EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES - LC GEORGE TOWN MUTIARA

 EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES

Lions Club of George Town Mutiara (1988)

During the fiscal year 1980- 1981, District Governor Jeffrey Quah appointed me as District Chairman for Leo Clubs which was essentially a youth program (Alpha Leos ages 11-18 and Omega Leos ages 19-28). I noticed that many Omega Leos on reaching 28 would terminate their Leo membership and did not progress to their parent Lions Club. These Leos were most knowledgeable in leadership and the Lions movement.

In 1985 and 1986, I encouraged LC George Town Central to form a Leo-Lions Club and I was prepared to actively participate in the new club. The agenda was left out in the board meeting until two years later when my proposal was tabled and approved. In 1988 I was given the go-ahead to form a Leo-Lions Club.

Initially, I had difficulties in persuading the former Leos to come together. They had an impression that Lions clubs were ‘rich men’s clubs'. I clarified that starting a new club with Leo membership would make a big difference as they could decide on the fees and the running of the club and I was to be a member of the club.  Done!

We proposed the name - Lions Club of George Town Mutiara as Penang was known as the “Pearl of the Orient”. Being a club formed on the island, the name “Pearl” was most suitable but we used the Malay term “MUTIARA” instead.   Beautiful and appropriate “Mutiara”. 

On 20/4/1988 we convened a fruitful meeting whereby eleven former Leos and thirteen service-minded friends of Leos confirmed their membership. It was the first Lions Club in the District (Malaysia) to comprise members from both genders.

The formation meeting was held at the Corner Club, Gurney Drive, Penang. The then District Governor Dr. Ong Tat Lien conducted the initiation ceremony which was witnessed by over fifty members of the Lions family. 

The 'Instruments of Charter’ was received from Lions Clubs International on 13th April 1988 with Lion Danny Lim Kean Teong as her Charter President. 

The Presentation of the Charter Certificate and Installation of the Charter President and Board of Directors was held at Ferringhi Beach Hotel, Penang on 25th June 1988; witnessed by 250 invited Lions and guests.

LC George Town Mutiara grew from strength to strength. The club took a leap in establishing an international relationship by twinning with the Lions Club of Hatyai Central, Thailand on 12/5/1990. This fulfilled one of the objectives of Lions Club International.

In 1991, we had a hiccup when a few members had to leave to focus on their careers and some to further their studies.  The club was saddled with a leadership crisis.

I was reluctantly elected to the Presidency of the Club to help the club overcome the leadership crisis. During my term of office, I formed a smart partnership with the Penang Road Safety Council to organize a treasure hunt for the state of Penang. Another project fundraising initiative was “treasure on foot” which attracted over a hundred participants. These projects activated our club members and there were new members were inducted into the club. More in-house leadership seminars and workshops were conducted. Social functions were held in members' homes and this created greater fellowship among the club members. I was happy that members were ready to step into leadership roles. 

My efforts did not go unnoticed as the district awarded me the “Lion of the Year Award” while International President, William ‘L’ Biggs presented me the “Leadership Award”

During that year, I submitted my application to be a Life Member of Lions Clubs International. 

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