This was our fourth Combined Chapter Meeting of The Open Alumni Toastmasters Club and Telok Blangah Toastmasters Club for the term July 2021 to June 2022, held on 18 November 2021.
Table of Contents
President’s Opening Address
The President’s Opening Address was given by Elaine Tan, ACB, CL, DL5, the President of The Open Alumni Toastmasters Club while the Closing Address was given by Wekie Tay, DTM, Club Coach of Telok Blangah Toastmasters Club.
Elaine began her opening address by telling us that every third Thursday of the month is the happiest day of the month. She constantly looks forward to that day because it is the day of our chapter meeting.
She continued that we were already in the month of November and very soon, we would come around to the year 2022.
Elaine looked back at this period of 2 years since the pandemic broke out at the beginning of 2020 and how it had changed our life drastically. Nevertheless, it did not affected the continual operation of the Toastmasters. We continue to have our chapter meetings. We continue to hold our contests. She was of the opinion that Toastmasters when compared to any other interest groups, we have been more resilient and persistent in continuing with our operation despite the odds that we are facing.
Elaine counted herself to be fortunate to have joined Toastmasters at an early age. She shared with us that whatever skills and knowledge she had deployed in her job, they were learned and developed as a toastmasters, especially as a club executive committee member.
She then encouraged and urged members in both clubs who are still not in their club’s executive committee to consider about becoming one. She also nudged everyone to reflect on what we have yet to achieve for the year 2021 before coming to the end of it. She then wished everyone that in the forthcoming year of 2022, may we receive double on all our returns, and she hoped to see us again next month as well as next year at our chapter meetings.
Prepared Speeches
1st Speaker: Elaine Tan, ACB, CL, DL5
Pathway Project: Motivational Strategies, Level 1, Project 3, Researching & Presenting
Title: Recovering From COVID-19
Evaluator: Annabelle Yong, DTM
A few weeks prior to this chapter meeting, Elaine was diagnosed to be infected with COVID-19. She was put on home recovery. Fortunately, she did not suffer any adverse side effects and managed to recover fully in time to attend the chapter meeting.
In Elaine’s speech, she told us how unfortunate it was for her to discover that she was infected with COVID-19 despite the fact that she did not even leave her house. The only time that she left her house was to take her vaccination.
Despite being infected by COVID-19, she immediately realised that she could seize the opportunity to research into the subject of COVID-19 and present it as her forthcoming Prepared Speech Project, “Researching and Presenting”.
In this speech, Elaine told us the various tests used to detect the COVID-19 virus, namely, the Antigen Rapid Test and the PCR Swab Test. The Antigent Rapid Test, as the name implies, is meant to be a rapid test which may not be very accurate owing to several reasons. In contrast, the PCR Swab Test, is very accurate as it goes through stringent processes that were carried out in a laboratory.
Elaine also told us about the Home Recovery process that the Singapore government is put in place for the infected victims and highlighted certain issues that we should pay attention to.
2nd Speaker: Yoong Ee Chuan, ACB, CL, MS2
Pathway Project: Motivational Strategies, Level 3, Project 2, Make Connections Through Networking
Title: Recovering From COVID-19
Evaluator: Annabelle Yong, DTM
Ee Chuan shared in this prepared speech on his experience in which he volunteered to help out in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Alumni Mentoring Networking workshop. It is a programme designed by NTU to get the alumni to help out with the current undergraduate prepare for the future working life upon graduation. NTU being Ee Chuan’s alma mater, he stepped forward to volunteer his service.
Ee Chuan shared in his speech about how he was led by the NTU Career Office to meet his mentee. He outlined for us the expectation that he was to fulfil as a mentor, as well as how he benefited from the process of mentoring his mentee.
Ee Chuan went on also to talk about the importance and benefits of networking.
He also suggested a few ways how anyone could go about networking from our communities both in the past and in the present.
The script for Ee Chuan’s full speech can be accessed in the blog article, “Making Connections Through Networking.”
Table Topics
The Table Topic Master for this chapter meeting is Chay Wen Liang, DTM, VC4.
- A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book. (Irish Proverb)Yoong Ee Chuan, ACB, CL, MS2
- As more Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) are opened, will you plan to travel soon or are you adopting a wait and see approach for another year? Please elaborate why. Owen Ter, PM, TC3
- Climate Change – Fact or Fiction? Zaw Myo Tun, PM1
- He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything. (Thomas Carlyle) Daniel Sun, CC
- Music versus Dance – if God could give you one of them as your talent, which would it be? May (YMB)
- In your opinion, which engineering/technological invention and/or advancement do you consider has been the most beneficial to mankind? Ann Luo Jinyu, LD1
- Wise spending is part of wise investing. Triggi Chan, CC, IP1
A Good Laugh And A Long Sleep Are The Best Cures In The Doctor’s Book – Irish Proverb
Speaker: Yoong Ee Chuan, ACB, CL, MS2
Ee Chuan began first by telling us that if we do not laugh and sleep, according to the Irish Proverb, we will suffer many problems in our physical bodies. He then tried to look into the connection between our physical health with sleep and laughter.
Ee Chuan reminded us that we needed to work in order to survive and sustain our daily lives, and yet for most part of it, our work is not something we enjoy. In fact, we suffer much stress and pressure from our work. He then asked the question, how are we going to destress ourselves from all these stress and pressure. Ee Chuan then turned to poking fun at Elaine that we could just look at Elaine and that would make us laugh, because Elaine is so cute and lovable. When we laugh, we laugh away our stress and pressure.
Ee Chuan then turned the attention to the tiredness we sustained daily during the weekdays at our work. We have to sleep to recover from our tiredness. Once again, he made reference to Elaine, recalling what Elaine once shared that sleeping is her hobby. Ee Chuan finally concluded that sleeping is very important, because if you don’t have enough sleep then you will not have time or the energy to drive away those monsters and have fun.
As More Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) Are Opened, Will You Plan To Travel Soon Or Are You Adopting A Wait And See Approach For Another Year Please Elaborate Why.
Speaker: Owen Ter, PM, TC3
Owen confessed that he had been pondering on traveling for a very long time. He loves to travel. He backed his statement by telling us that he went on a one-year trip across South America just a few years ago and he has this urge to visit every country in the world,
Having told us how much he loves to travel, he quickly made an about turn saying that he would adopt a wait and see approach, at least for the next 6 months, He gave us the following reasons:
- things are so messy and chaotic around the world;
- there are all these different tests which would add up to a few hundred to a thousand dollars,
He also told us about some of his friends who are overseas at that moment including his cousins who were also in Italy then. Looking at their photos made him have this fear of missing out. Nevertheless, heI would still rather wait and see not just because of money. Owen revealed to us that at the moment he had been living with his parents who are very old, with a baby nephew as well as a few other nephews.
In other words, Owen was saying that he was living with the old and the young at that moment in time.
They are the vulnerable people in his family and he found it to be irresponsible of him to travel out there and possibly catch the virus and come home to pass the virus to the vulnerable family members. So with that he would adopt the wait and see approach. Even though he had this strong urge of wanting to travel as soon as possible.
Climate Change – Fact Or Fiction?
Speaker: Saw Myo Tun, PM1
Saw Myo began by stating that climate change is a fact and not a fiction. He claimed that evidence is all around us. The temperature has risen around, the sea level has risen. However, with the onset of the current pandemic, the situation with climate change has improved somewhat.
People are advised to stay home and travelling has been restricted.
As a result of less travelling, there is a reduction in pollution, a reduction in carbon emission. We can find that the air is fresher.
He Who Has Health, Has Hope; And He Who Has Hope, Has Everything – Thomas Calyle
Speaker: Daniel Sun, CC
The speaker is yours truly.
Since we were young, we have always been told that the greatest treasure that we have is our health, and money cannot buy health. Yes, money can buy you a lot of attention from the doctors and a lot of medicine, which will kill you gradually, nonetheless eventually.
It does not mean a thing in the world if you have lots of money but you do not have the health to enjoy your money. So what are you going to do with your money if you are terminally ill or a have a critical illness the decrepit and incapacitate you? Use your money to buy an island as a graveyard to bury your dead body?
Put all your money into your coffin and bury them along with you? That is not a very wise thing to do. No sooner, there will be some grave robbers who will dig up your grave and steal all the money that has been buried with you.
Slightly more than 3 years ago I was experiencing an extremely dry mouth. During my visit to the doctor, I was diagnosed with very high blood sugar level. It was so high that the doctor’s glucometer could only indicate “High”. It was off the chart. He warned me to go to the hospital immediately. However, … I did not.
You see, I never quite trust western medicine, but believe in natural healing. I searched YouTube for natural cures and I began cutting my sugar and carbohydrate intake drastically and consuming Apple Cider Vinegar plus whatever I came across that I believed that could help me. I began to learn about ketogenic diet and I began eating more fat and less carbohydrate.
Sure, I had many symptoms showing up and my body suffered extreme fatigue and my eyesight deteriorated. I even have a friend who asked me, “Have you ever thought about death?”
The answer is, “No. I have never thought about death.” Nevertheless, many people in my situation would think about death. I would not deny the fact that in my situation then, my body felt less alive and more dead. It was like what older folks during my childhood used to say, “One leg has already stepped into the coffin.”
I was weak but not defeated because I have faith. Very soon, after two months, my blood sugar level has dropped down to normal. I revisited the same clinic and the doctor said, “So you went to the hospital.” I replied, “No. Neither did I take any medication.” It was like sticking my finger before my doctor.
Of course, it took me a year after that incident for my body to recuperate. I was feeling normal, but my blood sugar level would spike easily if I take anything sweet, even fruits like orange and kiwi. Oh, and please, stop drinking Milo. More than 50% of Milo is made up of sugar. I know that because my blood sugar level spiked when I drank Milo during my period of recuperation.
Music Versus Dance – If God Could Give You One Of Them As Your Talent, Which Would It Be?
Speaker: May
If God would ask May to choose music or dance as one of her talent, May said that she would definitely choose music.
May said that she listened to music all the time. Ever since she was a teenager, she was exposed to different genres of music. She listen to music whenever and whatever she is doing. She listens to music when she is free. She listens to music when she is cooking. When it is time to go to bed, she would still turn on the music and set a time for the music to stop playing automatically as she doses off to sleep. She could not imagine what she would do without music.
In Your Opinion, Which Engineering/Technological Invention And/Or Advancement Do You Consider Has Been The Most Beneficial To Mankind?
Speaker: Ann Luo Jinyu, LD1
Ann believed robotic, as a technological advancement, is the most beneficial to our life. Although many people including herself are afraid that the robots will take over our jobs one day, she is pleased with this invention and advancement. She found that many of today’s jobs involving repetitive menial tasks such as washing of dishes and cleaning up the environment should be taken over by robots and machines.
So, Ann felt that robotic is a good technological advance and she would happily embrace it.
Wise Spending Is Part Of Wise Investing.
Speaker: Triggi Chan, CC, IP1
Triggi began her speech by quoting Robert Kiyosaki, “Rich people are people who can turn trash into gold”. She cited the examples of industries that turn “trash” like waste water, empty cans and other trash materials into profiting industries while having the governments support and subsidise them. Triggi then compared and contrasted with “poor” people who turn money into trash by buying things that are overpriced. She drilled down to a conclusion that whether you become rich or poor, it all begins with wise choices, and wise spendings are spendings on whatever that invest into one’s well being.
Best Speakers
Best Speaker (Prepared Speech)
Elaine Tan, ACB, CL, DL5
Best Table Topic Speaker
Owen Ter, PM, TC3
Best Evaluators
Wekie Tay, DTM
Annabelle Yong, DTM
President’s Closing Address
The closing address was delivered by the Club Coach of Telok Blangah Toastmasters Club, Wekie Tay, DTM. This was his closing address in verbatim.
My closing address has to be something which is a little bit more serious, mature and yet important. As we realise my dear friends in recent months we are moving towards the end of the year. But the end of the year would represent a festive season of the year.
Traditionally, when there’s no pandemic around, we are always eager to go out and socialise. And I love to celebrate events with you. Maybe if you have some special events such as birthday coming, you will always gather during those periods of time. Not saying anyone’s birthday is coming; like Annabelle or anyone else who might come after that, like Elaine or anyone else, I am not too sure.
But my point is, in the midst of this festivity, we still cannot link up or relate to each other face to face. What’s most important is that we must therefore keep each other within our heart. We can find alternatives such as zoom, such as sending a message to everyone else. What is most important is for us to keep our hearts open.
While physically the society may be made open, we should still be careful as you realise the pandemic, the numbers are still high.
And I want every one of us to stay healthy as well. Elaine is a very important example. If Elaine can survive, so can we. She is a survivor. Since we are talking about Elaine and honouring her, the President of The Open Alumni, shall we clap by encouraging her, that she will stay healthy?
Why do we need to do that? Why do we need Elaine to stay healthy? It is because if she can go through COVID, she will be the path opener for all of us. Just in case, touch wood or touch metal, any one of us got into any similar situation, she would therefore become the forebearer who can advise us.
Therefore, we need you, Elaine, to be encouraging to us, inspire us through your survivorship. I appreciate that. That is wonderful. What I want to advise all of us is this. Like I’ve mentioned, we are physically not close, However, there’s nothing to stop us from having mentally openness, heart openness.
The world can knock us down, but there’s no one who can close us up, close up our ability to learn. I’ve always highlighted to people, the tougher the times, the stronger we must become.
The Open Alumni and Telok Blangah Toastmasters Club, have been through tough times. Come on, we have had worse situation before, haven’t we? If we can go through that, what is this pandemic during this period? Just keep each other within the heart. Therefore, my message to all of us for this period:
Stay open and stay healthy.
Stay open and stay healthy.
I wish you the very best and I look forward to our Christmas meeting. Good night!
Upcoming Event
The Open Alumni Toastmasters Club will be conducting its SpeechCraft Workshop 2022 on the following dates:
- 24 February 2022
- 3 March 2022
- 10 March 2022
- 17 March 2022
Visiting Toastmasters
Owen Ter, PM, TC3, Area B2 Governor, Kebun Baru Toastmasters Club
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