Minister hails youth NGO for grooming future leaders

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(From right) Abang Johari witnessing the installation of Tay as new JCI Damai president taking over from Chong, as Sii looks on.

KUCHING: The Damai chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) has been commended for its contributions in producing well-rounded future leaders.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg praised the youth non-governmental organisation (NGO), pointing out that to become leaders, one must have integrity, as well as be knowledgeable, creative and innovative without crossing the boundaries of the human norms.

“I believe that with JCI, our future generation is in good hands,” he said during a banquet held to mark JCI Damai’s 27th installation at a hotel here on Saturday.

Abang Johari, who is also Tourism Minister, also told JCI members to capitalise on modern information and communications technology such as Skype as well as the efficiency of today’s air travelling, to widen their global network.

“The world is getting smaller and smaller. Technologies such as Skpe make video conferencing between people all around the world possible.”

The minister also acknowledged that as JCI members, each and every one must have unwavering trust in one another, which would be a strong foundation for business negotiations and good economic relationships with their counterparts from around the globe.

Abang Johari also highlighted JCI Damai’s membership being made up of various races, reflecting the unity and solidarity in Sarawak.

Having said this, he also said in view of the importance in safeguarding such harmony, the state government had flexed its immigration autonomy by banning those with extremist views from entering the state.

“Led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, we as Sarawakians must safeguard our peace and harmony that we have been enjoying so far.”

Meanwhile JCI Damai newly-elected president Jolene Tay, in her maiden speech, said she would strive to fulfill this new role after taking over the helm from Julie Chong.

“Julie Chong is a role model and it would be very hard to fill such shoes. I will do my best to work together with all board members and committees in making JCI Damai a better chapter,” said Tay, adding that JCI Damai would be focusing more on expanding membership and carrying out all programmes under its detailed ‘Plan of Action’.

“The plan covers four main areas of JCI opportunities, namely individual development, community development, business networking and international relations.”

Other JCI Damai members

taking their oath for the new term are immediate vice president Gavin Tay, secretary-general Josephine Tay, honorary treasurer Roger Ting, general legal counsel Wilson Chai, as well as vice presidents Grace Lee (community), Brian Teo (business), Chung Sian Ping (individual) and Clement Chung (international).

The directors are Chen Ming, Ansom Fam, Kim Ting, Raymond Tan and Nicholas Jong.

The installation was witnessed by JCI National vice president Clement Sii How Hong.