This “axis of friendship” that I forged in every strata of society would prove vital in my future undertakings. During my one-year term as club president of 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 travelling within the country and forged a few “Sister Alliances”.
While I felt my report card would secure a clear distinction, yet somehow, something was still missing? Ah yes, as a responsible president, I had resolved to finish my term by chartering a new club. A new club with a “twist”. The reason was that the Lions movement was relatively unknown among Chinese businessmen circle. As a result, I found it rather difficult to convince the Chinese towkays to donate to our humanitarian causes. The “twist” was to start up a “Chinese towkays’ club”.
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 Chinese merchants and shopkeepers along Beach Street, Weld Quay, and Chulia Street. No doubt, it was an arduous task but it was bearing fruit! Whilst mingling with the Chinese businessmen, I was adamant that there was a need to start Chinese-speaking Lions Clubs. These ‘towkays’ could be roped in and be part of our ever-growing fraternity. They can contribute much!
In 1981, my wish came true when Lions Club of George Town succeeded in chartering the Lions Club of George Town Central; a club comprising mainly Chinese businessmen, bankers, and charitable friends - people who were my acquaintances in business. My utmost gratitude to the Lions Club of George Town for the sponsorship. I guess without a dream we would not get anywhere.
I opted to be a Charter Member of the LC George Town Central. With a few other LCGT members, we transferred our membership to this new club to provide guidance and direction. The LCGT Central members may converse in Mandarin and the local dialect but we still stuck to the English Language in all written communications.
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