The IBBM Sabah Toastmasters
Club (7671-51) was initiated by the former Chairman of IBBM Sabah, Tuan
Hj. Hasbullah Hj. Abdullah. At the same time, IBBM Kuala Lumpur gave
its full support in ensuring that the new club got all the assistance to
get off the ground.
A preview meeting was held on
11 July 1998. A group of bankers met at the IBBM Sabah Branch Centre
for a meeting with the Area K1 Governor, ATM Francis Tham on how to charter
the proposed IBBM Sabah Toastmasters Club. At the meeting, ATM Francis
Tham explained to the bankers why public speaking skills are needed and
how the Toastmasters Club can help in providing every member with the opportunity
to develop communication and leadership skills. At the end of the
meeting, the Protem Committee members were elected. The Club's mentors
were CTM Nancy Tham and CTM Agnes Yap. ATM Francis Tham and DTM TC
Lim were the Club sponsors. All of them are from Kota Kinabalu Toastmasters
Club.
Our first training meeting was
held on 15 August 1998 at the IBBM Sabah Branch in Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu.
It was attended by twelve members and four guests from the Kota Kinabalu
Toastmasters Club who came to help out as role players. The
Kota Kinabalu Toastmasters Club has continued to give their support to
our Club right up to the present.
The first installation of the
chartered committee was performed by the Area K1 Governor 1998/1999, ATM
Francis Tham on 5 December 1998 at the Karamunsing Hotel. The Guest
of Honour at the function was our District 51 Governor 1998/1999, DTM Datuk
Dayang Adeline Leong. The 26 charter members were also presented
on stage to receive their membership certificates from the Guests of Honour.