Opening Address - Yeo Chai Tun
Opening Address at TPCCC
on 9 May 2005
by Yeo Chai Tun,
Immediate Past President
The late President Wee Kim Wee died at the age of 89 on 2 May 2005. Our whole nation mourned his death. He is respected, as well as, loved by many not because he was at high Office but rather as a result of his genuine natural attributes such as humility, unassuming contributions, and ability to comfort and touch others' lives.
I now call upon the Meeting to observe a minute of silence as a mark of respect to this remarkable People's Ex-President ....
Acting President, fellow Toastmasters, ladies and gentlemen
What can we learn from the late Dr Wee Kim Wee? What is it so relevant to mention his life and works in Toastmasters meetings?
Before we answer these questions, let's take a step back to examine the Core Values and Vision of TI, and the Mission of the Toastmasters Club.
What are the Core Values of Toastmasters International?
Toastmasters International's core values are:
- Integrity
- Dedication to excellence
- Service to the member
- Respect for the individual
These are the anchor points in every decision we make, and these core values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating our operations, our planning, and our vision for the future of our Toastmasters meetings.
The Vision of Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.
The Mission of the Toastmasters Club
The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Many in the Toastmasters movement do not really understand the existence and real benefits of being part of this great Organisation. The real gains are definitely neither the attainment of the CTM, ATM and DTM awards, winnings of Speech Contests nor the successful appointments as District Officers, but the ability to improve in one's communication and leadership skills and afterwards help others to achieve the same.
How do we do this?
We base on the guiding principles lay down in the TI core values: Integrity, Dedication to Excellence, Service to Member and Respect to the Individual.
And if we do all these faithfully, we may achieve half of what the late Wee Kim Wee had achieved in his life.
To-nite, we will be also conducting New Members' Induction Ceremony. Let's remind ourselves on why we are meeting here in Toa Payoh Central CC Toastmasters Club.
We have only one common objective, i.e. to be effective communicators and leaders, and with the aim that we could comfort, heal, touch and make a difference in others' lives.