JCI Malaysia National Convention to be held in KK
KOTA KINABALU: Junior Chamber International (JCI) Tanjung Aru held its 43rd Installation and Awards Banquet (IAB) at Hakka Hall here on Sunday.
Graced by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun, among the highlights of the ceremony were the inauguration of the new JCI Tanjung Aru president Amanda Yong Man Weng and her new Board of Directors, an induction ceremony for new members, and an award ceremony for exceptional achievers.
The ceremony also saw a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between JCI Malaysia and JCI Tanjung Aru for the JCI Malaysia National Convention (JCI Malaysia NatCon) 2024 which will be held from Oct 17 to 19 at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here.
In her speech, Amanda introduced her theme of “Legacy, Building Tomorrow’s Leader”, which also aligns with JCI Malaysia NatCon 2024’s theme of “Legacy of Leaders”, as she reminded the importance of empowering a community of leaders who will continue to make a difference for years to come.
She said JCI Tanjung Aru is committed to offering comprehensive training programmes tailored to develop essential leadership skills, including public speaking, debate training, and project management.
She said it also promotes global understanding and cooperation through twinning initiatives with chapters from other countries.
“For instance, we have established sisterhood relationships with JCI ChungYo in Taiwan and JCI Cebu in Philippines.
“We always encourage our members to participate in national and international conventions, providing them with invaluable opportunities to broaden their perspectives and network with like-minded individuals from around the world,” she said.
In addition, Amanda said entrepreneurship and business skills development are also central to JCI Tanjung Aru’s mission, and this year, it will carry out its “Hi Tauke” flagship project which aims to support and empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, she said community action is at the heart its endeavors, and another flagship project it will carry out this year is Merdeka for Mereka (M4M), where its primary goal is not only to serve but also to create awareness for the less fortunate communities such as the autism and blind and deaf societies.
“I firmly believe that the greatest legacy a leader can leave is the development of others. It is my earnest hope that, during my tenure as president of JCI Tanjung Aru, we will continue to inspire, mentor, and empower each other to reach new heights of leadership excellence and service to our community,” she said.
Also present were Public Relations Secretary to the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship,q Amos Thien Tze Tin; Sabah Convention Bureau chief executive officer (CEO) Noreda Othman; G&A Group CEO Dato’ George Lim; and 2024 JCI Malaysia national secretary-general Leo Tay.
Meanwhile, past JCI Tanjung Aru president Kevin Khor Jun Jie expressed his gratitude to his 2023 Board of Directors, members and invaluable stakeholders for their enduring support, stating them as the backbone of the organisation.
To the members, new and seasoned, he said their enthusiasm and dedication have been the lifeblood of JCI Tanjung Aru, and their willingness to volunteer, to lead, and to make a difference in the community has not just touched lives but has changed them.
“However, in our pursuit of excellence, there were moments we stumbled, decisions that could have been better, and opportunities missed. For any shortcomings, I seek your forgiveness and understanding. After all, to err is human, to forgive is divine, and to learn from mistakes is how we grow.
“As I look to the future, I am thrilled to welcome the new Board of Directors led by its president Amanda, who is stepping into roles of great responsibility and even greater potential. I have every confidence that you will lead JCI Tanjung Aru to new frontiers of success.
“I want to remind everyone that leadership in JCI Sabah is not just about holding a position, but about action and example. Let’s all aspire for change, be the champions for our community, and bring out the best in each other,” he said.
The new JCI Tanjung Aru Board of Directors comprise Amanda as president; Joanna Chong Kae Suan, executive vice-president; Liau Chen Hong, secretary; Lim Ja Yi, treasurer; Lo Hong En, vice-president (individual); Eric Len Joon Yih, vice-president (community); Lim Wuang Ching, vicepresident (business); Lee Wei Shen, vice-president (international); and Yee Keh Wei, general legal counsel.
Regarding the JCI Malaysia National Convention 2024 hosted by JCI Tanjung Aru, it is an annual event where members gather for the general assembly, during which the JCI national board of directors is elected.
Spanning three days and two nights, this event holds paramount significance within JCI Malaysia, being the largest and most important annual occasion, and is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of JCI members and local organisations.
The event typically attracts over 1,300 JCI members from across Malaysia and international delegates within the JCI Asia and the Pacific Area.
JCI Tanjung Aru is an international non-profit, nonpartisan, and non-governmental organization network that consists of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, and it is also the largest Local Organisation (LO) in Sabah with 64 members and 43 years of history.
Its mission is to provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change, and there are four areas of opportunity in JCI, namely Individual Growth, Business and Entrepreneurship, Community Action, and International Cooperation.