Jamit (third right) presents a cheque to Jong, while Nur Zaihanirah (left), Sibu Toastmasters Club treasurer Peter Lau (third left) and other committee members look on.
SIBU: The Sibu Toastmasters Club has been urged to rise up to the occasion and speak on issues affecting the community such as on education.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat also said the club should leverage on the talents and resources of its members to improve communication and leadership skills for all.
“The concept here is that a ‘rising tide floats all boats’. My feeling is that the club needs to be in the centre sphere of influence in community issues and governance,” Jamit pointed out.
He was speaking during the Sibu Toastmasters Club 28th Exco installation dinner at a leading hotel here on Saturday, which was themed ‘Shanghai Night’. Area S2 director Chan Jia Yong conducted the installation of the new office-bearers for the term 2018-2019.
Jamit became the first Iban president of Sibu Toastmasters Club in 2005, and had greatly benefited from such exposure.
He recalled that Sibu Toastmasters Club had many success stories which members could be proud of.
“Sibu Toastmasters Club has existed since many years ago and I believe that it is one of the oldest and most senior clubs in Sibu. It has progressed well under the various presidents, including myself. I am happy to note that over the years, the club has made its presence felt not only for the benefit of the members but also the people of Sibu in general,” he said, pointing out that Sibu Toastmasters Club is a ‘fantastic club’.
He added: “As a well established club, I hope the Sibu Toastmasters Club could rise up and shoulder the responsibility as the community champion and advocate for education purposes as well as leverage the talents and resources of its members to improve the communication and leadership skills for all.”
Dwelling on the benefits of joining Toastmasters clubs, he said it makes one a better speaker, communicator, organiser, listener, leader and lawmaker.
He said they have systematic sets of manuals and experienced personnel to provide guidance to members.
Jamit mentioned that nobody regretted joining Toastmasters but many regretted not joining early.
Meanwhile, Division S director Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, in her speech, said toastmasters create leaders with public speaking as a tool of outreach.
“The district hopes that the exco members would continuously promote and encourage all members to embark on pathways journey so we could train more effective leaders. Be proactive in training the club members in being the version of themselves with toastmasters,” she said.
Others delivering their speeches were organising chairman William Ngu and the newly-minted president Elton Jong.
At the same function, Jamit handed out a contribution to Sibu Toastmasters Club to carry out their activities.