35th MD308 Lions Convention & 21st MD308 Lioness
Forum @ Century Mahkota Hotel, Malacca 17th-20th April 1997
After a lapse of 10 years, historical Malacca was once again
chosen to host the 35th MD308 Lions Convention.
I attended this convention as a district governor candidate. I was the only one bidding for that position, being a Vice District
Governor. Still, my hope was to obtain a 100% 'yes' vote from the
delegates. Meanwhile, my Home Club Members were prepared for the
hospitality booth in a grand scale.
On 18/4/1997, the congregation point of the Convention Parade was
held at “Melaka Sound & Light” stand. It kicked off with a colourful
morning parade in the heart of Malacca.
The follow-up ‘Historical Walk’ was 3 kilometres long and it made
the Malaysia Book of Records. A long procession of 35 Lion Dance troupes, 35 trishaws including
the marching band, Bunga Manggar groups, Silat Displays, Indian and Kuda Kepang
Dances, and several Bullock Carts moved along the long and winding roads of
Malacca. The Malaccans, visitors, and tourists lined up the roads to welcome
the Lions. It was the most memorable event I have ever experienced.
The police were on hand to control the traffic as the VIPs were
taken for a joy ride in decorated trishaws to the opening venue. School bands in their smart uniform attire led the way with
marching tunes and dances. Multiple Lion dance troupes performed for the 1,500
Lions delegates. A roaring welcome and tribute for the
Lions!
The sheer size of the delegates made it impossible for all to
congregate in one big hall. So, several venues were allocated.
The opening plenary session and the banquet were held at S.M. Pay
Fong Hall. District 308A and 308B had their Conventions at Century Ballroom at
Hotel Century Mahkota and Imperial Garden respectively. The closing ceremony
was held at Century Mahkota Hotel.
I was grateful to my campaign team for their ceaseless
campaigning. During the two days of the Convention, I hosted an open house
and invited Lions delegates to my hotel suite for fellowship. The support was
tremendous and we entertained the guests with spirit and finger food till the
wee hours!
Before the election, an open dialogue session was conducted to
allow the delegates to “grill” and assess the candidates. Question after
question was put forward to me about my future plans as a DG. In
hindsight, I honestly feel that my 35 years of experience as a Lion in
various designations proved to be the clincher!
The DG candidate and the VDG candidates were invited on stage
before the election result was announced.
After the election, it was finally announced that the delegates
had given me the full mandate to be the DG of District 308B. It was a Cloud
Nine moment for me!
At the closing plenary ceremony, I was invited to the rostrum to
give my acceptance speech. My wife, Lucy also presented a speech in
support.
The evening's banquet was as exciting. The nyonya performance highlighted the evening.
I was elected as the District Governor for the fiscal year
1997-1998 at the convention in Malacca, a state which is now most endearing to
me.
Another historic decision was the unanimous resolution by the
delegates to bifurcate the two sub-districts of 308A and 308B into four
sub-districts under the MD308. The resolution would take effect during the
following year’s convention giving me the honor to be the Immediate Past DG for
two districts. This significant decision indicated that our Lions movement had
grown in leaps and bounds, and bifurcation was unavoidable.
At this Convention in Malacca, International Director Paul Fan was
the representative from Lions Clubs International. He was present with his
wife, Mary. Council Chairman Dr. Chin Yoon Hiap appointed Lion Johnson Tay as
the Convention Organising Committee Chairman. Meanwhile, Lioness Goh Keat Choo
from Subang Jaya was tasked to organize the Lioness Forum. The current District
Governors then were Chin Siew Gim, and Leong A Sam who chaired their own sub-district 308A
and 308B respectively.
The DG/VDG Elect Training School
The MD308 School for DG-elect and VDG-elect was held at Century
Hotel Mahkota, Malacca, the following day after the convention.
The panel speakers were past governors and they briefed us about
our trip and provided us the latest information on air flights and hotel stays.
We would be meeting about 750 DGs-elect from around the world and their
spouses/ companions. In Philadelphia, we would attend seminars for three days
before the 80th LCI Convention starting on June 30, 1997
We would attend several seminar events including the Opening
Ceremony, the Spouse/Companion Sessions, all general sessions, the Closing
Session, and the Celebration Banquet. At the seminar registration, we would be
given a packet containing DGE Seminar and Convention program books, name
badges, invitations to receptions, and other useful materials. The convention
program book would list the events and include the time and the location of
each. It was an elaborate briefing of what to expect and we were ready for the trip to Philadelphia.
Concluding my sharing, I would say that the convention was exhilarating and the week was exhausting, but it was all worthwhile for the sake of Lionism.
Standing next to me was Michael Tham, the Incoming DG for District 308B2 fy 1999-2000
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