36TH MD308 LIONS CONVENTION 1998

36th MD308 LIONS CONVENTION 

(15TH DISTRICT 308A & 308B LIONS CONVENTION)

22ND MD308 LIONESS FORUM

26TH -29TH MARCH, 1998

The 36^th Multiple District 308 Lions Convention was the largest Convention ever held in Johor. It was also the 15^th Sub District 308A & 308B Conventions as well as the 22^nd MD 308 Lioness Forum. A total of 1510 delegates flooded the posh Eden Garden Hotel in Johor Baru despite the economic downturn. Convention Organising Committee Chairman (COCC) Koo Chi Seng would not be deterred by such circumstances and managed to rally a lot of financial support. To my mind, the success of the convention was largely due to Koo’s dynamic leadership and dedicated working committee.

The Lions Clubs International (LCI) Representative was International Director Peter Fu from Singapore and his wife Mary.

The Menteri Besar of Johore, YAB Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani Bin Othman officiated the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Convention which was held at the Eden Garden Hotel Grand Ballroom on 27^th March 1998 at 3.30pm.  He received a roaring welcome and a sea of colourful banners from all corners of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.  IPCC Dr YH Chin had earlier called the meeting to order in the tradition of MD 308. The flag presentation was duly carried out. 215 Lions and Lioness Clubs were assembled in their respective zones with banners proclaiming their clubs.

On the same evening, YAB Dato’ and his wife, Datin Professor Dr Jamilah Binti Ariffin graciously hosted a dinner cum cultural show for the delegates at his official residence. The dinner was set up in the residence’s spacious garden under a huge marquee. Brightly lit and breezy. It was a delight to watch the graceful traditional dancers moving to the beat of traditional Malay instruments on the stage.

During the speech, YAB Dato’ challenged the Lions delegates to go out and help the less capable non-governmental welfare organisations. He noted that most of the delegates were proven leaders in the community and equally successful in the corporate and business world. Thus, the expected synergy created by the tie-ups with the NGOs would greatly enhance community-based projects.

On Saturday 28^th March, Seminars for President-Elect and Incoming Club Officers were conducted.  The certification of voting delegates was opened until from 10am to 1pm.   The venue for the talk on the convention theme, ‘Unity in Diversity’ took place at the Grand Ballroom. The election took place from 3.00 to 4.00pm.   

The Convention Banquet was held at the capacious Expo Centre which was specially decorated with and colourful balloon arch to welcome the guests. The programme went on smoothly with the usual speeches, dances and songs. My only complaint was that the music was a bit too loud. Not ideal for Lion's bonding!

At the MD308 Closing Plenary Session, many business items were adopted by the delegates. They included the MD and District Resolutions, Chairmen’s Report for seminars and workshops, elections and the next venue for the 37^th MD Convention. 

For the record, the following Lions were elected:

Council Chairman : Dr. Mario Yoong Foh Yan (Kluang)    

District 308A1 DG  : Han Thien Fong (Singapore Host)                           

District 308A2 DG  : Hjh Ellis Suriyati (Kuching)                                      
District 308B1 DG  : Chee Boon Leong (Muar Host)   

District 308B2 DG  : Michael Tham (Petaling Jaya)      

District 308A1 VDG  : William Kwok SK (Singapore Clark Quay)

District 308A2 VDG  : James Teo (Labuan Mandarin)

District 308B1 VDG  : Siah Yok Lin (Segamat)

District 308B2 VDG  : Dato’ Dr Foo Wan Kien (Ipoh Host)

In keeping with the tradition of Lions MD 308, the Council Chairman-Elect, Dr Mario Yoong treated all PDGs/VDGs/DGEs/VDGEs to a sumptuous lunch at the hotel. 

Later, the elected officers retreated to the DG & VDG School, headed by our PID Douglas KK Lee. Douglas was ably supported by Council Chairman Shiv Banerjee and MD Leadership Chairman.