Toastmasters celebrate in grand style

TOASTMASTERS from both The Brunei Speakers’ Club and HSBC Brunei Speakers Group celebrated their installations last night at the Orchid Garden Hotel in a grand and memorable fashion.The Brunei Speakers’ Club and HSBC Brunei Speakers Group both affiliated with Toastmasters International celebrated their 8th and 4th installations respectively as established clubs in the sultanate.The event saw the respective executive committee members formally installed in their respective positions.

It also showcased the Toastmasters Educational Programme, which supports communication and leadership development and emphasises learning by doing.

The occasion saw the guest of honour, Division K Governor Andrew Thien, receive a token of appreciation, along with inaugural speeches made by Club Presidents Amy Lau and Yani Hepnie.

Light “humour sessions” were also seen to the diners’ delight, and finally a presentation of Toastmaster of the Year Awards.

The Brunei Speakers’ Club, a community based club, was set up in April 2000.

Since its inception, it has helped many of its members to become competent communicators and leaders through supportive club meetings, participation in speech contests and other educational programmes.

This term’s theme was set as “The Brunei Speakers’ Club-Where Learning Never Stops”.

The executive committee is also targetting the same high status for the club, focusing on improving the quality of the members’ educational and leadership growth.

The club currently has 24 members from various backgrounds.

Its youngest member is only 18 years of age.

The club meets on Tuesdays and members of the public are invited to attend to find out more about Toastmasters activities.

The HSBC Brunei Speakers Group, an in-house club, was formed in 2004.

Reserved for HSBC staff only, it aims to support their development in becoming effective communicators and presenters.

The group has been actively involved in the community, developing youth and supporting Toastmasters events in Brunei and in the region.

Current membership spans across various departments in all levels of the organisation.

Members from both clubs expressed how much they have gained from the programme in becoming more self-confident and being able to speak more fluently.

These abilities have added impact to their presentations and developing their leadership qualities.

In addition, the club environment is very conducive for learning, and members continue to enjoy the meetings and the benefits Toastmasters brings.

The Brunei Times