'Meet the EXCO' Monday: Treasurer Wee Chee Sian

Welcome to our Meet the EXCO series where we share a little about our EXCO members every other Monday.

Today, we are introducing our Treasurer, Wee Chee Sian. Organised, steady and meticulous, Chee Sian is the perfect person to take care of our money matters. Let's find out more about what he has to say! 

1. What might the club members be surprised to know about you?

I was never athletic in school. I became hooked on running long distances (I've taken part in marathons before) only after I started working. Then, I stopped running so frequently after suffering from a slipped disc, ouch! Later, I put on weight, oops!

2. How long have you been with Anchorvale TMC? 

I attended my first chapter meeting on 14 September 2013 — you do the maths! It was for exploration and fun initially. Then I did what the club requested whenever I can and voila! I was asked to be SAA (last term), and now Treasurer.

3. Can you tell us something about your responsibilities as Treasurer?

As Treasurer this term, I will keep accurate records of club's funds and expenses, and prepare budgets.

4. What do you like/enjoy most about Anchorvale TMC?

The laughter, the fun and the growth of all our members. You have so many people to learn from, to joke with, and who listen to you when you speak. What more can I ask for? I like to see members enjoying themselves at activities I help to set up during bonding sessions. Making people happy makes me happy. 

5. What do you wish other people knew about Anchorvale TMC/being a toastmasters?

Participation from everyone is encouraged, always! It is vibrant. You won't want to miss any of our meetings and bonding activities. The club's culture is getting more vibrant, and will continue to become more exciting... I think our membership will expand.

6. How has being a toastmasters affected other areas of your life?

When people ask me what I usually do on weekends, I now have Toastmasters in my list of activities. This alone usually opens a floodgate of questions.

7. What is your personal philosophy?

Borrowing a quote from someone else: "Take care of the downside, for the upside will take care of itself."

Reflections on the Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest, 22 Aug 2015

Photo by Sridhar Maroju

Hi everyone, most of you would have known about our annual Humourous Speech and Evaluation Contest on 22 August. It was truly an amazing afternoon showcasing the array of talents in our club and I'm sure everyone who participated enjoyed themselves thoroughly, as can be seen from the photos on Facebook. It would not have been possible without the organisers and helpers who willingly took the time and effort to ensure that everything ran smoothly. 

Co-organiser Karthik shares his thoughts below:

When our president Zulhafni asked me to take up a co-organising chair role for the contest, I knew nothing about the role. But now, after the contest I can confidently say that I can co-organize or organize such contests with an ease. All this was possible because of the guidance from the supportive exco team and a strong organising committee.  

One thing that amused me was the quick response by our contestants in reserving their speaking slots, which were almost booked within one day :)  

The organising committee was the greatest asset — their timely assistance made every thing run smoothly. I enjoyed a lot organising together with them. Kudos to you guys!  

One more thing to share: This time around, we have tried a different way of catering food, which we have not done in our club contest before, and received a positive feedback on that. Feeling good about that.  

Special thanks to Organising Chair (Alice) and Contest Chair (Salma) for their support and guidance throughout. I learned a lot from both of them. 

Clearly, Toastmasters is not just about public speaking, but also about learning a variety of life and leadership skills. Everyone is welcome to take part! One of our newest members, Linda, did just that:

This is my first time to help organise such an event in Anchorvale Toastmasters Club. Initially, I was confused about my role (SAA), but thanks to Karthik, Alice and Salma who prepared documents and the briefing before the contest started, I felt more confident. Also, Valliappan, with his experience as SAA before, guided the rest of the team along the way. I can say the contest was a great success! I was laughing all the way, that's for sure! :)  

Bravo to all the teams and participants who have contributed in one way or another. It's a really great experience and certainly a good memory of my time with the Anchorvale TMC community.

 It's heartening to see everyone rallying to make the contest a success! Congratulations to all the winners and I, for one, am looking forward to the next contest!

'Meet the EXCO' Monday: SAA Debanada Patro

Welcome to our Meet the EXCO series where we share a little about our EXCO members every other Monday. 

Today, we are going to meet our Sergeant-At-Arms, Debanada Patro. From day one, Deb has greatly entertained us with his sense of humour and deadpan delivery of his jokes. He is always willing to help out with club activities and is a familiar friendly face among the members. Let's find out more about what he has to say!

1. Tell us a little something surprising about yourself.
I have a childhood dream to run my own business. In fact, in 2000 I took a break from work for about a year and started an Internet cafe. The shop included a cafe, 5 pool tables and 20 internet stations. However, running a business was hard and I lost everything. Then, it was back to the IT profession.

2. How long have you been with Anchorvale TMC?  

I am "one year old" in Anchorvale TMC. My company has its own club, but due to work challenges I don't have time to attend their meetings. I am so lucky to have a club near my home and can attend the meetings during weekends. My passion to learn and regular attendance eventually led me to join the EXCO.

3. Can you tell me something about your responsibilities as SAA?

As Sergeant-At-Arms, I attend to club property and coordinate club meetings. Everything I do as SAA supports the club's mission.

4. What do you like/enjoy most about Anchorvale TMC?

Anchorvale TMC is unique and most importantly I learn while having fun. As it is a non-profit organization and open to all, I really hope that others can take this opportunity to learn while having fun too. I am keen to keep up the legendary activities that we have and maintain the club's success.
I see that we have positive competition, which spurs everyone to put 100% in their speeches. What that means is, this club will produce many international champions. Obviously, this is a good thing.

5. How has being a toastmasters affected other areas of your life?

I am very attached to my family, like most other people. Since I attend most of the chapter meetings every alternate Saturday, my family members feel they have "lost" me for 8 hours every month! But over time they have gotten used to it.

6. What is your personal philosophy?

I am happy to be me and not anyone else.

7. What is one thing you cannot live without/cannot resist?

I can't live without love - for love is the single source for air, food and light.