SIBU: Communication and leadership skills are no longer just an advantage, but have become a basic requirement for anyone who wants to succeed in life, career or community leadership, said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
Addressing the Sibu Toastmasters Club’s 35th anniversary celebration cum inauguration of its new Exco committee on Sunday night, he emphasised the ability to convey ideas clearly, communicate effectively and lead with integrity are among the keys to opening various doors of opportunity in today’s era of globalisation and stiff competition.
“Whether you are a student, a professional, or a community leader – if you are not able to communicate convincingly, no matter how much knowledge you have, you will not be able to fully utilise it,” he said.
He added that even great ideas will not have an impact if they are not communicated well, while ordinary ideas but delivered with enthusiasm and confidence, can inspire action and change.
“This is why communication and leadership skills are so important and relevant today – it is not just for the purpose of speaking on stage, but also for leading meetings, representing organisations, building self-confidence and establishing effective relationships with various levels of society,” he said.
Jamit praised the role of the Toastmasters Club as a proven platform in building self-confidence, speaking skills and competency-based leadership among its members.
He said that the practice-based learning approach practised by Toastmasters makes it unique and effective.
“Toastmasters members don’t just listen to theory – they get on stage, practise, receive feedback and try again. It is a continuous process of self-development, and the results are very noticeable,” he explained.
He also shared the success story of a young member who was initially unable to say his own name in front of an audience, but after a year with Toastmasters, not only managed to overcome his fear of speaking, but also got promoted due to the confidence and leadership he displayed.
Commenting further, the Bukit Goram assemblyman stated that a true leader must not only be a good speaker, but also a good listener, able to organise arguments, touch emotions and inspire others.
“Leadership is not about position. It is about responsibility, positive influence and the ability to bring about change, starting with effective communication,” he stressed.
He called on every Toastmasters member to remain committed to lifelong learning, constantly improve themselves and be an example to the community in terms of communication and ethical leadership.
“By investing in yourself through a platform like Toastmasters, you are not only building a better future for yourself, but also making a positive impact on your family, organisation and community,” Jamit added.
The event was attended by over 100 members and guests from various professional backgrounds.
The ceremony saw the official inauguration of the new STC Exco line-up for the 2025/2026 session led by its president Belinda Chew Wei Chia.
