LONG LIVE PEARL CLUB & MEMBERS!

PEARL CLUB MEMBERS RE-LIVE THEIR PEARL MOMENTS OF PEARLY EXPERIENCES 

(FOREWORD: This article is dedicated to the Pearl Club of American International Assurance (AIA) in Malaysia which comprises individuals – both retired and existing personnel – who have had served the company for at least 30 years. Since its inception decades ago, it now has 500 members from the staff side and agency force. The management of AIA sponsors a major fellowship event organised by the club annually. In my personal capacity as an exco member, I wish to express thanks to AIA CEO Mr. Khor Hock Seng and his management team for rendering us generous support.)

QUOTE: Do not delve into the past, for the past won’t bring hope for the future.

QUOTE: Let the past be bygones, for bygones won’t make a difference to the present and future scenarios. 

Do you agree to the above statements? I believe you say “yes” on the spot.

So did I………until lately. After what I had witnessed during a three-day fellowship outing from Sep. 9 to 11 with a group of senior citizens who are members of the AIA Pearl Club, I now beg to differ slightly.

Yes, we should put  away the bitter moments of the past from our mind. But reflecting on memories of the positive fruitful experiences that have goaded us on in life will definitely adorn sanguine hope for a meaningful future. 

The fellowship activities in Lotus Desaru Resort in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor were filled with lively vibes from beginning till end. The travelling times to-and-fro in two coaches between Kuala Lumpur and the resort tied in with hilarious jokes, singing and sharing of philosophies all along the way.

The dinners for two nights, especially the main one on the second day, manifested creativity, energy and sprightly atmosphere. The presence of Tan Khia Fatt who was regional head of AIA Malaysia till the late 70’s, and veteran agency leader Mrs. Minor Liu of AIA Singapore (both are Pearl Club members in Singapore) added in the strong sentiments of attachment to the company which we have regarded as our honing home. There’s no denying that we still cherish the treasured pearly times when we groomed ourselves to what we are today, in sync with the company. Those were the pearl years filled with elements of mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual support for one another. Fond memories of positive experiences that cloud out the not-so-memorable episodes will continue to roll us on to our drive to a beaming future. The three-day fellowship gathering brought out our everlasting youthful spirit and some hidden talents which may even surprise the young ones in AIA. 

“Uncle” Tan, at age 87, demonstrated he was as sharp mentally as he had been during his leadership tenure in AIA Malaysia four decades ago. His trademark “uncle-ly” words of wisdom, contained in his speech at the main dinner, reinforced our gratitude to the company for having granted us career opportunities. We should now reciprocate our gratitude by giving encouragement and sharing our valuable experiences to the younger generation working in the company. In gingerly clear expression, Minor, at age 89, resounded determination to pursue her business in AIA for as long as she is physically able. 

Talents exuded at both dinners. Imagine a 60-year rapper in canton-pop style. There was a master magician who held the audience spell-bound. Band performance led by the club president also interjected entertainment to the fun-filled dinner programme.

This year’s fellowship event has planted yet another pearly memory in my association with AIA, albeit no longer as a staff because I retired after 33 years of service last year, but as a member of a club linked to the company. The pearl years of my life with regard to the many friends I have cultivated from my working days, plus the wide knowledge I acquired during my tenure as an officer, will continue to harbour my heart and spirit. I shall continue to re-live my "pearls" of my pearly experiences in AIA as guidance for the future.

Long live Pearl Club and Pearl Club members!

(1) Tickling laughter, 2nd night. (2) President Jeffrey Kee thanks all members for their strong support to him and for this event. (3) Minor Liu......still as bubbly as ever at 89 years old.

(4) The magician swallows a long balloon. (5) The swallowed balloon comes out as a long ribbon.

(6) Ivy renders a Cantonese opera song. (7) Jeffrey & band-mate Andrew belt out some oldies.

(8) Kit, the canto-pop rapper in vibrant action. (9) Impromptu entertainment, 1st night.

(9) Ramasamy expresses gratitude to Uncle Tan (standing 4th from right) on behalf of the staff side. Most of them have retired while Ramasamy and a few others are still serving AIA faithfully.

(10) Uncle Tan doing the cha-cha.........without his walking stick.

(11) Is this a cha-cha competition? The very sporting members are ever ready to participate. (12) Members visit the nearby Yacht Club as part of the outing itinerary. (13) Group gesture before we depart from Lotus Desaru Resort - Yes! We are still very lively and energetic!