11: LIONS CLUB OF GEORGE TOWN MUTIARA

 

During the fiscal year 1980- 1981, District Governor Jeffrey Quah appointed me as District Chairman for the Leo Clubs which was essentially a youth programme. Alpha Leos ranged from 11- to 18-year-olds and Omega Leos ranged from 19- to 28-year-olds. I noticed that many Omega Leos on reaching 28 would terminate their Leo membership and more often than not, they did not progress to their parent Lions Club. These Leos were already knowledgeable of the Lions movement and had acquired leadership skills. It was a tragic loss!

During the 1985 to 1986 period, I encouraged LC George Town Central to form a Leo-Lions Club. I told them that I was prepared to participate in its formation. Regretfully, my proposal was not tabled until much later. The formation of LC George Town Mutiara (LCGTM) took place much later in 1988. Initially, I had difficulties in persuading the former Leos to band together. They had the impression that Lions Club was a ‘rich men’s club’. I clarified that starting a new club with Leo's membership would make a big difference. As for finances, they could decide on the club's fees and running.  Many agreed with my proposal. Done!

The Original Club Logo

We proposed the name - Lions Club of George Town Mutiara, largely because Penang Island was known as the “Pearl of the Orient”. The name “Pearl” was most suitable but we opted for the Malay version “Mutiara” instead.  Radiant and appropriate! 

On 20/4/1988 we convened a fruitful meeting whereby eleven former Leos and thirteen of their friends 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 witnessed by over fifty members of the Lions family. My membership was transferred to LCGTM after much persuasion from the charter members.

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

 The Presentation of the Charter Certificate, Installation of the Charter President, and Board of Directors were held at Ferringhi Beach Hotel, Penang on 25th June 1988; witnessed by 250 invited Lions and guests. LCGTM 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 May 1990, fulfilling one of the objectives of Lions International.

In 1991, the club had a short 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 hold the fort and revitalise it. 

Current Logo

During my term of office, I formed a smart partnership with the Penang Road Safety Council to organise a massive “Treasurer Hunt” in the state of Penang. Another fund-raising initiative was “Treasure on Foot” which attracted over a hundred participants. Our Club’s compelling logo was redesigned to match the beauty of Penang.

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 as I have exceeded my 20 years of service in Lionism.

Under the leadership of President Daniel Chan (1994-1995), LCGTM signed the 2nd Sisterhood Alliance Agreement with the Lions Club of Singapore Fort Canning, District 308A1

In late 1995 several LCGTM Lions attended the 34th Orient & South East Asian Lions (OSEAL) Forum in Hong Kong (7-10 December 1995)