Language vital to connect people: ALJ executive

Lup Hang Wong, managing director of guest service operation at Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Group, has underscored the important role of Toastmaster clubs in fostering self-confidence and personal growth.
Speaking after unveiling ALJ Toastmasters Club’s annual magazine, Wong stressed the importance of language in connecting people of different backgrounds. “If I joined the Toastmasters Club, I could have mastered the communication and leadership skills,” he said.
Wong, who was the chief guest at the function that was held at ALJ Center for Continuous Learning in Jeddah, complimented the editorial board for their efforts that enabled the timely release of the magazine.
He also lauded the president and executive committee for their extraordinary efforts that helped attract more members to the club.
Club President Riyaz Sarang presided over the function and expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to Faisal Abdalla, vice president of ALJ and chief patron of the club, for his unflinching support and guidance. “Mr. Abdalla is our motivating force to achieve higher rungs in the ladder of Toastmasters International,” he said.
Editor Basheer Ambalavan gave an overview of the magazine, which has as its main theme “Discover your potential.”
The Division-G Governor Maria Teresa Villanueva commended the contributions of ALJ Toastmasters Club in promoting Toastmasters International in the Kingdom, thereby cultivating communication and leadership skills. She extended Division-G’s unstinting support to the club.
Being one of the oldest in the Kingdom, the ALJ Toastmasters Club plays a significant role among other clubs. The club bagged several awards and accolades from area, division and district levels as well as from Toastmasters International including the highest recognition “DTM” to its credit. T. R. Balakrishnan, CFO of ALJ, and DTM Joey Villanueva, District 79 Treasurer, graced the occasion.
During the club’s routine educational session, led by Haneef KM, Taher Afzal conducted an exciting Table-topics session. Tariq Al-Asmarei delivered a prepared speech and Ajaz Qureshi evaluated the same and proffered some tips for improvement. Lakshman Sockalingam of King Abdulaziz University played the role of grammarian. Guest speaker Shanti Lakshman won the first prize in the Table-topics contest.