New Member Orientation Program for Lion Members

 9 Sept 2025

The Lions Club New Member Orientation program is designed to welcome, engage, and empower new Lions as they begin their journey in community service and leadership. This program introduces participants to the history, values, structure, and mission of Lions Clubs International, while also highlighting the unique role of their local club within the global network.

It was conducted by Dr. Richard Ng via Google Meet and broadcasted live on Titktok with the participation of 25 Lion Members and 1,200 Tiktok Viewers.  

The following is the Notes transcribed by Gemini AI for reference.

Abstract:

Dr. Richard Ng, a long-serving Lion member, introduced himself and provided a comprehensive overview of Lionism, covering its history, the Lions Club's slogan, and its global expansion, emphasizing the importance of recruiting younger members and women. Dr. Richard Ng, Wendy Kan, and Patrick Wong reviewed the Lions Club's Code of Ethics, stressing integrity, loyalty, and service, while also outlining the organizational structure, membership types, and key leaders, along with Mission 1.5's goal of 1.5 million members by June 30, 2027. The session concluded with Richard Ng detailing various community projects, including hunger relief, youth development, and disaster relief, highlighting the emotional impact of such work and offering a QR code for evaluation and certificate issuance.

Dr. Richard Ng highlighted that Google Meet's Gemini AI would transcribe and summarize meeting content, making it easier for attendees to refer to notes rather than reviewing long video recordings.

Google Meet Gemini Notes:

Introduction and Background of Dr. Richard Ng

Dr. Richard Ng introduced himself as a Lion member since 2006, having served in various positions including marketing director, service chairperson, membership chairperson, and president from 2020 to 2024. He also mentioned his current roles as Zone 14 and Region 5 Chairperson. He emphasized his initiative to train members, especially new inductees, due to the lack of new member orientation in the past.

Historical Highlights of Lionism

Dr. Richard Ng provided historical context for the Lions Club International, noting it was started by Melvin Jones, who believed in helping those in need. He explained that the organization became an international service entity in 1920, registered in Canada.

Dr. Richard Ng also referenced Helen Keller's famous quote, "Alone you can do so little. Together, we can do so much," emphasizing the power of collective action.

Lions Club Slogan 

Dr. Richard Ng explained that the Lions Club slogan "we serve" originated in 1954 and continues to guide members, reflecting their commitment to serving the community out of love rather than obligation. He shared his 20 years of experience as a Lion, acknowledging the personal sacrifices involved, and stressed the importance of serving with sincerity and without high expectations for gratitude.

Lions Club Membership Demographics and Expansion

Dr. Richard Ng noted that the average age of Lions Club members is 67, highlighting the need to recruit younger individuals and more female participants to lower this average. He mentioned the establishment of LEO clubs for those over 12 years old as part of the effort to bring in younger members.

Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) and Melvin Jones Fellow (MJF)

Dr. Richard Ng explained that the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) was established to raise funds for global service projects, such as disaster relief and grants for community projects. He detailed the Melvin Jones Fellow (MJF) recognition for those who contribute $1,000 USD to LCIF, emphasizing that contributions can be accumulated over time.

Lions Club in Malaysia

Dr. Richard Ng informed the attendees that the first Lions Club in Malaysia was formed in Kuala Lumpur on February 18, 1959, known as the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpor host. He explained that the "host" designation indicates the first club established in a particular state or region.

Lions Club International Milestones and Growth

Dr. Richard Ng stated that in 1973, Lions Club International reached 1 million members, and their current target is 1.5 million members by June 30, 2027. He also mentioned the abandonment of women's clubs in 2022 since launched in 1987 to promote gender equality within the organization.

Core Projects and Initiatives

Dr. Richard Ng outlined eight core projects that Lions Clubs focus on, including childhood cancer awareness, diabetes prevention, disaster relief, environmental protection, humanitarian aid, hunger relief, vision care, and youth development. He emphasized that humanitarian projects are broad and can include diverse activities like community gardening.

Peace Poster Contest and Partnerships

Dr. Richard Ng highlighted the Peace Poster Contest, started in 1988, as a way to cultivate peace among young people, citing the first winner from Lebanon. He also noted LCIF's partnership with the Carter Center in 1999 to combat river blindness in Africa and Latin America.

Membership Criteria and Engagement

Dr. Richard Ng clarified that anyone with compassion and enthusiasm can join the Lions Club, regardless of their professional status or financial background, as long as they do not have a criminal record or are not bankrupt. He stressed the importance of engaging members and appreciating their contributions to ensure retention, noting that lack of appreciation can lead to members leaving.

Lions Club Organizational Structure and Values

Dr. Richard Ng explained the acronym L.I.O.N.S. as "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety," which guides the organization's mission to foster understanding, promote good governance, and encourage civic engagement. He clarified the distinction between "Lions International" and "Lions Clubs International" and the symbolic meaning of the Lions Club logo.

Code of Ethics

Dr. Richard Ng reviewed the Lions Club's Code of Ethics, emphasizing the importance of integrity, loyalty, and service without personal financial reward. Wendy Kan and Pat Wong helped read sections of the code, which underscored values such as industriousness, earning a good reputation, and avoiding unfair advantage.

Lion's Code of Ethics Dr. Richard Ng emphasized the importance of adhering to the Lion's Code of Ethics, highlighting that members must prioritize friendship, community obligation, and empathy. They also stressed the importance of constructive criticism and liberal praise, suggesting that criticism should be private while praise should be public.

Lions Club Structure and Member Importance

Dr. Richard Ng detailed the organizational structure of the Lions Club, including members, clubs, zones, regions, districts, multiple districts, and international levels. They underscored that members are the most crucial asset, as without them, a club cannot thrive or function effectively.

Membership Types and Financials

Dr. Richard Ng clarified that most attendees are active members, though other types like associate and honorary members exist for significant contributors. They also mentioned that district dues are now $50 USD and that local clubs have autonomy over their membership fees, as long as international and district dues are paid.

District and International Leadership

Dr. Richard Ng identified District 308 B2 as encompassing Kedah, Perak, Selangor, and Cameron Highlands, and highlighted key leaders such as immediate past district governor Lion Don Hoe and current district governor Tan Say Cheong. He also introduced the international president, AP Singh, and three international vice presidents: Mark Leon, Dr. Manosha, and Tony Benhow.

Mission 1.5 and Global Initiatives

Dr. Richard Ng discussed Mission 1.5, which aims to achieve 1.5 million members by June 30, 2027, encouraging clubs to recruit at least two new members for positive growth. They also outlined the eight global causes and emphasized specific projects like mental health awareness (October 4-12), hunger relief (January 3-11), and environment projects (April 18-26), urging clubs to engage in preventive actions.

Community Projects and Aid

Dr. Richard Ng showcased various projects undertaken by Lions Clubs, including hunger relief, environmental initiatives, vision testing, health checks, and childhood cancer support. He shared a particularly touching example of supporting children with cancer and their families at a center, noting the emotional impact of such work.

Youth Development and Disaster Relief

Dr. Richard Ng highlighted a youth development project where their club donated paint to a school, helping to cheer up students and encourage attendance. They also discussed a joint disaster relief project appealing for non-cash contributions like drinking water and hygiene kits, specifying ideal item sizes for efficient distribution.

Training and Recognition

Dr. Richard Ng concluded the session by announcing that Loyal Academy sponsored the Google Meet and certificates for the training, emphasizing the academy's slogan: "We always begin with your expectation and end with your achievement".

Free Public Lecture: Leadership and Power by Dr. Richard Ng

 29 Aug 2025:

In conjunction with 68th Merdeka Celebration. A public lecture on "Leadership and Power" was organised by Ipoh Rising Star, a branch club of Lions Club of Perak Silver State and sponsored by The Loyal Academy, a smart partner of UTMSPACE.

The project aim is to provide Professional Development Training to Professionals, NGO leaders, and businessmen so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to manage their subordinates more effectively.

The lecture was conducted by Loyal Academy Academic Director, Dr. Richard Ng via Google Meet from 9pm to 10pm. A total of 17 people attended the lecture. The lecture was also broadcast via TikTok Live and viewed by 830 viewers.

All participants will receive the Certificate of Attendance issued by The Loyal Academy.

The following is the Lecture Summary as compiled by Gemini AI:

Public Lecture on Leadership and Power:

Dr. Richard Ng commenced a public lecture on leadership and power, emphasizing its relevance for individuals in business, NGOs, and various professions. He explained that leadership is not merely about vision and influence, noting that some appointed leaders may lack these qualities. Dr. Richard Ng discussed the relationship between leadership and power, asserting that power determines how leaders achieve compliance, commitment, and manage resistance. He concluded that leadership without power is ineffective, and leaders must be empowered and trusted by their superiors.

Power and Leadership Ethics:

Richard Ng emphasized that understanding power helps leaders use it ethically and effectively to achieve sustainable goals. They noted that leadership effectiveness is dependent on how power is exercised, highlighting the distinction between formal power, which is appointed and comes with a title, and informal power, which is derived from passion, influence, skill, and experience.

Sources of Power:

Richard Ng elaborated on five bases of power, as proposed by French and Raven. They identified legitimate power, derived from an appointment or election, reward power, based on the ability to give incentives or recognition, coercive power, which relies on fear or threats, expert power, stemming from knowledge and skill, and referent power, based on personal traits, charisma, and admiration.

Additional Power Sources: 

Dr. Richard Ng identified additional sources of power beyond the five bases. They discussed informational power, which comes from possessing valuable knowledge, connection power, derived from influential networks, and resource power, which involves control over budgets and other essential resources.

Power Versus Leadership: 

Dr. Richard Ng explained that managers typically rely on formal power, including legitimate, reward, and coercive powers. Leonard Chan added that in volunteer organizations like the Lions Club, persuasive power is more effective because members are volunteers and cannot be ordered. Dr. Richard Ng further noted that effective leaders often rely more on personal power, such as expertise, skill, and referent power, to achieve sustainable leadership.

Empowerment and Shared Power 

Dr. Richard Ng stressed the importance of empowering people rather than controlling them, especially in NGOs and with younger generations, as this fosters commitment and allows individuals to be innovative. They suggested that leaders should adopt a participative approach, actively engaging with their teams rather than observing from a distance.

Leadership Styles and Power Use: 

Dr. Richard Ng described several leadership styles. They defined transformational leadership as the ability to inspire and encourage innovation, aiming to improve upon previous achievements and transform the organization. Dr. Richard Ng also discussed transactional leadership, which is task-oriented and rewards performance, and servant leadership, characterized by leaders who work alongside their teams and build trust and loyalty. They cautioned against authoritarian leadership, which relies heavily on coercive power and is generally ineffective.

Effective Leadership Tactics: 

Dr. Richard Ng explained that effective leaders utilize soft tactics, such as persuasion and inspiration, over hard tactics like coercion and pressure. They also differentiated between positive and negative uses of power, advocating for empowering teams, motivating employees, building trust, and driving change, while cautioning against micromanagement, abuse of authority, intimidation, and favoritism.

Ethics and Responsibility in Leadership: 

Dr. Richard Ng emphasized the importance of ethical and responsible conduct in leadership, regardless of the level of power. They highlighted that ethical behavior involves making decisions that bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people, referencing the Kantian moral principle. 

Dr. Richard Ng concluded by reiterating that leadership and power are inseparable, and leaders face the challenge of using power ethically to empower others and foster commitment rather than mere compliance.

Focus Group Discussion on Research on Community Development and Sustainable Tourism Karst Limestone Hill in Kinta Valley

 25 Aug 2025:

Kajian Pembangunan Komuniti dan Pelancongan Lestari Karst Bukit Batu Kapor Lembah Kinta.

Ipoh City Watch President cum Region 5 Chairperson from Lions Club of Perak Silver State was invited as one of the panel members of a research carried out by University Malaysia Sabah in collaboration with Ipoh City Council under the Ministry of Higher Education grant. It was facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liew assisted by Dr. Marcela.

In his opening speech, Ipoh Doughnut Economy CEO, Dr. Zulqarnain Mohamad gave an introduction of Ipoh Donought Economy spearheaded by Ipoh City Council, making Ipoh as the first city in Asia adopting this economic model  The model is about balancing between Development and Planetary Health ensuring a Sustainable Environment.

The study which compliment the efforts of Ipoh Doughnut Economy will look into problems and impact of extensive quarry activities to find out the cause and effect and the mitigating efforts. We also did a SWOT analysis of the current situation.

Dr. Richard Ng was fortunate to be invited as an NGO represetive on behalf of Ipoh City Watch / Lions Club of Perak Silver State.

Lions Club of Perak Silver State 20th Charter Anniversary and 21st Installation of BOD Members

 24 August 2024

Lions Club of Perak Silver State celebrated its 20th Charter Anniversary cum 21st installation of Board of Directors on the 24th August 2025. The club was chartered in 2005. It was held at Kok Thai Restaurant, Jln Sultan Nazrin Shah, Ipoh from 11.00am to 2.00pm.

Guest of Honour, District 308B2 Governor Lion Tan Say Cheong graced the occasion. It was also attended by Multiple District GET Coordinator Past District Governor Lion Loy Kwee Keow, First Vice District Governor Lion David Seow, Second Vice District Governor Lion Simon Tan, Past District Governor Dato'. Dr. V. Jeganathan, Past District Governor Jennifer Kim and her spouse as well as other Lions Dignitaries and Club Presidents and representatives from 21 other Lions Clubs.

Among the highlights of the event include the Induction of 13 new members by 2nd VDG Lion Simon Tan. It was truly a 1 Malaysia team with members from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Sikh. These members are being groomed as part of the Branch Club Ipoh Rising Star which will be chartered at a later date.

The event also saw the Installation of 12 members of the new Board of Directors by President Dr. Adeline Tham, the first of its kind under the "Back to Basic" philosophy mooted by DG Lion Tan Say Cheong.

Region 5 Chairperson, Dr. Richard Ng presented the Education Bursary to Sarmili Thinakaran, the daughter of one of our members, Lion Thinakaran Sarangabanly for her outstanding achievement in the STPM 2024 exam scoring a CGPA of 4.0.

Earlier, Immediate Past President Lion Wong Tong Meng presented the Club's Appreciation Award to members who have provided great community service during his tenure. He also awarded two Lion of the Year awards to; President Dr. Adeline Tham and Regions 5 Chairperson, Lion Dr. Richard Ng.

Lion Jansen Ng Kar Weng was tasked to do the Flag Salutation before the start of event, as part of Lions Clubs tradition. It was then followed by Roll Calls by Lion Chow Kin Yew.

Organising Chairperson Lion Jemmy Lam presented the Mementos to our guests. These mementos are specially made from discarded plastic rice bags involving a team of people. The plastic bags were collected by Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Berhad (KOHIJAU), cut and cleaned by Region Chairperson Dr. Richard Ng, weaved by Lion Tina Leong and creatively turned into mementos by IPP Lion Wong Tong Meng of RIV Design. This is our club's environment project to help reduce plastic from ending up in the landfill and cause climate change.

The success of this event was the efforts of the hardworking organising committee. We wish to thank the folllowing committee members;

1. President Dr. Adeline Tham

2. OC Jemmy Lam

3. IPP Wong Tong Meng

4. RC Dr. Richard Ng

5. Secretary Tina Leong

6. Treasurer Girlie Lim

7. Jansen Ng

8. Thinakaran

9. Mahathevan

10. Boey Wang Mun

11. Farah

12. Patrick Wong

13. Chow Kin Yew

We also wish to thank all our sponsors and contributors;

1. Ipoh Home Cafe

2. Supermax Enterprise

3. KOHIJAU

4. Dato Ng Eng Hock

5. The Loyal Academy

#WeServe  #Back2Basic  #Lead2Serve  #Serve2Lead

#Rise2theOccasion 

Perak Shun Tak Association 98th Anniversary and 48th Installation of the Executive Committee Members

9 August 2025:

Last night about 500 people from various Chinese Associations attended the Perak Shun Tak Association 98^th Anniversary. Also during the same night the Exco Members led by its President Mr. Yoong Yew Quin took an oath of office for the Fiscal Year 2025 – 2028.

Perak Shun Tak Association was one of the three major Cantonese Associations in Perak besides Perak Nam Hoi Association and Perak Pun Yue Association and often known as Nam Pun Shun group. I have the honour of being elected as one of the two Vice Presidents. I am committed to help the association as my grandfather originated from Shun De Village in China and came to Ipoh during the early days. My mission is to discover more of my ancestor with the hope finding our roots and create a linkage for our future generations.

These associations played a vital role during the early 20th century when they were formed to represent the Chinese migrants brought in by the British from Guangzhou District in China who came to the Larut District and later to the Kinta District Perak due to tin mining activities.

The Cantonese migrants include those from the Shun De village played a significant role especially for Paloh (former name of Ipoh). They brought along with them various skills which include;

* Carpentry & woodworking — skilled carpenters, cabinet-makers and joiners who built shophouses, temples, clan-halls and domestic furniture.

* Building trades (bricklaying, masonry) — worked on construction of town buildings and infrastructure as builders and bricklayers.

* Artisanal metalwork & goldsmithing — blacksmiths, gold- and silversmiths who supplied tools, hardware and jewellery.

* Mining labour & mine-related skills — many Cantonese worked as tin-mine labourers, overseers and small-scale mining entrepreneurs (supporting Ipoh’s tin boom).

* Small-scale trade, shopkeeping & commerce — shop owners, provisioners and middlemen linking Chinese suppliers to colonial markets. Clan associations also helped members find work and credit.

* Shoemaking, leatherwork and other crafts — a range of domestic crafts and repair trades that supported daily urban life.

* Culinary skills – Shun De villagers are well known for their gastronomy skills even until today

 

History & Significance - Origins and Establishment

The Shun Tak Association was formally registered in 1893 under the name Shun Tak Wui Kun, making it one of the earliest Chinese clan associations (or “clubs”) in Taiping.

It was established by artisans originating from the Shun Tak district (today’s Shunde District, Guangdong Province). Its registration aimed to support migrants by organizing social, cultural, and religious events like lion dances, mass prayers, and martial arts—activities seen by colonial administrators as “club” functions.

It served as a welcome point and support hub for newly arrived immigrants from Shunde, providing aid, job referrals, gatherings, and cultural connection.

The building, located at 36 Jalan Kota, Taiping, was constructed in 1896 and is recognized as one of Malaysia’s oldest Shun Tak associations—reportedly the second oldest branch after those in China. 

Ipoh Welcomes the World: TUI BLUE Haven Resort Draws 186 Foreign Guests from 19 Countries

Ipoh, Malaysia – [7 July 2025]

In a remarkable boost to Ipoh’s growing reputation as a global travel destination, TUI BLUE Haven Resort has recorded 186 international guests from 19 different countries this weekend on 5th and 6th July alone. This significant milestone reflects a rising international interest in Ipoh and reaffirms the city’s potential as a premier tourism hub in Malaysia.

TUI BLUE Haven Resort, operated under the prestigious TUI Group – the world’s leading travel brand, offers a unique resort-style experience nestled in the tranquil natural beauty of Ipoh’s limestone hills and lush landscapes. It is currently the only TUI-affiliated resort in the city, strategically positioning it as the preferred choice for international travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion.

“This surge in foreign guest arrivals highlights Ipoh’s transformation from a hidden gem to a must-visit destination,” said Peter Chan Toh Pew, the CEO of TUI BLUE Haven Resort. “Our guests come for the nature, heritage, and wellness, and they leave with unforgettable memories of Malaysian hospitality.”

Key Factors Behind the Rise

• TUI’s global network and exclusive travel packages promote Ipoh to travelers across Europe and Asia.

• The resort provides custom-tailored experiences including heritage tours, wellness treatments, and culinary delights.

• Its multilingual staff, international cuisine, and scenic surroundings cater perfectly to global travel expectations.

• The influx coincides with the European summer travel season, backed by strategic tour operator partnerships and chartered group travel

Ipoh: Malaysia’s Emerging Global Destination

Once known for its colonial charm and tin-mining history, Ipoh is now making headlines as an affordable, peaceful, and authentic travel alternative to major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Tourists are drawn to the city’s:

• Rich cultural heritage and architecture

• Natural wonders including hot springs, caves, and parks

• Vibrant food scene and traditional markets

• Relaxed, small-city atmosphere with high quality of life

A Boost for Local Economy and Tourism

This influx of foreign visitors is expected to benefit not only TUI BLUE Haven Resort, but also local businesses, restaurants, cultural attractions, and tour operators in Ipoh. It reinforces the need for continued investment in sustainable tourism, better infrastructure, and international marketing.

On behalf of Ipoh City Watch I wish to congratulate you Mr. Peter Chan for your far sighted vision in putting Ipoh on world map. The State Government and Ministry of Tourism as well as Perak Tourism and Ipoh City Council should be proud of this and provide more support to Haven All Suites Resort so that more can be done to lift up Ipoh as the destination for Tourists especially from oversea to come to Ipoh. The effect of this is tremendous in terms economy, social and environment.

Lions Club of Perak Silver State and Loyal Academy organised Chinese Calligraphy Contest at AEON Station 18

 8 February 2025:

Lions Club of Perak Silver State and Loyal Academy and several NGOs organised Chinese Calligraphy Contest at AEON Station 18. The event was organised in conjunction  with Chinese New Year to promote Chinese Calligraphy and Preserve Chinese Culture.

Congratulations to LCPSS President Lion Wong Tong cum CEO of Loyal Academy for the great job. Also present include Lions Clubs District 308B2 Zone 14 Chairperson, Lion Dr. Richard Ng. 

The event was graced by Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee. Also present include AEON Northern Region Manager Encik Kamarul and AEON Manager Encik Badrul and Marketing Manager Mr. Eric Ng. 

More than 100 students participated in the competition which also saw the participation of non-Chinese students participation which is a good sign that Malaysia is truly unity in diversity.