Hi Everybody,
The major celebrations have come to an end and by March the Perak Branch Committee will emerge with its newly charged energy to serve members to the best of its ability and resources. We have encountered some difficulties but we are also spurred on to keep trying by the encouragement given by some dedicated and committed members from near and far. I take this opportunity to thank our dedicated ex-Perak member in New York, USA, Mr. Phon Kah Heng, who felt so very pleased with our effort in setting ip the homepage so that he can have access to news of MNS Perak Branch that he promised to send by International Money Order US$100 as contribution to our Fellowship Night and other purposes. Thank you Phon for your big ang pow (hopefully it will arrive before 21 February and the exchange rate is still favourable).
While the main problem faced by the branch is financial we face the greater problem of getting members to lead and share their experience and knowledge which is a vital part of Nature education and conservation. If more members will come forward to contribute as trip leaders and speakers on certain nature topics at least once a year the branch will definitely benefit immensely through better focus and the other members enjoying a more varied programme through out the year. The branch need speakers or a group to present their knowledge and experience on Members night. We need volunteers for our coming nature camps. We also need articles on any subject regarding Nature. New leaders are needed for our field trips. Of course it may take away some of our precious time, especially if we have a business to run or an organisation to lead. We may also incur some expenses which may not be totally compensated by the branch but I can assure those who come forward to lead that it is worth the effort. The knowledge we disseminate will contribute towards building a better society and a better future for our coming generations. It should be noted that trip leaders are paid a small allowance for recce and other activities for the benefit of the society.
Many members shy from stepping forward to contribute as they feel inadequate in their knowledge and language skills (do not worry if you feel your language skills are inadequate - we will help to edit it). Nobody is perfect and most of us are amateurs and novices anyway. Every speaker or writer/contributor deserves a round of applause for his/her effort. There would not be any discrimination on the status or qualification of the person. Everybody is welcome to contribute in his/her own way to the society so long as it promotes our objectives and conform to our guidelines. Nobody should pass any derogatory remarks which will further discourage members from coming forward voluntarily to do their small bit for the society.
It is also noted that not everyone is an accomplished photographer, video-camera man or script writer. Few of us have equipment to produce professional slide or video shows. The branch will try to acquire better equipment for such purposes to help members achieve such noble aims and relieve them of the burden to obtain them elsewhere. I believe that the future lies in digital video and information technology. The hardware and the software are improving in quality and affordability. I hope that in the near future the branch will be able to access sufficient funds to make Perak MNS a leading player in nature education - after all Perak aims to be No. 1 in education.
Cheaw Hon Ming
20 February 1998