JCI KK celebrates 55th anniversary

KOTA KINABALU: JCI Kota Kinabalu, the oldest JCI chapter in Sabah, celebrated its 55th anniversary at Klagan Regency 1Borneo.

The night was attended by current and past members of the chapter to commemorate 55 years of leadership excellence in the state.

During the night, JCI Kota Kinabalu also conferred the JCI Senatorship award to founding member and pro -tem chairman John Hii.

The idea of a Junior Chamber germinated back in 1959. John, manager of Messer Jardine Waugh Co. was on a training course in London.

John, who was registered by his colleagues to attend the 17th JCI World Congress in Paris, was impressed with the friendliness, warmth and charm.

When he returned, he together with Fauzi Patel and Michael Chen, began recruiting members.

On 1st July 1962, marked the turning point when the first organisation’s meeting was held at Jesselton Recreation Club. Seventeen members were present that day with John leading the team as pro tem chairman.

On 2nd November 1962 marked the official date Jesselton Junior Chamber was formed and held its first General Meeting. From a membership size of 17 in 1962, Jesselton Junior Chamber has grown and transformed into Kota Kinabalu Jaycees to Kota Kinabalu Junior Chamber and finally now known as JCI Kota Kinabalu.

JCI Kota Kinabalu has a proven record of accomplishment as an excellent training ground for young minds. The projects undertaken by JCI Kota Kinabalu are always in line with the philosophy of Junior Chamber International, providing ‘areas of opportunity’ for members to acquire and refine leadership skills, which are necessary in today’s world.

In 2016, JCI Kota Kinabalu was awarded the Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara State Level for Best Youth Organisation by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah.