Friday, 21 July 2017

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIONS CLUB OF IPOH HOST

Specially for Syuan Yan, Amethyst Richardson and others:-


A group of service minded people led by Melvin Jones who formed our Lions organization and had turned it into the biggest service organization in the world of nearly 1.45 million members.

Herein our hometown of Ipoh, a group of service minded prominent people led by Dato’ Seri Chan Swee Ho, the first Chartered President of Lions Club Ipoh Host, and others like former President of Ipoh Municipal Dato’ SP Seenivasagam, former Mayor Dato’ Liew Wai Hon, famous lawyer AS Yeoh, and banker Foo Sek Kai had chartered this club – the first Lions Club in Perak and fourth Lions Club formed in District 308 B2, sponsored by Lions Club of Penang Host on 2nd February, 1966.

The Chartered President Dato’ Seri Chan Swee Ho
was a leading industrialist in the 60’s and 70’s succeeded by his son Albert Chan who is also a Lion and a successful industrialist. Dato’ Seri Chan was assisted by Mr Foong Weng Yew, the first Chartered Secretary who is still with us today.

Our Club was established with a strong footing led by some very committed Lions who were also professionals holding important positions in the society like Frank Cowie, the City Council Chief Engineer who had established our system of administration that had governed our club for the past many years;
Lewis Putra, one who had set up a foundation and obtained tax exemption status for us.  We also had prominent members like Peter Chin who built the underpass in Hugh Low Street now Jalan Sultan Iskandar.  

We had also made three District Governors. The first is Dr Foo Loke Lam who speaks like a machine
gun also known as a talkathon, during his years he had set up a district disaster fund to help the Vietnamese refugees and he has also started the twinning with many overseas sister clubs who are here today to join in our celebration.Then comes Dato’ Choong Chin Liang who is well known to have set up the heart fund in Lions Club of Ipoh Host. The third Dato’ Dr Foo Wan Kien, known as the District Governor for two centuries from 1999 to 2000.

During being term he created time capsule with a
monument in D.R. Seenivasagam Park where prominent Lions and friends of Lions have their palm prints embossed and was declared  open by Tan Sri Dato' Seri DiRaja Tajol Rosli who was then the Chief Minister of Perak. During the celebration of the millennium time capsule the whole district  carried the lights of hope to the new millennium in which 10,000 new year cards were sent all over the world to promote Malaysia under the slogan of “the glorious past and the bright future”.

Dato’ Foo also established an education fund which today stands at RM350,000.00 and had benefited many students.   The Chairman of this project was Lion Dato’ Choong Chin Liang. Part of the fund was raised from donations and also by the creation of Ipoh Motor Fair. The highlight of the Fair at that time was Michelle Yeoh being crowned as Miss Lions Motor Fair and we believe that was her first crown. She later became Miss Malaysia and the famous James Bond girl.

The Club had also built a Lions Home and has lease the Home to the Ray of Hope for a nominal rental so that the Ray of Hope can utilize the same for children with special needs. The early efforts for the home were initiated by Lau Man Wah and Andy Lim Choong Soo and was finally completed through the effort of T. Sriskanda and Foo Wan Shoon. 

We sponsored many Lions clubs including the Lioness club of Ipoh. The first formal meeting of the 10 Lady Lions was on the 3rd November, 1976 at Ipoh Club under the guidance of the then Dynamic District Chairman for Lioness Clubs Programme Lion G.F. Pillay, Lion President Dr. Foo Look Lam, Lions Louis Putra, Frank Cowie and Mr. Ramanathan. The 10 Lady Lions, Juliet Putra, Maggie Foo, Edith Fatimah Naburi, Yvonne Lau, Mary Cowie, Florence Soh, Saroja Chandran, Mallika Subash Rajam, Retnam and Chong Siew Lam were briefed on the Lioness Programme and it was chartered on 26th February, 1977 with Lioness Juliet Putra as its chartered President.

We have also sponsored 4 Leo Clubs namely Leo Club of Anderson Ipoh, Ava Maria Convent Ipoh, Idris Shah Gopeng and Sam Tet Ipoh with the Leo Club of Anderson being the oldest Leo Club in District 308 B2.

During the Clubs 25th Anniversary, a Green Run was carried out as a journey for the Old Folks and monies raised were utilized for the Old Folk funds. The project was initiated by Vincent Kok.

The Clubs had also organized a charity Drive to Phuket wherein Lions from our Sister Club Singapore North East joined us together with the Lioness on this magical drive to Phuket. 

Fifty members and their friends had flown to Medan on an inaugural flight by the then Pelangi Air. It was a record number that flew out and this feat has never been repeated. This trip was held during the term of T. Sriskanda. In his term he also initiated the raising of funds for five (5) heart patients, another record for a term.

The Club also organized a Miss Tourism Perak during the term of Justin Khoo. The man behind the event was none other than Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Yom Ahmad a prominent member of our Club.  Another prominent member, Dato Gan Tack Kong was the chief judge. The funds raised which was RM50,000.00 was given away to a few charitable homes in Perak. 

The club had organized a very successful Treasurer Hunt to Danok, Thailand which till today is still talked about by those who participated. 

We also had Recycled Presidents who have come forward again and again to take up the post of President. The hat trick record holder is none other than G. Kannassen. Our current President and the first lady President Emily Kong Phooi Lai has emulated the effort of G. Kannesan.

Then have been many more projects carried out over the years. Some in the 60’s and 70’ as mentioned earlier. Some in the 80’s and 90’s  and of course those carried out in the 21st century by our young Lions such  as Ong Teng Boon and Raymond Lau both Past Presidents.

During the last term of Emily Kong Phooi Lai, the club carried out a record of one hundred thirty four (134) projects and activities. Again another record was created. Our membership has grown during Emily Kong Phooi Lai’s term from 34 to 64.

We have recorded these ever lasting memories in the pictures elaborately displayed in our 50th anniversary magazine since as they say a picture paints a thousand words.   

What we are proud of now is immortalized in these famous words of Henry Ford:-

Coming together is a beginning;
keeping together is progress;
working together is success.

123 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful story. I bet a lot of struggle in the process too. But to maintain a club to 52 years is something to be celebrate. Good job.

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  2. Every story lost a point through each telling, so it better to preserve it while it still fresh. There is good and bad days, there's a reasons why there are raining days. Well preserve history hopefully makes our young LIONS realize those hardship in maintaining the club. Hopefully the young generation of Ipoh Host Lions Club will feel the same.

    Congratulation and keep working for a greater future for our next generation.

    Regards,
    Lion Josè Nelly
    Texas Lion

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank u.good job!!interesting story.wise man say a strong club must have a strong members behind it.the gallery in aeon falim,is it open 24/7?would love to see it someday.thank u,now i am more interested in lions club.

    P/s:more pics will make it more interesting.but very very thank u for ur effort.i mean it.u r a very good person.thank u.

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  4. Thank you Syuan Yan. Our motto is WE SERVE. ��

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  5. Nice story. It is a reminder of how great you are. But you'll be more greater if you can maintain it. Congratulations on your 52nd Installation. Keep on roaring!!

    Mas Iryani, Indonesia.

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  6. Hi, Amethyst Richardson here again.

    Thank you, I'm sure more and more people recognize Lions Club of Ipoh Host now. And as Syuan Yan said, you, the person or club editor and IT communication are a very kind person and also very effective in providing information. Good job!

    Thanks a lot and congratulation on your 52nd Installation of President and Board of Directors. May the gold keep shining in your hand. Thank you.

    Regards,
    Amethyst Richardson

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  7. Amazing history!. I just wonder, did your club still use the original Brass Meeting Bell or Gong and gavel? Maybe someday you can show off the item you have as part of your history (banner/flag and charter certificate) cause sometime, LCI store change their stuff patern. I read about Lions Home too, such a great contribution! May your club gain more and more great achievement.

    Cincinnati Lion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Cincinnati Lion,

      We still have the Brass Meeting Bell or Gong and Gavel which we purchased from LCI many many years ago. We have the banner but unfortunately only a copy of the charter certificate.

      Thank you for your encouragement and best wishes.

      Delete
    2. A copy is better than none. Every patch also have their own meaning which I’m quite sure our junior Lions wasn’t aware about it!

      A written history is precious as a source of information for junior Lions and bring back memory for our senior Lions. Thus, I congratulate your club effort in this. I should bring this idea to my club!

      Cincinnati Lion

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    3. If you think its a good idea, please feel free to emulate.

      Delete
  8. I see more pics!!thank u.i ask my parents 2go 2 aeon falim 2morrow 2 c the gallery.im interested in lions club now.im still a school student.theres no leo club in my school.mybe after im working.but lions club make me interested in social job.thank u.u people r a very good n nice people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you can learn a little more about Lions Clubs when you visit the Lions Gallery tomorrow.

      Delete
  9. If people will think good, speak good and do good, the circles of goodness will grow in the world. Congratulation.

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  10. Amazing history. And now, you all have to maintain it with senior n junior lion in work together.

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  11. Amazing! The members have something to be proud of.

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  12. Good things that you guys still keep on record about this. I do notice your legacy project Lions Home, maybe you shall do a personal entry about that too.

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    Replies
    1. Your proposal will be given due consideration Justin. Thanks for bringing it up.

      Delete
  13. "You May Have The Greatest Bunch Of Individual Stars In The World, But If They Don't Play Together, The Club Won't Be Worth A Dime." – Babe Ruth

    *keep it up*

    With Love.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello again!

    Yes, I agree with Justin. Lions Home is such a big impact project which I believe got a lot of story behind it. And how is it now? Did Ray of Hope kids already using the facility? I do remember that you all celebrate Christmas in Lions Home last year. Forgive me if I'm wrong.

    Regards,
    Amethyst Richardson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Amethyst, we had a wonderful time with the special needs kids from the Ray of Hope in our X'Mas celebrations last year.

      The Ray of Hope have yet to get their license to operate the Home. We are hoping and praying that they would get it by the year end.

      The Lions Home was indeed a long and arduous journey. Be patient and all of you will soon know the history behind it.

      Delete
    2. I agree too.the lions home story or pics should be on display at lions gallery too.

      Delete
    3. Thank you. I hope they get the license as soon as possible. Will be great to watch them there.

      I myself do admire the way you treat your readers. Don't get me wrong, I'm use to be a blogger, it's take time to monitor your blog. Two thumbs up for you. Keep up and thanks for sharing all those amazing story.

      I also hope that you and your club allow me to share some of your projects. I do like the idea of joint project that you organize with Diamond Cutter & Precious Gift Home as today's children are tomorrow's future.

      Looks like Syuan yan getting excited too.

      Thank you and have a nice day.

      Regards,
      Amethyst Richardson

      Delete
    4. Once again thank you very much Amethyst.

      Delete
    5. History shall be with photos of the Lions Home.

      Delete
  15. Hello, hopefully you can answer my questions.

    1. How did you manege to maintain an active club for more than 50th years?

    2. With 64 members, I know there will always some which will act like a black sheep. How did you all handle it?

    3. I do notice there is one blog lcih.blogspot.my is that your blog too?

    4. You should be more proud about your history, maybe a stand alone blog which feature all your history like Presidents, Leos etc.

    5. I love to learn more about your club projects and activities which can be use as model for us in Thailand.

    Thank you in advance for answering. I hope I didnt disturb Admin with so much questions. I hope I can learn more. Thank you.

    Roar, roar, roar!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Perseverance. We have been active before. We have also been lying low for a few years. Our third successive term President is a good motivator. As such we are more active then ever now.

      2. We are lucky. Those who do not see eye to eye with the Board of Directors do not attend our meetings although they still pay their subcription.

      3. No. Please refer to our Main Blog lcipohhost.blogspot.my for a list of our blogs.

      4. We make our blog this way to make it easier for us to track our Project & Activities and as a reference to our members. We put up personal link for HISTORY post as it is someting special and a requested post.

      5. All our projects and activities are posted on lcih1617.blogspot.my and lcih1718.blogspot.my .Please feel free to adopt any one of them.

      We hope the above answers all your queries.

      Delete
  16. 1. Thank you. Your club are lucky to have such amazing President.

    2. Thats is really lucky.

    3. Thats why the userface on that blog look different. I prefer yours, look friendly. Which I do belive you are.

    4. Good. I do notice people requesting for Lions Home story. May I joint to vote yes for the story too.

    5. Thank you. You give me and my members an inspiration.

    Yes, you do answer my queries. Thank you again. Have a nice day Admin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are most welcome S. Channarong.

      Delete
    2. Thank you.

      I really appreciate your effort.

      Please send my regards to President, or is the President the one who answer all my queries?

      Delete
  17. When will the story about Lions Home will be in the blog?

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  18. Such an amazing history. I link your post to my sister. She's a college student who want to read an example of writing a piece of story like this. You dont mind if i share this with her dont you?

    By the way, congratulation. Your club must be amazing. Keep up the good vibes. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. By all mean please do. You may also link her to the article on the Lions Home. Thank you for your encouragement, James.

      Delete
    2. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And also my sister. Thank you.

      Delete
  19. We need the history because people without the knowledge of their past, is like a tree without root.

    Please continue to serve. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

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  20. Can you make a post about your lions patch and your collection of bannerettes? I kinda like your bannerette design this term as a saw it on your Installation post.

    As among a senior club, you may have a lot of collection and it will be good if you can document what thats is still in your collection along the story behind it as a piece of your valuable history.

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  21. This is a nice story to share with others. The up and down. The passion and determination.

    World need more people like this.

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  22. I hope your club will continue to serve others and the light keep shining from you to others.

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  23. Im having so much fun reading your club history. Your editor make it so presentable. Keep on serving. May 50 years from now, u guys and the next generation wont forget about the history of what make them great.

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  24. Yes. I too agree with you Karmini. Keep serving Lions!!

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  25. Amazing achievement so far, hopefully you all will continue it now and in the future.

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  26. Young Lions should take note of this great history. Some story lost it value through time if no one take initiative to keep a record of it. Through this medium, at least people can take it as reference.

    My idea, you guys should do one special post about what a big event you guys done on those past term, at least one story per term or maybe just even a picture from every term.

    Congratulation, on your history and your Lions HOME.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Zammer for your kind words.

      Your suggestion will be given due consideration.

      Delete
  27. Hard work paid off man. Such a long and challenging journey. You should continue with the latest history btw. Not much story about what happen in 21st century.

    Btw good luck for the HOME. I put my comment here because there are too many comments in HOME entry. Haha

    That entry is a winner itself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are free to post wherever you want and thanks Unika for your good wishes.

      Delete
  28. it really is 52 years old? Wow. Hopefully for more 100 years to come.

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  29. Congratulation. Keep on doing all the good things.

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  30. I love this. But there not much story about your 35 to 50 years era. Or maybe the story on that era will be publish in 2nd part?

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    Replies
    1. That was the quieter part of our history. There were times we have to admit that we weren't active as we are now Shawn.

      Delete
    2. Thats a really honest answer. Dont worry. Everyone and everything got its ups and downs right. And to come back strong like what your club does is AMAZING.

      Gotta say thanks to those who lit up the flame.

      Delete
    3. Yes Shawn. At the moment we are strong. Lets hope and pray that we can keep it up and thanks.

      Delete
  31. Your club looks fun and I think your club got a fanclub. ;)

    Bravo!

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  32. If there is a fanclub, we are the member.

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  33. I love your club. So many passionate members there with their love to serve. I guess being a Lion give you some road or path to serve others.

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    Replies
    1. Yes it does Pat and thanks for loving our club. We don't get many people who say that.

      Delete
  34. A group of great people, create a great club and able to provide a great service. Congratulation Lions.

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  35. New reader here. Your club have a wonderful history. Hopefully will create many more amazing history.

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  36. The more I read about your club, the more interesting it is to me. Keep it up.

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  37. LCIH = Amazing!

    Thats my comment. :)

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  38. I agree with you.they r amazing.wonder what part if their history will up this month.

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  39. Every members should keep in mind about this history. And dont just reminisce about the past, every day is a new day to create something meningful which I already saw you guys did meaningful event every month. Keep doing it. You're a star.

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  40. The third picture is with our past PM right? Wow.

    For the past two years, I think theres a lot you can add in to your history.

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    Replies
    1. Yes Raja, the third picture is indeed with the 1st Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.

      Delete
  41. To have this long and amazing history, your club must be among the famous club in Malaysia. Am I right?

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    Replies
    1. No Mahmood, we are not famous but we are the 4th oldest club in District 308 B2.

      Delete
  42. Hello there,

    You are too kind my dear, you are famous.

    Regards,
    Amethyst Richardson

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Amethyst, but really we are not. We just do what we can for the needy and deserving.

      Delete
  43. Thats mean your club will be celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year? Way to go. Thumbs up. Hopefully you all will continue to serve others in need. Congrarulation you guys!

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    Replies
    1. Yes Joanne, 52nd anniversary in Mac we hope. Thanks for your good wishes.

      Delete
  44. Great history!

    You should put up your list of key officer as part of your history special post for your upcoming charter anniversary.

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    Replies
    1. We have Awa Ina. If you look on the right hand side of our blog all our key officers names are there for this term.

      Delete
    2. I am sorry if my message is not clear, what I mean is your previous key officer (President, secretary, treasurer) for every term for the past 52 years.

      It is good to know and remember those important officer.

      Delete
    3. No problem Awa Ina. We shall have it up.

      Delete
  45. Early Wish here!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LIONS CLUB OF IPOH HOST!

    Among the most famous and active and amazing Lions Club I ever know.

    We Serve!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Thank you Melinda.

      You are the first one to wish us happy anniversary.

      Delete
    2. Im the first one? Personally to me, the first wisher is awesome :)

      May you have a brilliant year ahead.

      We Serve!

      Delete
  46. Congratulation on your charter day. Keep the spirit alive!!!

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  47. Opss, i mean,

    Congratulation on your charter day anniversary. Keep the spirit alive!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Happy Charter Day or Happy Birthday?

    Nevermind, i wish both to you ;)

    May the star in your hand keep shining for another 52 years and more.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you Aito for your best wishes on our 52nd Anniversary.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Happy Anniversary! Keep on with the motto WE SERVE!

    On the side note, I'm Brian, the first person who comment on this post. Haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for best wishes on this auspicious day, Brian.

      We really appreciate it since you also created HISTORY by being the first to post under this story.

      Delete
  51. Happy Charter Anniversary lions Club of Ipoh Host!

    Keep on creating history.

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  52. Just a quick shout out!

    happy charter day! We are looking forward for 52 years and more to come from you guys

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whether its a quick shout or a loud shout, we really appreciate it Junika.

      Delete
  53. Hello there,

    Firstly, Happy Charter Anniversary to Lions Club of Ipoh Host.

    It’s been long since I last comments, look like your club getting a lot of attention lately.

    I hope you’ll create more and more amazing history in future. My wish is for you guys to keep on inspired others. Keep on bringing the spirit of Lions anywhere you go. Don’t forget the others in need and also those young spirit in Leos.

    The higher you go, the bigger the responsibility. Treat others how you want to be treated even to others who treat you badly, don’t be like them. You are yourself.

    May the Lions spirit be with you always.

    And my dear, I am a fan of shining thing, so I do like your blinking calendar.

    Thank you.

    Best regards,
    Amethyst Richardson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forget to tell you, my son told me it's your anniversary, that's why I try to post something for you today since it’s a bit hard for me to get internet access during my vacation.

      Again, happy anniversary.

      Regards,
      Amethyst Richardson

      Delete
  54. As usual thank you Amethyst for your words of encouragement and wisdom.

    Thanks for your best wishes too.

    Enjoy your vacation and give our regards to your son too.

    P/s. When are your children coming to Malaysia?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Darling, you need to update your history dear. For the history you make after your 50th Anniversary. You are great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A brief history of LCIH was written by a member in conjunction with our 50th Anniversary.

      As such we need his permission to add on to his article.

      Thanks for your compliments and our best Chinese New Year wishes to you Rina Gim.

      Delete
  56. Keep it up with the spirit WE SERVE!

    ReplyDelete

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