September 01, 2025
Class was in session! 🍎 Our “Back to School” meeting on September 1st was such an apt theme for the meeting on September 1st,, filled with a series of captivating speeches, including two memorable first-time speakers. Beatrix Yen fondly recounted her first solo trip to Hualien, Taiwan. She shared stories from her working holiday on a local farm, her explorations across the country, and the profound personal growth that came from stepping far outside her comfort zone, making it her most memorable adventure.
Reflecting on a challenging professional experience, Victor Wan highlighted the immense value of supportive relationships. After a start-up partnership faltered, an unexpected acquaintance offered the first investment and crucial belief in his fledgling idea when others would not. He concluded by posing a powerful question to the audience: what is the true aim of life?
A newfound friendship with someone from North Africa led Arthur Wong to re-examine his journey at the workforce. Discussions about Ramadan, the festival of forgiveness, reminded him of a resentful rivalry with a colleague early in his career. He acknowledged that in hindsight, both were simply new graduates trying to prove themselves. His speech was a call to apply forgiveness to those we dislike and to always leave the door open for reconciliation.
In another fantastic first speech, Mandy Sze used her favourite fruit as a clever metaphor. She compared life’s unpredictability to the surprising variety of flavours found inside different durians on a trip to Malaysia, urging everyone not to judge by the “shell.” She expressed her hope that Toastmasters would be the classroom where she could build the courage to reveal her own inner surprises.
Finally, Ryan Li paid a delighted tribute to the presenting trio of Top Gear and The Grand Tour. He described how their antics and genuine camaraderie initially hooked him and inspired his own series of adventures behind the wheel, for which he is immensely thankful.
The Club President, Shoni Wang, added a creative twist to the Guest Introduction segment. Instead of a standard welcome, she prompted the audience to discuss their best university memory. She then invited three guests on stage to share what they would talk about for their first speech, offering an exciting glimpse into our club’s future.
🏆Best Speaker: Arthur Wong
🏆Best Evaluator: Kash Hussain
🏆Best Facilitator: Aka Zeng
