SIBU: AYS Toastmasters Club has added another feather to its cap, being named among the recipients of the CGD Smedley Elite Top 10 Achievers Award at the District 87 16th Annual Toastmasters International Conference 2026, held at RH Hotel here.
The prestigious accolade, presented to clubs that demonstrate outstanding membership growth, leadership development, active member engagement, and consistency in communication and leadership initiatives, places AYS Toastmasters Club among the top-performing clubs in District 87 – a remarkable feat for a club established only in 2024.
AZAM Sarawak’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Suhaili, said the recognition underscores the power of youth development through structured communication and leadership platforms.
“AYS Toastmasters Club is not merely a public speaking platform, but a self-development space that helps nurture youth who are courageous in expressing ideas, progressive in mindset, and equipped with strong leadership values,” he said in a press statement on Saturday (May 16).
“This achievement shows that when youth are given the right platform, opportunities and guidance, they are able to grow and create something meaningful – not only for the organisation, but also for Sarawak,” he said.
AZAM Sarawak’s Strategic Communication, Media and Youth Relations Manager, Mohd Hassnal Hakim Junaidi, also commended the club’s rapid rise since its founding.
“Within approximately two years, the club has successfully built an active and consistent platform capable of earning various recognitions at district and international levels,” he said, adding that Toastmasters serves as an important medium in shaping a generation of youth equipped with communication and leadership skills relevant to today’s needs.
The annual conference drew more than 400 participants from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia, bringing together Toastmasters from across the region to celebrate communication excellence and regional collaboration.
Held under the theme ‘Shape Our Future’, the event centred on the Pidato Contest and Evaluation Speech Contest, alongside leadership development sessions, professional networking activities, and knowledge-sharing programmes featuring international Toastmasters speakers.
Members of AYS Toastmasters Club took an active part throughout the conference, participating in networking sessions and member development activities alongside delegates from other countries.
AZAM Sarawak expressed hope that the achievement would serve as a catalyst for the club’s continued growth in producing capable, skilled and future-ready youth leaders for Sarawak.
