Chai Moi Len
KOTA KINABALU: Junior Chamber International (JCI) Intan’s Golden Jubilee on September 18 will be more than just a celebration as it will be making a charitable donation to make a difference in the lives of those in dire need.
The celebration’s Organising Chairperson JCI Sen Chai Moi Len said the Society For The Sabah Heart Fund (SOS Heart Fund) will be the sole beneficiary of much-needed funds raised from the event.
“As JCI Intan, Sabah’s pioneering all-ladies JCI Local Organisation, commemorates the formation of this chapter half a century ago, we have not forgotten the plight of the less fortunate.
“We are donating a proportion of the proceeds to SOS Heart Fund to boost its coffer so that more heart patients can undergo corrective surgery,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Chai said the Golden Jubilee Celebration’s theme “Strengthening Youth Leadership in a Global Ecosystem” reflects both its proud heritage and its continuing commitment to encouraging the next generation to step forward, lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“JCI Intan’s enduring legacy extends beyond the programmes and initiatives it has undertaken. More importantly, it is reflected in the generations of women whose lives have been shaped by the values of leadership, service, fellowship and personal development.
“The celebration will bring together the founding mothers, past and present leaders and members, fellow Jaycees, partners, supporters and distinguished guests to commemorate five decades of leadership, service, friendship and sisterhood, while looking towards a new chapter of growth, purpose and meaningful impact,” said the Organising Chairperson.
Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his consort Toh Puan Faridah Tussin are expected to grace the occasion at the Pacific Sutera Hotel, here. Deputy Chief Minister II cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun will also be present.
In retrospect, Chai, a past president (1982-1983), said trailblazing JCI Intan, a household word in the 1980s, was registered as Kota Kinabalu Jayceettes on March 4, 1975 under the auspices of KK Jaycees with the belief that women, when given the opportunity to lead, learn and serve, can make a meaningful difference in society. Officially, the chapter became known as JCI Intan after its affiliation to JCI via Junior Chamber International Malaysia (JCIM) in 1976.
“At a time when the idea of women leading their own organisation was still unfamiliar and challenging, JCI
Sen Jovinia Solibun, the Charter President, and her team showed courage and determination in breaking new
ground and laying the foundation for the organisation JCI Intan would become,” Chai recalled.
Other members of the
inaugural Board of Directors comprised Adeline Leong (now Datuk), Irene Pritchard (who later became Datuk Ariah Tengku Ahmad and Sabah’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister), Amisah Yassin (now Datuk), Masrah Abidin (now Puan Sri), Susanna Chiu, Teresa Soon and Grace Lim.
According to the Organising Chairperson, over the past 50 years, JCI Intan has provided generations of women
with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence and make a difference beyond the organisation.
Notably, among those who have carried this spirit of leadership forward are JCI Sen Datuk Adeline Leong and
JCI Sen Teresa Alberto, who served as JCI Executive Vice Presidents; and JCI Sen Jovinia Solibun, JCI Sen Li Yo Wei and JCI Sen Arlena Awang Chee, who served as JCI Malaysia Presidents.
“The fivesome have gone on to hold significant leadership positions within Jaycees Malaysia and on the international stage. For example, Jovinia went on to represent Sabah women in the National Advisory Council for the
Integration of Women in Development (NACIWID) for a number of years, while Adeline rose to be the first woman President of a Municipal Council in Malaysia, and subsequently as Malaysia’s Head of Mission to Taiwan from 2016 to 2018.
“Others, including JCI Sen Datuk Christine Vanhouten, a former member of the Malaysian Senate and Founder of KKIP Investors’ Council, and JCI Sen Datuk Nancy Ho, Founder of the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (SWEPA), have made their mark as pioneers and leaders in the professional, business, community and women’s sectors,” Chai noted, adding “Together, their journeys reflect the breadth of JCI Intan’s influence and the opportunities it has created for women to grow as leaders, serve their communities and contribute beyond the organisation.”
Chai is a veteran hotel human resources practitioner with extensive global experience, having last served as Director of Recruitment, China, with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. JC Chiu served as the Group Financial Controller of Innoprise Corporation Group (Commercial Arm of Yayasan Sabah), scaling the career ladder to be Group General Manager of the Innoprise Corporation Group until her retirement in 2007. JCI Sen Amisah was appointed as a Nominated Member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly from 2020 to 2025.
Against this illustrious backdrop, the Organising Chairperson stressed that the Golden Jubilee is, therefore,
more than a celebration of five decades.
“It is a great opportunity to honour the pioneers who tirelessly laid the foundation, recognise the invaluable contributions of past presidents and members, and to celebrate the long and winding journey that has shaped JCI INTAN into what it is today. It is also a time to look ahead with renewed purpose and commitment to the values that will guide a respectable organisation into its next promising chapter,” said Chai.
Founder President Solibun, when interviewed, described the golden jubilee as a major milestone for leaders and members to take stock of past achievements and strive for a better tomorrow, not just for the chapter but also for the good of Sabah communities as a whole.
The former RTM Sabah News Controller reiterated that JCI, a global leadership training organisation, prioritises the tenets of personal growth, leadership development and skills training which can be enhanced and honed through active involvement in community-based programmes.
Solibun urged all ladies between 18 and 40 years old to join JCI INTAN as part of their life’s progressive journey for personal advancement, career development and community service. Those interested may contact JCI Sen Janet Boyou at 012-8488278.
