I am a LION: 11: LIONS CLUB OF GEORGE TOWN MUTIARA

Lions Club of George Town Mutiara (LCGTM)...the Birth

After serving as District Chairman (DC) for Leo Clubs, I was appointed as Regional Chairman (RC) for five consecutive years. By then, the youth program had become a part of me. One recurring concern that weighed heavily on my heart was the Omega Leos As they reached the age of 28, they were required to terminate their Leo membership. It felt like a tragic loss of potential - young leaders, full of passion, suddenly cut off from the movement they had grown with.

During my involvement in the Leo Forum themed “Leos – the Future Lions,” the message struck a deep chord. I knew I had to act. A new Lions Club was needed in Penang; one that could welcome these “graduating” Leos and continue nurturing their spirit of service.

While I was a member of LCTC, I proposed to have a Leo Lions Club. Regretfully, the idea was initially overlooked. In a subsequent meeting, the board decided that new members could be absorbed into the existing club. In 1988, the tide turned, and the board finally agreed to form a Leo Lions Club. The birth of Lions Club of George Town Mutiara (LCGTM) was not without its challenges, but the ball was now at my feet.

Convincing former Leos to come together wasn’t easy. Many held the impression that Lions Clubs were “rich men’s clubs.” I clarified that this new club, built on Leo values, could be different. Members would decide on their own fees and operations. Slowly but surely, they saw the vision... and agreed.

On 20 April 1988, I had a fruitful meeting with several former Leos, namely: Danny Lim, Anthony Goh, Johnny Khor, Charlie See, Cheng Lean, Michael Lim, Philip Ting, Lee Beng Siew, and Yeoh Poh Chye. Finally, eleven former Leos and thirteen of their friends confirmed their membership. It was a historic moment: the first Lions Club in the District (Malaysia) to comprise members of both genders.

The name was proposed and unanimously accepted—Lions Club of George Town Mutiara. Inspired by Penang Island’s nickname, “Pearl of the Orient,” we chose the Malay word “Mutiara” to reflect both radiance and local pride. It was a name that felt right—symbolic, inclusive, and full of promise.

The Original Club Logo

Not Just Another Lions Club…

Starting a new club was never easy. Starting one that defies expectations? That’s a whole different challenge.

After our first meeting on 20 April 1988, the excitement was real—but so were the doubts. Some asked: Would this club survive? Would it be accepted? Could young members really shape their own Lions journey?

We were the first in the District to welcome both men and women as charter members. That alone made us different. But what truly set us apart was our spirit. We weren’t just forming a Lions Club—we were building a bridge from Leo to Lion, from youth to lifelong service. We had to prove ourselves. We had to show that service wasn’t about wealth—it was about heart. Slowly, through small projects and big dreams, we began to earn respect. The community saw our sincerity. The District saw our potential. LCGTM wasn’t born in comfort—it was born in conviction.

Formation Meeting

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. My membership was transferred to LCGTM after much persuasion from the charter members.

On 25 June 1988, the LCGTM Spotlighted

The Presentation of the Charter Certificate, along with the Installation of the Charter President and Board of Directors, was held at Ferringhi Beach Hotel in Penang. It was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of vision, perseverance, and new beginnings.

The event was witnessed by 250 invited Lions and guests. The atmosphere was grand, filled with pride and anticipation. For many, it was the first time seeing a club formed by young professionals, both men and women, united by a shared purpose.

As the Charter President, Danny Lim took the oath and the Board was installed, it wasn’t just a formality; it was a declaration as LCGTM was here to serve, to lead, and to inspire.

That night, the waves outside whispered of change. And inside, a new chapter of Lionism began—with radiant hearts and a name that gleamed like the pearl it was meant to be.

“The First Act of Service”

Every club has a beginning. But what defines it is the first act of service.

After the formation of Lions Club of George Town Mutiara, the energy was high—but so was the pressure. We were the first of our kind in the District: young, co-ed, and determined to prove that heart mattered more than hierarchy.

Our first project wasn’t grand in scale—but it was rich in meaning. It was a fundraising project that included a community clean-up at the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged. Armed with brooms, gloves, and grit, we showed up—not just to tidy drains but to restore dignity.

The residents were surprised. “You’re Lions?” one asked, eyeing our youthful faces. “We thought Lions wore suits and gave speeches.” We smiled. “We’re Mutiara Lions. We serve differently.”

That day, something changed. We weren’t just a new club—we were a new kind of club. Word spread around. More former Leos reached out. Community leaders took notice. And within months, LCGTM was no longer a question mark—it became a beacon. LCGTM had arrived.

LCGTM continued to grow stronger. The club took a significant step by establishing an international partnership, twinning with the Lions Club of Hatyai Central, Thailand, on May 12, 1990, fulfilling one of Lions International’s objectives.

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.

During my term of office, the club formed a smart partnership with the Penang Road Safety Council to organise a massive “Treasure 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.

Current Logo

Our 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, my application to be a Life Member of Lions Clubs International was approved in 1992 after serving more than 20 years in Lionism. International President Donald Banker LCI welcomed me as a Fellow Life Member of LCI

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