THE FOREWARD
Sometime last year, Allan Cheah confided in me that he had spent three-quarters of his life as a Lion member and he had quite a voluminous collection of everything "Lion". "Start a Coffee Table Book!" I said without hesitation but he didn't take to my nudging seriously. Allan somehow didn't get going with the idea of writing a book ... not until the deadly Coronavirus caused havoc and upset everyone’s daily routines! CONTINUE READINGTHE PREFACE
Sometimes, it can be heart-rending to discard decades-old memorabilia, especially of events that we hold so dearly. As a die-hard and long-standing Lion member, I have kept most seminar materials, bulletins, magazines, photos, and souvenirs of Lions' bygone days. Having moved house a third time, albeit to a smaller place, more than two-thirds of these prized collections have somehow been misplaced or lost. CONTINUE READING
A LION'S JOURNEY: AN OVERVIEW (1964-2005)
A Rookie Lion reminiscing the 60s...
I remember clearly with a hint of nostalgia the day I started as a “cub” at the Lions Club of George Town way back in late 1964. Yes, it was S. K. Sharma, an insurance cum travel guy who sponsored my membership. Prior to that, I had attended several dinners and service projects under the auspices of LC of George Town. Somehow, I had been roped in as a member without any inkling of what Lionism was about; except that it entailed serving the community! Back then, I was just a rookie, one of the youngest Lions in the district. Then, many Lions were in their forties or older. People who have settled down in their career and family life. Not for me, I had an early start! It was back in October 1965 when LCI registered my name as a fully pledged Lion. A greenhorn totally! CONTINUE READING
EARLY YEARS (1978-1979)
1964 was a very special milestone in my life. It would be the start of a lifelong captivation with Lionism, 57 years so far, and still counting! At that time, there were two only 2 Lions Clubs on Penang Island, namely, the LC of Penang Host and the LC of George Town. In 1965, I accepted the invitation to be a rookie member of the Lions Club of George Town. Truth be told, I had very little knowledge of Lionism. No orientation talk, no seminars, no mentoring. All I knew, then, was the Lions Club helped the less fortunate. And all I had wanted was to “stand up and be counted”. CONTINUE READING
EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES (1981-1996)
This "axis of friendship" in all strata of society would
prove vital in my future undertakings. During my one-year term as
Club President of the Lions Club of George Town, I was satisfied that my set
goals for the Club had been achieved. It was great exposure for me as I
did quite a bit of traveling within the country and forged a few “Sister Alliances”.
While I felt my report card would secure a
distinction, somehow, something was still missing? CONTINUE READING
VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR CANDIDATE (1996)
The accolades spurred me to take it a step further in the Lions’ hierarchy. I considered myself blessed as my family and club members fully supported my aspirations. My club, Lions Club of George Town Mutiara endorsed my candidature as VDG and submitted it to the district. CONTINUE READING
ELECTED DISTRICT GOVERNOR(1997)
After a lapse of 10 years, historical Malacca was once again chosen to host the 35th MD308 Lions Convention. This convention, unlike others, was a crucial one for me as I was standing as a district governor candidate. CONTINUE READING
80TH LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
June and July were super busy months for all district governors-elect. Having been elected as District Governor in the fiscal year 1997-1998, I was not only busy but equally excited, as I diligently prepare for my “pinnacle” trip. It was the 80th LCI Convention in Philadelphia Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA from 1st-4th July 1997 where I would be installed as District Governor for District 308B. Even the grim prospect of a 31 hours flight could not dampen my spirits. As the Americans would succinctly put it, I was on Cloud 9! CONTINUE READING
DG'S INAUGURATION 1997-1998
A full capacity audience of more than 500 Lions, Lionesses, and Leos filled the Grand Ballroom of the luxury Bayview Beach Resort at Batu Ferringhi, Penang on Saturday evening 19 July 1997. As a matter of fact, table bookings were closed a week earlier due to the limited seating capacity. CONTINUE READING
THAT MEMORABLE YEAR (Fiscal Year 1997-1998).
It was the most unforgettable and momentous year of my life when I was elected the District Governor, District 308B (1997-1998) at the 35th MD 308 Lions Convention at Mahkota Hotel, Malacca on 17-20 April 1997. Having said that, it had also been, without a doubt, a most challenging and strenuous year; a year which called for great personal sacrifice, sheer dedication, self-discipline, and tolerance. Here, I must add that I was truly blessed to have my beloved wife, Lucy, with me like a fortress of support and boundless encouragement. CONTINUE READING
FORMING MY CABINET
The formation of the cabinet line-up is very important as Lionism is all about teamwork. Past President Kenny Koay and Past President Tan Team Chye were invited to be the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer respectively. The other cabinet members were all past presidents from various active clubs club. CONTINUE READING
DISTRICT ORGANISATION
The purpose of district organisation is to assist, coordinate and promote the general welfare of Lions clubs and to assist the district governor in performing the duties of that office. CONTINUE READING
CLUB VISITATIONS
The year 1997 and 1998 would be the most-traveled year in my life! As a District Governor (DG) in District 308B, Malaysia, it was imperative that I traveled the length and breadth of Peninsular Malaysia as well as East Malaysia to visit the many Lions clubs under the umbrella of District 308B. I share with you my club visitations during the fiscal year. CONTINUE READING
DISTRICT EVENTS
During the fiscal year 1997-1998 the district organised events such as District Conventions and welcoming Lion Dignitaries from LCI and to improve the quality of Lionism, Workshops/Seminars and Dialogue Sessions were also conducted. CONTINUE READING
