AIA TMC, Chapter Meeting, 09th January 2020

On the 09^th January 2020, AIA Toastmasters Club held its first meeting for the year.

The sergeant-at-arms was Zhuo Shu Zhen.  The Toastmaster of the Day was Gerald Yong Kim Heong.  The timer was Maria Tricia Abraham.  The ah counter was Angela Lansbury.  The language evaluator was Penny Anne Radcliffe.  The table topics master was Linda Lee.  The creative director was Cindy Gan Chia Ee.  The photographer was Eric Tan Shi Wei.

In his presidential address, Jack Sia Cheong Ghee gave thanks to the people who helped make our 2019 a success.  It is important for us to reflect on the past year, and improve on what we have built.

Ivan Lee Kuan Seng spoke about overcoming challenges.  He recounted that when he was young, soccer was his sport, and he was in the school team.  Once, when the team captain was injured, he deputized.  It was a difficult match of the tournament, and their star striker went off injured.  His team were disorganised and demoralised, and looked to him.  They went in at half time trailing by two goals.  Even though he, himself, felt like it was a lost cause, as the captain, he had to show an example, and roused the men.  They eventually won 4-2.  This was a significant lesson that has shaped his life.  Either we thrive under pressure, or we lose.

David Low Chip Hung gave a presentation about marathons, and explained the history.  He also explained the history of the Singapore Marathon.  The inaugural event was held on the 05^th December 1982.  He has run several marathons, and spoke of the sense of achievement.  Those are impressive personal milestones, worth emulating.

Chng Pia Kim explained the evolution of his leadership style.  He was a workshop supervisor at a shipyard in those days, and had to coordinate between several departments.  That shaped his cooperative and collaborative leadership style.  That air of command and leadership has always permeated his understated style.  This is a humble man, who knows when to take charge.

Frances Goh Ching Yee spoke about the difference between a mentor and a coach.  She gave the example of Dato’ Joey Yap, her personal mentor, and fengshui master.  She made herself at home on the stage, and delivered her speech in a relaxed folksy style, sharing with us nuggets of wisdom on the concept of true mentorship.

The evaluators were Aaron Ting King Hean, Chia Choon Kiat, George Chew, and Kris Frank Martis.

Best Speaker: Frances Goh Ching Yee; and

Best Evaluator: George Chew.

Best Table Topics Speaker was Cindy Gan Chia Ee.