THE PHILIPPINES: The Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Young Souls (AYS) Toastmasters Club marked a significant international milestone by representing Malaysia and Sarawak at the District 75 Toastmasters International Conference here.
The three-day conference, which concluded today (May 3), drew approximately 300 participants, including youth leaders, entrepreneurs and international delegates.
The event provided a robust platform for idea exchange, sharing best practices, and global networking within the Toastmasters community.
Led by its president Mohamad Isma, 24, the AYS delegation included Arwen Zahra Raees, 24, Claire, 25, Nazmeen, 27, and officer-in-charge Ryshaune Lee, 27.
Their participation provided exposure to international approaches in youth development and enabled them to showcase Sarawak’s youth aspirations and AZAM Sarawak’s initiatives on a global stage.
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in various sessions and high-level competitions, including the International Speech Contest, Evaluation Speech Contest, Table Topics Speech Contest, and Humorous Speech Contest.
AYS Toastmasters Club’s President and AZAM Sarawak’s Communication Officer, Ryshaune Lee, described the experience as deeply meaningful, particularly in learning how international clubs organise and manage their programmes.
“The exposure is incredibly valuable as it inspires us to grow not just as a club, but in empowering the wider AZAM youth community,” he said in a statement.
Incoming AYS President, Arwen Zahra Raees, who is set to assume leadership in June, noted that the insights gained would be translated into efforts to strengthen youth development back in Sarawak.
“What we gain here is not just for ourselves; it is something we aim to bring back and contribute to the youth community in Sarawak,” she said, adding that the opportunity reflects the value of AYS as a platform for personal and professional growth.
Meanwhile, AZAM Sarawak Strategic Communication, Media and Youth Relations Manager, Mohd Hassnal Hakim Junaidi, emphasised that international exposure is crucial in shaping future-ready leaders.
“We see AYS as a growing hub for youth engagement in Sarawak. AZAM’s mission is to position it as a meaningful platform for development through communication, soft skills and leadership,” Hassnal said.
He added that such initiatives lay the foundation for a generation that is confident, competitive and globally engaged.
Building on this momentum, AYS is scheduled to participate in the District 87 Toastmasters International Conference in Sibu from May 15 to 17.
The club is expected to receive awards and further strengthen its achievements in communication and leadership during the upcoming event.
The participation reflects AZAM Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth through strategic communication, aligned with its ‘Movement for Progress’ philosophy.
