Toastmasters Club celebrates silver jubilee

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 9): The Kota Kinabalu Advanced Toastmasters Club (KKATMC) celebrated a milestone evening with its 25th Installation Dinner and Silver Jubilee Celebration on September 5 at the Hakka Hall, Kota Kinabalu.

The highlight of the event was the installation of Managing Director Ibranik Iskandarian Peter as the club’s 24th President, alongside the incoming Executive Committee for the 2025–2026 term.

Themed “The Great Gatsby,” the evening transported guests back to the roaring 1920s with a touch of glitz, glamour and vintage charm. Over 100 members and guests attended the event, which was officiated by Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, who graced the occasion as guest of honour.

The event was meticulously organised under the leadership of Organising Chair Faridah Suffian, while Past President Dr Richard Gontusan served as the Toastmaster of the Evening, the equivalent of a Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the programme flowed seamlessly. Distinguished Toastmasters in attendance included District 87 Club Growth Director Joanna Tang, Division K Director Frankie Chung and Area K2 Director Lee Fook Lee, who officiated the installation of the Executive Committee.

In her valedictory address, Outgoing President Rachel Chan proudly announced that KKATMC once again achieved President’s Distinguished Club status, the highest accolade awarded by Toastmasters International, with a perfect score of 10/10 in the Distinguished Club Programme (DCP) goals. This recognition reflected the club’s dedication to its mission of helping members sharpen their communication and leadership skills.

Tokens of appreciation were presented to the 2024–2025 Executive Committee, while educational awards were given to members who achieved their learning milestones.

The evening also saw Faridah Suffian named Toastmaster of the Year 2024–2025, a well-deserved recognition of her contributions.

The newly installed Executive Committee members for 2025–2026 include President Ibranik Iskandarian Peter, Immediate Past President & Secretary Rachel Chan, Vice President Education Walter Sundang Alex, Vice President Membership Dr Mexmollen Marcus, Vice President Public Relations Anjali Gilong Avriett, Treasurer John Tan and Sergeant At Arms Normah binti Abdul Ghapur.

Club advisors Abu Bakar Sheriff, Fatimah Yassin and Dr Richard Gontusan continue to serve in their advisory roles.

In his inaugural address, President Ibranik introduced his presidential theme: “Advanced, Committed, Excelled (ACE),” underscoring his vision for the club to embrace innovation, stay dedicated to its mission and ultimately shine in its achievements.

Meanwhile, Ramzah delivered an inspiring keynote address, reminding members that “leadership is not a title but a test of character, consistency and conviction.”

He praised Toastmasters as a unique organisation where leadership is earned through action and is measured by the ability to inspire, guide and elevate others.

The evening’s entertainment was lively and engaging, featuring lucky draws, fun games and musical performances by Dr Mexmollen Marcus and Duncan Tubong.

A Kahoot challenge added to the excitement, with Dr Gontusan emerging as the winner.

The coveted Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman titles went to Stella Lau and Jonathan George, respectively, who perfectly embodied the evening’s 1920s theme.

The celebration was a perfect blend of fellowship, recognition and entertainment, a truly memorable evening marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.