PRESIDENT REPORT 2007-MARCH 2008
The 2007-2009 biennium officially began on the night of 25 March when the changing of the guards ceremony took place during the Gala Dinner on the Danga cruise going up and down the beautiful Tebrau Straits. Since then SIROM has undertaken many activities in line with of the biennium’s focus namely the “joy of sisterhood” and the “Green and Clean” campaign for our environment. I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks to the Exco, and the Council, especially Secretary Irene who has been an exemplary secretary and a dear friend, for their support and to all of you, SI sisters, for both moral and material support to me personally and to many activities and initiatives introduced. The President can only be and do what members wish her to be and do.
The activities and initiatives carried out through the year include the followings:
The Biennial SIROM “Green and Clean” Campaign
At the Biennial Gala Dinner in Johor Baru, I announced to members that SIROM’s main project emphasis will be on environment under the theme of “Green and Clean” Campaign. Clubs have been asked to undertake at least one project to create awareness, or to advocate or take action on various aspects of environment. It was heartening to see that for the past twelve months the request has received support from many Clubs including SIJB, SILikas, SI Miri, SIA and SIBC.
Presidential Visits to Clubs
In line with a target of strengthening the Soroptimist bond, I have visited as many clubs as physically possible during the first twelve months. I am most happy to report that so far, I have managed to visit all clubs in the Peninsula, with the exception of SIKL, starting with the baby club of SI Seremban on April 13 2007, and ending with SI Penang on 19 February 2008. In between I was able to visit SI Kuantan and SI Teruntum in June 2007 where I also was privileged to attend the SI Kuantan 12th. Anniversary Dinner and won a set of 16” colour television, and a cheque presentation hi-tea arranged by President Christine of SI Teruntum. These were followed by a visit to SIBC and SISA during the clubs’ monthly meeting in July; attendance of the SID annual dinner in the same month; attendance of the SIA annual dinner in April and visit of the club in August; attendance of SIPJ’s Charity Bachelor Auction in September; and in November a visit to SIJB and participation in the club launching of the ABC workshop. I should also record that during my presidential visit to SI Penang, I was able to induct three new members to the club. The expansion of SI Penang is a result of tireless efforts made by President Malicca. Cheers to you, Malicca.
It is my dearest hope that I shall be able to call upon Soroptimist sisters of Likas and Miri during the coming twelve months.
The presidential visits of club are an experience that must be encouraged. Through such personal contact, I have learned a great deal about individual clubs, their activities and projects. It is without doubt that SIROM members through their numerous projects, contribute substantially to the objectives and to SI’s theme of “Building a Better World for Women”. Congratulations everyone.!
SIROM DAY and Seminar on “Sustainable Living in Malaysia’s
Everyday Life”
SIROM Day is a Novelty: for the first time, SIROM Council and Exco decided to celebrate SIROM’s birthday, 8 December, in a big way. SIROM was 16 years of age on the date, a truly right age to begin an adult life! The celebration programme was divided in two parts: (i) a seminar on “ Sustainable Living” in Malaysia which is in line with the biennial theme of the Green and Clean” Campaign, and a means to create awareness and action among members and through club members, among the public at large; (ii) the Fund-Raising Dinner for the Year II of the “Green and Clean” Campaign which will give focus to “sustainable living” in Malaysia.
The Seminar on “ Sustainable Living in Malaysia’s Everyday Life” took place at the Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya, in the morning of 8th. December 2007. We were fortunate to have received kind and complete co-operation from the Environmental Protection Society of Malaysia/EPSM which helped SIROM to work out the seminar sub-topics and provide most of our learned speakers. On behalf of SIROM and all of our SI sisters, I wish to record our thanks and appreciation to EPSM, especially its grand lady Y.Bhg. Datin Susheila McCoy, and President Manogaran Maniam, and all speakers namely Angela Hijjas of MNS, Randolph Jeremiah, Khaw Siok Kim, Mano Maniam and of course Datin Susheila, all from the EPSM. The sentiment prevailed was that the seminar was a great success; all participants have become very much aware of the seriousness of the global climate change and damage and pollution caused to our environment by our own habits and at times thoughtlessness. We are also impressed by the urgency required for all of us to make it our responsibility to preserve and sustain our precious environment for future generations.
The Fund-raising Dinner in Celebration of SIROM DAY was in the evening of 8th. December at the Junior Ballroom, Nikko Hotel, KL. The dinner was very well attended by members and the public most of whom were the generous donors. SIROM was very touched by the support from so many! We certainly could not have achieved our target without kind co-operation and assistance from SI clubs and the public.. SIROM was honoured by our Guest-of-Honour Y.Bhg. Datin Sri Dr. Kalsom Ismail, wife of the Minister of Science and Technology and our VIP guest, YAM Raja Datin Sri Azureen binti Sultan Azlan Shah. We were likewise in debt to two young designers who put up an impressive fashion show for us. Thanks to you, Anita Hiong and Nazreen. We also had an opportunity to showcase SIROM ‘s international achievement with the presentation of the Clio Awards. Thanks to the hard work of IPP Siew Yong and her team. The night was flooded with all the goodies for lucky numbers, lucky tables and door gifts. I don’t think there was anyone who went home empty handed. On top of this, SIROM managed to raise a sizeable fund for clubs’ environmental projects. Thanks to the generosity of the YTL Coporation, Segari Energy Ventures, Gas Malaysia, TNB, PP SWP Joanne Fernandez, Bangsar Village, Giant Supermarket, Kelana Jaya, Nikko Hotel and all of you SI sisters.
SIROM’s Celebration of Malaysian Religio-Cultural Festivales
As a multi-racial society Malaysia is well-known for her numerous religio-cultural festivities and the special manner in which these festivals are celebrated. It is mainly through these socio-cultural functions that Malaysians of different ethnics learn about each other and enjoy each other’s hospitality. SIROM takes advantage of the richness of our multi-racial socio-culture to strengthen the bond of sisterhood. We have organized luncheon and high-tea functions in celebrating these festivals among SIROM members:
(i) Dinner in celebrating of breaking the Fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan on 20th. September, with President Kobkua as host at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Representatives from clubs around the Klang valley were there in full force: SIKL, SIBC, SIPJ, SIS, SID and SISA.
(ii)The SIROM Deepavali dinner on 30th. November at Café Citron, Bangsar. President-Elect Indira Naidu was the host. The dinner began with the traditional lighting of the pelita/ little candle lamps by IPP Siew Yong and myself. It was one of the most enjoyable gathering together amidst a warm and friendly atmosphere.
(iii)The Christmas /New Year Lunch at La casa, Bandar Manjelara, Kuala Lumpur. Secretary Irene was the host. More than 25 members joined the function. Good outing for European food and for catching up among members.
(iv)The Chinese New Year Lunch at the Selangor Club, Bukit Kiara, 9th. March 2008. UN/Programme Liaison Nora Lam acted as host. The food was good and the company was better.
Interaction with NCWO
As affiliated member of the National Council of Women Organizations/ NCWO, SIROM took part in certain functions of NCWO such as its Council meetings and other relevant functions. For the past twelve months, Secretary Irene and myself have attended two of the NCWO Council meeting at the Felda Building in Kuala Lumpur., and took part in the discussion especially those concerning women and children. I have also been invited to sit on a sub-committee to discuss about school facilities and measures for the safety of school- children especially girls.
On 2nd. September, representing SIROM, Hon. Secretary Irene, Dr, Jaya Boonshane, our IGU co-ordinator and myself attended the “Hari Wanita” as part of NCWO representatives, at Bukit Jalil Sport Complex. At the same function SIROM donated RM 1,300 as contribution from SIROM and clubs to the Darfur Children Fund set up by the Government.
SIROM Matters
(i) SIROM Foundation: In relation with the decision made by the majority of clubs to set up SIROM Foundation, it was agreed at the close of the last biennium that the fund raised during the Federation Conference in Kula Lumpur in 2001, which was returned to us by the SWP Federation be a seeding fund for SIROM Foundation. PP SWP Joanne Fernandez was appointed chairperson of the Task Force to proceed with the setting of the Foundation in accordance with Malaysian legal requirements. The Task Force members are , apart from Joanne, IPP Siew Yong, Secretary Irene, Nora Lam SIJB and myself. The progress of the setting up of the Foundation has been reported to SIROM Council on regular basis. The documents on the Foundation, the Constitution included, have been circulated to Club delegates and clubs for feed-back and further clarification. It is now at its final circulation among the clubs. PP SWP Joanne together with members of the Task Force, has offered to visit clubs to offer further clarifications if needed. It is expected that the Foundation documents would receive the concurrence of clubs in the not so far a future.
(ii) SI Clubs in Malaysia share with other clubs all over the Federation the difficulty of membership retention and recruitment of new members. The ups and downs of SI membership is always uppermost for us in SIROM. Particularly so, when we have to abide by the rules and regulations of the ROS. It is with great sadness that SIROM Exco and Council had to suspend the Teruntum Club for a period of 12-16months. It was also agreed that during this period SIROM will try to help reviving the club. The main problem of Teruntum was its inability to retain members. Teruntum was down to 3 members at the time the decision was made; even then it was clear that they found it very hard to attend club function at the same time. Christine Goh had held the club presidency for more than 2 years, evidently against the club and Federation constitutions. SIROM Council had no alternative but to suspend the club from operating until it could fulfil the requirements of ROS and function as a club within the time stipulated. The Council meeting on 26th. January 2008 has agreed to a setting-up of a sub-committee to look into the ways and means to revive Teruntum Club.
(iii) SIROM’s high-tea in honour of IPP Siew Yong on 24 August, 2007. IPP Siew Yong was presented with an appreciation souvenir for her contribution and hard work performed during her presidency, at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
SI Glasgow Convention
The SI Convention in Glasgow in July 2007 was well-attended by members of SIROM . There were 7 of us representing both the SIROM Exco and clubs: SIKL, SIBC, SID, SIPJ, and SIS . The number included also Indirani Manuel (Dr.) who was at the Convention as SWP Director of Programme and Indira Naidu who acted as SIROM pre- Convention delegate. The Convention was very well organized especially in term of information and updated knowledge on women, environment, programmes and projects. Most of us had also opportunity to exchange information and to get to know about other Soroptimists, their Federations, regions and clubs and how they managed to fund-raise for their projects.
The Convention also saw many new decisions taken especially on the 10-point Programme Focus Objectives for 2007-2011, as well as the Programme Focus Goals for the Quadrennium of 2007-2011 to ensure that women and girls worldwide enjoy equality, education and safe environment. The Quadrennial Project decided at the Convention is the Sierra Project.
End Note
The year 2007 has been a memorable time for me. It has provided me with a meaningful learning curve on Soroptimist Region of Malaysia. It confirms my belief that position comes with great responsibility. I am looking forward to more co-operation, positive and invigorating encouragement from all of us in SIROM. Together we can and will contribute more to the community we love. Thank you all.
Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian
President, SIROM
2007-2009
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fritri
Selamat Deepavali
Time does fly. It seems only yesterday that I had a privilege of addressing you on our web after take over the SIROM Presidency. Many things have happened since, and our celebration for SIROM DAY is just round the corner.
Allow me to list out some of the events during the period: there are traditional on-going Presidential visits to clubs; appreciation lunch for IPP Siew Yong; SIROM representatives participating in the Hari Wanita and our donation to the Dafur Children Fund; and the SI Convention in Glasgow last July.
The last-mentioned event was of significance. SIROM members who attended the Convention were able to profit from a golden opportunity to interact and network with SI sisters from all the four Federations. It was also a time of learning as well as we had a rare opportunity to attend talks conducted by world –famous speakers on current and important topics such as environment, projects, status of women around the globe and how SI has managed to make a difference. The Quadrennial Project 2007-11, Project Sierra –A Family and A Future was introduced. It aims to help a world most deprived women community and to enable children to grow up in a caring family environment. We feel proud to be a part of such organization of women helping other women of less fortunate to be self-sufficient and more. It truly spurred us on to double our efforts for community service.
I would now like to draw SI sisters’ attention to the up-coming celebration of SIROM DAY scheduled on 8 December. Please see details in the UPDATE section. SIROM will complete its 15 years of age and, figuratively speaking, will be on the threshold of a great adventure of ‘sweet sixteen’. For this fact, SIROM has selected to continue creating an awareness and action among ourselves and the public at large on the urgency of saving and sustaining our ever-battered environment for not just SIROM but all the “sweet sixteens” of our nation and beyond. It is our prime responsibility to do our bits in a collective effort to pass on to younger generations, for the greater good of humanity, a healthy environment and a culture of sustainable living.
The seminar in the celebration of SIROM DAY aims to be informative and open our eyes and hearts to do our best for Malaysia’s environment. The dinner which will a fun time for all members will also be a time for fund-raising for the Year Two phase of this Green and Clean campaign launched in April, in an effort to make a difference. I implore you to join SIROM in making SIROM DAY both a fun time and a time for thinking of others who are in fact parts of all of us.
See you all on 8 December. In the meantime, may GOD bless each and everyone of us.
Yours in SI Sisterhood
Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian
President, SIROM
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