ABOUT 800 Kiwanis members from 16 countries attended the 48th Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Convention (Aspac) held in Port Dickson, Seremban in Negri Sembilan.
The three-day convention was an annual event honouring districts, clubs and individuals who had distinguished themselves through their community service and impactful projects benefitting children.
The guest of honour was Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud, who was joined by 2023 Kiwanis Aspac chairman Maribel Garcia, Kiwanis International president Bert West, Kiwanis Children’s Fund president Filip Delanote, Kiwanis Malaysia district governor Rosemary Tan and event organising chairman Serena Quek.
This year’s Kiwanis Aspac’s theme “We Are One” reflected the organisation’s eagerness to revitalise its mission in serving children.
Tan presented a certificate of appreciation to Kiwanis International and Kiwanis Children’s Fund executive director Stan Soderstom for his leadership and service.
Soderstom has been involved with Kiwanis International for over 22 years and manages the office that enables Kiwanis to provide charitable services around the world.
Kiwanis Aspac secretary and treasurer Datuk Stewart Labrooy and Garcia also launched the Kiwanis Aspac website to create a virtual office for members to catch up with and prepare for the future.
Labrooy said that in the 48 years since Kiwanis Aspac’s inception, it did not have a good communication channel until now.
Kiwanis is investing US$10,000 (over RM44,000) annually to improve communications and to automate Kiwanis’ business.
He said there were other plans for future developments, such as presentation training using artificial intelligence tools, hosting forums and promoting future conventions.
The recent convention also featured training sessions, workshops and the election of the 2024 Kiwanis Aspac chairman.
Para athlete and swimmer Zy Kher Lee, 16, delivered a keynote address at the event.
Known fondly as Zy, the differently-abled swimmer represented Malaysia and won three medals at the Asian Youth Para Games 2021 in Bahrain.
He is expected to compete at the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester, England, and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.