One of my initial official visits to Lions clubs was to the Lions Club of Penang Host, which is the second-oldest club in the district, after LC Kuala Lumpur Host. This club was chartered on August 5, 1963.
I attended their Business Meeting at Penang Club, which was conveniently located in my own neighborhood. I arrived early before the meeting began, greeting each Lion with a handshake as a way to foster a warm atmosphere, despite being familiar with most of the members. 
The meeting commenced promptly at 8:00 PM, with everyone taking their seats. It was conducted with strict adherence to protocols, although I was met with friendly and welcoming faces.
As the meeting drew to a close, I took a light-hearted turn. I invited the Lions to momentarily forget that I was their District Governor, reminding them with a smile that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” That simple phrase broke the ice—and the formality. What followed was a delightful shift. Titles were set aside, laughter bubbled up, and camaraderie took center stage.
The room transformed from a formal gathering into a circle of friends, united not just by service but by shared joy. It was, in every sense, business as usual—the kind that builds bonds and strengthens clubs. Moments like these remind me that leadership isn’t just about structure and protocol. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to loosen the tie, share a laugh, and let the spirit of fellowship do its quiet work.
