Sunday, May 31, 2015
IT’S another milestone for one of the nation’s Toastmasters clubs as recently a number of its members were recognised for their achievements in communications and leadership skills.
At the three-day Toastmasters International District 87 Annual Conference in Kuching, Genevieve Lai, one of the founding members of Brunei Speakers’ Club made the Sultanate proud when she was among the few who were awarded the Distinguished Toastmasters Award (DTM), the highest education and leadership award from Toastmasters International.
She has also received the Triple Crown award, along with other members Reuben Chin, Pranika Lama, Jason Koo and Allen Ang. Triple Crown awards are given to those who have accomplished three or more education or leadership programmes.
In addition, the Brunei Speakers’ Club was awarded President’s Distinguished Club, the highest rating that Toastmasters International gives to its clubs, in recognition of the club’s effort to maintain high quality meetings and good membership.
In one of the sessions of the conference, at the District Council meeting, another member Shawn Cassidy Narcis was elected the Club Growth Director for District 87, which comprises seven divisions with more than 150 corporate and community clubs under Toastmasters International in regions including Brunei, East Malaysia and Indonesia.
“I will be working with every member in District 87 to have a greater experience in the Toastmasters journey, where friends help friends to grow and support each other. Every journey begins with a single step. And with every single step we can accomplish and reach our destination,” said Narcis.
Meanwhile, Chin, who was elected as the Division (K) Director, serving seven areas, which include Brunei, Labuan and Sabah, said, “Over the coming years, we will see a rise in membership as the Toastmasters Programme continues to make an impact on more and more peoples’ lives. And as that happens, it is our responsibility to focus on the learning aspect of Toastmasters. The focus on of the coming term will be an emphasis on education.”
Aside from the election and awards, the conference also held education sessions conducted by exemplary Toastmasters. A total of 25 members from the Brunei Toastmasters Club attended the conference. Aside from the Brunei Speakers’ Club, there are three other clubs in the nation: Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club, Oil Town Talkers Toastmasters Club and the newly chartered Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Toastmasters Club.
The next District 87 Conference will be held in Bali from October 30 to November 1. Brunei Speakers’ Club meets regularly each Tuesday at 7.30pm at SEAMEO VOCTECH. For more information about the event and club, please visit www.bruneispeakersclub.com.