Expansion Opportunities (1981-1996)

 

A LION'S JOURNEY: 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? 

Ah yes, as a responsible President, I had resolved to finish my term and to charter a new club. The reason being, the Lions movement was relatively unknown among Chinese businessmen circle. I found it rather difficult to convince the towkays to donate to our humanitarian causes.

So, I decided to embark on “Plan B”; to be a ‘professional beggar’ and spread the gospel of Lionism! I took up this challenge by resorting to knocking at the doors of the merchants and shopkeepers along Beach Street, Weld Quay, and Chulia Street. No doubt, it was an arduous task but it was bearing fruit!

In the process of my mission, talking to the Chinese businessmen, I was confident that there was definitely a need to start Chinese-speaking Lions Clubs so that these ‘towkays’ could be roped in and be part of our ever-growing fraternity.

In 1981, my wish came true when together with a few Lions, we succeeded in chartering the Lions Club of George Town Central; a club comprising mainly Chinese businessmen.

In our line of business, we had come across many Chinese businessmen, bankers, and charitable friends. We spoke to them and roped them in as Charter Members of the club.

My utmost gratitude to the Lions Club of George Town for sponsoring the LIONS CLUB OF GEORGE TOWN CENTRAL.

I became a Charter Member of the new club together with a few other members to provide guidance and direction. The members conversed in Mandarin and the local dialect but we still stuck to the English Language in all written communications.

During the fiscal year 1980- 1981, District Governor Jeffrey Quah appointed me as District Chairman for Leo Clubs which was essentially a youth program (Alpha Leos ages 11-18 and Omega Leos ages 19-28). I noticed that many Omega Leos on reaching 28 would terminate their Leo membership and did not progress to their parent Lions Club. These Leos were most knowledgeable in leadership and the Lions movement.

In 1985 and 1986, I encouraged LC George Town Central to form a Leo-Lions Club and I was prepared to participate in the new club. The formation took place much later in 1988 and I was given the task to form it.

Initially, I had difficulties in persuading the former Leos to come together. They had an impression that Lions clubs were ‘rich men’s clubs'. I clarified that starting a new club with Leos membership would make a big difference as they could decide on the fees and the running of the club.  Done!

We proposed the name - Lions Club of George Town Mutiara as Penang was known as the “Pearl of the Orient”. Being a club formed on the island, the name “Pearl” was most suitable but we used the Malay term “MUTIARA” instead.   Beautiful and appropriate “Mutiara”. 

On 20/4/1988 we convened a fruitful meeting whereby eleven former Leos and thirteen service-minded friends of Leos confirmed their membership. It was the first Lions Club in the District (Malaysia) to comprise members from both genders.

The formation meeting was held at the Corner Club, Gurney Drive, Penang. The then District Governor Dr. Ong Tat Lien conducted the initiation ceremony which was witnessed by over fifty members of the Lions family. 

The 'Instruments of Charter’ was received from Lions Clubs International on 13th April 1988 with Lion Danny Lim Kean Teong as her Charter President. 

The Presentation of the Charter Certificate and Installation of the Charter President and Board of Directors was held at Ferringhi Beach Hotel, Penang on 25th June 1988; witnessed by 250 invited Lions and guests.

LC George Town Mutiara grew from strength to strength. The club took a leap in establishing an international relationship by twinning with the Lions Club of Hatyai Central, Thailand on 12/5/1990. This fulfilled one of the objectives of Lions Club International.

In 1991, we had a hiccup when a few members had to leave to focus on their careers and some to further their studies.  The club was saddled with a leadership crisis.

I was reluctantly elected to the Presidency of the Club to help the club overcome the leadership crisis. During my term of office, I formed a smart partnership with the Penang Road Safety Council to organize a treasure hunt for the state of Penang. Another project fundraising initiative was “treasure on foot” which attracted over a hundred participants. These projects activated our club members and there were new members were inducted into the club. More in-house leadership seminars and workshops were conducted. Social functions were held in members' homes and this created greater fellowship among the club members. I was happy that members were ready to step into leadership roles. 

My efforts did not go unnoticed as the district awarded me the “Lion of the Year Award” while International President, William ‘L’ Biggs presented me the “Leadership Award”

During that year, I submitted my application to be a Life Member of Lions Clubs International. 

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