Chieftains’ Chatter – August 2018

Dear all,

It’s been an eventful 3 months since my last Chieftain’s Chatter when I updated you on our May Concert and 5th Kuala Lumpur Highland Games. Indeed, it was a great weekend of activities, with “Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs’ kicking off proceedings with their highly entertaining musical performance at the Hilton Double Tree. The Highland Games the following day, at the Kuala Lumpur Equestrian and Country Resort, once again, proved very popular, and the large crowd enjoyed a typically Scottish selection of events, with piping and traditional heavyweight competitions being the star attractions. Also present was a cavalcade of Harley Davidson motorcycles, and, in line with recent tradition, I, as Chieftain, rode in on the back of the lead bike, prior to officially opening the Games. With rugby and tug ‘o’ war tournaments, sponsors tents, the kid’s village and a wide range of food and beverage outlets taking part then there was certainly something for everyone to enjoy.

I mentioned earlier that it’s been an eventful 3 months, and this is because I have taken up a new assignment in Papua New Guinea and will be relocating to Port Moresby. I have therefore handed over the roles and responsibilities of Chieftain of the Selangor St. Andrews Society to my Vice-Chieftain, Alan Wallace.

I appreciated the support from the rest of the committee members and very much enjoyed the social interaction which comes from being a member of the Society. As I head off to my new challenge, I would ask that you support the Society as much as possible, by continuing to support our committee, and the events they put on during the year. For those of you who are interested to know more about becoming a committee member, or would like to play a more involved role, the Society are always ready to give you a warm welcome. Your support is essential in ensuring the Selangor St Andrews Society continues to thrive. Alan, over to you……

Yours Aye,
Jamie Graham
127^th Chieftain of the Selangor St Andrew’s Society

Hello everyone, and thanks Jamie for your words of support and encouragement. I’ve spent several years in KL, and in this time, I have been involved in the Selangor St. Andrews Society as a member, and then on the committee. I have seen the dedication, commitment and passion of past and present committees over the course of these 8 years, and more recently, how everyone has pulled together during times of economic downturn. The last few years have been particularly difficult, with a significant number of our membership transferring out of Malaysia.

For those members still in country, it’s more important than ever, as Jamie stated, that we can rely on your continued support, both in terms of attending our events and by encouraging your friends and colleagues to join us. Some would say that the economic tide has turned, and with it, a gradual increase in the number of expats coming into Malaysia. Whilst this is, of course, encouraging, we still have a long way to go before we can get back to these golden years when our events sold out in double quick time, and we had long waiting lists.

From a personal point of view, I’ve stepped up from my Vice-Chieftain’s role sooner than expected, and I’m looking forward to continuing the great work Jamie and his predecessors have put in over the years. Supporting me will be Vice-Chieftain, Kenny Ross. Within our committee, there are 3 past Chieftains, Paul Henderson, Ali King and Hector Ingram, so plenty of experience to call upon when needed.

One of my first duties was to present the Society- sponsored award for the top Humanities student at the Alice Smith School’s award ceremony. The Society are trustees of the school, and it was a privilege to attend and share in such a happy occasion for staff and students alike, as their academic year of hard work came to a close.

Our next event will be the St. Andrews Ball, on December 1^st at the Impiana Hotel, when we will celebrate all that’s good about our homeland, with a 3-course dinner with wine and, of course, a dram or two. The evening will culminate with music and dancing led by the talented “Clappy Doo’ ceilidh band. Tickets are on sale now. After the festive break, we’re straight into Burns Night on the 26^th January 2019, and then, earlier than normal, on 17^th February 2019, the KL Highland Games. But more on these events in my next edition of Chieftains Chatter.

Yours Aye,
Alan Wallace
128^th Chieftain of the Selangor St Andrew’s Society