MSBCA Email Address

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Appreciation and Thank you… from Guilbert Ho, Founding Director and Past President

Hi President John Ting, the Board of Directors and Past President Richard,

Thank you all for your interest and enthusiasm and your time, of course to serve on the Board of MSBCA for the fiscal year 2007-2008.

32 years ago, when I called for the first meeting of the Malaysian and Singapore Community to form MSBCA, I could visualize then that the Association could be doing a service to the Community. I am proud to say that, having seen the development of the Association over the years and accelerated most noticeably in the last 5 years, I have no regrets in instigating and enlisting the help of other founding members to get the Association formed so many years ago.

MSBCA originally began as an Association to provide for a place where new immigrants from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei could meet their fellow countrymen and to continue to enjoy the cultures that the 3 countries have in common. It was my contention that except for political differences, the 3 countries are just like one. We eat the same food, speak the same languages and dialects and for goodness sakes, even our accents are quite similar. Why should we not be together?

It is my observation that the Directors of MSBCA have displayed maturity and focus in dealing with the formation of the Singapore Club and fairly recently The Malaysian Association of BC. There was encouragement in participating in each other's activities. It is a very healthy attitude and must be continued. In my mind, I will always know that MSBCA will be around in strength and in spirit. As long as we have members like Christopher Chung, Richard Liew, John Ting, Tim Wong plus all those members who have played a less noticeable but equally important role in the Association, we can securely continue to do more. Though from time to time, it is forgiving to boast of the Associations achievements to others.

Thanks to Christopher and Richard, we have a Clubhouse, and for all intents and purposes, almost fully paid up with minimal mortgage liability. An important mile stone had been achieved. Now can we do more to serve the members?

What started out to be an intention to write a few lines to congratulate the President and Directors ended up in a flow of thoughts, albeit a long one. Thank you for taking your time to read this email.

In and Around MSBCA

As the AGM is behind us, the new team of directors have been handed their responsibilities by President John Ting. The most notable one to join us this year is Mr. Michael Leong, past president of the Vancouver Singapore Club. He takes up the position as the Secretary. Thank you to retired Felix Ong, Clement Yapp and Vincent Tan for their contributions over the years. They are an excellent bunch of directors, full of humour and great to be associated with inside and outside the boardroom.

By now you would have received the current issue of the Newsletter for October-December. There are additional copies in the clubhouse if you require them for friends to read. Michael Leong will be lending a hand in the next issues and do expect some changes. We are still asking for your contribution in terms of articles, news item, etc. The newsletter should be all about our members, where they are now and how well they have integrated into the main stream society and how they can make a difference within the association.

Two directors are still overseas on holidays, namely, Secretary Michael Leong and VP Singapore Violet Chan. While in Singapore, they will make contact with Singapore International Foundation for a brief meeting to promote MSBCA. President John Ting and VP Brunei Christopher Chung have just returned home from their trip to Malaysia. Directors Mary Wan and Stanley Low are also back in town from their holidays.

Ping pong night, every Thursday at 8.00pm, is still going on. Past President Tim Wong and some directors kept it going for three years now. How about you? Drop in for a chat with us and socialize a bit? Free pop and titbits are available. Sometimes when you are lucky, hot pizzas and chicken wings are served.

Golf 2008, our third annual tournament is now in the planning stage. The tentative date is June 21, 2008. Again, Past Presidents Guilbert Ho and Danny Thong and Life Member Cindi Ee will be in charge of organizing the tournament.

Senior’s programs at the clubhouse will be developed by VP Christopher Chung, Director Peter Liew and Director George Liew in the coming months.

Financial Snapshot for October: in the account to date is $20,523.91 total. The mortgage balance is $2,068.00.

Christmas Party-December 08^th, 2007

Please plan to come and share the spirit of Christmas on December 8^th. Registration required for a head count. If your children are under 12 of age, they will receive a gift from Santa. They will receive free admission as well. For adults, it is $12.00 each. We have a limit of 120 people, children included. The clubhouse will be decorated end of month. Well-known Jose Badaraco will be at the keyboard to entertain you with excellent dancing music till 11pm.

Christmas Potluck Dinner-December 25^th, 2007

VP Christopher Chung is chairing the dinner at the clubhouse and it starts at 6.30pm. If you like to come, please call him at 604-803-3878. It is always fun. Karaoke and dancing after dinner are in order. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are complimentary. Cook your favourite dish!!!

New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance-December 31^st, 2007

Tickets are $40.00 each till end of this month. As of December 1^st, the price will be $45.00. Gather up your friends and join us for a great time. Each table gets a bottle of champagne and party noise makers. Dance to the music by The Tropicana till 1am. Venue: Floata Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown.

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner and Dance-February 9^th, 2007

Tickets are limited as the venue is smaller. This is a hot seller event. Last year, it was over sold. This year, it will be limited to 35 tables, no more. Please get your tickets early. The ticket price has not change for the longest time. It is $35.00 per person or $350.00 per table of 10. Venue: Continental Seafood Restaurant in Richmond.

Membership Renewal

Other than Life Membership, renewal is now. Please make a point to renew your membership. For new members signing up between now and end of the year will have their membership roll over till December 2008.

Annual Membership Fee (Jan-Dec):

1. Single - $20.00

2. Family - $30.00**

Family - $20.00 (*senior/retiree)

3. Corporate - $160.00

Life Membership Fee- $300.00 **

Life Membership Fee- $200.00 (*senior/retiree/single)

* Seniors defined as 60 years and above) (** Family means excluding children over 18 years old)

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing is on hold until further notice.

Snapshots from Family Potluck- September 15, 2007