malacca-Style" with Fort A' Famosa

All in all, it was a fantastic day where I believe each and every one was extremely satisfied, rejuvenated, and built  stronger bond amongst Friendship Club members. We look forward to organize another outdoor trip like this in the near future. Penang, perhaps?

Ian Tai

Vice President Public Relations