By WU VUIDE
KENINGAU: Three Lions clubs in Keningau renewed their fellowship and commitment to community service at a joint installation ceremony.
The ceremony installed Ignatius Olim as president of Lions Club of Keningau Host, Dr Colette Fong of Keningau Mandarin and Yap Kim Hung of Keningau Downtown.
District 308-A2 governor Dato Jimmy Tie officiated at the ceremony and installed the respective club officers.
Organising chairperson Joyce John Angian said the organisers chose a more intimate approach to bring members of the three clubs closer together.
The evening featured performances by Lions members instead of relying solely on formal presentations.
Tie also joined the entertainment by performing a song for guests.
Yap, the presiding officer, said he hoped the ceremony would strengthen ties among the three clubs.
He said the clubs should continue working together on projects that benefit the community and help make Keningau a better place.
Tie urged the clubs to attract more members and extend their reach within the community.
He also called for more impactful projects that would bring lasting benefits to the people they serve.
Eight new members were inducted into the three clubs, strengthening their membership.
Region chairperson Datuk Melvin Disimon conducted the induction.
The ceremony also recognised 16 members with the Lions Clubs International Chevron Award for long service.
The award starts at 10 years of service and continues in five-year increments up to 75 years.
Four Melvin Jones Fellowships were also presented to past president Sharon Wong, Yap, past president Joyce John and District LCIF chairperson Nelson Ng.
The fellowship honours significant contributions to the Lions Clubs International Foundation and its humanitarian work.
Two District Fellowships went to Yap and past president Joanne Ong for their contributions to the district foundation.
The foundation provides financial support for Lions clubs in District 308-A2 to undertake community and service projects.
The ceremony ended with the three clubs reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation, wider membership and stronger community service.
The joint effort gives the Keningau clubs a shared platform to build on their work under their new leadership.
Jimmy (fourth, right), with the newly-installed presidents and committee members.
