HANDS ACROSS THE BRIDGES ORGANISED BY SISGC – 13th March, 2011 When I first heard about it from my SI Seremban Charter President, Susan Ho, I was not keen at all. Actually, I was more keen to continue my quest for the best mee pok in Singapore rather than holding hands with other ladies across the bridges on a lazy Sunday morning. I changed my mind immediately after reading SI Singapore Garden City’s former President Tricia’s email. It was an opportunity that I could not miss. It was quite a chore for me to wake up so early in the morning especially after a night of heavy partying in Fullerton Hotel for the lovely reception of Susan’s son’s wedding. Bleary eyes and all, both Chooi Hoong (SI Seremban member) and I hopped onto Tricia’s car on that fateful balmy Sunday morning. It was a short walk from the Supreme Court’s car park to the Cavenagh bridge which is situated in front of  Fullerton Hotel. We were first greeted by a bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles as we reached the riverside. As we walked along the river towards the bridge, I saw numerous bronze sculptures that depicted life in Singapore during the Straits Settlement.  The Cavenagh bridge is the only suspension bridge and one of the oldest bridges in Singapore, spanning the lower reaches of the Singapore River in the Downtown Core. Opened in 1870 to commemorate Singapore's new Crown colony of the Straits Settlements status in 1867, it is the oldest bridge in Singapore that exists in its original form. What an apt place to commemorate 100 years anniversary of the International Women's Day (IWD). Tricia informed me that the theme was "Stronger Women build Bridges of Peace".  That reminded me of  Jeannette Rankin, the first lady elected representative to the US Congress in 1917. Rankin was a pacifist who incessantly voted against the war in the Congress, despite causing her to lose her re election. The props were beautifully done. The IWD posters, t-shirts and banner. Kudos to Tricia and her team of able sisters. The  banner The posters   The t-shirt                                      The Indonesians sisters were with us The event was also graced by Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, the SI South West Pacific’s President Elect; Khoo Suat Pheng, the Extension Convener of SI Region of Malaysia and Chai Kee, the Immediate Past President of SI Bangsar. Maybe it was not just mere coincidence that the event happened to fall one day after the wedding reception which we all attended. It was perhaps a divine intervention for us to strengthen our ties with our fellow sisters across the borders. Truly in line with the SISWP’s  “Hands Across Borders” project. We held hands and shouted out the theme, whilst photographs were being taken by Irene. Friends of Soroptimist like members of the Federation of Business and Professional Women Singapore jointly celebrated the event with us. Further, a group of Indonesian sisters managed to join us for a while before running off to catch their flight. It was a multi-racial composition of ladies from different walks of life bound by a common cause. There were so much energy and synergy as we held hands despite the fact that there was a slight drizzle in the beginning. Friends of Soroptimist   Friends of Soroptimist Hands Across the Bridges After the event, we were treated to a scrumptious dim sum breakfast by the current SISGC President Linda at “Yum Cha” restaurant located in Chinatown. We  fellowshipped and brainstormed over  the dim sum, washed down with Chinese tea. Brainstorming over Dim Sum . From left to right (seated) : V. Mano, Nicole Tan, Siew Yong, Chai Kee, Elsie, Joyce and Chooi Hoong. From left to right (standing) : Linda, Tricia, Alice and Alicia   We tried to convince some SISGC members to register for the SIROM Biennial Conference  in Ipoh. It was a truly wonderful event to commemorate the International Women’s Day. Women have come a long way since 100 years ago. We are experiencing a new shift in power dynamics between men and women which can be achieved without violence, bra-burning or mass protest. Women in power means no war !  Peace to the world.   Nicole Tan Lee Koon, President of SI Seremban Public Relations Convener for SI Region of Malaysia  ****** International Women’s Day Celebration by Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia – 7th March, 2011 Background Women have come a long way since 19th of March, 1911 (note : not 8th of March) when the first International Women’s Day was launched by the Conference of the Working Women headed by Clara Zetkin. Although the first national Women’s Day was observed in the United States following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America on the 28th of February, 1910. 100 years ago, women were still not allowed to vote in most countries. 100 years ago, there were no women in public offices as Jeannette Rankin of Montana was the first woman elected in 1916. 100 years ago, there were no women leaders in the corporate world. Fast forward to 2011. Now, women are allowed to vote everywhere in the “known”  world. Now, we have 11 women heads of state (excluding the Queen Elizabeth of UK, Queen Margrethe of Denmark and Queen Beatrix of Netherlands) and 15 women heads of government, out the 192 United Nations member states. Now, we have 15 women Chief Executive Officers out of 1000 Fortune companies. Hanna Rosin, an American journalist disliked the term “glass ceiling” and opted to use the term “high bridge” instead.  To Hanna, “glass ceiling” puts men and women in a antagonistic relationship with each other, because men are always the devious tricksters up there who have put up the glass ceiling. Women are always below the glass ceiling. Also, shattering the glass ceiling must be a terrible phase.  Hanna was of the opinion that we are going through an amazing and unprecedented moment where the power dynamics between men and women are shifting rapidly and that in many of the places where it counts the most, women are in control. On the other hand, Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook is of the opinion that  there are three reasons why there are too few women leaders in the world. Firstly, women systematically underestimate their own abilities. Data has shown that success and likability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women. Secondly,  homemakers are not treated as equal partners. Lastly, women tends to sacrifice in order to start a family. How far have women climbed the high bridge? Gone are the days of bra-burning and mass protest for equal rights. We believe that the struggle is still very real looking at the data. However, the good news is that  some of us have managed to climb the high bridge. Some of us are crossing the bridge side by side with  the men and some of us are overtaking the men.  These are women at their best, working to help other women to be the best. True to the spirit of Soroptimism !  That is why we, the Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM) decided to celebrate the International Women’s Day with class and passion in order to for women to be educated, enlightened and empowered as seen below. SIROM Our outgoing SIROM President,  Datin Indira Naidu has graciously allowed us to use her home as the venue to celebrate the auspicious day.  A classy white and purple canopy was set up in line with the IWD’s purple theme. The IWD posters were hung up conspicuously at the four corners of the canopy. Canopy Posters The guests were all given the purple ribbons and bookmarks. A cake was made to commemorate the event. As the event coincided with  Indira’s son’s wedding, the guests were greeted by “kolam” at the doorsteps of the hostess’ home.  A  kolam is a form of sandpainting that is drawn using rice powder by female members of the family in front of their home. It is widely practised by Hindus in South India. A kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots. Kolam The event was graced by men and ladies (mostly ladies, of course) from different walks of life and ethnicity. The three main races in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese and Indian. The multi-racial guests Some of the notable ladies who joined our celebration were Datin Indira Naidu, our hostess with the mostest and who was the outgoing President of SIROM;  Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanlingam, the President Elect of Soroptimist International Federation of South West Pacific (SISWP) ; Dr Indrani Manuel, former headmistress of one of the top schools in Kuala Lumpur; Joanne Fernandez, the former President of  SISWP; Khoo Suat Pheng, the doyen of the music industry who was one of the few first lady CEOs  in Malaysia; Helena Cheah, former National Representative for Malaysia to the SISWP; Dhamayanthi, the current National Representative to the SISWP;   Datin Seri Hajah Zalillah, the Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Malaysia;  Puan Hajah Habibah, the Commissioner for Rangers; Joanne Yeoh, the incoming President of SIROM, Doris Lim, an advocate of effective communication who was involved in the drafting of the Communications Act and Datin Leong Swee Han, the chief operating officer of Beneton Properties. From left to right : Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, Dhamayanthi, Doris Lim, Puan Hajah Habibah and Datin Seri Hajah Zalillah Khoo Suat Pheng   From left to right : Helena Cheah, member of SI Bangsar and Joanne Yeoh The programme started with a speech by our sweet hostess, Indira who was garbed in a pretty purple outfit befitting the occasion. Indira Indira also used to occasion to invite Joanne Yeoh, the incoming President of SIROM to give a toast to the guests and for a pre-handing over ceremony. Toast Pre handing-over After the pre handing-over, Indira took the opportunity to introduce a Woman of Substance, chef Teresa Francis. Teresa was the caterer for the sumptuous buffet. All her three sons have done well in life with profitable employment. Two of her sons are medical doctors. One son practising in the UK and another working in the KL General Hospital and is currently awaiting his MRCP results. The third son is in the midst of his government exam. When questioned as to why she wants to continue working when her sons could afford her upkeep. She immediately replied that cooking is her passion and she does it with love. It gave her the opportunity to be creative and active. Hence, paving the way for a healthy and fulfilling life. The guests were later treated with a sumptuous buffet spread courtesy of the host, Dato’ Dr Naidu and hostess, Datin Indira. Siew Yong, the current SISWP President Elect was invited to give a speech first. Siew Yong The National Rangers Commissioner, Girl Guides' Association of Malaysia, Puan Hajah Habibah Bte. Abdul Rahman was invited to speak next. She eloquently spoke on the community work undertaken by Girl Guides and proposed a smart partnership between  Soroptimist International and Girl Guides. The event was well attended. A total of 70 guests were there to celebrate the auspicious occasion with forty Soroptimist sisters who came from near and far and thirty non-Soroptimist guests. It was an evening filled with fun and laughter. It was an evening of sharing. It was an evening of remembrance of how much women have achieved for the past 100 years politically, economically and socially, as elaborated by the background above. All and in all, it was a very fruitful event with fond memories for all and most importantly, to remind us of the task at hand i.e to continue our journey to the high bridge and to help others to make the first step to the high bridge.   Contributed by Nicole Tan Lee Koon, Public Relations Convener, SIROM ****** SIROM FRIENDSHIP DINNER – 3rd OCT, 2010 SIROM recently held an SI Friendship Dinner on 3 October, 2010, which was organised by SIROM President Datin Indira Naidu, Hon. Secretary Kim Fong and Treasurer Helena Cheah.  SWP President-Elect Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam kindly offered her residence as the venue for the event and we had over 40 ladies who attended. SWP's President-Elect, Puan Sri Siew Yong welcoming the guests SI Shah Alam had the highest number of members and guests at 12, with SI KL having 7. The other clubs in the Klang Valley who were present included SI Bangsar, SI Seremban, SI Petaling Jaya, SI Sentul and SI Damansara. Unfortunately due to distance, other SIROM clubs were not able attend. Nevertheless, those who did had a marvellous evening of sisterhood.   SISA's members and guests  We were glad to have a special guest, Dr Raiza Malhotra from SI Caracas, Venezuela, join us at this event to share this auspicious day of fun and food. She even sang a Spanish song for us. Our President, Datin Inidra and Dr. Raiza Malhotra  We had continuous entertainment of songs and music by the SIKL team, a comedy skit by SI Seremban and dancing by members and friends. This event was a lovely opportunity for bonding, sharing and networking. At the end of the evening, yellow roses, courtesy of SIROM, were distributed to all as a gift of sisterhood.   SIKL entertaining us with evergreen songs SIS' comedy skit Working out the calories ! Contributed by Sharon Saw, SI PJ  ******   SISTERHOOD TOUR (MARCH, 2011) Dear Soroptimist Sisters, It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to colourful  Malaysia. Selamat Datang! SI Region of Malaysia has worked hard  to put together this SISTERHOOD TOUR, a very interesting 11 day  itinerary specially tailored for your  pleasure  to coincide with our  9th Biennial Conference (16-20 March 2011).We have researched for months to provide 3 different options  to suit your needs and that too at a very reasonable cost. You would savour the rich cultural heritage, diverse eco-tourism attractions and gastronomic delights not to mention the genuine hospitality. You would visit 5 destinations, each with its own speciality, and enjoy the hospitality  extended to you by  our sisters at the various locations. I am confident this Malaysian Sisterhood Tour would be a memorable experience and  would  urge you to return to our shores in the near future. Looking forward to your visit. Indira Naidu President SI Region of Malaysia ******  Malaysian Soroptimist is now SISWP President-Elect Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam a member of Soroptimist International (SI) Petaling Jaya club, was elected President-Elect at the Conference of Clubs 2010 at the Gold Coast on 17th April 2010.  She will take office as President in the 2012-2014 biennium. Siew Yong was formerly a President of SI Region of Malaysia(SIROM) (2005-2007) and the outgoing SI National Rep of Malaysia (2008-2010).  She has also recently been elected Deputy Chairperson of the SIROM Foundation. Siew Yong currently owns and manages her own business in health, travel and property, after retiring from a career of 19 years in Malaysia Airlines as the Head of Group Communications.  She has also worked as Public Relations Manager of Malaysian Tobacco Company, which is a part of British American Tobacco Group, for 7 years. She is a Trustee of the Women’s Institute of Management and sits on the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Sejahtera and Yayasan Nanyang Press and is a Patron of the St Bernadette’s Convent Old Girls Association. She is an Economics graduate from the University of Malaya.  Visit of SI President Hanne Jensbo to Malaysia  “Action Speaks Louder than Words” – President Hanne Jensbo It was certainly an action-packed programme for President Hanne’s first visit to Malaysia to officially present the SI Best Practice Award to SI Penang’s Blossom Project, under the objective, “Eliminate poverty and gender discrimination through ensuring women’s full social and economic rights”. Within her hectic schedule of her 3 day visit President Hanne accompanied by Federation of SWP President Elect, Siew Yong and President of SI Region of Malaysia, Indira Naidu, and NR Dhamayanthi managed a courtesy call on Dato’ Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil, Malaysian Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.  The visit was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere.  President Hanne found the Minister very articulate and engaging as well as down-to-earth, not something she was expecting.  With the Minister was the Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Dato’ Dr Noorul Ainur, Director General of Women Development Department, Puan Wan Hasmah B Wan Mohd and the Private Secretary and the Private Secretary of Minister, Dato’ Roziyah Md Yusoff who turned out to be fluent in Danish. SIROM also hosted a lunch for a group of women NGO leaders from the UN Representative office, Women’s Institute of Management (WIM), National Council of Women’s Organisation (NCWO), All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (AWAM), Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) and Empower for Change.  The interaction and exchange of information and experiences was enriching for all who attended.  President Hanne also took the opportunity to speak about SI and helped to raise the profile of our organisation a notch higher. Hanne accompanied by Siew Yong had a private lunch with Zainah Anwar, Founder and Director of Sisters in Islam and Project Director of Musawah, (the global movement for equality and justice in a muslim family.  Zainah was her usual engaging, passionate self on her pet subject of equality for the Muslim women and family. Hanne certainly left with a better understanding and a new perspective on the subject on women issue from the Islamic standpoint. Hanne also made a visit to the WIM building and was briefed by its CEO and Co-Founder, Dato’ Dr Nellie Tan-Wong on its work for women. Found time in between the hectic schedule, to be interviewed for a feature article in “Inspire” (WIM magazine) and also in the News Straits Times. In KL, Hanne had a quick tour of KL city ending at the Twin Towers where she was due for dinner with about 30 SI members at the Petroleum club on the 42nd Floor. The highlight of the visit was to Penang to present the SI Best Practice Award to SI Penang for Blossom Project. This was held a community centre where she met a few of the successful beneficiaries of the project. During the hectic 1 ½ days in Penang, she managed to visit the Peranakan Museum, take in a short drive to Feringgi Beach and met with SI Penang ladies for a sumptuous dinner at Mansion 33, an old Heritage building, as well as a taste of Penang Nyonya Food for lunch. Hanne summed up her visit saying the most impactful part was to be able to meet with members of SI during dinner at the Twin Towers in KL and a grand heritage mansion in Penang and the ladies touched by the Blossom Project as well as discussing common issues with NGO women leaders, who are all trying to make a difference to women’s and girls’ lives.  Of course, the food, sights and smells of KL and Penang are all memories she will also remember fondly. President Hanne presenting Best Practice certificate to President of SI Penang, Dr Shuba Mohini.  Looking on is Siew Yong and Indira. President Hanne with women participants at the Community Training Centre President Hanne with Women NGO Leaders   President Hanne with some SI Members from Malaysia at Petroleum Club, Twin Towers. President Hanne with a former participant of Project Blossom who is now into direct selling of cosmetics.   President Hanne with Dato’ Sharizat Abdul Jalil, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (Centre) and senior Ministry officials and SI ladies President Hanne with some members of SI Penang at Mansion 33, Penang   When is Friendship Day? Celebrate Friendship Day 2010 on August 1, Sunday   Human beings are social creatures and have always valued the importance of friends in their lives. To celebrate this noble feeling it was deemed fit to have a day dedicated to friends and friendship. Accordingly, first Sunday of August was declared as a holiday in US in honor of friends by a Proclamation made by US Congress in 1935. Since then, World Friendship Day is being celebrated every year on the first Sunday in the month of August. This beautiful idea of celebrating Friendship Day was joyfully accepted by several other countries across the world. And today, many countries including India, celebrate the first Sunday of August as Friendship Day every year. Celebrating Friendship Day in a traditional manner, people meet their friends and exchange cards and flowers to honor their friends. Lot many social and cultural organization too celebrate the occasion and mark Friendship Day by hosting programs and get together. It may be noted that some associations celebrate Friendship Day in an entirely different time of the year and with different customs. For instance, National Friendship Day is on the first Sunday in August. Women's Friendship Day is on the third Sunday in August International Friendship Month is February Old Friends, New Friends Week is the third week of May   e-TIS (Electronic-The International Soroptimist) Dear all,  This is to inform you that the 1st Issue of Soroptimist International e-TIS Magazine is now available. "It is digital and therefore is now accessible to every single person in the world who has access to a computer. This means that anyone, anywhere can access Soroptimism and I hope you will make this infornation available to all clubs." Editor.  As your SISWP representative I wish to inform all clubs that accessing the web is very important. I also look forward to receiving prog news, partnerships that have helped clubs carry out their projects, good and clear photographs etc.If you have a dynamic partnership I would welcome an article on this. CLOSING DATE for articles to reach me will be 20 April. Please send in whenever the event has taken place and please  do not wait for the deadline.  1. Use this link:     http://content.yudu.com/A1n5bb/TISMarch2010  2. It is also available on our SISWP website where you go to Search and type in e-TIS and the magazine will be listed.  3. The easiest way for you to receive your TIS direct to your inbox:   Simply email editor@soroptimistinternational.org and you will receive your very own digital magazine each quarter, free of charge.  Thank you.  Dr Indrani Manuel.  SISWP Representative,  SI e-TIS Editorial Committee.   Fundraising Talk by Ann Woo at the Royal Lake Club on the 13th of June, 2009 (Saturday) The Fundraising talk held on Saturday, 13th June, 2009 at the Royal Lake Club was an eye-opener for all the participants. The talk was delivered by Ann Woo, the Chief Executive Officer of Nanyang Press Foundation. Being a very experienced fundraiser herself, the knowledge and experience imparted by her were very "edu-taining". 28 participants from 8 SI clubs in Malaysia attended the talk. The recent talk on FUNDRAISING was the first of the series of short seminars that will be organised by the Membership Development Convener for all SIROM members. Doris Brodie, Membership Development Convener. SISWP Website Presentation at the Royal Lake Club on the 17th of April, 2009 (Friday) We had a successful website presentation session by SISWP Public Relation Convener, Christine Johnston on Friday 17th April at the General Committee Room at the Royal Lake Club. The session lasted for about an hour and a half. About 13 members from 5 clubs in the Klang Valley and 2 from SI Seremban attended this interactive session as follows:- SI Ampang - Puan Sri Czarina Abdullah; SI Bangsar - Datin Indira Naidu, Chang Lee Hoon and Doris Lim; SI Damansara - Indrani Manuel; SI KL - Puan Sri Crystal, Joanne Fernandez, Fariza Jalil and Habibah; SI PJ - Kim Fong and Dhamayanthi; SI Seremban - Nicole Tan, T. Vijayaletsumi; Light refreshments were served. SIROM presented a conference t-shirt to Christine as a token of appreciation together with a "Thank You" card with all the participants' signatures. In return the President (Datin Indira) received chocolates (which were distributed to those present), and body cream. About 6 members adjourned to the Buttery for Dinner. SIROM would like to thank Public Relations Convenor, Nicole Tan of SI Seremban, for picking up the bill for the dinner. Christine had held a similar presentation for SI Penang members on the 16th of April, 2009 at President Shuba's residence. About 7 members had attended the session. SIROM would like to thank Past President of SISWP Joanne Fernandez for co-ordinating Christine's travels in Malaysia for presentation in Penang and the Klang Valley. The President would like to convey her sincere thanks to all the ladies for participating. All members of SIROM appreciate Christine Johnston for her valuable time and effort to conduct website presentations for us in Malaysia. Datin Indira Naidu, President of SIROM SIROM'S LATEST EVENT SIROM had its Annual General Meeting on 22nd. March at the Poolside Meeting Room, the Royal Lake Club. The AGM went off as expected, lot of interests, lot of opinions aired and with a proper round-up conclusion and lot of food for thought among members. Earlier, there was a training session on SI (Club) Protocol and Procedure, organized by the Training and Development Convenor, Doris Brodie. President-Elect Indira Naidu was the Speaker and Trainer. The session was well attended and there were many points, questions and suggestions raised. Doris promised to arrange for a follow up. The highlight of the day was the presentation of the SIROM Presidential Esteemed Membership Award. The Award was the President's acknowledgement for consistent and outstanding contributions by member(s) who through the years has helped spread and uplift SIROM's name and services both within and outside the Region. Up to 2008 the Award has been bestowed upon three great Soroptimist ladies namely Puan Sri Dr. Fatimah Hamid Don, first SIROM President, Mrs. Joanne Fernandez, Past President of the South West Pacific Federation and Mrs. Nina Wong, PP of SIROM and presently Life Honorary Member of SWP. This time around the recipient of this prestigious Award is Mrs. Dhamayanthi Vaithianathan. Dhama was a PP of SIROM who has displayed her dedication to the cause of Soroptimism through her untiring contribution to both SIROM and to her own club, SIPJ. The Award consists of a plaque, a certificate and a bouquet, presented to Dhama by President Kobkua, President-Elect Indira and Hon. Secretary Irene, respectively. The citation was delivered by Amuthanbigai Tharmarajah of SIBC. Dhama honoured us with a delightful "thank you" speech which had her audience in stitches. Here are some evidences of the happy event. Click here for photos