After dedicating 13 years to the Lions Club of George Town and engaging in numerous committees and the board of directors for several years, I had the privilege of ascending the ranks from 3rd vice president to 1st vice president.
In 1978, I was nominated and later elected as the 16th President of the Club. I felt humbled and honored to take on the leadership of this esteemed Club. I was happy to have a Board-elect composed of dedicated and committed Lions, many of whom were my close and supportive friends. I fondly recall the times we collaborated and assisted one another on various projects, and we were able to work together as a team.
In the quiet weeks before my official duties began, I set off not with a formal agenda, but with a sense of duty rooted deep in custom. One by one, I either visited the homes of my newly elected board members or personally called them. Not to ask for information, but to connect. Back then, in the 70s, the roads in Penang were forgiving. Traffic was light, and my Peugeot 204 took me through familiar streets with ease. I was warmly greeted by the Lion I made an appointment with; welcomed with coffee, sometimes a glass of beer, but always with a heartfelt exchange. These Lions weren’t just colleagues — they were friends.
By the time our first pre-board meeting came in June, every seat was filled. One hundred percent attendance — not by chance, I believe, but by shared trust built on those calls I made and humble doorstep visits.
Officially, I began my position in the office on July 1, 1978. The club traditionally held an Installation Ceremony where the President and the Board of Directors were formally inducted by a visiting Lion dignitary. This event was held at Hotel Merlin on September 8. We invited the Minister of Health, YB Dato’ Mak Hon Kam, as the Guest of Honour. During that evening, some 400 Lions and guests filled the banquet hall to the brim.
The presence of YB Dato’ Mak, added gravitas to the night. But the moment that etched itself into memory came when District Governor Robert Lau, who came from Sarawak, stepped forward and solemnly presented me with the gavel. Not just a piece of wood—it was a symbol. Authority, yes. But also stewardship, responsibility, and service. Reflecting on that moment, I not only felt empowered to fulfil the
responsibilities of a President, but I also felt a strong obligation to do so
with complete vigour,
commitment, and dedication.
As it turned out, my term as President of the Lions Club of George Town was truly a learning experience. The immediate benefit was the opportunity to expand my circle within our fraternity, both in the private and public sectors. To be honest, I relished the face-to-face meet-ups with various dignitaries and fascinating personalities.
A President’s Privilege
The months that followed brought not only new duties but new doors. Courtesy
calls became a cherished tradition. It was a practice for the Incoming Club
President and his Board of Directors of the fiscal year to also pay courtesy calls and introduce themselves
to the Head of States and the Municipal Council in Penang … the
rare opportunity to get up close and personal with VVIPs like YAB Tunku Abdul
Rahman, YAB Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu, and his
Excellency, the Governor of Penang. Not forgetting the State Mentri
Besar and Mayor.
Even today, when I hold the memory of those conversations, the firm handshakes, and shared laughter, I’m reminded that leadership is more than a position—it’s a bridge between people, purpose, and legacy.
Board of Directors 1977-1978
Planning the Fiscal Year 1977-1978
The baton had been passed, and with it came the weight of responsibility—and the thrill of possibility.
Before the official term began, I convened a pre-board meeting, knowing full well that the success of the year would hinge on one crucial decision: appointing the right Chairmen for the right portfolios. Each project needed a steward—someone capable, passionate, and aligned with our mission. This was not just delegation; it was strategic empowerment.
As I reviewed the previous year’s programs, one stood out: Industrial Workers’ Week. It had touched countless lives and brought visibility to a vital segment of our community. I knew then—we must continue this legacy. Good work should never be shelved; it should be amplified.
To commemorate our 16th Charter Anniversary, I envisioned something bold and lasting: sisterhood alliances. We reached out to Lions Clubs in Australia and Hong Kong, forging bonds that transcended borders and celebrated shared values. These alliances weren’t just ceremonial—they were symbolic of our global unity in service.
Many other initiatives were discussed, refined, and added to the pipeline. Among them, one stood out—a permanent landmark that would serve as a legacy for generations to come. A tribute not just to our club, but to the enduring spirit of Lionism. Throughout my presidency, our club embraced the motto "WE SERVE" with unwavering commitment. From welfare to education to healthcare, we launched projects that uplifted lives and strengthened our community. It wasn’t just about doing good—it was about doing good well.
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