Sarawak-Australian graduates body aims to serve as ‘bridge’ for both sides
SIBU: The Sarawak Australian Graduates Association (Saga) will focus on engaging new members, fostering fellowship, goodwill and cooperation among Australian graduates in Sarawak.
Saga Central Region chairman Datuk Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming said it would also function as the ‘bridge’ between Sarawak and Australia/ Malaysia.
“A fellowship’s function plays an important role in the continuous growth of the association. It is also hoped that a fellowship function like this will help build stronger rapport, and form a more effective platform for establishing social bonds as well as business networking among members,” he said in his welcoming address at the Saga Central Region’s Annual General meeting (AGM) 2017 and Fellowship Night at a hotel here on Friday.
Saga was established in Kuching in 1989 and in August 2000, Australian graduates in Sibu led by the late Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew initiated the formation of Saga Central Region, following the Second Australian Universities International Alumni Convention 2000 (AUIAC 2000) in Kuching.
Initially, the core event for Saga was the Australian Universities International Alumni Convention held in Australia and other countries.
Saga’s main drive then was to encourage Australian graduates to participate in these conventions, which are no longer held.
Lau was pleased to highlight that these past few years, the Saga Central Region had jointly run some activities with other associations to promote better English usage here, such as the English singing competition and English public speaking speech contest co-organised with International Music Examinations Board (IMEB) and Swan City Toastmasters, as well as the English essay writing competition with The Borneo Post.
He said with the amazing support and cooperation, Saga Central Region would be able to perform its role effectively and contribute positively to the development of the community, society and country.
“Apart from that, I hope Saga would continue to foster rapport with Australian government national bodies and the consulates; thus re-establish the links between Sarawak and Australian governments,” Lau added.
A host of entertainment programmes including humorous speeches/jokes, musical performances and lucky draws were conducted to make the occasion joyous and memorable.
Saga Central Region was registered by Registrar of Societies (ROS) on April 6, 2005.
It now has about 230 registered members.