KUCHING: Toastmasters across Division D of District 87 are celebrating the remarkable achievements of two of its members during the recent Toastmasters International 2025 Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Division D, which includes Toastmasters clubs in Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, and Brunei, is proud to have members who continue to make strides in the field of communication and leadership.
Division D Director and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Joanna Then Poh Ding expressed her pride and congratulations.
“On behalf of all Toastmasters in Division D, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our members and past District 87 Directors, namely Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, DTM, and Allen Ang Boon Kiat, DTM.
“I am pleased to share that during the aforementioned Toastmasters International Convention from Aug 20 to 23, Nur Zaihanirah Zaini (Hani) was elected to the Board of Directors of Toastmasters International,” said Then.
Hani will serve as International Director for Region 9, which covers Toastmasters clubs in Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, East Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Timor-Leste, for a two-year term from 2025 to 2027.
As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Hani will be a “working ambassador” for the organisation, assisting in the development and modification of policies that guide Toastmasters International in achieving its mission.
Then also highlighted Hani’s extensive corporate experience in areas such as strategic leadership and business growth.
“Hani, who is from Kuching, is a member of two Toastmasters clubs, namely Azam Toastmasters Club in Kuching and Vivid Voices Podcast Toastmasters in Brunei.
“We look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with her to achieve the noble objectives of communication and leadership skills development for the populace.”
In addition to Hani’s achievement, Division D is also celebrating the success of Allen Ang Boon Kiat from Brunei, who claimed third place in the World Championship of Public Speaking, held at the same convention.
“Every year, thousands of Toastmasters from over 100 countries compete for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking. Allen earned his rightful place among the eight finalists, a true testament to his creativity, perseverance, and humour,” said Then.
She noted that Ang’s success, which followed a journey from his home club, Brunei Advanced Speakers, to various stages of the competition, was a life-transforming experience.
As part of Division D’s ongoing community initiatives, Then shared that the various Toastmasters clubs are working to foster communication and leadership skills.
The 13th Youth Communication Camp, which will be held from Aug 30 to Sept 1, will bring together 185 primary and secondary school students from Kuching and Samarahan.
Organised by Kuching Toastmasters Club, this camp has received tremendous support from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and over 70 facilitators and crew members from different universities, colleges, and schools.
Then also mentioned that the Kuching Bilingual Advanced Toastmasters Club will host a Toastmasters’ Speechcraft Workshop on Sept 16 at the Kuching Community Social Support Centre (CSSC).
This one-day interactive workshop offers individuals an opportunity to embark on a personal growth journey focused on communication and leadership development.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation dedicated to empowering individuals through communication and leadership development in a supportive environment.
For more information, Then (+6012-8081855) or Stanley Gona Chee Khiong, Division D Public Relations Officer (+6012-8865138).
